APRIL 3, 2008

40^TH ANNIVERSARY OF ORDINATION OF ARCHPRIEST ARSHAG DAGHLIAN

A beautiful and fitting tribute took place last weekend for Archpriest Fr. Arshag Daghlian in celebration of the 40^th anniversary of his ordination. More than two hundred family members, friends, clergy, and parishioners attended the testimonial to honor the revered clergyman. The event, which was under the auspices of the Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan, took place at St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, last Saturday evening. Archbishop Oshagan described him as a faithful servant saying, “Wherever he has gone, he has brought the vision of Christ with him.”

Photo: Archpriest Fr. Arshag and

Yn. Lucy Daghlian.

To read the press release about the event and view more photographs click here.

VICAR IN TORONTO

Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar of the Prelacy, returned from Toronto, Canada, where he participated, on behalf of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, in a 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. The meetings took place Tuesday and Wednesday, April 1 and 2.

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN BLESSES NEW PLAYGROUND

AT ST. STEPHEN’S ARMENIAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Archbishop Oshagan blessed the new nursery school playground at St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School, Watertown, Massachusetts, on March 16. Present at the blessing and ribbon cutting were Mr. & Mrs. Noubar and Anna Afeyan, the sponsors of the new playground, which they dedicated to the memory of their parents, Badrig and Anais Afeyan. The School’s principal, Houry Boyamian, and assistant principal, Heather Krafian, were joined by school board members, parents, staff members, and parishioners to witness the blessing. The playground, which adjoins the nursery school building, contains an innovative play struc ture as well as swings.

Photo: Ribbon cutting ceremony, left to right, Archbishop Oshagan, Noubar, Anna, Lena, Alexander, Taline and Armine Afeyan, and Archpriest Fr. Antranig Baljian.

BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN’S BOOK TO BE PRESENTED

Archbishop Oshagan is hosting a book presentation and celebration of the recently published “Archbishop Nerses Labronaci: Commentary on the Wisdom of Solomon,” by Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, on Friday, May 2, at 7 p.m., at St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York. Bishop Anoushavan received his PhD from Columbia University in 2003 after successfully defending his doctoral dissertation. This newly published book is the text of that dissertation.

VICAR IN NEW JERSEY THIS SUNDAY

Bishop Anoushavan will preside over the Divine Liturgy at Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey, this Sunday, April 6. Following the Liturgy he will attend an event organized by the ARF honoring Mrs. Rachel Dink,  the widow of the late Hrant Dink. Later the same day he will attend an event at the Armenian Iranian Society center in Great Neck, New York, "An Evening in Concert."

MAJOR RENOVATION OF ST. ILLUMINATOR CATHEDRAL BEGINS

Major renovation of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City has begun. Starting this Sunday, April 6, until further notice, the Divine Liturgy will be offered on Sundays at 10:40 a.m. at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47^th Street, Woodside, New York. For information contact the church office at 212-689-5880.

PHOTO ART EXHIBIT ON APRIL 11

A Photo Art Exhibit featuring the work of Levon Berberian will take place at the Prelacy on April 11, 12, and 13. Jointly sponsored by the Prelacy and the New York Mayr Chapter of the Armenian Relief Society, the proceeds will benefit the ARS Centennial Fund. The opening reception will take place Friday, April 11 from 7 to 11 pm. The exhibition will also be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13 from 1 pm to 5 pm.

CATHOLICOS ARAM HOSTS ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION BETWEEN

UNITED NATIONS DELEGATION AND COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES

His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, hosted a roundtable discussion last week. The event was attended by a United Nations delegation headed by Ms. Consuelo Vidal, UN Resident Coordinator and UN Development Program Resident Representative in Armenia, and 50 representatives of Lebanese-Armenian community organizations.

The purpose of the roundtable was to share information and exchange ideas regarding the UN’s development and reform activities in Armenia, and to unveil and discuss the UNDP’s “Global Armenia” initiative. “Global Armenia” seeks to establish a multi-faceted partnership between the UNDP and the Diaspora, with the goal of fostering democracy and prosperity in the Homeland.

CATHOLICOS ARAM DISCUSSES ECUMENICAL MOVEMENT

IN INTERVIEW WITH GERMAN MAGAZINE

His Holiness Catholicos Aram I discussed interchurch and interfaith issues during an interview with the German magazine Schneller. In the interview the Pontiff stressed that churches should start viewing the ecumenical movement from a different perspective. The world is witnessing new developments, the Catholicos said, and the role of religion is becoming more emphasized in people’s lives. The church cannot remain indifferent towards these trends, the Catholicos maintained, adding that the ecumenical movement was in need of a fresh self-recognition, novel approaches towards the current world’s challenges and a new agenda.

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 27-29. 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.

VATICAN COURTYARD DEDICATED TO ST. GREGORY

A press release from the Vatican describes the recent naming of the St. Gregory the Illuminator Courtyard on the north side of St. Peter’s Basilica.  The formal ceremony was presided by Pope Benedict XVI. The press release states: “St. Gregory is no stranger to the courtyard now named after him. In January 2005, Pope John Paul II presided over the unveiling of a statue of the bearded and mitered saint in a niche of the basilica facing the courtyard…. The Pope told the group, “More than 17 centuries ago, this great saint made the Armenians a Christian people, the first nation to declare itself officially Christian. By calling the saint the Illuminator, Armenians recognize that he led the people from darkness to the light of Christ, but also that through his teaching and preaching he shed light on the truth about human life.

IMMIGRATION HERITAGE WEEK IN NEW YORK

The Anthropology Museum of the People of New York and the Armenian Cultural Education Resource Center Gallery, will be celebrating Immigration Heritage Week, April 14 to April 20. Joining them in the celebration is the Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School in Bayside, New York. A number of exhibits and events are planned at the Museum which is located at 64-19 Kissena Boulevard, Kissena Hall at Queens College, Flushing, New York. The Museum will be open from 1 to 5 pm during the week-long celebration. For information: 718-428-5650.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS

Bible readings for today, Thursday, April 3 are: Luke 5:12-16; Acts 8:3-13; James 5:1-11; John 1:35-42; Matthew 5:17-48; Mark 1:35-45.

In the morning, when it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons. A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, “If you choose, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, “I do choose. Be made clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, saying to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a  testimony to them.” But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter. (Mark 1:35-45)

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

GREEN SUNDAY

This Sunday, April 6, is the third Sunday of Easter, known as Green Sunday (Ganach Giragee) and Sunday of the World Church (Ashkharhamadoor). The concept of “Green Sunday” most probably comes from an ancient folk holiday celebrating spring. Our forefathers, seeing mother earth bloom after long winter months, glorified the Creator with an act of thanksgiving and celebrated by decorating the Church and themselves with greenery. Green is the color of life, freshness and promise. After a barren winter we are filled with hope, life and love.  This Sunday is also known as “World Church Sunday” in the sense of the church belonging to the whole world beginning with Christ and the Apostles who met regularly to pray and partake of the Holy Sacrament of Communion. Perhaps it is an appropriate time for us to remember our obligations to be good stewards of the earth and the gifts that have been given to us by God.

ANNUNCIATION OF THE HOLY VIRGIN MARY

This Monday, April 7, is the Feast of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, which comes nine months before Christmas on the seventh of April in the Armenian Liturgical calendar. It is the celebration of the announcing of the forthcoming birth of Christ to the Virgin Mary as recorded in the Gospel of Luke. Normally this feast falls during the Lenten season, but because of the early Easter date this year, it comes after Easter. One of the Gospel readings on this day (Luke 1:26-38) demonstrates Mary’s faithful response and willingness to say yes to God and fulfill all prophecies by bearing the Son of God. Mary is greeted with an exalted salutation by the angel Gabriel because, in her destiny to be the mother of Christ, she is the most blessed woman of all time. This episode is recorded only in Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus.

FROM THE BOOKSTORE THIS WEEK…

This year is the Centennial of the birth of William Saroyan. He was born on August 31, 1908. Saroyan, who dropped out of school before he finished the eighth grade, was a complex individual, but his stories were always filled with optimism even in the worst of times like the 1930s Depression. He knew he wanted to be a writer at an early age and that is what he did. His education came from his voracious appetite for reading, contemporary writers and especially the great classic writers. Many of his early stories appeared in the English language Hairenik; he continued a lifelong relationship with the Hairenik and that publication’s “two Jimmys”—James Mandalian and James Tashjian.

His play The Time of Your Life won both the Pulitzer Prize and the Drama Critics Award in 1939. He refused the Pulitzer Prize, including the monetary award, because he said, “commerce should not judge the arts.” Saroyan died in Fresno, California (a place where many of his stories were set) on May 18, 1981. In his last article for the International Herald Tribune he wrote, “I know everyone has to die, but I thought there would be an exception for me.”

The Bookstore has a number of books by Saroyan and about Saroyan. It is worthwhile to get to know this writer a little more intimately.

The William Saroyan Reader, a comprehensive anthology of the major writings of William Saroyan, including the story that first made him internationally famous, “The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze.” Soft cover, $15.95 plus shipping and handling.

Boys and Girls Together, a novel by William Saroyan. Saroyan’s characters were flawed, but he always managed to make them likeable to the reader. This story which appears to be about one specific family is actually a universal story of human nature. Soft cover, $10.00 plus shipping and handling.

Here Comes, There Goes, You Know Who, an autobiography by William Saroyan. This is his story, told in the distinctive Saroyan-style. It is not an autobiography in the true sense of the word. Each chapter stands alone as a story, but when you finish this book you understand much about Saroyan and his world. Soft cover, $14.95, plus shipping and handling.

Willie and Varaz: Memories of My Friend William Saroyan, by Varaz Samuelian. The well-known artist, Varaz, was a lifelong friend of William Saroyan. This short book provides the reader with insight into Saroyan’s personality and what it meant to be his friend. Hard cover, $30.00, plus shipping and handling.

A Daring Young Man: A Biography of William Saroyan, by John Leggett. This is the definitive biography of William Saroyan, from his birth, the early death of his father, his mother’s struggle to survive, the years he spent in an orphanage, to the time he became an international sensation, his two marriages to the same woman, his extravagance and addiction to gambling, his estrangement from his son and daughter, and his death from cancer at age 72. Hardcover, $30.00, 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).

PLEASE CHECK YOUR ATTICS AND BASEMENTS….

This year, as many of you know, we are marking a dual anniversary: the 110^th anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Church in America by Catholicos Mgrditch (Khrimian Hairig), and the 50^th anniversary of the Prelacy under the Holy See of Cilicia. We are seeking any type of memorabila, especially photographs, covering the tenures of Archbishop Hrant Khatchadourian (1958-1973) and Archbishop Karekin Sarkissian (1973-1977). Anything you have will be returned to you safe and sound after we scan them for use in a forthcoming book. Please contact us by email at Info@armenianprelacy.org or by telephone 212-689-7810, Extension 23.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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