JANUARY 24, 2008
PRELATE DEPARTS FOR MIDDLE EAST TODAY TO ATTEND THEOLOGICAL DIALOGUE MEETINGS Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan is scheduled to depart today for the Middle East. He will first go to Lebanon and then to the Saint Ephrem Syrian Orthodox Monastery in Maarrat Saydnaya, located in the mountains near the city of Damascus, Syria, where the fifth meeting of the International Joint Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Oriental Orthodox Churches and Catholic Church will take place. The Armenian Church will be represented by the two Catholicates. The Catholicate of All Armenians will be represented by Archbishop Mesrob Krikorian and Archbishop Khajag Barsamian. The Catholicate of Cilicia will be represented by Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan and Bishop Nareg Alemezian. The Monastery at Saydnaya (547 AD) has a rich and interesting history and it is one of two monasteries where the spoken language is still Aramaic—the language of our Lord Jesus Christ. The convent is dedicated to the Holy Theotokos. According to tradition, Justinian I, Emperor of Byzantium, was crossing Syria with his troops on his way to the Holy Land. They encamped in the desert and searched for water. The emperor pursued what he thought was a gazelle which led him to a spring of fresh water. Suddenly, the vision turned into a bright light with the image of the Holy Theotokos who told Justinian “Thou shalt build a church for me here on this hill.” Upon his return, Justinian related what he had seen and ordered that plans for a church be drawn immediately. When the architectural plans for the church became embroiled with controversy and problems, the Holy Virgin again appeared to Justinian, describing exactly how the convent should be built. It is said that the basic structure followed this plan. The convent gained honor and fame and became a popular destination for pilgrims. REQUIEM SERVICE FOR PRIESTS WHO SERVED THE PRELACY In conjunction with the upcoming Ghevontiantz commemoration, all Prelacy churches will observe a special requiem service this Sunday, January 27, in memory of all the deceased clergy who served the Prelacy. We remember and honor: H.H. Catholicos Karekin I, Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians, Archbishop Hrant Khatchadourian, Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, V. Rev. Fr. Vaghinag Sisagian, V. Rev. Fr. Ghevont Martougesian, V. Rev. Fr. Nishan Papazian, V. Rev. Fr. Barour Ekmekjian, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Amrigian, Rev. Fr. Arsen Varjabedian, Rev. Fr. Mateos Mannigian, Rev. Fr. Bedros Mamprelian, Rev. Fr. Stepanos Garabedian, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Hovanesian, Rev. Fr. Houssig Naghnikian, Rev. Fr. Adom Melikian, Rev. Fr. Yeghishe Kasbarian, Rev. Fr. Ghevont Khosrovian, Rev. Fr. Bedros Kasarjian, Rev. Fr. Sahag Balian, Rev. Fr. Ghevont Papazian, Rev. Fr. Papken Kasbarian, Rev. Fr. Sahag Yeghiayan, Rev. Fr. Nerses Shahinian, Rev. Fr. Bsag Sarkisian, Rev. Fr. Yeghishe Mkitarian, Rev. Fr. Souren Papakhian, Rev. Fr. Arsen Simeoniantz, Rev. Fr. Movses Der Stepanian, Rev. Fr. Mampre Biberian, Rev. Fr. Khachadour Giragossian, Rev. Fr. Yervant Yeretzian, Rev. Fr. Gomidas Der Torosian, Rev. Fr. Movses Shrikian, Rev. Fr. Dikran Khoyan, Rev. Fr. Smpad Der Mksian, Rev. Fr. Vahan Ghazarian, Rev. Fr. Ashod Kochian, Rev. Fr. Arshavir Sevdalian, Rev. Fr. Kourken Yaralian, Rev. Fr. Arsen Hagopian, Rev. Fr. Sarkis Antreasian, Rev. Fr. Sahag Andekian, Rev. Fr. Hmayag Minoyan, Rev. Fr. Asoghik Kiledjian, Rev. Fr. Varant Bedrosian, Rev. Fr. Sahag Vertanesian. VICAR’S DUTIES WILL TAKE HIM TO NEW YORK, CONNNECTICUT, NEW JERSEY, AND RHODE ISLAND Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the Prelacy, will preside over the Divine Liturgy this Sunday, January 27, at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City. On Monday and Tuesday, January 28 and 29, he will preside over the Ghevontiantz Clergy Conference in Connecticut. On Thursday, January 31, he will celebrate the Divine Liturgy on the occasion of Vartanantz at Sts. Vartanantz Church in New Jersey, and on Sunday, February 2, he will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island. DN. SHANT KAZANJIAN WILL LEAD SEMINAR IN MICHIGAN This weekend Dn. Shant Kazanjian, director of the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council, will travel to St. Sarkis Armenian Church in Dearborn, Michigan, where he will conduct a seminar for the Sunday School teachers on Sunday afternoon, 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm. On Sunday morning, Dn. Shant will visit the Sunday School classes and teach the junior-senior high students. St. Sarkis Sunday School has 74 students and 10 teachers. CLERGY WILL GATHER IN CONNECTICUT FOR GHEVONTIANTZ Next Monday and Tuesday, January 29 and 30, the clergy of the Eastern Prelacy will gather in New Britain, Connecticut for their annual clergy conclave on the occasion of the Ghevontiantz commemoration. This year’s theme will be the “Year of Christian Education” as designated by His Holiness Aram I. The Feast of the Ghevontiantz is celebrated each year prior to the Vartanantz Feast. The collective name is in honor of brave clergymen who preached and fought against tyranny, during and after the war of Vartanantz. It is named after Ghevond Yerets (Leondius the Cleric), who fought in the front lines with Vartan at Avarayr. He holds a special place of honor because of his close collaboration with Vartan Mamigonian and because of the inspiring message he gave to the troops prior the decisive battle at Avarayr. According to the historians Yeghishe and Ghazar Parpetsi, the clergy who are collectively known as the “Ghevontian Saints” include: Catholicos Hovsep Hoghotsmetsi (also known as Vayorstzoretsi), Bishop Sahak Rushtouni, Bishop Tatik of Aghbak, the priests Ghevont, Arshen, Manuel, Abraham, Khoren, and deacons Kachach and Abraham. THE HOLY VOSKIAN PRIESTS Today, January 24, the Armenian Church commemorates the lives of the Voskian priests—five men who were sent to Rome by the Armenian king Sanadrook. On the road to Rome they met the Apostle Thaddeus who converted and baptized them. The leader of the five was named Voski, hence the name “Voskian Priests.” They lived as hermits for forty years, preached to the Royal Court and were martyred in 107 AD. ST. SAHAK BARTEV This Saturday, January 26, the Armenian Church remembers Catholicos Sahak (Isaac) Bartev. He was the son of St. Nerses the Great and a descendant of St. Gregory the Illuminator. He was instrumental in the invention of the Armenian alphabet with Mesrob Mashtots. He spearheaded the translation work that followed the invention of the alphabet that ushered in Armenia’s golden age of literature. He was an ardent believer in education and ecclesiastical discipline and canon law. His illustrious life ended in 437 at age 89, and with his death the line of St. Gregory the Illuminator came to an end. PRELACY PARISHES WILL READ CATHOLICOS’ MESSAGE ON YEAR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3 His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has designated the year 2008 as the “Year of Christian Education.” His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan, has instructed all parishes within the Eastern Prelacy to read the Pontiff’s message on Sunday, February 3. To read His Holiness’ message in Armenian click here. To read His Holiness’ message in English click here. ORDINATION OF DN. NISHAN BALJIAN ON FEBRUARY 16 and 17 Archbishop Oshagan has announced that Deacon Nishan Baljian will be ordained to the Holy Order of the Priesthood on Sunday, February 17, at St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Watertown, Massachusetts, where Dn. Nishan’s father, Archpriest Fr. Antranig Baljian is pastor, and a parish that the candidate attended and served for many years. The Service of Calling will take place Saturday evening, February 16. His Grace Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian is the candidate’s spiritual sponsor and Col. George Rustigian, USAF (Ret.) is his Godfather. On Sunday, February 17, with Archbishop Oshagan officiating, Dn. Nishan will be ordained and given a new name. Following the Service of Calling on Saturday evening there will be a reception in St. Stephen Church hall for all participants. A banquet will follow the Liturgy and Ordination on Sunday in honor of the newly ordained priest. Reservations are required. Contact the church office at 617-924-7562 or Josh Tevekelian at 617-926-9169. To read more about Dn. Nishan Baljian click here. LENTEN LECTURES WILL BEGIN FEBRUARY 6 The Prelacy’s Lenten Lectures series will begin on Wednesday, February 6, with a lecture on Armenian Christian Education: An Introduction by Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the Prelacy. All of the lectures will center on the Year of Christian Education. Subsequent lectures will be presented by Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, Rev. Fr. Aram Stepanian, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Dn. Shant Kazanjian, and Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian. The lectures take place at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City. Lenten service starts at 7:30, followed by the lecture, discussion, and fellowship. The lectures are under the sponsorship of the Prelacy Ladies Guild, St. Illuminator’s Cathedral Ladies Guild, and the Armenian Religious Education Council.
PRELATE AND OTHER CLERGY JOIN THE CRUISE Archbishop Oshagan returned after the popular one-week Armenian Heritage Cruise that attracts hundreds of Armenians from all over. Two other Archbishops joined the cruise this year—Archbishop Souren Kataroian and Archbishop Khajag Hagopian and several other clergymen. The clergy held a morning service each day with a short sermon of the day, attended by many of the vacationing Armenians. On Saturday, January 19, a requiem service was held for Hrant Dink on the occasion of the first anniversary of his assassination in Turkey. An overflow number of the faithful attended. During the week a town hall type of meeting took place with a panel discussion about issues and challenges facing the Armenian Church. Dr. Ara Yeretzian moderated the discussion. Panelists were Archbishops Souren, Oshagan and Khajag, and Rev. Joseph Matossian, Minister to the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America. Their primary focus was on the mechanism and process for reformation in the Armenian Church.
BLESSING OF MURON The Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia announced that His Holiness Catholicos Aram I will consecrate the Holy Muron (Holy Oil) 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, thus creating an unbroken chain with the past. The preparation of the Holy Muron is a long process and each stage is accompanied with special prayers. Prior to its blessing, the Muron remains for forty days on the altar of the Cathedral. The Muron Blessing is expected to attract a large number of pilgrims from various parts of the world. During this same period the World General Assembly of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia will convene in Antelias beginning on June 3 through to June 5. INTERNATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING 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.
BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN DOCTORAL DISSERTATION IS PUBLISHED Crossroads congratulates Bishop Anoushavan on the publication of his doctoral dissertation. The Vicar’s work is on Nerses of Lambron’s “Commentary on the Wisdom of Solomon: Introduction, Translation, and Diplomatic Edition of the Armenian Text.” His Grace has been diligently working on preparing the text for publication, using every opportunity of spare time—a rare commodity. Yesterday, Bishop Anoushavan invited His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan and the Prelacy staff to celebrate with him the culmination of many years of work at a mid-day luncheon at the Prelacy. Archbishop Oshagan voiced the congratulatory sentiments of all when he praised Bishop Anoushavan’s diligence and dedication to learning and scholarship. Bishop Anoushavan received his PhD from Columbia University in 2003 after successfully defending his dissertation. Nerses Lambronatzi was a 12th century theologian and author who lived in Cilicia—the crossroads of the East-West trade route on the Silk Road and a meeting place of many cultures. As Bishop Anoushavan points out in his Preface in the book, Nerses of Lambron is one of the outstanding church figures of the Armenian Church. He is also one of the
most controversial, because of his advocacy of a united Christendom. The Fortress of Lambron, where Nerses was born, is located in the northwest region of Cilicia in the Taurus Mountains. The natural beauty of the area and the ruins of the fortress create a painful mixture of pride and melancholy. The photo of Lambron is by Hrair Hawk Khatcherian. DAILY BIBLE READINGS Bible readings for today, January 24, are: Proverbs 24:1-12; Jeremiah 30:18-22; 2 Timothy 3:10-12; Matthew 5:1-12. Thus says the Lord: I am going to restore the fortunes of the tents of Jacob, and have compassion on his dwellings; the city shall be rebuilt upon its mound, and the citadel set on its rightful site. Out of them shall come thanksgiving, and the sound of merrymakers. I will make them many, and they shall not be few; I will make them honored, and they shall not be disdained. Their children shall be as of old, their congregation shall be established before me; and I will punish all who oppress them. Their prince shall be one of their own, their ruler shall come from their midst; I will bring him near, and he shall approach me, for who would otherwise dare to approach me? says the Lord. And you shall be my people, and I will be your God. Jeremiah 30:18-22 For listing of the week’s Bible readings click here.
THIS WEEK AT THE BOOKSTORE… First-hand accounts of genocide survivors, be it written or oral, are an important component in the realm of genocide studies and historical documentation. This week we call attention to two memoirs, recently translated and published: Passage Through Hell: A Memoir, by Armen Anush, translated by Ishkhan Jinbashian. The author was nine years old at the beginning of the Genocide. He witnessed the bloody atrocities during the forced march. He and his mother survived many trials and tribulations—sometimes miraculously. His siblings did not. When his mother dies in 1955, he is comforted that there is a grave for her. “I’ve got plenty of dead people but no graves for them,” he says. $15.00, plus shipping and handling.
The Fatal Night: An Eyewitness Account of the Extermination of Armenian Intellectuals in 1915, by Mikayel Shamtanchian; translated by Ishkhan Jinbashian. The author of this memoir lived in Istanbul, where he was a noted orator, editor, translator, and teacher in the Armenian community. In 1915, at age 41, he was one of hundreds of Armenian intellectuals and community leaders to be arrested on April 24, 1915. He was one of the few to survive from this group. While relating his story, he is also relating the story of the extermination of Istanbul’s Armenian intellectual and community leadership. $12.00, plus shipping and handling. FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THESE AND OTHER ITEMS AT THE BOOKSTORE VISIT THE PRELACY’S WEB SITE (WWW.ARMENIANPRELACY.ORG) OR CONTACT THE BOOKSTORE BY EMAIL, BOOKS@ARMENIANPRELACY.ORG OR BY TELEPHONE, 212-689-7810.
ZULAL ON WNYC-FM TONIGHT Finally, we call to your attention the following: Zulal’s new release Notes to a Crane will be featured tonight, January 24, at 11 pm on John Schaefer’s popular program, New Sounds, heard on WNYC (93.9 FM). Schaefer had previously featured the new CD as the pick of the week and had this to say: “Zulal is a New York based a cappella trio who sing traditional songs from Armenia. Notes to a Crane is their second album and it features songs that look back to a simpler time; village markets and lonely shepherds and birds migrating—a favorite image among the far flung Armenian Diaspora. There’s a bittersweet mood throughout much of the record, and even the cheerier songs have a wistful quality to them but the arrangements are lovely and in their own subtle way, quite clever.” Those of you outside the New York metro area can listen to it on WNYC’s website.
Calendar of Events
January 27—Seminar for Sunday School teachers and staff of St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Dearborn, Michigan, by Deacon Shant Kazanjian, director of the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC). Theme: Prayer—Personal and Communal. January 31—Sts. Vartanantz Day commemoration, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey. Morning service and Holy Liturgy at 10:30 am, followed by a luncheon and program by Hovnanian School students. February 2—Sts. Vartanants Sunday School, Ridgefield, New Jersey, will have a Family Poon Paregentan Celebration dinner in the church’s large hall on at 7 pm. All are welcome. $5 per person; Sunday school students are free. February 2—St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Third Annual Celebration of International Cuisine, 8 pm. Special evening of tasting gourmet cooking and dancing to DJ Allen. Reservations and advance payment required. $50. per person. For information/reservations: Amy 718-476-3050; Louiza 516-248-2955. February 3—Young Adults Bible Study Group of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, presents “Integrity in the Vartanants Battle,” a lecture by Ms. Karine Macri. Immediately following Holy Mass. Refreshments. For information: church office, 718-224-2275. February 3—Seminar for Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Church (Ridgefield, New Jersey) Sunday School teachers and staff, conducted by Deacon Shant Kazanjian, director of the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC). Theme: Understanding the sacraments of Christian initiation according to the tradition of the Armenian Orthodox Church: Baptism-Chrismation-Eucharist. February 10—Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, Annual Membership Meeting. Snow date: February 24. February 10—Soorp Khatch Armenian Apostolic Church, Bethesda, Maryland, Annual Membership Meeting at 1 p.m. following church services. Snow date: February 17. FEBRUARY 10—First lecture of a series presented by Education Committee of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, 1:15 pm. With participation of Samvel Jeshmaridian, PhD and Elize Kiregian, M.A. Information: Church office 718-224-2275 or Dr. Arthur H. Kubikian 718-786-3842. February 16 and 17—Ordination of Deacon Nishan Baljian to the Holy Order of the Priesthood, by Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, at St. Stephen’s Armenian Church, Watertown, Massachusetts. The Service of Calling to the Priesthood will take place Saturday evening, February 16, at 6 pm. The ordination and anointment will take place Sunday, February 17, during the Divine Liturgy beginning at 10 a.m. Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian will serve as Dn. Nishan’s Religious Sponsor and Col. George Rustigian will serve as his Godfather. For more information contact the church office, 617-924-7562 or Josh Tevekelian at 617-926-9169. 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, violist, and Karen Tchougourian, pianist. March 2—Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, annual membership meeting following church services. March 30—Second lecture of a series presented by St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, 1:15 pm. With participation of Samvel Jeshmaridian, PhD and Elize Kiregian, M.A. Information: church office 718-224-2275 or Dr. Arthur H. Kubikian 718-786-3842. April 20—Third lecture of a series presented by St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, 1:15 pm. With participation of Samvel Jeshmaridian, PhD and Elize Kiregian, M.A. Information: church office 718-224-2275 or Dr. Arthur H. Kubikian 718-786-3842. May 5—Mothers’ Day Luncheon, sponsored by the Prelacy Ladies Guild, St. Regis, New York City. Reception at 11:30 followed by luncheon. May 8-10—National Representative Assembly of the Eastern Prelacy, hosted by St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts. June 3-5—World General Assembly of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia will convene in Antelias, Lebanon. 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.
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