APRIL 17, 2008

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL PARTICIPATE IN

ECUMENICAL SERVICE FOR POPE BENEDICT

    His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan will represent the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, at a special Ecumenical Prayer Service at Saint Joseph Parish in the Yorkville section of Manhattan on the occasion of the first visit to the United States of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI, tomorrow, Friday, April 18.  The service will be followed by a dinner reception.

    The Pope’s New York itinerary includes an address to the United Nations, a Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, visit to Ground Zero, Youth Rally, and Mass at Yankee Stadium.

PASSING OF YERETZGEEN MARIE GHAZARIAN

    Archbishop Oshagan expressed his sympathy on the passing of Yeretzgeen Marie Ghazarian, who died this week in Montreal. She was the yeretzgeen of Archpriest Fr. Vahan, of blessed memory, and the sister of Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Prelate of Canada. The wake will take place tomorrow, Friday, April 18, at St. Hagop Church in Montreal. The funeral service will take place at St. Asdvadzadzin Church in Toronto on Saturday, followed by interment. She is survived by her three children, Haroutune, Christine, Vartouhi, and their families.

BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN IN ARMENIA

    Bishop Anoushavan is in Armenia where he is participating in the meetings of the Committee for Canonizing the Armenian Martyrs, at Holy Etchmiadzin, which began on Tuesday and will continue through tomorrow, Friday, April 18. Bishop Anoushavan is representing the Catholicosate of Cilicia, together with Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, Prelate of Tehran, and Bishop Papken Charian, Prelate of Isfahan.

PRELATE ORDAINS ACOLYTES IN NORTH ANDOVER

    Last Sunday Archbishop Oshagan visited the parish of St. Gregory the Illuminator of Merrimack Valley, in North Andover, Massachusetts, where he presided over the Liturgy on Sunday, ordained seven acolytes, and consecrated a new painting for the church.

    The newly ordained acolytes are: John Mahlebjian, Nicholas Kulungian, Matthew Kochakian, Nicholas Kochakian, Denis Teague, Jacob Gostanian, and Timothy Kublbeck. The oil painting of Vartan Mamigonian is the work of the artist Marlen from Armenia; it was donated to the church by Eliza Krikorian.

Photos: Archbishop Oshagan delivers the sermon. Archbishop Oshagan and Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian with the newly-ordained acolytes.

PRELATE WILL PARTICIPATE IN MARTYRS DAY COMMEMORATIONS

    Archbishop Oshagan will participate in a number of commemorations on the occasion of the 93^rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

    On Wednesday, April 23, the Prelate will travel to Washington, DC, where he will participate in observances on Capitol Hill organized by the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues.

    On Thursday, April 24, the Prelate will preside at a Divine Liturgy in memory of the Martyrs at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. The celebrant will be Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral. The service will begin at 7 pm.

    On Friday, April 25, Archbishop Oshagan will participate in ceremonies at New York’s City Hall, organized by the Armenian National Committee of New York.

    On Sunday, April 27, the Prelate will participate in the Times Square Gathering, organized by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, and supported by all Armenian religious groups and major Armenian organizations.

GROUNDBREAKING FOR FOUNDERS’ HALL AT

ST. GREGORY CHURCH IN PHILADELPHIA TAKES PLACE

    Last Sunday, April 13, Bishop Anoushavan celebrated the Liturgy and presided over the groundbreaking of Founders’ Hall at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Philadelphia.

    The expansion will provide new and larger Sunday school rooms, a more up-to-date kitchen, a new general purpose room, a new larger main hall, and storage space.

Photo: Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian and Archpriest Fr. Nerses Manoogian, with Bill Arthin, chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Stepanian, major benefactors to the expansion project. To view more photos click here.

EPISCOPAL ORDINATIONS IN ANTELIAS

    His Holiness Aram I will officiate over the Episcopal consecration of V. Rev. Fr. Norair Ashekian and V. Rev. Fr. Shahe Panossian, this Sunday, April 20, in the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator in Antelias, Lebanon. Father Norair serves as the director of the Holy See’s publishing house. Father Shahe is well-known to the Eastern Prelacy community. He has served the South Florida community, All Saints Church in Glenview, Illinois, St. Asdvadzadzin in Toronto, and most recently Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey. Currently he is the dean of the Cilician Theological Seminary in Bikfaya, Lebanon.

EXECUTIVE AND RELIGIOUS COUNCILS WILL MEET THIS WEEKEND

    The Executive and Religious Councils of the Prelacy will convene their monthly meeting beginning tomorrow, Friday, April 18, through Saturday, April 19, at the Prelacy offices in New York City.

BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN’S BOOK TO BE PRESENTED

    Archbishop Oshagan is hosting a book presentation and celebration of the recently published book, “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. The book, which will be introduced by Professor Peter Cowe of UCLA, arose from his doctoral dissertation. Bishop Anoushavan received his PhD from Columbia University in 2003 after successfully defending his doctoral dissertation and was awarded the degree with distinction at the unanimous recommendation of the examining committee.

PLG MOTHERS DAY LUNCHEON

    The Prelacy Ladies Guild’s popular Mothers Day Luncheon will take place on Monday, May 5, at The St. Regis, Fifth Avenue and 55^th Street, New York City. Reception is at 11:30 a.m., followed by the luncheon at 12:30. Mrs. Mary Mardoian will be honored as the Mother of the Year. For reservations contact the Prelacy office, 212-689-7810.

MAJOR RENOVATION UNDERWAY AT ST. ILLUMINATOR CATHEDRAL;

PRELATE WILL PRESIDE THIS SUNDAY AT TEMPORARY LOCATION

    Major renovation of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City has begun. Until the renovation is completed the Divine Liturgy will be offered every Sunday at 10:40 a.m. at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47^th Street, Woodside, New York. This Sunday Archbishop Oshagan will attend and preside over the Liturgy at the Cathedral’s temporary location.

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. 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.

CATHOLICOS ARAM AND PATRIARCH PAULOS ADDRESS

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN ANTELIAS

    His Holiness Aram I and Patriarch Paulos of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church addressed the international conference convening at the headquarters of the Cilician See. Patriarch Paulos, who is one of the presidents of the World Council of Churches, came to Antelias for one day to visit Catholicos Aram and express his gratitude to him for his key role in the reconciliation of the Coptic and Ethiopian churches.

    Patriarch Paulos emphasized the importance of the conference and stressed the essential role of religion in accomplishing an adequate standard of living for society.

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.

DAILY BIBLE READINGS

    Bible readings for today, Thursday, April 17 are: Luke 10:25-42; Acts 15:1-29; 2 Peter 2:9-22; John 6:22-38; Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 6:1-6

    The next day the crowd that had stayed on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there: They also saw that Jesus had not got into the  boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. Then some boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum looking for Jesus. When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” Jesus answered them, “Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.” Then they said to him, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” So they said to him, “What sign are you going to give us then, so that we may see it and believe you? What work are you performing? Our ancestors are the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ “ Then Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. (John 6:22-38)

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

APPARITION OF THE HOLY CROSS

    This Sunday, April 20, the Armenian Church commemorates the Apparition of the Cross (Yerevoumun Sourp Khatchi). The Apparition of the Holy Cross is the third feast of the Holy Cross in the Armenian liturgical calendar. It is celebrated on the fifth Sunday of Easter, in remembrance of the apparition of the sign of the cross that appeared over the city of Jerusalem in 331 A.D. The apparition, which extended from Golgotha to the Mount of Olives, was brighter than the sun and seen by all of Jerusalem. This event is celebrated by the Armenian and Greek churches. The Greeks observe it on a fixed date of May 7^th; the Armenians observe it on the fifth Sunday of Easter (which is the fourth Sunday after Easter).

REMINDER OF MARTYRS’ DAY COMMEMORATIONS

Wednesday, April 23—Martyrs’ Day commemoration on Capitol Hill, organized by the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues.

Thursday, April 24—Divine Liturgy in memory of the Martyrs, celebrated by Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, at St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234^th Street, Douglaston, New York, 7:00 pm, under the auspices of Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan.

Friday, April 25—Commemoration at City Hall Chambers, New York City, with New York City Council members and New York Congress members. Buses will depart at 4:45 pm from St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston; Holy Martyrs Church, Bayside; Baruir’s Grocery, Sunnyside; Armenian Center, Woodside. For information 718-423-7010.

Sunday, April 27—Times Square Gathering (43^rd and Broadway, NYC), at 2 pm, sponsored by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, with the co-sponsorship of all major Armenian organizations, and the participation of all Armenian churches. Buses will depart from all Armenian churches in New York and New Jersey; Baruyr’s Grocery, 40^th Street & Queens Boulevard, Sunnyside; and from Brooklyn from the corner of Coney Island Ave. and Brighton Beach Ave. For information: 516-352-2587.

FROM THE BOOKSTORE THIS WEEK….

    This week we call your attention to a pioneering publication: Who’s Who of Outstanding Athletes, Coaches and Sports Personalities, 1906-1989, featuring Armenian American and Armenian Canadian sports personalities. The book was compiled by Richard N. Demirjian. It covers all of the major sports like football, track, basketball, baseball, soccer, water sports, tennis, volleyball, and much, much more. The 500-page oversize volume is interesting reading even for the non-sports enthusiast. $39.95, plus shipping and handling.

For shipping and handling charges call the Prelacy Bookstore, 212-689-7810.

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).

KEEP CHECKING 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 memorabilia and photographs, especially during 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.

    We received a great deal of enthusiastic response to the historic photo we posted in last week’s Crossroads. Several of you caught the mistaken identification of V. Rev. Fr. Bedros Bozabalian; of course it should have read V. Rev. Fr. Nersess Bozabalian (later Archbishop). The first email we received—minutes after Crossroads was transmitted—was from ever-faithful and knowledgeable Deacon Allan Jendian from Fresno, California.

    Because of your enthusiastic response to this photograph we will include photographs from our archives starting next week during this anniversary year.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

April 20—Third lecture in 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 24—Divine Liturgy in memory of the Martyrs of the 1915 Genocide, at 7 pm at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, under the auspices of the Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. The Liturgy will be celebrated by Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral.

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.

May 9—Mothers Day banquet hosted by ARS Mayr Chapter, New York, at Armenian Center, 69-23 47^th Ave. Woodside, New York. For information and reservations contact Sonia 718-961-9550.

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 24—Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, 5^th annual Golf Outing, Juniper Hill Golf Course, Northboro, Massachusetts. For information 508-852-2414.

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 10—Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts. Annual picnic on church grounds. Free admission; free parking.

August 15-17—International Gathering of Youth and Pilgrimage to Der Zor, organized by the Catholicosate of Cilicia. Details will follow.

September 21—Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, annual church banquet. Details to 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.

September 26-28—National Youth Conference at Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual Vineyard, Charlton, Massachusetts.

September 29-30—Clergy conference at the Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual Vineyard, Charlton, Massachusetts.

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.

November 21 and 22—Holy Trinity Armenian Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, Fall Food Festival.

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