APRIL 25, 2008

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN PARTICIPATES

IN CAPITOL HILL COMMEMORATION

    His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan participated in observances on Capitol Hill in Washington on Wednesday, April 23, on the occasion of the 93^rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, organized by the Congressional Caucus on Armenian issues.

    The Prelate’s prayers were a message of hope that has been handed down from the survivors of the genocide. His Eminence recognized the role of the United States 93 years ago noting, “During those dark years, four American presidents—Wilson, Harding, Coolidge, and Hoover—took direct and bold action to help the Armenians. Furthermore, overseas the entire diplomatic corps—ambassadors, minister, consuls—shared in the responsibility of publicizing the Genocide of the Armenians and administering relief. Foremost among them was the United States Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, Henry Morgenthau, Sr. This was one of America’s finest hours, when commitment became action.”

PRELATE WILL DELIVER INVOCATION TONIGHT

AT REMEMBRANCE AT CITY HALL IN NEW YORK

    Archbishop Oshagan will deliver the invocation at the commemoration of the 93^rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide tonight at City Hall Chambers, Corner of Chambers Street and Broadway, New York City. The event is organized by the Armenian

National Committee of New York and Friends of the Armenian National Committee. Attending the event will be New York City Council members and New York Congress members. Professor Henry Theriault of Worcester State College will speak.

BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN RETURNS FROM ARMENIA

    Bishop Anoushavan returned from Armenia where he participated in the meetings of the Committee for Canonizing the Armenian Martyrs, at Holy Etchmiadzin. Bishop Anoushavan represented the Catholicosate of Cilicia, together with Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, Prelate of Tehran, and Bishop Papken Charian, Prelate of Isfahan. The committee will submit a report to His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia.

PRELATE WILL PARTICIPATE IN TIMES SQUARE COMMEMORATION ON SUNDAY

    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.

    The Gathering at Times Square (43^rd and Broadway, NYC), will begin at 2 pm. 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.

CONFERENCE ON MIGRATION CONVENES IN ANTELIAS

    An international conference convened in the headquarters of the Catholicosate of Cilicia on April 14-16, where the phenomenon of migration and its impact on society was examined. One hundred twenty delegates participated in the conference, which was chaired by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia.

    Addressing the attendants during the final session, the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Dr. Sam Kobia, presented the statement to be adopted by the conference, prepared by a special committee on the basis of the delegates’ proposals and discussion. Dr. Kobia thanked the Middle East Council of Churches, the conference’s organizing committee, and the delegates for their active participation. He also expressed special gratitude to Catholicos Aram I, both for the hospitality demonstrated by the Catholicosate and for the Pontiff’s valuable contribution on the basis of his extensive ecumenical and interfaith experience.

    In his closing remarks the Pontiff stressed the importance of discussing pan-humanitarian and shared concerns during such conferences. “The issue of migration is not a religious issue or an issue pertaining to a specific community or context. It is a human issue which is expressed in different forms and has different implications in different environments. Therefore, migration being a global issue and at the same time a local issue, we need to develop both a global perspective and contextual approach.”

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. Also honored will be Mrs. Hasmig Hovnanian, the “Founding Mother” of the Prelacy Ladies Guild. For reservations contact the Prelacy office, 212-689-7810.

MAJOR RENOVATION UNDERWAY AT ST. ILLUMINATOR CATHEDRAL;

    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.

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.

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, Friday, April 25 are: Luke 13:22-35; Acts 19:21-40; 1 John 2:26-28; John 8:31-59; Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 8:1-9.

    I write these things to you concerning those who would deceive you. As for you, the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and so you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, abide to him. And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he is revealed we may have confidence and not be put to shame before him at his coming. (1 John 2:26-28)

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

PRESIDENT BUSH RELEASES STATEMENT ON MARTYRS DAY;

DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE GENOCIDE IN HIS FINAL STATEMENT

    In what is his final presidential statement on the Armenian Genocide, President George W. Bush once again did not use the feared “g” word, describing the events as “one of the greatest tragedies of the 20^th century.”

    In 2005 and 2006 President Bush made subtle reference to the genocide by mentioning the findings of the International Center for Transitional Justice (CTJ). Last year, and again this year, under pressure from the Turkish government, this reference was not made. Furthermore, official Washington continues to ignore the proclamation made by President Ronald Reagan in 1981 recognizing the Armenian Genocide. The actions of the administrations since that of Reagan besmirch the gallant efforts of past presidents, congresses, and the American people who organized a massive relief program for the survivors of the Armenian Genocide that today is still considered to be the textbook model for humanitarian relief.

WE REMIND EVERYONE TO ATTEND MARTYRS DAY COMMEMORATIONS

IN THEIR RESPECTIVE COMMUNITIES

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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.

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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