MARCH 27, 2008

FAITHFUL FILL PRELACY CHURCHES AT HOLY WEEK SERVICES

    From reports received from our parishes, Holy Week services, beginning with Palm Sunday and ending on Easter Sunday, were attended by the Faithful in large numbers. Archbishop Oshagan celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City which was filled to capacity.

    Easter—the Feast of the Resurrection of Christ—is the most revered and oldest feast in the Christian calendar, preceded by the most prolonged season of preparation.

    Photos: Archbishop Oshagan offering Communion at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral and engaging in the cracking of eggs with children following the service.

EASTER IN ANTELIAS

    The joyous resurrection of Jesus Christ was marked in Antelias with Holy Mass officiated by His Holiness Aram I. Heading the procession that started at the Veharan, the Catholicos entered the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator, passing through the ranks of the faithful, as the church bells tolled.

    In his message, the Catholicos inspired strength in believers through the victory of Jesus Christ’s Resurrection. He spoke about the freedom achieved by Christ, describing freedom as a God-given value. The Pontiff spoke about the same kind

of freedom from the perspective of our national life, particularly in relation to the freedom of our homeland. He recalled with pain the recent developments in Armenia following the presidential elections. Emphasizing the importance of our nation’s care towards its homeland, His Holiness said, “During this feast of man’s liberation achieved through Jesus Christ’s resurrection, we once again turn our attention to our homeland. The Armenian nation, whether in Armenia or the Diaspora, is concerned about the tragic scenes that took place recently in Armenia. It is not possible to remain indifferent in such situations. Armenia is the homeland of all Armenians. Similar to our compatriots living in Armenia, the children of our nation dispersed around the globe by circumstances beyond their control, have obligation and rights towards their homeland.”

PRELATE WILL TRAVEL TO MONTREAL FOR HADJETIAN FUNERAL

    Archbishop Oshagan will go to Montreal tomorrow to attend the Funeral services for Dikran Hadjetian who passed away last week. The Wake is scheduled for tomorrow evening, with the funeral service on Saturday. Archbishop Oshagan will deliver the eulogy. Mr. Hadjetian’s remains will be transferred to Armenia at a later date for interment at the Noravank Monastery, whose extensive renovation was sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Hadjetian. Mr. Hadjetian was a delegate to the World General Assembly, a delegate to the National Representative Assembly, a Prince of Cilicia, and a long-time benefactor of the Armenian Church.

40^TH ANNIVERSARY OF ORDINATION OF ARCHPRIEST ARSHAG DAGHLIAN

    Under the auspices of Archbishop Oshagan and the Religious Council of the Prelacy, the 40^th anniversary of Archpriest Fr. Arshag Daghlian will be celebrated this Saturday, March 29, at St. Stephen’s Church Hall, Watertown, Massachusetts. Archbishop Oshagan will attend and preside. 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.

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL BE IN WATETOWN ON SUNDAY

    This Sunday, March 30, Archbishop Oshagan will preside over the Divine Liturgy at St. Stephen Church in Watertown, Massachusetts.

VICAR WILL TRAVEL TO TORONTO

    Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General of the Prelacy, will travel to Toronto, Canada, this weekend for a number of duties. On Sunday, March 30, he has been invited to celebrate the Divine Liturgy at St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Toronto, where on Monday, March 31, he will deliver a lecture on “The Year of Christian Education.”

    On April 1 and 2, His Grace will participate in the Joint Meeting of the World Council of Churches Relations Committee (WCCR) and the United States Conference for the World Council of Churches Board of Directors, which will take place in Toronto. In addition to his duties at Vicar of the Prelacy, Bishop Anoushavan is the Ecumenical Officer in the United States for the Catholicosate of Cilicia.

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.

2008 DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM

    Plans are underway for the 22^nd annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer Program, for youth ages 13-18. Sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), the program will take place at St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, June 29 to July 6, 2008. By popular demand, this year the Institute will extend the Summer Program by a weekend retreat (optional) June 26-29. For details 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. 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, Thursday, March 27 are: Acts 4:13-31; James 1:13-27; Matthew 5:1-12; Evening Gospels: Luke 24:36-40; Matthew 5:1-12

    “No one, when tempted, should say, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one. But one is tempted by one’s own desire, being lured and enticed by it; then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death. Do not be deceived, my beloved. Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures. You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; for your anger does not produce God’s righteousness. Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing. If any think they are religious, and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, their religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. (James 1:13-27).

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

NEW SUNDAY

    This Sunday, March 30, is “New Sunday.” Easter Sunday is followed by a period of fifty days (Hinoonk) during which there are no fasting days or saints days. This period, from the Resurrection to Pentecost (Hogegaloost) is dedicated to the glorification of the Resurrection. Each of the seven Sundays of Hinoonk has a separate name. This Sunday, the first Sunday after Easter, is called New Sunday (Nor Kiraki), since the first day of the week through Christ’s resurrection became consecrated and Sunday became a dominical day. By virtue of its being the eighth day of Easter and a day similar to Easter, it is also called Second Easter (Grgnazadig, which literally means Easter repeated).

    One of the readings on New Sunday is from the powerful first chapter of the Gospel according to St. John, which proclaims Jesus as the Son of God, the Word made flesh.

FROM THE BOOKSTORE THIS WEEK…

KATCHAZ: WORKS FROM 1958 TO 1964

This oversize art book features reproductions of the works of this well-known artist, plus text (Armenian and English) about the artist and his work and a Foreword by Shahen Khatchatrian. Published in 2004, the Bookstore has a limited number of copies. $50.00 plus shipping and handling.

FLAMES OF ARTSAKH by Peter Khanbegian

This novel continues to follow the characters introduced in an earlier book (Garoong). The quick-paced saga expertly merges fiction and history to produce a compelling story. You need not have read the earlier novel to understand and enjoy this. Special price, $10.00 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).

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.

April 27—Armenian Genocide Commemoration at Times Square, New York City, 2 pm. Sponsored by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan. Co-sponsored by the AGBU, Armenian Assembly of America, ANCA, ADL-RAG and S.D. Hunchagians. With the participation of the Diocese of the Armenian Church, Prelacy of the Armenian Church, AMAA, Armenian Presbyterian Church, Armenian Evangelical Church and Armenian Catholic Eparchy for U.S. and Canada, and Armenian youth organizations. Free bus transportation from Armenian churches in New York and New Jersey; Baruyr’s, 40^th & Queens Boulevard, and Hovnanian School, New Milford, New Jersey. For information: Sam: 516-352-2587; Leo: 201-746-0409; Ara: 973-759-7518; John: 718-631-2247.

May 2—Presentation of the recent publication of Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian’s Archbishop Nerses Lambronaci: Commentary on the Wisdom of Solomon, 7 pm, at St. Sarkis Church, 38-65  234^th St., Douglaston, New York.

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 3—Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, Blessing of the Grapes picnic. Camp Haiastan, Franklin, Massachusetts, noon to 6 pm, rain or shine.

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