Crossroads E-Newsletter:01/30/08

JANUARY 30, 2008

THIS WEEK’S CROSSROADS E-NEWSLETTER IS BEING SENT TO YOU ON WEDNESDAY BECAUSE OF THE VARTANANTZ HOLIDAY TOMORROW.
TOMORROW IS VARTANANTZ
Tomorrow, Thursday, January 31, is Vartanantz. Vartanantz—the war between pagan Persia and Christian Armenia in 451—is usually commemorated on the Thursday preceding Great Lent. The king of Persia ordered all Christians under his rule to abandon Christianity and embrace Mazdeism. The Armenian clergy and ruling princes refused to abandon their faith. Vartan Mamigonian was the leader of the Armenians in the battle of Avarayr, and although tremendously outnumbered, the Armenians put up a valiant defense against the Persians. Vartan and many of his soldiers were killed, but with this battle the Persians realized the full extent of the commitment of the Armenians to their Christian faith. In what today would be called a “guerilla war,” the struggle continued for more than thirty years and in 484 Vahan Mamigonian, nephew of Vartan, successfully negotiated the Treaty of Nvarsag—the first document in history (predating the Magna Charta by 731 years) granting the Armenians religious freedom and home rule.

VICAR WILL BE IN NEW JERSEY TOMORROW;
RHODE ISLAND ON SUNDAY
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the Prelacy, will preside over the Divine Liturgy and deliver the Sermon tomorrow for the Vartanantz holiday at Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey. The services will be followed by a luncheon prepared by the Ladies Guild and a short program offered by the students of the Hovnanian School.

On Sunday, February 3, the Vicar will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at Sts. Vartanantz Church in Providence, Rhode Island.

150 FATHERS OF HOLY COUNCIL OF CONSTANTINOPLE
This Saturday, February 2, the Armenian Church commemorates the 150 Fathers of the Council of Constantinople, the Second Ecumenical Council convened by Emperor Theodosius in 381. It basically confirmed the work of the First Council at Nicaea, and added five articles to the Nicene Creed regarding the Holy Spirit, the Church, Baptism, and Resurrection. The Council of Constantinople is one of the three ecumenical councils recognized by the Armenian Church.

POUN PAREGENTAN
This Sunday, February 3, is Poun Paregentan (Mardi Gras). Poun Paregentan is the Sunday prior to the six-week period of Great Lent (Medz Bahk). Poun literally means “real” or “genuine” and distinguishes this Paregentan from others in the liturgical calendar prior to other periods of fasting. Poun Paregentan ushers the Faithful into the Lenten period of fasting, penance and reconciliation. During Lent the Church takes on a solemn appearance. The altar curtain is closed starting on the eve of Paregentan, symbolic of the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. Holy Communion is not offered during Lent and the Faithful are encouraged to use this period before Easter to strengthen their faith.

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.

GREAT LENT BEGINS ON MONDAY
Great Lent (Medz Bahk or Karasnortk) begins on Monday, February 4. Great Lent is the longest of the fasts in the liturgical calendar. It begins on Monday immediately following Poun Paregentan and continues for forty days until the Friday before the commemoration of the raising of Lazarus. A new period of fasting begins during Holy Week.

LENTEN LECTURES WILL BEGIN FEBRUARY 6
The Prelacy’s Lenten Lectures series will begin next 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.

For more information about the lectures click here.

CATHOLICOS ARAM I EXPRESSES CONDOLENCE
ON DEATH OF ARCHBISHOP CHRISTODOULOS
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, expressed sympathy on the passing of Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos who died on Monday, January 28, in Athens, at age 69. He led Greece’s 10 million Orthodox Christians since 1998. During this time the Archbishop raised church attendance in Greece and passionately preached reform. He was very popular with the people and often controversial.

In his letter of condolence, the Catholicos remembered their close relationship and collaboration and said, “His Beatitude played a significant role in giving new vitality to the Orthodox Church of Greece in its evangelistic, social and ecumenical witness. He opened a new page in the modern history of the church, particularly in respect to the active role of the church in the life of the people.”

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.

MUSICAL ARMENIA 25
The 25th Musical Armenia concert will take place on Sunday, March 2, at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall in New York. Featured artists are Aleksandr Nazaryan, violist; and Karen Tchougourian, pianist. Tickets are $30 and may be purchased from the Carnegie Box Office, 212-247-7800, or the Prelacy office, 212-689-7810. For information about the concert click here.

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.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for today, January 30, are: Titus 1:12-2:10; John 8:12-20

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Then the Pharisees said to him, “You are testifying on your own behalf, your testimony is not valid.” Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid because I know where I have come from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I judge no one. Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is valid; for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. In your law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is valid. I testify on my own behalf, and the Father who sent me testifies on my behalf.” Then they said to him, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” John 8:12-20

For listing of the week’s Bible readings click here.

THE WORDS OF GHEVONT YERETZ TO THE PERSIAN KING
We end this week’s Crossroads with excerpts from the words of Ghevont Yeretz spoken to the Persian king’s emissaries, as recorded by the historian Yeghisheh.

“How can we obey your ambiguous commands? At first you stated that service of worship should be rendered to the sun, but then you attributed the actual performance of such service to the king’s will. You paid your respects to the sun and thus made it evident that the sun gives aid to the creatures without a will of its own, whereas the king can freely deify whomever he pleases or enslave whomever he wishes; and yet he himself does not comprehend the truth. Do not talk to us as to children, because we are full-grown men and are not uninformed in learning. I shall answer you from the beginning.

“You said that we caused the devastation of our country and the slaughter of royal troops, did you not? Our religion does not teach us to behave in that manner; on the contrary, it commands us to respect our earthly kings and to love them unreservedly; not to look upon them as insignificant persons among men, but to serve them as we truly serve God. And should we suffer harm from them, our God has promised us the kingdom of heaven in place of that on earth. We are duty-bound not only to serve them as subjects, but to pledge our lives even unto death for our king’s sake. And as we have no right to exchange him with another master on earth, so have we no right to change our true God in heaven for another; for there is no other God.”

Calendar of Events

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 10—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 23—Seminar on the Orthodox understanding of the Book of Revelation, sponsored by the Christian Education Council of St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Featured speaker Father Paul Tarazi, Professor of Old Testament at St. Vladimir’s Seminary. Program begins at 8 am with breakfast and concludes at 12:30 with lunch. For information 215-482-9200.

February 23—Midwest Regional Conference with Board of Trustees and NRA delegates hosted by All Saints Church, Glenview, Illinois.

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 8—New England Regional Conference with Board of Trustees and NRA delegates hosted by St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts.

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.

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.

JANUARY 30, 2008
THIS WEEK’S CROSSROADS E-NEWSLETTER IS BEING SENT TO YOU ON WEDNESDAY BECAUSE OF THE VARTANANTZ HOLIDAY TOMORROW. TOMORROW IS VARTANANTZ Tomorrow, Thursday, January 31, is Vartanantz. Vartanantz—the war between pagan Persia and Christian Armenia in 451—is usually commemorated on the Thursday preceding Great Lent. The king of Persia ordered all Christians under his rule to abandon Christianity and embrace Mazdeism. The Armenian clergy and ruling princes refused to abandon their faith. Vartan Mamigonian was the leader of the Armenians in the battle of Avarayr, and although tremendously outnumbered, the Armenians put up a valiant defense against the Persians. Vartan and many of his soldiers were killed, but with this battle the Persians realized the full extent of the commitment of the Armenians to their Christian faith. In what today would be called a “guerilla war,” the struggle continued for more than thirty years and in 484 Vahan Mamigonian, nephew of Vartan, successfully negotiated the Treaty of Nvarsag—the first document in history (predating the Magna Charta by 731 years) granting the Armenians religious freedom and home rule. VICAR WILL BE IN NEW JERSEY TOMORROW; RHODE ISLAND ON SUNDAY Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the Prelacy, will preside over the Divine Liturgy and deliver the Sermon tomorrow for the Vartanantz holiday at Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey. The services will be followed by a luncheon prepared by the Ladies Guild and a short program offered by the students of the Hovnanian School. On Sunday, February 3, the Vicar will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at Sts. Vartanantz Church in Providence, Rhode Island. 150 FATHERS OF HOLY COUNCIL OF CONSTANTINOPLE This Saturday, February 2, the Armenian Church commemorates the 150 Fathers of the Council of Constantinople, the Second Ecumenical Council convened by Emperor Theodosius in 381. It basically confirmed the work of the First Council at Nicaea, and added five articles to the Nicene Creed regarding the Holy Spirit, the Church, Baptism, and Resurrection. The Council of Constantinople is one of the three ecumenical councils recognized by the Armenian Church. POUN PAREGENTAN This Sunday, February 3, is Poun Paregentan (Mardi Gras). Poun Paregentan is the Sunday prior to the six-week period of Great Lent (Medz Bahk). Poun literally means “real” or “genuine” and distinguishes this Paregentan from others in the liturgical calendar prior to other periods of fasting. Poun Paregentan ushers the Faithful into the Lenten period of fasting, penance and reconciliation. During Lent the Church takes on a solemn appearance. The altar curtain is closed starting on the eve of Paregentan, symbolic of the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. Holy Communion is not offered during Lent and the Faithful are encouraged to use this period before Easter to strengthen their faith. 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. GREAT LENT BEGINS ON MONDAY Great Lent (Medz Bahk or Karasnortk) begins on Monday, February 4. Great Lent is the longest of the fasts in the liturgical calendar. It begins on Monday immediately following Poun Paregentan and continues for forty days until the Friday before the commemoration of the raising of Lazarus. A new period of fasting begins during Holy Week. LENTEN LECTURES WILL BEGIN FEBRUARY 6 The Prelacy’s Lenten Lectures series will begin next 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. For more information about the lectures click here. CATHOLICOS ARAM I EXPRESSES CONDOLENCE ON DEATH OF ARCHBISHOP CHRISTODOULOS His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, expressed sympathy on the passing of Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos who died on Monday, January 28, in Athens, at age 69. He led Greece’s 10 million Orthodox Christians since 1998. During this time the Archbishop raised church attendance in Greece and passionately preached reform. He was very popular with the people and often controversial. In his letter of condolence, the Catholicos remembered their close relationship and collaboration and said, “His Beatitude played a significant role in giving new vitality to the Orthodox Church of Greece in its evangelistic, social and ecumenical witness. He opened a new page in the modern history of the church, particularly in respect to the active role of the church in the life of the people.” 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. MUSICAL ARMENIA 25 The 25th Musical Armenia concert will take place on Sunday, March 2, at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall in New York. Featured artists are Aleksandr Nazaryan, violist; and Karen Tchougourian, pianist. Tickets are $30 and may be purchased from the Carnegie Box Office, 212-247-7800, or the Prelacy office, 212-689-7810. For information about the concert click here. 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. DAILY BIBLE READINGS Bible readings for today, January 30, are: Titus 1:12-2:10; John 8:12-20 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Then the Pharisees said to him, “You are testifying on your own behalf, your testimony is not valid.” Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid because I know where I have come from and where I am going, but you do not know where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I judge no one. Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is valid; for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me. In your law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is valid. I testify on my own behalf, and the Father who sent me testifies on my behalf.” Then they said to him, “Where is your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” John 8:12-20 For listing of the week’s Bible readings click here. THE WORDS OF GHEVONT YERETZ TO THE PERSIAN KING We end this week’s Crossroads with excerpts from the words of Ghevont Yeretz spoken to the Persian king’s emissaries, as recorded by the historian Yeghisheh. “How can we obey your ambiguous commands? At first you stated that service of worship should be rendered to the sun, but then you attributed the actual performance of such service to the king’s will. You paid your respects to the sun and thus made it evident that the sun gives aid to the creatures without a will of its own, whereas the king can freely deify whomever he pleases or enslave whomever he wishes; and yet he himself does not comprehend the truth. Do not talk to us as to children, because we are full-grown men and are not uninformed in learning. I shall answer you from the beginning. “You said that we caused the devastation of our country and the slaughter of royal troops, did you not? Our religion does not teach us to behave in that manner; on the contrary, it commands us to respect our earthly kings and to love them unreservedly; not to look upon them as insignificant persons among men, but to serve them as we truly serve God. And should we suffer harm from them, our God has promised us the kingdom of heaven in place of that on earth. We are duty-bound not only to serve them as subjects, but to pledge our lives even unto death for our king’s sake. And as we have no right to exchange him with another master on earth, so have we no right to change our true God in heaven for another; for there is no other God.”

Calendar of Events
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 10—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 23—Seminar on the Orthodox understanding of the Book of Revelation, sponsored by the Christian Education Council of St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Featured speaker Father Paul Tarazi, Professor of Old Testament at St. Vladimir’s Seminary. Program begins at 8 am with breakfast and concludes at 12:30 with lunch. For information 215-482-9200. February 23—Midwest Regional Conference with Board of Trustees and NRA delegates hosted by All Saints Church, Glenview, Illinois. 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 8—New England Regional Conference with Board of Trustees and NRA delegates hosted by St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts. 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.

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.