FEBRUARY 21 , 2008
PRELATE AND VICAR WILL TRAVEL TO CHICAGO FOR MIDWEST REGIONAL MEETING Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan, joined by members of the Executive Council, will travel to Chicago this weekend for the Mid-West regional meeting with pastors, boards of trustees, and National Representative Assembly delegates. The regional meeting is being hosted by All Saints Church, Glenview, Illinois. Topics to be discussed include Christian Education, parish development, financial development, and this year’s commemoration of the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Church in America, and the 50th anniversary of the Prelacy under the Holy See of Cilicia. On Sunday morning Archbishop Oshagan will preside over the Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at All Saints Church. A similar regional meeting is scheduled to take place in the New England region next month.
ORDINATION IN MASSACHUSETTS Last weekend, February 16 and 17, Deacon Nishan Baljian was ordained to the Holy Order of the Priesthood by Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, and given the priestly name Stephan. The ordination took place at St. Stephen’s Armenian Church in Watertown, Massachusetts, where the newly-ordained Der Stephan’s father, Archpriest Fr. Antranig Baljian, serves as pastor. The faithful filled the church for both the Service of Calling on Saturday and the Ordination on Sunday. Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian served as the sponsoring priest and Col. George Rustigian, USAF (Ret.) served as Godfather. Der Stephan is spending his forty days of seclusion at Sts. Vartanantz Church in Providence, Rhode Island, under the guidance of the church’s pastor, Rev. Fr. Gomidas Baghsarian. Der Stephan will celebrate his first liturgy on Palm Sunday, March 16, at St. Stephen’s Church in Watertown. A detailed press release and more photographs will be available on the Prelacy’s web page next week. Photos shown are by Roy Zartarian.
VICAR ATTENDS RECEPTION FOR RELEASE OF “SCREAMERS” DVD Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar of the Prelacy, attended a reception in New York City on the occasion of the release of the DVD of “Screamers,” the award-winning documentary about modern-day genocide, beginning with the Armenian Genocide of 1915. The event was co-sponsored by Sony BMG Entertainment and the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). The invitation-only event featured the System of a Down lead singer Serj Tankian, and the director of “Screamers” Carla Garabedian. In conjunction with the DVD release, the ANCA is launching a “take Screamers to School” program, encouraging Armenian Americans and human rights advocates to donate the documentary to schools, libraries and community groups. The DVD of “Screamers” is available at major retailers and on the internet through Amazon.com. For more information click here. CATHOLICOS ARAM I CONGRATULATES NEWLY ELECTED PRESIDENT OF ARMENIA His Holiness Aram I congratulated the newly elected president of Armenia, Serj Sarksian. His Holiness sent the following message: “From the Antelias headquarters of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, we welcome your election as President of the Republic of Armenia. “Through the various responsible posts you have held during the nearly 20 years following the re-independence of Armenia, you have brought your active contribution to the strengthening of statehood in Armenia, the establishment of its institutions, the fortifying of its security and the improvement of its economy. The trust expressed by our beloved compatriots in Armenia towards you is, in addition to being a tangible expression of praise, also an expectation for you to give more and do more for the strengthening of the homeland. “We warmly greet your election. Knowing you well, we are sure that you will continue to serve our homeland’s and nation’s collective and supreme interests with renewed faith and a high level of responsibility. “We pray to God so he may strengthen you both physically and spiritually and keep our homeland and nation in Armenia and the diaspora strong and secure.” REPRESENTATIVE OF ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY VISITS CATHOLICOS ARAM I Archbishop Rowan Williams of Canterbury delegated his representative, Father Nebil Shehade, to meet with His Holiness Aram I in Antelias this week. The Catholicos and his guest discussed a number of issues with special focus on the re-launching of the theological dialogue between the Oriental Orthodox and Anglican Churches. They examined the possibilities and the means of overcoming the difficulties facing this dialogue. The Archbishop of Canterbury visited Antelias last summer and met with the Catholicos, expanding the friendship between the two spiritual leaders. Also discussed was the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) and proposals for further cooperation. As the newly elected president of the Council, the Pontiff expressed his viewpoints on this issue. Archbishop Williams was also interested in the Catholicos’ viewpoints concerning the call for cooperation made by the Amman-based Royal Aal Al-Bayt Institute. His Holiness shared with the Archbishop’s delegate his views on this matter. WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES MEETING The meeting of the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches began last Wednesday, February 13 and concluded yesterday, February 20, in Geneva, Switzerland. The two Holy Sees of the Armenian Church participated. The Catholicosate of All Armenians was represented by Archbishop Viken Aykazian and Mrs. Pola Devedjian; the Catholicosate of Cilicia was represented by Bishop Nareg Alemezian and Dr. Nora Bairakdarian-Kabakian. YEAR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 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, asked all parishes within the Eastern Prelacy to read the Pontiff’s message last Sunday, February 3. To read His Holiness’ message in Armenian click here. To read His Holiness’ message in English click here.
PRELACY LENTEN LECTURE SERIES CONTINUES The third of the six-part Prelacy Lenten program took place last night at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City, with the participation of close to seventy people. After the Husgoom Service (Peace-Compline), Rev. Fr. Aram Stepanian, pastor of St. Asdvadzadzin Church in Whitinsville, Massachusetts, and chairman of the Prelacy’s Religious Council, spoke about
“Christian Education and Moral Living.” From the outset, Der Hayr stressed that Christianity is not a religion; it is a way of life, a distinctive lifestyle that reflects the teachings of the scriptures. “Those who love me will keep my words, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them,” (John 14:23). During the Lenten season, the Church invites us to examine ourselves and see if we are living in accordance to the Gospel teachings, to see if there are things in our lives that are not God-pleasing, and change. Der Hayr went on to say that it is only through God’s help that we can live a Christ-like life. And he invited the participants to submit themselves to God. Next Wednesday, February 27, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City, will speak on “Saints and Christian Education.” The Lenten program is sponsored by the Prelacy Ladies Guild (PLG), the St. Illuminator’s Ladies Guild, and the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC). For more information about the forthcoming lectures 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. The Prelacy is organizing a pilgrimage to Antelias for the Muron blessing. Full details will be given next week. 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 from August 13 to 20, 2008, coinciding with the annual pilgrimage during the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God. Plans are underway for the Catholicosate, the Prelacy, and our Parishes to facilitate the travel of the young adults to the gathering by assisting with a portion of the travel expenses. We will give you full details next week. SAINTS REMEMBERED THIS SATURDAY This Saturday, February 23, the Armenian Church remembers Hovhan Ortznetsi, Hovhan Vorodnetsi, and Krikor Datevatsi. Hovhan Odznetsi (St. John of Otzoon) was catholicos from 717 to 728, which was a period when Armenia was under Arab rule. He defended Armenians from forced conversion and was successful in securing the right of worship for Armenian Christians. He was also successful in receiving tax-exempt status for the church. He received the title of philosopher and was educated in the Hellenic school of thought. He was highly admired and respected. Hovhan Vorodnetsi (St. John of Orotni) was born in 1315. Following his ordination he served at the monasteries of Kailitzor and Datev. He dedicated most of his efforts toward the preservation of the orthodox faith, and against the attempt to merge the Armenian Church with the Latin Church. He wrote commentaries on the Gospel of John and the epistles of St. Paul. Krikor Datevatsi (St. Gregory of Datev), born in 1346 in the province of Vayotz Tzor, is perhaps the best known of the three. He was a student of John of Orotni and a great defender of the character of the Armenian Church. He was a brilliant scholar; he knew Latin fluently and had studied the Greek philosophers extensively. He is regarded to be the greatest teacher of the Armenian Church. His most famous work is the Book of Questions (Kirk Hartsmants), which examines questions of faith. He is also credited with setting a high standard for preaching. He is often referred to as “the second Gregory the Illuminator.” SUNDAY OF THE STEWARD This Sunday, February 24, the fourth Sunday of Lent, is the Sunday of the Steward (Tntesi Kiraki). The reading on this day is from the Gospel of Luke (chapter 16, verses 1 to 8), which relates the parable of The Unrighteous Steward. This parable is about a rich man and his steward. The steward was one who looked out for his own personal benefit and through his cunning arrangements made deals with those who were in debt to his master. Jesus used this parable not to condone the behavior of the steward but rather as an illustration of qualities that have a necessary place in the life of true disciples. Since we are stewards of this world, we are accountable to our Lord for the talents we have and the things that have been entrusted to our care. Throughout his ministry, Jesus used parables as a teaching tool. His parables were common stories, usually short and always interesting. Generally, the stories were used to convey important moral and ethical messages. Some of the parables were simple and easy to comprehend. Others were complex and more challenging. “O Lord, you who have created the heavenly world of angels and established the princes of the fiery spirits as stewards there; we bless your inconceivable powers. You who have created in a lordly m manner the second world and placed the first man as a steward in the Garden of Eden; You who have built your church highest of all in mystery and have ordained in it the preacher of the word of truth as steward.” (from Armenian hymn sung on the Fourth Sunday of Lent, Sunday of the Steward) NEXT WEDNESDAY IS MEDIAN DAY OF LENT Next Wednesday, February 27, is the median day of Lent (Meechink). It is the 24th day of Lent and it occurs on the Wednesday of the fourth week of Lent. Although it does not have any specific religious significance, this mid-point day has been traditionally marked as a special day, an occasion for celebration. It is often marked with fellowship and friendship while sharing a table of Lenten foods. DAILY BIBLE READINGS Bible readings for today, February 21, are: Isaiah 45:17-26; Ephesians 3:14-4:13 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all. But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it is said, “When he ascended on high he made captivity itself a captive; he gave gifts to his people.” (When it says, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the same one who ascended far above all the heavens, so that he might fill all things.) The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.” (Ephesians 3:14-4:13) For listing of the week’s Bible readings click here. FROM THE BOOKSTORE THIS WEEK… Speaking with God from the Depths of the Heart, by St. Grigor Narekatsi. This is a perfect book for Lent (or anytime). It is a book of prayers written shortly before the first millennium of Christianity, by Gregory of Narek. They are recognized internationally as gems of Christian literature. In 95 grace-filled prayers, St. Gregory draws on the exquisite potential of the Classical Armenian language to translate the pure sighs of the broken and contrite heart into an offering of words pleasing to God. This hardcover edition includes the Armenian text and English translation superbly executed by Thomas J. Samuelian. 762 pages, $35.00, plus shipping and handling. FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THESE AND OTHER ITEMS AT THE BOOKSTORE CONTACT THE BOOKSTORE BY EMAIL (BOOKS@ARMENIANPRELACY.ORG) OR BY TELEPHONE (212-689-7810)
Calendar of Events
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). February 24—Mid-Lenten Luncheon and Special Program, hosted by Ladies’ Guild of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, New York City. For reservations/information: 212-689-5880. February 29—Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, Lenten Dinner sponsored by the Ladies Guild immediately following Friday evening Lenten services. For information and reservations, 201-440-3018. 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 11—Photo Art Exhibit featuring the work of Levon Berberian. Opening reception, 7 to 11 pm, at the Prelacy offices, New York City. Jointly sponsored by the Prelacy and the New York Mayr Chapter of the Armenian Relief Society. Proceeds will benefit the ARS Centennial Fund. The exhibition will also be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13, from 1 pm to 5 pm. 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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