November 15, 2007
	PRESIDENT OF NAGORNO-KARABAKH VISITS PRELACY Bako Sahakyan, President of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabagh (Artsakh) and his entourage visited the Prelacy last Sunday, November 11, where the Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan, and more than fifty community leaders welcomed them. The newly elected president is visiting some major Armenian centers in the United States prior to the 10th annual International Armenia Fund Thanksgiving Telethon that will take place on Thanksgiving Day, November 22. President Sahakyan addressed the gathering as did the Primate of Artsakh Archbishop Barkev Martirossian, the Executive Director of the Pan Armenia Fund, Vahe Aghabegians, and the chairman of Armenia Fund USA, Raffi Festekjian. This annual Thanksgiving tradition marks an unprecedented year of achievements celebrating Armenia Fund’s 15th anniversary, and raising funds for the Rural Development Program, an innovative initiative that will revitalize Armenia’s villages.
The Telethon will be delivered over the air, cable and satellite networks reaching millions of households. For complete details about the Telethon go to www.armeniafundusa.org.
43rd ANNIVERSARY OF SOORP KHATCH CHURCH THIS WEEKEND Archbishop Oshagan will travel to the Washington, D.C., area to join the parishioners of Soorp Khatch Church of Bethesda, Maryland, in the commemoration of the church’s 43rd anniversary. The Prelate will preside over the anniversary dinner Saturday evening. On Sunday he will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the Sermon PRESENTATION BY VIGEN GUROIAN TOMORROW Tomorrow, Friday, November 16, is the presentation by Professor Vigen Guroian, inaugurating the new series of booklets on contemporary ethical issues. The presentation will begin promptly at 7:30 pm at the Prelacy headquarters in New York. The series of seven booklets are being written by Professor Guroian. The first booklet of the series, “Homosexuality and Same Sex Union,” was recently published. Dr. Guroian’s presentation will be followed by Q&A and discussion. A reception will follow. 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. Guroian, Professor of Theology at Loyola College in Maryland, is a well-known and respected theologian. His prolific written works have been described as “eloquent” and “substantive.” Many of his colleagues have praised him for his “courageous and discerning vision,” on contemporary, and often controversial, issues. For information contact the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC) at arec@armenianprelacy.org or contact the Prelacy office at 212-689-7810. CHRISTIAN EDUCATORS SEMINAR Sunday school teachers and directors gathered last month at the Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual Vineyard in Charlton, Massachusetts, for a weekend of Bible study, lectures, worships and worship services. For details about this event click here. BIBLE STUDY AT THE PRELACY The third session of the five-part Bible study will take place next Tuesday, November 20, from 7:15 to 8:45 pm, at the Prelacy offices in New York. The mini-course entitled “From Jesus’ meals with sinners to the Lord’s Supper (Badarak)” is presented by Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Director of the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC). For information arec@armenianprelacy.org or 212-689-7810. THE KNOCK AT THE DOOR WINS AWARD The Knock at the Door: A Journey through the Darkness of the Armenian Genocide, by Margaret Ajemian Ahnert was named as the Best Book of 2007 in the World History category by USA News. ARMENIAN CHURCH PARTICIPATES IN GLOBAL CHRISTIAN FORUM IN KENYA The first meeting of the Global Christian Forum convened last week in Limuru, Kenya. About 250 representatives from churches and international religious organizations attended the meeting under the general theme, “Our Journey with our Savior Jesus Christ.” His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, delegated Bishop Nareg Alemezian, Ecumenical Officer of the Catholicosate, to participate in the meeting. Bishop Nareg also represented the Middle East Council of Churches and read the Council’s address at the meeting. Bishop Nathan Hovhannisian, Primate of the Diocese of England, represented the Catholicosate of All Armenians, Etchmiadzin. During daily collective prayers, bible readings, and full and group sessions, the participants had an opportunity to meet Christians from other geographic locations and different church traditions. They discussed the difficulties churches and ecclesiastical organizations face in the field of the collective Christian legacy. The prospects for formation of the Global Christian Forum started in the 1990s. Catholicos Aram, as moderator of the World Council of Churches, played a significant role in this process. The meeting in Kenya was the culmination of regional meetings in Asia, Africa, Europe and South Africa. BLESSING OF MURON IS SCHEDULED The Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia announced that His Holiness Catholicos Aram I will consecrate the Holy Muron (Holy Oil) next year on June 7, 2008. The Faithful are encouraged to attend this special service which takes place every seven years. Details will be forthcoming. DAILY BIBLE READINGS Bible readings for today, November 15, are: Proverbs 28:1-18; Baruch 3:31-4:4; 2 Timothy 1:6-12; Matthew 19-27-29. For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. For this gospel I was appointed a herald, and an apostle and a teacher, and for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him. (2 Timothy 1:6-12) 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: “Armenian history is the story of a nation’s constant struggle against its neighbors and other foreign powers to safeguard its physical existence and its spiritual convictions. The struggle has been punctuated not only with humiliating defeats, but also with great triumphs. The greatest of these was the invention of the Armenian alphabet and the ensuing flourishing of Armenian literature, which revealed the perseverance, wisdom, and national character of the Armenian people. Their struggles have instilled in Armenians a certain ability to grapple with difficulties, to overcome geographic handicaps, and to excel in the activities they undertake, intellectual and otherwise. The intrinsic meaning of their literature, then, is a reflection of their ceaseless strivings for survival and accomplishments.” From the Introduction of Volume I, The Heritage of Armenian Literature, Wayne State University Press, 2000. BAREKENDAN OF THE FAST OF ADVENT This Sunday, November 18, is the Barekendan of the Fast of Advent. This is a week-long fast leading up to the first Sunday of Advent, which is next Sunday, November 25. Advent is the season that takes us to Christmas. It is intended to be a solemn and quiet time for prayer, reflection and preparation for the mystery of the Incarnation.
	LIMITED NUMBER OF BOOKS ON JUGHA KHATCHKARS AVAILABLE A limited number of copies of a newly published book, The Symphony of the Destroyed Jugha Khatchkars, are available at the Prelacy Bookstore. This valuable book by Professor Argam Ayvazian, documents the rich Armenian monuments in Nakhichevan, all of which were destroyed by the Azeris in their attempt to remove any trace of Armenian presence in that region. Professor Ayvazian photographed Armenian churches, khatchkars and other Armenian monuments in Nakhichevan from 1970 to 1988. His pioneering work has preserved the Armenian presence that Azerbaijan is so intent on destroying. Professor Ayvazian laments the fact that the Armenian
government, Armenian organizations, and international organizations like UNESCO did very little to stop the barbaric destruction. This 272-page soft-cover book has more than 700 photographs, with text in Armenian, English and Russian. The price per book is $75, plus shipping and handling. Also available is a 20-page oversize booklet containing maps with exact locations of the monuments in Nakhijevan. This is also by Prof. Ayvazyan. The price is $20, plus shipping and handling. For information about both publications contact the Prelacy Bookstore, 212-689-7810.
	ALSO AT THE BOOKSTORE… THE LITTLE PRINCE…IN ARMENIAN Newly arrived at the Prelacy Bookstore is the Armenian translation of the famous Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. Written in 1943 in French, The Little Prince has been translated into more than 160 languages (even Latin!) and has sold more than 50 million copies worldwide. Appearing to be a children’s book, it is actually a book for young and old alike. It contains profound insight about life and human nature. One of the most famous lines in the book is this one stated by the fox to the Little Prince: “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.” And one of our personal favorites, “It is the time you have spent with your rose that makes your rose so important.” The Little Prince (Pokrig Ishkhaneh), which duplicates the original illustrations, is $20, plus shipping and handling. The Armenian translation is by Terese Voskeritchian. Contact the bookstore by email at books@armenianprelacy.org or by telephone, 212-689-7810.
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 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.orgwww.armenianchurchofwhit.org or 508-234-3677. December 1—St. Paul’s Church, Waukegan, Illinois, Annual Bake Sale, Crafts and Café St. Paul. For orders or more information, 847-244-4573 or www.StPaulArmenian Church.com. 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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