MARCH 13, 2008

PASSING OF ALICE SACHAKLIAN

    Archbishop Oshagan received the sad news of the passing of Mrs. Alice Sachaklian today in Virginia. Mrs. Sachaklian was the wife of the late Col. Harry A. Sachaklian. The two were active members of the community and generous benefactors of Armenian American community, especially the Armenian Church and the Eastern Prelacy. In 2003, Mrs. Sachaklian established the “Colonel Harry A. and Alice K. Sachaklian Antelias Seminary Fund,” within the Prelacy’s Endowment Fund. Since its founding the Fund has provided financial support of seminary students who plan to enter the priesthood.

    Funeral services are expected to take place after Easter with burial at Arlington National Cemetery. Information will be provided in next week’s Crossroads.

    May her memory and good deeds be ever blessed and remembered always.

PRELATE ISSUES EASTER MESSAGE:

“THE MESSAGE OF CHRIST’S RESURRECTION”

    Archbishop Oshagan issued his Easter message to the Faithful calling upon them to live the message of Christ’s Resurrection. The Prelate’s message emphasizes the messages that those who live for Jesus live with Jesus. “For a true Christian who lives by Jesus, life is not simply a sum of days and years. We make life worthy by working toward a goal and responsibility; we make life worthy and we give meaning to life by being obedient to God’s commandments.”

    To read the entire message in Armenian click here.

    To read the entire message in English click here.

PRELATE’S HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

    This Sunday, Palm Sunday, Archbishop Oshagan will preside over the Divine Liturgy at St. Stephen Church, Watertown, Massachusetts. The Liturgy will be celebrated by the newly ordained Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian. Rev. Fr. Stephan will have completed his forty-day retreat and will celebrate his first Divine Liturgy.

    On Wednesday, March 19, the Prelate, accompanied by the Vicar, Bishop Anoushavan, and Archpriest Moushegh Der Kaloustian, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, and Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoyan, will visit the Hovnanian School in New Milford, New Jersey and the Armenian Home and Rehabilitation Center in Emerson, New Jersey.

    On Thursday, March 20, Archbishop Oshagan will officiate the Washing of the Feet and Tenebrae services at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York.

    On Friday, March 21, the Prelate will officiate over the Good Friday services at Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey.

    On Easter Eve, March 22, His Eminence will officiate over Easter Eve services at St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia.

    On Easter Sunday the Prelate will celebrate Easter services at St. Illuminator Cathedral, New York City.

VICAR’S HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

    Bishop Anoushavan will celebrate the Divine Liturgy this Sunday, Palm Sunday, at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York.

    On Thursday the Vicar will preside over the Washing of the Feet and Tenebrae services at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence.

    On Friday he will preside over the service of Entombment of our Lord Jesus Christ, at Holy Trinity Church, Worcester.

    On Saturday he will preside over the Easter Eve Liturgy at St. Gregory Church, North Andover.

    On Sunday, Easter Sunday, he will celebrate the Liturgy at St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown.

VISITS TO ARMENIAN HOME AND ST. SARKIS SENIORS

    Yesterday morning, March 12, Archbishop Oshagan, Bishop Anoushavan, Archpriest Mousegh Der Kaloustian, Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, and Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian visited the Armenian Home in  Flushing, New York, and later they visited with the Senior Citizens group at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. The clergymen conducted a short religious service for the residents of the home and visited with them, personally greeting them. Later, the clergy shared lunch and fellowship with the St. Sarkis senior citizens group.

40^TH ANNIVERSARY OF ORDINATION OF ARCHPRIEST ARSHAG DAGHLIAN

    Under the auspices of Archbishop Oshagan, the 40^th anniversary of Archpriest Fr. Arshag Daghlian will be celebrated on Saturday, March 29, at St. Stephen’s Church Hall, Watertown, Massachusetts. Dinner will be served at 6 pm, followed by a program. Reservations for the event (donation of $20), can be made by contacting the church at 617-924-7562.

NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY

    The Eastern Prelacy’s National Representative Assembly will be hosted by St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, May 8-10. Information for delegates, including hotel reservations, meal plans, and airport shuttle service are on the Prelacy web page. Additional information will be posted on a regular basis, so check the site often. In addition to the NRA, the National Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG) will be meeting and celebrating its 25^th anniversary; and a conference of Yeretzgeens will take place. To get to the NRA site click here.

PLEASE NOTE: THE DEADLINE FOR HOTEL RESERVATIONS HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO APRIL 16. DELEGATES HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED THEIR INFORMATION PACKETS; PLEASE MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS BEFORE APRIL 16 IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THE SPECIAL RATE. INFORMATION IS ALSO ON THE PRELACY WEB SITE.

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.” 

    To read His Holiness’ message in Armenian click here.

    To read His Holiness’ message in English click here.

PRELACY LENTEN LECTURE SERIES CONCLUDES

    The sixth and final Prelacy Lenten program took place last night at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City with the participation of more than fifty people, presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan. After the Husgoom Service (Peace-Compline), Bishop Anoushavan, spoke about the “Family as Christian Educator.: Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian, pastor of St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts, was scheduled to speak last night, but due to unforeseen pastoral duties, he was unable to participate.

    Parents are the primary faith instructors of their children, said Bishop Anoushavan. The single most important factor in passing faith on to the children is the faith of the parents, faith lived out and expressed in its various dimensions and manifestations. He went on to say that adults too need Christian education, which many dismiss or minimize. That’s why he said, His Holiness Catholicos Aram designated this year as the “Year of Christian Education” and not simply as the year of Sunday School. Christian education is not only for children but especially for adults. Srpazan Hayr also spoke about the role of the extended family—the church community, Armenian centers and various organizations—in the shaping of the Armenian Christian character of our children and youth.

    During this final Lenten program, the participants were blessed to hear Archbishop Oshagan reflect on the theme of “Christian education.” Family, Church, and School—these are the contexts for Christian education and formation, he said. All three are essential and go hand-in-hand. But family has a central role. It is at home that family members experience, exhibit and demonstrate love, obedience and faithfulness. His Eminence emphasized that Christian education is not merely learning about the Bible; it is living the teachings of the Bible. He said Christ expects us not only to hear his words but also practice them (Matthew 7:24-27).

    In conclusion, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of the Cathedral, thanked the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), the speakers, the Prelacy Ladies Guild (PLG), the St. Illuminator’s Ladies Guild, the participants, and all those individuals who contributed to the Prelacy Lenten program.

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. For details click here.

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. For information contact your local parish.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS

    Bible readings for today, March 13, are: Ezekiel 37:1-14; 1 Timothy 3:14-16.

    The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me all around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. He said to me, “Mortal, can these bones live?” I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. I will lay sinews on you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am the Lord.” So I prophesied as I had been commanded; and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them; but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to the  breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.” I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude. Then he said to me, “Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.’ Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord God: I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people. I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act, says the Lord.” Ezekiel 37:1-14

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

REMEMBRANCE OF THE RAISING OF LAZARUS

    This Saturday, March 15, the Armenian Church remembers the raising of Lazarus as told in the Gospel of John, Chapter 11. The brother of Mary and Martha, Lazarus and his sisters were good friends of Jesus. Their home in Bethany, near Jerusalem, was Jesus’ home whenever he was in Jerusalem. Lazarus’s sudden death threw his sisters into deep mourning. Jesus also wept for His friend. John’s gospel account emphasizes the fact that Lazarus was indeed dead by pointing out that his body was in the tomb. Jesus’ raising of Lazarus convinced many of His unique powers, and according to John, the authorities took steps to silence Him.

    Lazarus personifies the whole of humankind and Bethany represents the whole world. Lazarus Saturday is the real beginning of the Cross, as the supreme sacrifice of love, and the Resurrection, as the ultimate triumph of love. A hymn traditionally sung on Saturday evening g (eve of Palm Sunday) says: “With the raising of Lazarus by which the dead were given hope, the descendents of Adam were also raised….” Thus, as the Lenten period comes to an end, we are greeted by the hope of Christ’s promise of the resurrection of humankind.

PALM SUNDAY AND HOLY WEEK

    In a few days we will enter the most solemn period of Christendom—Holy Week—leading us to Christianity’s most joyous period, Easter and the celebration of the Resurrection. The week before Easter marks a series of events in the life of Jesus that were ordained or prophesied. These events include the resurrection of Lazarus (as described above) and the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, which we commemorate on Palm Sunday (Tzaghkazard). Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey, as described centuries before by the prophet Zechariah. A large enthusiastic crowd greeted Him with olive and palm branches, and with the words, “Hosanna! Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord” (John 12:13).

    On Palm Sunday the altar curtain, which was closed at the beginning of Lent, is opened. The palms are blessed and distributed to the faithful. The traditional procession of young children, dressed in their finest clothes, carrying decorated candles is an impressive sight as the long procession of happy children parade around the church. On the evening of Palm Sunday the faithful gather at the door for the service of the Opening of the Doors (Drnbatsek), symbolizing the opening of the doors to the Kingdom of God. The priest kneels before the doors and says, “Open to us Lord, the door of mercy.” In most diasporan communities, especially in the United States, this service now takes place immediately after the Divine Liturgy on Palm Sunday, rather than in the evening.

    Each day of Holy Week (Avak Shabat) is a holy day. Monday commemorates the barren fig tree (Matthew 21:18-20). Tuesday commemorates the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:13). Wednesday commemorates the Anointment and Betrayal of Christ. Thursday is Maundy Thursday, which originates from the command of Christ that His disciples love one another (John 13:34). In the evening the Washing of the Feet (Votunlva) ceremony takes place in remembrance of the events of the Last Supper. In late evening the betrayal and torment of Christ, Tenebrae (Khavaroom), is commemorated. Twelve small candles and one large candle are placed before the closed altar. Seven chapters are read from the Gospel, describing Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal of Judas, and denial by Peter, interspersed with the readings, hymns, composed by Nerses Shnorhali are sung. After each reading a candle from each side is extinguished in the darkened sanctuary.

    Good Friday commemorates the death and burial of Jesus and is the most solemn and sacred day in the Christian calendar. In the Armenian Church tradition, during evening Vespers a tomb is prepared and decorated with flowers and candles. The faithful bring flowers and decorate the tomb throughout the service.

THE INSPIRING MUSIC OF HOLY WEEK

    The Armenian Church’s hymns of Holy Week, from Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem to his passion and crucifixion, to his burial and resurrection, comprise some of the most beautiful and inspiring music ever created.

    Palm Sunday is the first outburst of joy after the somber Lenten period, and the hymn “Rejoice, O Holy Church” (Oorakh Ler) expresses the joy of Palm Sunday. “Rejoice, O Holy Church, at the advent of the Holy Only-begotten, rejoice and delight with all the saints. Blessed are you. You who came, King of the universe.”

    During the Opening of the Doors (Drnbatsek) ceremony, the beautiful hymn, “Open for us, Lord” (Pats Mez Der) is sung at the door of the church or in front of the closed altar. “We beseech You, O Lord, open for us, open for us, Lord, the gate of Your mercy, we beseech You imploringly, O Lord.”

    During the vigil on Maundy Thursday some of the most melodious and memorable hymns are sung including “My Heart Trembles” (Sird im Sasani); “Seized by the Love of Money” (Ardsatsirootyampun Molyal), and the heartbreaking “Where Are You, O Mother?” (Oor Es Mayr Im). “Where are you, most sweet mother? I fervently seek your motherly love. My eyes are filled with bitter tears; I have no one to wipe them away. Where are you, my mother?”

EASTER—THE MOVABLE FEAST

    A good number of Crossroad readers have asked us to explain how the dates for Easter are calculated and why Easter and Passover do not always coincide. It’s a complicated issue, but next week we will try to condense it into a short and understandable explanation.

FROM THE BOOKSTORE THIS WEEK…

    This week the Prelacy Bookstore is featuring books related to the Armenian Genocide.

    Passage to Ararat by Michael J. Arlen. This is a paperback edition of the 1975 national book award winner which is still one of the best presented and readable accounts of Armenian history including the Genocide period. $16.00, plus shipping and handling.

    Warrant for Genocide, by Vahakn N. Dadrian provides an understanding of the underlying causes of Armenian genocide. As with all of Dadrian’s works it is thoroughly researched, documented, and meticulously edited. $30.00, plus shipping and handling.

    Black Dog of Fate by Peter Balakian, is a memoir of a young Armenian American who discovers the full story of his Armenian roots and his life takes a different road. Balakian is a superb writer and this memoir is highly recommended. Soft cover edition, $19.95, plus shipping and handling.

    The Banality of Indifference by Yair Auron explores Zionism and the Armenian Genocide. Based on extensive research, the author sheds new light on Zionist history. Soft cover edition, $29.95, plus shipping and handling.

    Hagop: An Armenian Genocide Survivor’s Journey to Freedom, by Theodore D. Kharpertian, is the story of Hagop Kharpertian, the sole survivor in his family following the Armenian Genocide of 1915. This poignant family memoir is written by his son. Soft cover edition, $13.00, plus shipping and handling.

    So I Will Till the Ground, Poems by Gregory Djanikian. A beautiful book of poetry filled with remembrance, echoing the words of Milan Kundera that “the struggle of man against power is the struggle of memory against forgetting.”  Soft cover, $14.95, plus shipping and handling.

The Bookstore has many more books related to the Genocide. Click here.

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)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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. Click here for details.

May 8 and 9—National Association of Ladies Guild (NALG) conference in conjunction with the National Representative Assembly, celebrating the 25^th anniversary of the NALG, will take place at St. Stephen 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. Click here for details.

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.

September 25—Sixth annual golf outing hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, at River Vale Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey. For information contact Richard Krikorian 201-784-2236 or church office 201-943-2950.

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

Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy’s web site.

To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox, add email@armenianprelacy.org to your address book.

Items in Crossroads can be reproduced without permission. Please credit Crossroads as the source.

Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about their major events to be included in the calendar. Send to: info@armenianprelacy.org