November 1, 2007
	ABBOT YEGHIA KILAGHIAN VISITS PRELACY Abbot Yeghia Kilaghian, head of the Mkhitarist Order in Venice and Vienna, visited the Prelacy today. Father Yeghia was welcomed by Bishop Anoushavan, on behalf of Archbishop Oshagan who is expected to return from Lebanon tomorrow. Dr. Vazken Ghougassian, Executive Director, introduced the honored visitor to Prelacy staff members and gave him a tour of the Prelacy’s Hovsep and Suzanne Hagopian Library. Father Yeghia was accompanied by Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, Pastor of St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York. Father Yeghia is an uncle of Yeretzgin Ani Terterian.
VICAR WILL TRAVEL TO CHICAGO Bishop Anoushavan will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the Sermon at All Saints Armenian Church in Glenview, Illinois, this Sunday, November 4, and preside over the parish’s anniversary celebration.
	VICAR ATTENDS HMEM DINNER IN BOSTON Bishop Anoushavan attended the HMEM (Eastern Region) 30th Anniversary Gala on Saturday evening, October 27, in Boston. It was a busy weekend for the Vicar. Saturday during the day he attended and lectured at the Prelacy’s National Conference for Christian Educators which took place in Charlton, Massachusetts. In the evening he attended the HMEM gala before returning to New York in order to attend the Divine Liturgy and Banquet the next day in honor of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians.
	NATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS Twenty Sunday School teachers and directors from the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions, as well as New England clergymen, gathered at the Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual Vineyard, a Coptic Orthodox Retreat Center in Charlton, Massachusetts, last weekend, under the leadership of Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General. Sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), the weekend conference focused on the theme of prayer—personal and communal. It included a Bible study, lectures, workshops, worship services and Badarak.
Bishop Anoushavan spoke about the cycle of daily worship services according to the tradition of the Armenian Church; Father Paul Tarazi, professor of biblical studies at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (NY), presented two lectures on prayer according to the Scriptures and conducted a bible study on Luke 18:1-8. Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Director of AREC discussed establishing a rule of prayer. Mary M. Shamshoian-Olson, Ed.D., Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Consolidate School District 158 in Illinois, conducted a workshop on how to teach about prayer to various age groups. Rev. Fr. Antranig Baljian, pastor of St. Stephen’s Armenian Church, celebrated Soorp Badarak and delivered the sermon on Sunday at the Retreat Center.
BIBLE STUDY AT THE PRELACY The second session, in a five part Bible study, will be held next Tuesday, November 6, at the Prelacy, from 7:15 to 8:45 pm. The mini-course entitled “From Jesus’ meals with sinners to the Lord’s Supper (Badarak)” is presented by Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Director of AREC. All are invited. RSVP at 212-689-4481 or arec@armenianprelacy.org. PRESENTATION BY VIGEN GUROIAN ON NOVEMBER 16 A new series of booklets on contemporary ethical issues will be officially introduced on Friday, November 16, 7:30 pm at the Prelacy headquarters in New York. The series of seven booklets will be written by Vigen Guroian, Professor of Theology at Loyola College in Maryland. Professor Guroian will be present and will speak about the first of the series, “Homosexuality and Same Sex Union,” which was recently published. Dr. Guroian’s presentation will be followed by Q&A, discussion and reception. The various topics—all current issues of morality and ethics—are explored with an Orthodox perspective. The series is a pioneering effort not only for the Armenian Church, but for all of Orthodoxy. For information contact the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC) at arec@armenianprelacy.org or contact the Prelacy office at 212-689-7810. BAZAARS AND FOOD FESTIVALS This weekend and next are popular weekends for our parishes’ annual bazaars and food festivals. These events are important for our parishes both financially and socially. Check the calendar of events and support your local parish. PHILADELPHIAN KILLED IN IRAQ We received the sad news last Friday from Archpriest Nerses Manoogian about the death of 39-year-old Pfc. Adam Chitjian in Balad, Iraq, on October 25. Adam was just completing his second tour of duty in Iraq and was due to return home this month. According to an announcement by the Department of Defense Adam “sustained injuries when he came in contact with enemy forces using small arms during combat operations.” Adam is survived by his wife, his father Martin, his sister Kara, brother Martin, Jr., and his aunt Sophia Chitjian. Members of the Chitjian family have been faithful members of St. Gregory Church in Philadelphia for many years. We express our heartfelt condolences to the family and the Philadelphia community. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Let us pray that our servicemen and women serving in various parts of the world will return home soon. DAILY BIBLE READINGS Bible readings for today, November 1, are: Proverbs 10:5:27-22; Isaiah 66:18-21; 1 John 2:7-11; John 16:1-4. For I know their works and their thoughts, and I am coming to gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come and shall see my glory, and I will set a sign among them. From them I will send survivors to the nations, to Tarshish, Put, and Lud—which draw the bow—to Tubal and Javan, to the coastlands far away that have not heard of my fame or seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the nations. They shall bring all your kindred from all the nations as an offering to the Lord, on horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and on mules, and on dromedaries, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, says the Lord, just as the Israelites bring a grain offering in a clean vessel to the house of the Lord. And I will also take some of them as priests and as Levites, says the Lord. (Isaiah 66:18-21) 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: “. . .It is important to remember that even before the time of Mashtots Armenians were not illiterate. The learned elite was familiar with at least some of the major works of the patristic period written in Greek or Syriac, and some Armenians had studied in the famous Greek schools of the eastern Mediterranean. When, in the early fifth century, Sahak and Mashtots (both of whom had received a good training in Greek) set their disciples to translating, many of the early Christian works were assimilated in Armenia. An important text from the point of view of explaining later original Armenian works is the Commentary on the Octateuch by Eusebius of Emesa. This is lost in the original but preserved in Armenian and has only recently been published. In the introduction, Eusebius discusses the technical problems of translation, indicating that the right method is to transpose the sense from one idiom (Hebrew) into another idiom (Greek), not to render one of the literal meanings of any word that may make no sense in the second language in that context. This is particularly interesting in that Eusebius’s opinion is reflected in the Armenian practice of the fifth century, most notably in the translation of the Gospels, as compared to the later Armenian Hellenophile tradition of very literal translation.” From “Homilies and Biblical Commentary in Classical Armenian Writers,” by Robert W. Thomson, published in Worship Traditions in Armenia and the Neighboring Christian East, Roberta R. Ervine, editor, AVANT series of St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press and St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, 2006. OUTREACH ON LINE The latest issue of Outreach (October 2007) is in the mail. If you would like to read it on line click here. ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM Today, November 1, the Armenian Church commemorates the life of St. John Chrysostom (Hovhan Voskeperan). He was a notable Christian bishop and preacher in the 4th and 5th centuries in Syria and Constantinople. He is famous for his eloquence in public speaking—Chrysostom literally means “golden mouth.” The Orthodox Church honors him as a saint and one of the “three holy hierarchs” (with Saints Basil the Great and Gregory the Theologian). He is also recognized by the Catholic Church and the Church of England. John converted to Christianity in 368 when he was barely 21 years old. He renounced a large family inheritance and a promising legal career and went to live in a mountain cave where he studied the Bible. He was later ordained a priest and soon his sermons were attracting huge audiences. He challenged wealthy Christians, whose generosity was confined to donating precious objects for display in churches. “The gift of a chalice may be extravagant in its generosity,” he said, “but a gift to the poor is an expression of love.” He told them they had a duty to help the poor and needy. He wrote often about valuing the richness of nature created by God which should be enjoyed and protected. Although he was very popular with the people, his outspoken criticism was not appreciated by the hierarchy and he was sent into exile at various times. His sermons made a great impact on Christendom. He had a profound influence on the doctrines and theology of the Armenian Church, because he spent the final years of his exile in Armenia. Many of his important works are extant only in Armenian manuscripts. He is also the author of liturgical prayers used in the Armenian Church. FEAST OF ALL SAINTS This Saturday, November 3, the Armenian Church commemorates the Feast of All Saints “old and new, known and unknown.” The western churches celebrate All Saints Day on November 1 (the day after Halloween). In the Armenian Church tradition the date is variable depending on the season of the Cross. It can occur in late October or in November. The commemoration is rooted in the belief that there are many saints who are not known to us. Therefore, on this day all saints are honored.
	ARMENIAN TEENAGER WINS UNITED NATIONS COMPETITION Thirteen-year-old Mariam Marukian from Armenia was the winner in an art competition sponsored by the United Nations called “We Can Eradicate Poverty.” Sixty countries participated with 12,000 children submitting their artistic creations. Entries from Armenia numbered 475, ten of which were included among the best 100 works. Mariam’s winning artwork will become a UN postal stamp. Mariam said this about her entry: “To my mind, work will help people live fairly. That is why in my picture I depict people working in the garden. They have worked hard and their harvest is rich.”
Mariam traveled to New York with her teacher to accept her award on October 17. Their trip was made possible by the AGBU and the Permanent Mission of Armenia. Her artwork is part of an exhibit of the 50 best designs in the visitor’s entrance of the United Nations.
AND SPEAKING OF GARDENS… So many of you have inquired why I haven’t said anything about my vegetable garden this season. I first mentioned my garden briefly in passing a few years ago and it took on a life of its own as Crossroad readers wanted to know more. Many of you will recall the good and the bad—especially the disastrous spring and summer of 2005 when groundhogs destroyed everything. This year my garden remained dormant for the second year in a row, after more than forty continuous years of planting, nurturing and harvesting. Everything I know about gardening I learned from my late father, Krikor Pilbosian, and late mother- in-law, Hripsime Papazian, both of whom were exceptional gardeners. They were the happiest when they were toiling on the land. Both, I think, were Anatolian farmers at heart. I’m sure the hours they spent in their respective gardens took them back to whatever memories they still retained of their beloved Yergir. Although I will never reach their level of instinctive expertise, I share their passion for the land and working the soil, and experiencing the miracle of a small seed turning into the juiciest tomato, the crispest cucumber, the tenderest green bean…. As 13-year-old Mariam noted (see above) about her award winning piece of art work of people in the garden, “They have worked hard and their harvest is rich.” God willing, next year my garden will grow again. And thank you all for asking. DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ENDS Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. this Sunday, November 4. Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour.
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 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. November 2-3—Golden Jubilee Annual Bazaar, St. Stephen Church, Watertown, Massachusetts. November 2-3-4—Sts. Vartanantz Annual Bazaar and Food Festival, 461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, New Jersey. For information 201-943-2950. November 7—Soorp Khatch (Bethesda, Maryland) Senior Citizens second reunion and Thanksgiving luncheon. November 11—St. Sarkis Ladies’ Guild, Douglaston, New York, Holiday Bazaar and Food Fair, 1 pm to 5 pm. Numerous vendors with gift items, delicious home cooked Armenian specialties, children’s entertainment. For information 718-224-2275. 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. November 18—Thanksgiving luncheon, Ladies Guild of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City, following the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral’s John Pashalian Hall. For information 212- 689-5880. December 1—Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, annual church bazaar. For information www.armenianchurchofwhit.org or 508-234-3677. December 2—Celebration of the 40th anniversary of the ordination of Rev. Archpriest Arshag Daghlian, sponsored by the Religious Council of the Eastern Prelacy and the Pastor and Board of Trustees of St. Stephen’s Armenian Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 5 p.m. For information 617-924-7562. December 9—St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 50th anniversary dinner dance, Marriott Hotel, Burlington. For information, (617) 924-7562. December 9—Family Christmas Concert sponsored by St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, featuring Maggie Tune (from California) and Gaghant Baba, 4:30 pm, at IS5 High School, 50-40 Jacobus Street, Elmhurst, New York. For information contact cathedral office, 212-689-5880. 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. December 31—New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, and ARF Dro Gomideh, The Sheraton Meadowlands, E. Rutherford, New Jersey. For information 201-943-2950. 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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