MAY 1, 2008

NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY WILL CONVENE NEXT WEEK

    The Eastern Prelacy’s National Representative Assembly (NRA) will convene next week with the clergy conference beginning on Wednesday morning, May 7. The full Assembly will conveneThursday morning and continue through to Saturday. The NRA is hosted this year by St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, and a committee chaired by John Daghlian has been working to make the gathering as comfortable and enjoyable as possible for all of the delegates. The major themes for this year’s NRA are the “Year of Christian Education” and “Fifty Years of Growth in Spirit and Service,” the golden anniversary of the Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, under the jurisdiction of the Holy See of Cilicia. Panels will convene on the following topics: Religious Education, Financial Development Programs, Board of Trustees Chair workshop, Audit and Budget, and Bylaws.

    Concurrent with the NRA, the National Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG) will meet and celebrate the NALG’s 25^th anniversary; and a conference of Yeretzgeens—the second such conference—will take place.

12^th CENTURY KHATCHKAR INSTALLED AT METROPOLITAN MUSUEM OF ART;

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN DELIVERS INVOCATION

    A 12^th century khatchkar (stone cross) was dedicated at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City yesterday, Wednesday, April 30. The khatchkar, from the Lori region of Armenia, is carved out of basalt stone, and is on long-term loan from the Republic of Armenia. The dedication which was attended by many dignitaries was followed by a luncheon in the Museum’s Terrace Room, hosted by Ralph Minasian of the Hagop Kevorkian Fund. This is the first Armenian khatchkar to be exhibited in a major museum in the United States.

    Archbishop Oshagan was invited to deliver the invocation. In his message the Prelate extolled the virtues of the Metropolitan Museum describing it as “one of the wonders of the world.” He lamented the recent destruction of more than 10,000 khatchkars in various parts of the ancestral homeland of the Armenians. He concluded by asking the Lord to “Remember your faithful servants who glorified you with their hands and made your voice heard through stones. May their memory be ever blessed.” He then said, “Let us now pray in the language of the khatchkar,” and recited the Lord’s Prayer in Armenian.

    To read the entire message click here.

Photo: Archbishop Oshagan with Dr. Helen C. Evans, Curator of Medieval Art at the Museum.

PRELATE DELIVERS INVOCATION AT MARTYRS DAY

COMMEMORATION AT CITY HALL IN NEW YORK

    Archbishop Oshagan delivered the invocation at the commemoration of the 93^rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide which took place at City Hall Chambers, New York City, on Friday, April 25. The event was organized by the Armenian National Committee of New York and Friends of the Armenian National Committee. Attending the event were New York City Council members and New York representatives in Congress. Professor Henry Theriault of Worcester State College addressed the gathering.

    In his message and prayer, Archbishop Oshagan said: “We honor the memory of our one and a half million martyrs whose faith in you transcended their earthly life. We gain strength from the survivors whose numbers dwindle each year. Nevertheless, they will continue to reinforce our resolve, determination and hope beyond the grave. We live to perpetuate their hope and dreams, their struggle and spirit. In honoring them, we honor all victims of tyranny everywhere.”

    To read the entire message click here.

TIMES SQUARE COMMEMORATION ATTRACTS MORE THAN 2,000;

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN DELIVERS INVOCATION

    More than 2,000 people attended the commemoration in Times Square in New York City on Sunday, April 27, organized by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, and supported by all Armenian religious groups and major Armenian organizations.

    Archbishop Oshagan delivered the invocation that began an afternoon of thoughtful, dynamic and emotional speeches. Speakers included: Dr. Mary

Papazian, Dr. Dennis Papazian, Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Congresswoman

Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Dr. Alex Hilton, Dr. Antonia Arslan, Mark Geragos, Carla Garapedian, Dr. Daniel Goldhagen, John Liu, Curtis Sliwa, and a number of representatives of various Armenian organizations..

    In his invocation, Archbishop Oshagan paid tribute to the survivors—a few of whom were in attendance—by noting how they came to the United States and became faithful and participating citizens. “They came filled with the hope and promise of America, not so much for themselves, but for their children and their children’s children. Their hope resulted not only in economic rewards, but a flourishing of cultural activity. Thus, it can be said that the Armenians, having survived death, moved into the light of resurrection and have been contributing their share as a people to the cultural treasure chest of civilization.” To read the entire message click here.

Photo by Harry Koundakjian

BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN’S BOOK WILL BE PRESENTED TOMORROW

BY PROFESSOR PETER COWE, AT ST. SARKIS CHURCH

    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, tomorrow, 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.

PRELATE’S AND VICAR’S SCHEDULES THIS WEEK

    This Sunday, May 4, Archbishop Oshagan will preside over the Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. Following the Liturgy, the Prelate and Vicar will attend the Mothers Day luncheon at St. Sarkis where Mrs. Azadouhi Sarkissian is being honored as Mother of the Year. Later that afternoon the Prelate and Vicar will attend the banquet presented by St. Illuminator’s Day School. Honored on this occasion will be Mrs. Keghanoush Kinosian, who with her late husband Garabed, has been a dedicated benefactor to the school.

    On Monday, May 5, they will attend the Mothers Day Luncheon hosted by the Prelacy Ladies Guild. On Tuesday, May 6, Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan will travel to Watertown, Massachusetts for the upcoming National Representative Assembly. Archbishop Oshagan will meet with the Board of Directors of the St. Stephen Elementary Day School on Tuesday. The clergy conference will begin on Wednesday, May 7, with the full Assembly meeting the following day, Thursday, May 8 until Saturday May 10.

PLG MOTHERS DAY LUNCHEON THIS MONDAY

    The Prelacy Ladies Guild’s popular Mothers Day Luncheon will take place this 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.

    The members of the PLG are meeting today at the Prelacy offices to put the “finishing touches” on their plans for the luncheon, which promises to be one of the best ever.

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.

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.

TODAY IS FEAST OF THE ASCENSION

    Today, May 1, is the Feast of the Ascension (Hambardzoom) of our Lord Jesus Christ, which comes forty days after the Resurrection. According to Biblical scripture the Ascension took place in the village of Bethany, on the Mount of Olives, in the presence of our Lord’s disciples. After giving them commandments and blessings, the Lord was “received up into heaven and sat on the right hand of God,” (Mark 16:19), and “a cloud received him out of their sight,” (Acts 1:9). In the early centuries of Christianity Hambardzoom was one of the most popular feast days for the faithful and was celebrated with merriment and festivities. There are many traditions associated with this dominical feast. Perhaps the best known one in modern times is fortune-telling (vijakakhakh), as related in the opera Anoush.

    The supernal hosts were amazed as they beheld you seated in the fiery chariot, and trembling they shouted—who is this?—who comes from Edom, and coming enters with glory into glory? O Lord, glory to you. (From the Introit in the Armenian Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Ascension).

SUNDAY IS SECOND PALM SUNDAY

    This Sunday, May 4, is Second Palm Sunday (Yerkrort Tzaghkazard). The seventh Sunday of Easter is called Second Palm Sunday, based on the readings for that day. Beginning with New Sunday, the Armenian Church reads from the four Gospels every day in their proper order, and in that order the sections relating to Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, as described in the four Gospels, coincides with the seventh Sunday of Easter, hence the designation “second Palm Sunday.”

DAILY BIBLE READINGS

    Bible readings for today, Thursday, May 1, Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, are: Luke 18:1-14; Acts 1:1-14; Matthew 28:16-20; Matthew 19:1-15; Mark 10:13-27.

    In the first book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. After his suffering he presented himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. While staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. “This, he said, “is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” So when they had come together, they asked him, Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.  (Acts 1:1-14)

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

AN ODE TO SPRING ON MAY 1

“I think that no matter how old or infirm I may become,

I will always plant a large garden in the spring.

Who can resist the feelings of hope and joy that one gets from

participating in nature’s rebirth?”

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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 5—Ladies Guild meeting, Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, at 6:30 pm. Contact Carol Bedrosian, 508-278-9178 for details or a ride.

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