Crossroads E-Newsletter:12/27/07

DECEMBER 27, 2007

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate
of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
extends his prayers and best wishes to you
for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may discern what is the will of God–what is good and acceptable and perfect.
(Romans 12:2)

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL BE AT ST. ILLUMINATOR’S CATHEDRAL
This Sunday, December 30, Archbishop Oshagan will preside over the Divine Liturgy at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City.

VICAR WILL BE IN CONNECTICUT
Bishop Anoushavan will preside over the Divine Liturgy and deliver the Sermon at St. Stephen’s Church in New Britain, Connecticut.

VICAR WILL ATTEND INTERFAITH BREAKFAST
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the Prelacy and ecumenical officer in the United States for the Catholicosate of Cilicia, will attend an interfaith breakfast hosted by Mayor Michael Bloomberg at the New York Public Library in Manhattan, on Monday, December 31.

PRELACY RELEASES NEW MUSIC CD
The Prelacy has issued a new music CD. Entitled Yerkabsag (wreath of songs) and dedicated to the genocide martyrs, the original was recorded in Armenia on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, under the direction of the well-known Armenian American musicologist Krikor Pidedjian directing the Chamber Choir of Yerevan and the Alan Hovhaness Chamber Orchestra. The CD, which includes fifteen beautifully executed selections, is available at the Prelacy Bookstore for $15.00, plus shipping and handling. Contact the bookstore for orders and information 212-689-7810. To listen to one of the selections click here.

BLESSING OF MURON IN 2008
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 Holy Muron, symbol of the grace of the Holy Spirit, is traditionally blessed every seven years. Only the Catholicos can consecrate the oil which is then distributed to the various dioceses for distribution to the parishes. The oil consists of 48 different herbs, flowers, and oils which are combined in a special vessel and mixed with some of the old Muron, creating an unbroken chain with the past.

The Muron Blessing is expected to attract a large number of pilgrims from various parts of the world. More details will be forthcoming.
INTERNATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING IN AUGUST 2008
An International Gathering of Youth is being organized by the Holy See of Cilicia. His Holiness Aram I is inviting the youth, 18 years and older, to attend this gathering which will include a one-week pilgrimage to Der Zor. Details will follow.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, December 27, are: Wisdom 9:13-10:2; Isaiah 28:16-19; 2 Peter 1:12-19; Timothy 4:1-8; John 21:15-22.

Therefore I intend to keep on reminding you of these things, though you know them already and are established in the truth that has come to you. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to refresh your memory, since I know that my death will come soon, as indeed our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things. For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain. So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. (2 Peter 1:12-10).

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.

This is the final entry in Crossroads for the Year of the Armenian Language. Next week is the first issue of the 2008 Crossroads and the Year of Christian Education.

“Hence, the Armenian language is so vital for the Armenian people and its safe preservation is so imperative; so too is its constant and correct usage. Woe unto us when we keep a distance from the Armenian language. Woe unto us when we keep the Armenian language distant from our persons, our homes, our institutions, our life. Without the Armenian language, our life will become emptied of Armenian values, traditions, and the genuine Armenian identity. During the course of our history, we opened up to others, we respected others but we refused to be like others, sticking to our faith, identity and language. Let us not forget that, besides our faith and homeland, our language also preserved us; the Armenian language strengthened our existence; it shaped our identity. Again, the Armenian language, today and always, is the mighty shield of our national struggle, the bond of our unity, the stamp of our identity.”
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of Great House of Cilicia

SAINTS PETER AND PAUL
Today, December 27, the Armenian Church commemorate the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. Peter has always been described as the first of the Apostles in all of the New Testament accounts. He was a member of the inner circle with James and John. He is mentioned more than any other disciple; he was at Jesus’ side at the Transfiguration, the raising of Jarius’ daughter, and the Agony of the Garden of Gethsemane. He is considered to be the leader of the apostles and the First Bishop of Rome.

St. Paul, the great traveler, was converted from Judaism on the road to Damascus. He became the great missionary of Christianity and his interest and affection for the churches he established have given us fourteen canonical Epistles. His letters show him to be a profound religious thinker, who played a significant role in the rapid spread of Christianity.

HOLY APOSTLES JAMES AND JOHN
On Saturday, December 29, the Armenian Church commemorates the Holy Apostles James and John (Mark 10:35-41), called “Sons of Thunder” by Jesus because of their excitable and quick-natured character. James was a Galilean fisherman who was called along with his brother John to be one of the twelve apostles. They, together with Peter, formed the inner core among the twelve. James is sometimes referred to as “James the Greater” to differentiate from the other James. He was the first of the apostles to be martyred, by order of King Herod Agrippa I, to please the opponents of Christianity (Acts 12:1-1). He is the patron saint of Spain and according to tradition his body was brought from Jerusalem to Spain to Santiago de Compostela, which remains to this day a popular destination for pilgrims.

John, known as the “beloved disciple,” is the author of the fourth Gospel and the Book of Revelation, the last book in the Bible, which he wrote while exiled on the island of Patmos. It was to John that Jesus from the cross entrusted the care of his mother. Paul names John and James along with Peter as the pillars of the church (Gal. 2:9).

FAST OF THE NATIVITY; SIXTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
This Sunday, December 30, is the sixth, and final, Sunday of Advent. Saturday, December 29, is the Eve (Barekendan) of the Fast of the Nativity. There are ten week-long fasts that precede major feasts in the Armenian Church. All of the Fasts are observed for five days, Monday to Friday, except for the Fast of the Nativity which lasts six days (December 30 to January 4).

AT THE BOOKSTORE….
Here are some newly arrived books at the bookstore for your consideration:

Aram Learns Armenian, Workbook 1: the Alphabet, developed by Francois Petizian. This Workbook is meant to help children recognize the Armenian alphabet, learn to print the upper and lower case letters, and learn the pronunciation of the letters. This workbook will have an internet site (ready in February 2008) where purchasers of this workbook will have access to an online version of the book to hear and practice correct pronunciation, as well as supplement pages and activities like printable flash cards. The price of this workbook is $25, plus shipping and handling.

Forgotten Bread: First Generation Armenian American Writers, edited by David Kherdian. An anthology of works by seventeen well-known Armenian American writers. Each writer’s work is introduced with an essay by a contemporary Armenian American writer. The editor, David Kherdian, is a noted writer of poetry and prose with more than 60 books published. $29.95, plus shipping and handling.

To order these books or for information contact the Bookstore by email at books@armenianprelacy.org or by telephone at 212-689-7810.

A NEW YEAR
Tuesday, January 1, is the first day of the Near Year of 2008. For many centuries the Armenians celebrated the beginning of the New Year on the first day of the month of Navassard (August 11 in the current calendar). It was in the 18th century that the Armenians (by decree of Catholicos Simeon Erevantsi) accepted January 1 as the start of the New Year. The New Year is a time of joy, happiness, and festivities. Traditionally Armenians exchange gifts on New Year’s Day, rather than Christmas. It is a time to celebrate the renewal of life and prosperity, to put aside anger and grudges, and renew friendships through mutual visitations. Lavish tables, including a variety of dried fruits and nuts, are part of the commemorative traditions.
MEDITATION FOR THE NEW YEAR
The first thought that goes through my mind as we begin to usher in a New Year is that I take a little time to look back on the previous 365 days and contemplate in my mind and thoughts what I could possibly change for the better in the year 2008. Of course, there are so many things that come to mind, but the most important one is that I will do everything humanly possible to be more faithful and thankful to God.

As we are all well aware, actions speak louder than words, and it is difficult to recognize the truth about ourselves about our faithful practice of Christianity. Perhaps the best gift we can give to ourselves this Christmas and in the New Year is more time to practice and nurture our faith and perhaps our lives will be less stressful and more fulfilling

This past week while driving I saw this message in front of a local Baptist Church,
“Pray with us during Christmas and New Years and avoid the rush.” We can avoid the rush all year round by realizing that Christianity is neither a convenience, nor a product for the consumer. It is a belief in God who came to us in the person of Jesus Christ to dwell among us and save us from our sins. St. Paul wrote, Let all proclaim to the glory of the Father, Jesus Christ is Lord.

Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian, pastor
St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church of Merrimack Valley
North Andover, Massachusetts

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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.

February 10—Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, Annual Membership Meeting. Snow date: February 24.

February 24—Annual Membership meeting, St. Gregory Church (North Andover, Massachusetts).

March 2—Musical Armenia, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York City, featuring Aleksandr Nazaryan on viola and Karen Tchougourian on piano.

June 7—Blessing of Holy Muron in Antelias, Lebanon. Details will follow.

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.

July 19—“A Hye Summer Night 3,” dance hosted by Ladies’ Guild of Sts. Vartanantz Church and ARS Ani Chapter, Providence, Rhode Island. For details 401-434-4467.

August 15-17—International Gathering of Youth and Pilgrimage to Der Zor, organized by the Catholicosate of Cilicia. Details will follow.

October 25—Gala celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America under the jurisdiction of the Great House of Cilicia and the 110th anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Church of America. Marriott at Glenpointe, Teaneck, New Jersey. Details to follow.

If you wish to receive future issues of the Crossroads E-Newsletter in your E-mail Inbox, send an e-mail message with your name and your full e-mail address to email@armenianprelacy.org and write "subscribe" in the subject line.

DECEMBER 27, 2007
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America extends his prayers and best wishes to you for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you may discern what is the will of God–what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2) ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL BE AT ST. ILLUMINATOR’S CATHEDRAL This Sunday, December 30, Archbishop Oshagan will preside over the Divine Liturgy at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City. VICAR WILL BE IN CONNECTICUT Bishop Anoushavan will preside over the Divine Liturgy and deliver the Sermon at St. Stephen’s Church in New Britain, Connecticut. VICAR WILL ATTEND INTERFAITH BREAKFAST Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the Prelacy and ecumenical officer in the United States for the Catholicosate of Cilicia, will attend an interfaith breakfast hosted by Mayor Michael Bloomberg at the New York Public Library in Manhattan, on Monday, December 31.
PRELACY RELEASES NEW MUSIC CD The Prelacy has issued a new music CD. Entitled Yerkabsag (wreath of songs) and dedicated to the genocide martyrs, the original was recorded in Armenia on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, under the direction of the well-known Armenian American musicologist Krikor Pidedjian directing the Chamber Choir of Yerevan and the Alan Hovhaness Chamber Orchestra. The CD, which includes fifteen beautifully executed selections, is available at the Prelacy Bookstore for $15.00, plus shipping and handling. Contact the bookstore for orders and information 212-689-7810. To listen to one of the selections click here.
BLESSING OF MURON IN 2008 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 Holy Muron, symbol of the grace of the Holy Spirit, is traditionally blessed every seven years. Only the Catholicos can consecrate the oil which is then distributed to the various dioceses for distribution to the parishes. The oil consists of 48 different herbs, flowers, and oils which are combined in a special vessel and mixed with some of the old Muron, creating an unbroken chain with the past. The Muron Blessing is expected to attract a large number of pilgrims from various parts of the world. More details will be forthcoming. INTERNATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING IN AUGUST 2008 An International Gathering of Youth is being organized by the Holy See of Cilicia. His Holiness Aram I is inviting the youth, 18 years and older, to attend this gathering which will include a one-week pilgrimage to Der Zor. Details will follow. DAILY BIBLE READINGS Bible readings for today, December 27, are: Wisdom 9:13-10:2; Isaiah 28:16-19; 2 Peter 1:12-19; Timothy 4:1-8; John 21:15-22. Therefore I intend to keep on reminding you of these things, though you know them already and are established in the truth that has come to you. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to refresh your memory, since I know that my death will come soon, as indeed our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things. For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain. So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. (2 Peter 1:12-10). 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. This is the final entry in Crossroads for the Year of the Armenian Language. Next week is the first issue of the 2008 Crossroads and the Year of Christian Education. “Hence, the Armenian language is so vital for the Armenian people and its safe preservation is so imperative; so too is its constant and correct usage. Woe unto us when we keep a distance from the Armenian language. Woe unto us when we keep the Armenian language distant from our persons, our homes, our institutions, our life. Without the Armenian language, our life will become emptied of Armenian values, traditions, and the genuine Armenian identity. During the course of our history, we opened up to others, we respected others but we refused to be like others, sticking to our faith, identity and language. Let us not forget that, besides our faith and homeland, our language also preserved us; the Armenian language strengthened our existence; it shaped our identity. Again, the Armenian language, today and always, is the mighty shield of our national struggle, the bond of our unity, the stamp of our identity.” His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of Great House of Cilicia SAINTS PETER AND PAUL Today, December 27, the Armenian Church commemorate the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. Peter has always been described as the first of the Apostles in all of the New Testament accounts. He was a member of the inner circle with James and John. He is mentioned more than any other disciple; he was at Jesus’ side at the Transfiguration, the raising of Jarius’ daughter, and the Agony of the Garden of Gethsemane. He is considered to be the leader of the apostles and the First Bishop of Rome. St. Paul, the great traveler, was converted from Judaism on the road to Damascus. He became the great missionary of Christianity and his interest and affection for the churches he established have given us fourteen canonical Epistles. His letters show him to be a profound religious thinker, who played a significant role in the rapid spread of Christianity. HOLY APOSTLES JAMES AND JOHN On Saturday, December 29, the Armenian Church commemorates the Holy Apostles James and John (Mark 10:35-41), called “Sons of Thunder” by Jesus because of their excitable and quick-natured character. James was a Galilean fisherman who was called along with his brother John to be one of the twelve apostles. They, together with Peter, formed the inner core among the twelve. James is sometimes referred to as “James the Greater” to differentiate from the other James. He was the first of the apostles to be martyred, by order of King Herod Agrippa I, to please the opponents of Christianity (Acts 12:1-1). He is the patron saint of Spain and according to tradition his body was brought from Jerusalem to Spain to Santiago de Compostela, which remains to this day a popular destination for pilgrims. John, known as the “beloved disciple,” is the author of the fourth Gospel and the Book of Revelation, the last book in the Bible, which he wrote while exiled on the island of Patmos. It was to John that Jesus from the cross entrusted the care of his mother. Paul names John and James along with Peter as the pillars of the church (Gal. 2:9). FAST OF THE NATIVITY; SIXTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT This Sunday, December 30, is the sixth, and final, Sunday of Advent. Saturday, December 29, is the Eve (Barekendan) of the Fast of the Nativity. There are ten week-long fasts that precede major feasts in the Armenian Church. All of the Fasts are observed for five days, Monday to Friday, except for the Fast of the Nativity which lasts six days (December 30 to January 4).
AT THE BOOKSTORE…. Here are some newly arrived books at the bookstore for your consideration: Aram Learns Armenian, Workbook 1: the Alphabet, developed by Francois Petizian. This Workbook is meant to help children recognize the Armenian alphabet, learn to print the upper and lower case letters, and learn the pronunciation of the letters. This workbook will have an internet site (ready in February 2008) where purchasers of this workbook will have access to an online version of the book to hear and practice correct pronunciation, as well as supplement pages and activities like printable flash cards. The price of this workbook is $25, plus shipping and handling. Forgotten Bread: First Generation Armenian American Writers, edited by David Kherdian. An anthology of works by seventeen well-known Armenian American writers. Each writer’s work is introduced with an essay by a contemporary Armenian American writer. The editor, David Kherdian, is a noted writer of poetry and prose with more than 60 books published. $29.95, plus shipping and handling. To order these books or for information contact the Bookstore by email at books@armenianprelacy.org or by telephone at 212-689-7810.

A NEW YEAR Tuesday, January 1, is the first day of the Near Year of 2008. For many centuries the Armenians celebrated the beginning of the New Year on the first day of the month of Navassard (August 11 in the current calendar). It was in the 18th century that the Armenians (by decree of Catholicos Simeon Erevantsi) accepted January 1 as the start of the New Year. The New Year is a time of joy, happiness, and festivities. Traditionally Armenians exchange gifts on New Year’s Day, rather than Christmas. It is a time to celebrate the renewal of life and prosperity, to put aside anger and grudges, and renew friendships through mutual visitations. Lavish tables, including a variety of dried fruits and nuts, are part of the commemorative traditions. MEDITATION FOR THE NEW YEAR The first thought that goes through my mind as we begin to usher in a New Year is that I take a little time to look back on the previous 365 days and contemplate in my mind and thoughts what I could possibly change for the better in the year 2008. Of course, there are so many things that come to mind, but the most important one is that I will do everything humanly possible to be more faithful and thankful to God. As we are all well aware, actions speak louder than words, and it is difficult to recognize the truth about ourselves about our faithful practice of Christianity. Perhaps the best gift we can give to ourselves this Christmas and in the New Year is more time to practice and nurture our faith and perhaps our lives will be less stressful and more fulfilling This past week while driving I saw this message in front of a local Baptist Church, “Pray with us during Christmas and New Years and avoid the rush.” We can avoid the rush all year round by realizing that Christianity is neither a convenience, nor a product for the consumer. It is a belief in God who came to us in the person of Jesus Christ to dwell among us and save us from our sins. St. Paul wrote, Let all proclaim to the glory of the Father, Jesus Christ is Lord. Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian, pastor St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church of Merrimack Valley North Andover, Massachusetts

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 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. February 10—Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, Annual Membership Meeting. Snow date: February 24. February 24—Annual Membership meeting, St. Gregory Church (North Andover, Massachusetts). March 2—Musical Armenia, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York City, featuring Aleksandr Nazaryan on viola and Karen Tchougourian on piano. June 7—Blessing of Holy Muron in Antelias, Lebanon. Details will follow. 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. July 19—“A Hye Summer Night 3,” dance hosted by Ladies’ Guild of Sts. Vartanantz Church and ARS Ani Chapter, Providence, Rhode Island. For details 401-434-4467. August 15-17—International Gathering of Youth and Pilgrimage to Der Zor, organized by the Catholicosate of Cilicia. Details will follow. October 25—Gala celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America under the jurisdiction of the Great House of Cilicia and the 110th anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Church of America. Marriott at Glenpointe, Teaneck, New Jersey. Details to follow.

If you wish to receive future issues of the Crossroads E-Newsletter in your E-mail Inbox, send an e-mail message with your name and your full e-mail address to email@armenianprelacy.org and write "subscribe" in the subject line.