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HOUSE FOREIGN AFFAIRS
COMMITTEE
ADOPTS GENOCIDE RESOLUTION, 27 TO 21
Yesterday afternoon, October 10, the House Foreign Affairs Committee adopted
House Resolution 106, the Armenian Genocide Resolution, by a vote of 27
to 21, after intense debate within the committee. Earlier in the day,
prior to the vote, President Bush spoke against the resolution, as did
Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice, and Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates.
Last week eight former secretaries of state joined in signing a letter
against the resolution. The Turkish lobby and its high-priced consultants
mounted an intense media blitz against the resolution, causing many to
wonder why a non-binding resolution would generate such a heavy duty response.
As one Congressman noted yesterday, “I feel as though there is a
Turkish sword over my head.”
None of the Congressmen who spoke yesterday—even those who voted
against the resolution—denied the Genocide; in fact, they acknowledged
it, but felt it should not be pursued at this time because of the threats
made by Turkey, especially about Turkey’s cooperation in the Iraq
war.
The resolution must now go to the full House of Representatives for a
vote. If the speaker, Nancy Pelosi, permits it to be presented, the resolution
will most probably pass.
Ironically, once again, the actions of Turkey have generated a tremendous
amount of media attention for the Armenians. Today’s issue of the
New York Times covered yesterday’s vote with a long story, starting
on the first page (above the fold—the most coveted position), with
a large photo of genocide survivors attending the committee vote.
We congratulate the exceptional efforts of the Armenian National Committee,
as well as the Armenian Assembly, the Armenian American Political Action
Committee, and the ordinary Armenian Americans who got on the phone and
let their representatives know their feelings.
It is appropriate now to express thanks to those who voted for the resolution
yesterday. Go to the ANC web page, www.anca.org
for details.
HIS HOLINESS
KAREKIN II OFFERS OPENING PRAYER
AT THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES YESTERDAY
His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, delivered the opening
prayer yesterday at the House of Representatives. His Holiness, who is
on a pontifical visit to the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
(Eastern), was invited to deliver the invocation on the very day that
the Foreign Affairs Committee was considering the Armenian Genocide Resolution.
His Holiness spoke eloquently. You can see a video of the prayer on the
pontifical visit web page, www.pontificalvisit.org.
HIS HOLINESS
ARAM I SENDS MESSAGE TO PELOSI
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, sent a
letter following the vote in Washington to Speaker of the House Nancy
Pelosi. His Holiness wrote:
“I salute from the headquarters of the Armenian Catholicosate of
Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon, the courageous step taken by the House Foreign
Affairs Committee in favor of the Armenian Genocide resolution. Indeed,
this decision of the Committee is a concrete and genuine manifestation
of the deep concern of the United States of America in respect to human
rights and all forms of crimes against humanity, including genocide.
“The Armenian Genocide is a fact of history. Not only is it deeply
rooted in the common memory of the Armenian people but also well substantiated
by historical documents and eye-witness accounts. The formal recognition
of such crimes against humanity is indispensable to avoid new genocides.
Hence, the resolution of the Committee is a right response to this sad
page of the history of the Turkish-Ottoman Empire.
“The Cilician Catholicosate of the Armenian Church has been, with
its people and institutions, a victim of this Genocide. The Martyrs’
Chapel, the Museum, and the thousands of archives existing within the
confines of the Catholicosate, are tangible proof of the Armenian Genocide
planned and executed by the Ottoman-Turkish authorities in 1915.
“I greatly appreciate the action taken by the House Foreign Affairs
Committee, and it is my firm expectation that the entire Congress will
soon adopt the said resolution.
“I would like to seize this opportunity to express my high appreciation
to you for your many years of committed support towards the recognition
of the Armenian Genocide.
“May God bless you and your colleagues.”
PRELATE WILL
TRAVEL TO RACINE THIS WEEKEND
Archbishop Oshagan will visit the parish of St. Hagop Church, in Racine,
Wisconsin, this weekend. His Eminence will celebrate the Divine Liturgy
and deliver the sermon on Sunday, October 14, and preside over the church’s
69th anniversary celebration. On Saturday the Prelate will meet with the
pastor, V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Garabedian, and the lay leadership.
VICAR WILL
TRAVEL TO MICHIGAN
Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General, will visit the parish of St. Sarkis
Church in Dearborn, Michigan, this weekend. His Grace will celebrate the
Divine Liturgy, deliver the sermon, and ordain the following sub-deacons
and acolytes: Sub-Deacons: Kegham Tazian, Jeffrey Narayan. Stolebearers:
Chris Yangouyian, Greg Karapetian, Aaron Broglin. Acolytes: Zaven Shrikian,
Alex Kourtjian, Elliot Stepanian, Aram Cholakian, Peter Crane, Ryan Sirian,
Alex Zazaian, Armen Brus, Vahan Cholakian, Ethan Stepanian, Chris Kourtjian,
Michael Nercesian.
On Saturday, the Vicar will preside over the church’s 45th anniversary
celebration. Awards will be presented to: Verjin Mampreian, Oghnig Mooradian,
Keghouhi Derovakimian, Violet Apkarian, and Harry Dakesian.
BIBLE TRANSLATION
CONTINUES
Next week, Monday to Friday, Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan
will be in Montreal, Canada, where they will join with Archbishop Khajag
to continue their Bible translation work.
TWO IRAQI-ARMENIANS
KILLED
Two Iraqi-Armenian women were killed this week when an Australian-run
security company struck the car with 40 bullets, killing the driver and
a passenger in the front seat. A woman and boy in the back seat survived.
A priest and relatives near the scene said that all of occupants of the
car were Armenian Christians. The case is being investigated by the Iraqi
government and the United States
HOLY TRANSLATORS
REMEMBERED
This Saturday, October 13, the Armenian Church commemorates the lives
and accomplishments of the Holy Translators, including Mesrob, Yeghishe,
Moses the Poet, David the Philosopher, Gregory of Narek, and Nerses the
Graceful.
The Feast of the Holy Translators is one of our most popular feasts. There
are, in fact, two commemorations in our liturgical calendar. One is on
the Thursday following the fourth Sunday after Pentecost which can occur
either in June or July, and on the second Saturday of October.
The October commemoration focuses on the creation of the Armenian alphabet
(406) and on the accomplishments of the Holy Translators. Mesrob Mashtots,
the founder of the alphabet, and Catholicos Sahak, together with some
of their students, translated the Holy Bible (Astvadzashounch,
Breath of God). Schools were opened and the works of world-renowned scholars
were translated. Their work gave the Armenian Church a distinct national
character.
In modern times the entire month of October has been designated as a “Month
of Culture.” Armenians throughout the Diaspora and Armenia mark
this with a variety of cultural events not only in remembrance of the
past, but in celebration of modern-day scholars, theologians, and translators.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS
A conference for Sunday school teachers will take place October 26-28
at the Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual Vineyard, a Coptic Orthodox Retreat
Center in Charlton, Massachusetts. The theme of the conference is “Prayer—Personal
and Communal,” and will feature presentations by Bishop Anoushavan
Tanielian, Rev. Fr. Paul Tarazi, Ph.D., Dn. Shant Kazanjian, and Dr. Mary
Olson. A modest fee of $60 covers all expenses including lodging for two
nights, five meals and refreshments. For detailed information click
here.
NEW SERIES
OF BIBLE STUDY AT THE PRELACY
A new five-part series of Bible studies (“from Jesus’ meals
with sinners to the Lord’s Supper”) will take place at the
Prelacy beginning on October 16 and continue on the first and third Tuesdays
of the month, from 7:15 to 8:45 pm. Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of the
Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC) will conduct the Bible studies.
For information and registration, send email to arec@armenianprelacy.org
or telephone 212-689-7810.
FIRST OF A
SERIES OF BOOKLETS IS PUBLISHED
The first in a series of booklets on contemporary ethical issues was published
this week. The entire series is being written by Vigen Guroian, the well-known
theologian and professor at Loyola College in Maryland. All of the booklets
are written from an Armenian Orthodox perspective.
The first booklet is, “Homosexuality and Same-Sex Union.”
Forthcoming topics include: Marriage and Divorce; Procreation and Reproductive
Technology; Abortion; Genetic Screening and Genetic Technology; Suicide
and Euthanasia; Organ Donation and Cremation.
Professor Guroian will make a presentation on this important series, and
specifically on the first booklet just published, on Friday evening, November
16, at the Vahakn and Hasmig Hovnanian Reception Hall at the Prelacy in
New York City.
This series of booklets by the Eastern Prelacy’s Armenian Religious
Education Council is being underwritten by Elza and Haig Didizian in memory
of His Holiness Karekin I, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.
DAILY BIBLE
READINGS
Bible readings for today, October 11, are: Proverbs 4:20-27; Jeremiah
15:19-20; 1 Corinthians 12:1-7; Matthew 9:35-10:1.
My child, be attentive to my words; incline your ear to my
sayings. Do not let them escape from your sight; keep them within your
heart. For they are life to those who find them, and healing to all their
flesh. Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs
of life. Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from
you. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before
you. Keep straight the path of your feet, and all your ways will be sure.
Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.
(Proverbs 4:20-17)
For listing of the entire week’s Bible readings click
here.
IN CELEBRATION
OF THE YEAR OF THE ARMENIAN LANGUAGE…
To read the message of His Holiness in Armenian click
here.
To read the message of His Holiness in English click
here.
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has
designated 2007 as the Year of the Armenian Language. In celebration of
this year-long tribute, each week we will offer an interesting tidbit
about the Armenian language and literature:
Believing in the power of words, Armenians—especially travelers—kept
with them a phylactery scroll (hmayil), rolled up in a cylinder container
or a pouch and worn around the neck or pocket as protection against all
kinds of evil. The scrolls were inscribed with prayers and passages from
the Bible. Many of them were also illustrated.
“It take two to speak
the truth—one to speak, and another to hear.”
Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)
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| CALENDAR
OF EVENTS
September
27 to November 29—Christian
Education classes at Sourp Khatch Church in Bethesda, Maryland, 8 pm in
the church sanctuary. Topic: The Badarak. Classes held second and fourth
Thursdays of each month, except Thanksgiving week when classes will take
place Friday. Armenian and English. Prior attendance is not a requisite.
For information: 301-229-8742.
October
14—St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, New York City, Celebration
of the Year of the Armenian Language. Cultural program and Book Fair following
the Divine Liturgy. For information 212-689-5880.
October
14—St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts,
50th anniversary commemorative lecture, 3 p.m. Guest lecturer Dr. Abraham
Terian, Professor of Armenian Patristics at St. Nersess Seminary, New
York.
October
14—St. Hagop Church, Racine, Wisconsin, 69th anniversary
dinner. His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan will preside. For information
262-632-2033.
October
16 to December 18—“From Jesus’ meals with sinners
to the Lord’s Supper,” a five part Bible study at the Armenian
Prelacy will begin on October 16 and continue on the first and third Tuesday
of the month, from 7:15 to 8:45 pm. Conducted by Dn. Shant Kazanjian,
director of the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC). For information
and registration, please send e-mail to arec@armenianprelacy.org
or call 212-689-4481.
October
18, 19, 20—Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, Annual
Food Festival and Bazaar.
October
19 & 20—Annual fall fair/bazaar, St. Gregory Church
of Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts, in newly renovated
Jaffarian Hall.
October
21—St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Philadelphia, celebrating
the 20th anniversary of the ordination of Rev. Fr. Nerses Manoogian, under
the auspices of the Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan. For information www.saintgregory-philly.org
or 215-482-9200.
October
26-28—National Conference for Christian Educators, a conference
for Sunday School teachers at the Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual Vineyard,
a Coptic Orthodox Retreat Center, in Charlton, Massachusetts. Theme: “Prayer—Personal
and Communal.” Presentations by Rev. Fr. Paul Tarazi, Bishop Anoushavan
Tanielian, Dn. Shant Kazanjian, and Dr. Mary Olson. For more information
click here.
October
28—St.
Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, presents The Way We Were group in
their new musical “Hello Ellis Island!’ by Hourig Papazian-Sahagian.
Immediately after Sunday services. Refreshments served. For information
718-224-2275.
November
2-3—Golden Jubilee Annual Bazaar, St. Stephen Church, Watertown,
Massachusetts.
November
7—Soorp Khatch (Bethesda, Maryland) Senior Citizens second
reunion and Thanksgiving luncheon.
November
11—37th anniversary of St. Gregory Church of Merrimack
Valley and ordination of Nishan Dagley to the office of acolyte and stole
bearer. Presided over by His Grace Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar
General of the Prelacy.
November
11—St. Stephen Church, Watertown, Massachussetts, 50th
anniversary commemorative concert, 4 pm., church hall.
November
10-11—Sts.
Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, annual “Armenian Fest,”
at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, Cranston, Rhode Island. For information 401-831-6399.
November
11—Greater
Worcester Armenian Chorale and Armenian Children’s Chorus, 7th annual
gala concert and dinner, Armenian Church of Our Saviour Cultural Center.
Advance tickets only. Barbara Baljian, 508-799-6972.
November
16—Introduction to the new series of booklets on Contemporary
Ethical Issues: An Armenian Orthodox Perspective, by Vigen Guroian. Professor
Guroian will speak about the series and the first booklet newly published,
“Homosexuality & Same-Sex Union.” 7:30 pm at the Prelacy
office in New York City. For information arec@armenianprelacy.org
or 212-689-7810.
November
16 & 17—Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts,
Annual Bazaar. All are welcome. For information 508-852-2414.
November
17—Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, 43rd Anniversary
Banquet.
November
18—Soorp
Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland, Divine Liturgy celebrated by the Prelate
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan.
December
1—Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts,
annual church bazaar. For information www.armenianchurchofwhit.org
or 508-234-3677.
December
9—St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts,
50th anniversary dinner dance, Marriott Hotel, Burlington. For information,
(617) 924-7562.
December
23—St. Stephen’s Day Celebration, Watertown, Massachusetts.
The Golden Jubilee celebration will come to a close with a commemoration
of the church’s patron saint, the first deacon and martyr, St. Stephen.
June
27 to July 6—St. Gregory of Datev Institute, Summer Christian
Studies Program for youth ages 13-18 at St. Mary of Providence Center
in Elverson, Pennsylvania, organized by the Armenian Religious Education
Council. For more information click here.
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