December 7, 2017

WORLD GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONCLUDES TOMORROW

Delegates and guests at the World General Assembly in Antelias, Lebanon.

Archbishop Oshagan with Eastern Prelacy delegates and participants at the World General Assembly.

The World General Assembly of the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia convened on December 5, under the presidency of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon, with the participation of 130 clergy and lay delegates and guests representing the prelacies of the Holy See of Cilicia around the world. The Assembly, which gathers every four years, and its delegates have participated in an in-depth examination and evaluation of the activities of the Catholicosate, as well as the concerns and challenges of its churches and people. The Assembly will propose directives for Prelacies to enact during the coming years prior to its adjournment tomorrow, Friday, December 8. In his opening address to the Assembly, the Catholicos urged delegates to focus on ways to strengthen and enrich the Armenian Church as a place where the faithful Godly mission and service to the Armenian nation and people can be carried out. His Holiness stressed that the church has to go beyond its walls, think differently, and work in new ways to strengthen the church’s mission. His Holiness focused on five areas of priority concern that require careful attention and continued development, including Spiritual and Moral Values, Religious Upbringing and Service, Youth Participation in the Daily Life of the Church, Armenian Cause, and the Diaspora. His Holiness said that by strengthening the spiritual and moral values of our people, incorporating the beliefs and rituals of Christian life in our daily lives become promising. Speaking about the youth, His Holiness stressed that youth involvement in the Armenian Church is important, because the well being, priority, and future of the Armenian Church is dependent on our agenda to include and encourage youth to be active participants. He underlined that we have to truly listen to them, understand their expectations and needs, expand our ways of thinking and working, and be inclusive of their thoughts and suggestions. One of the important agenda items of the Armenian Church is the continued representation of the demands and rights of the Armenian people and nation. Two years ago, the Armenian nation marked the 100 th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and the same year the Holy See of Cilicia took the bold action and filed a lawsuit demanding the return of its seat in Sis. This unprecedented action garnered world attention. Despite careful work and attention on this matter, the case is at a difficult political crossroads. However, regardless of the difficulties, the Armenian Church continues its efforts for the demands of the rights of the Armenian people. His Holiness stated that strengthening the development of the growing Diaspora is imperative. In this regard, last July the Catholicosate convened a special meeting to review the concerns and needs of the Diaspora and Armenian identity and to open the channels for renewed engagement in Armenian life. His Holiness noted that 2018 will mark the 100 th anniversary of the First Armenian Republic and announced that the Holy See of Cilicia will commemorate this occasion by convening a conference in Antelias, Lebanon, in March 2018. Concluding his address, the Catholicos reminded everyone that it is important to remember that the work and programs accomplished by the Catholicosate have one target—our people—and one purpose--serving the people.

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN 50 TH JUBILEE CELEBRATION (continued coverage)

The 50 th anniversary celebration of Archbishop Oshagan’s ordination to the priesthood took place on Sunday, October 29. The day began with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy by His Eminence at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, followed by a reception and dinner at the Lotte Palace Hotel in New York.

Jack Mardoian, chairman of the Executive Council, served as the Master of Ceremonies at the celebratory dinner and offered remarks on behalf of the Council. Following are some excerpts of his comments: “During the nearly twenty years since I first met Oshagan Srpazan, I have come to appreciate and admire the many qualities which have defined his tenure both as our Prelate and as a priest who serves our church and community. . . . “As Prelate, Oshagan Srpazan has shown himself to be a wise and skilled leader of our Prelacy. His talents in recruiting young and talented clergy to serve as parish priests is a legacy which will survive for many years after Srpazan’s tenure as our Prelate has concluded. His willingness to address and work towards a faith based renewal of our Church based upon spiritual maturity and service in the complex reality of the United States is testimony to his skills in understanding the challenges we face as an ancient church outside of our Armenian homeland. . . . “As an ecumenical leader, Oshagan Srpazan has been a tireless advocate for cooperation among all Christian churches. As Chairman of the Christian Arab and Middle Eastern Churches Together, as a member of the religious advisory board of In Defense of Christians, and as the Cilician Catholicosate’s representative at various meetings with the Catholicosate of Etchmiadzin and with the Roman Catholic Church, among others, Srpazan has not only been an effective advocate for the Armenian Church but for the human rights of all Christians, both in the United States and throughout the Middle East. . . . “As an Armenian nationalist, Oshagan Srpazan has often led by example. Srpazan was an instrumental part of the efforts which resulted in the 100 th Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide in Washington, D.C., being the success it was. . . . “As a scholar, Oshagan Srpazan has become a pre-eminent voice in bringing the theology and teachings of our Church both to ourselves and to others. . . . As a priest and servant of his people, Oshagan Srpazan leads by his own quiet example and presence. His sermons and messages to our community show a deep insight into our lives and faith, and often convey the word of God to us in a language that is easily understood and yet profound in its message. . . . “The one trait that runs through all of Oshagan Srpazan’s accomplishments during the fifty years since his ordination is his selfless dedication and lifetime of service to the Armenian Church and to the Armenian people…. ” Note: A special issue of OUTREACH due out in January will be devoted to the 50 th anniversary event and to Archbishop Oshagan’s service to the Eastern Prelacy. You will be able to read the full text of messages delivered as well as enjoy an extensive gallery of photographs.

GRANITE CITY PARISH MARKS 63 RD ANNIVERSARY

Bishop Anoushavan and Rev. Fr. Torkom Chorbajian, pastor, with altar servers, choir members, and Sunday School children.

St. Gregory Church of Granite City, Illinois, marked its 63 rd anniversary last Sunday. Bishop Anoushavan celebrated the Divine Liturgy, delivered the sermon and presided over the anniversary celebration including the presentation of Prelacy Certificates of Merit to four deserving recipients.

Bishop Anoushavan presented Certificates of Merit to four parishioners. Seen in the photo from left are Sue Spetaro, Bishop Anoushavan, Lori Saucier, Greg Hightaian, Arthur Asadorian, and Rev. Fr. Torkom.

BIBLE READINGS

Bible readings for Sunday, December 10, Third Sunday of Advent (Eve of the fast of St. Hagop) are: Isaiah 37:14-38; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12; Luke 14:12-24. He said also to the one who had invited him, “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” One of the dinner guests, on hearing this, said to him, “Blessed is anyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” Then Jesus said to him, “Someone gave a great dinner and invited many. At the time for the dinner he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come; for everything is ready now.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of land, and I must go out and see it; please accept my regrets. Another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out; please accept my regrets.’ Another said, ‘I have just been married, and therefore I cannot come.’ So the slave returned and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and said to his slave, ‘Go out at once into the streets and lanes of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ And the slave said, ‘Sir, what you ordered has been done, and there is still room.’ Then the master said to the slave, ‘Go out into the roads and lanes, and compel people to come in, so that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those who were invited will taste my dinner.’” (Luke 14:12-24) *** Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, as is fitting, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. Therefore, we ourselves boast of you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which you are enduring. This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be made worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering—since indeed God deems it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant rest with us to you who are afflicted, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance upon those who do not know God and upon those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They shall suffer the punishment of eternal destruction and exclusion from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at in all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his call, and may fulfil every good resolve and work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 1:1-12) For a listing of the coming week’s Bible readings click here. 

FEAST OF THE CONCEPTION OF THE HOLY VIRGIN MARY

Saturday, December 9, is the Feast of the Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary. This is one of the eight feast days devoted to the Holy Virgin in the Armenian Church’s liturgical calendar. This feast is always celebrated on December 9, and is part of the Church’s preparation for Christmas. The faithful rejoice in the event that celebrates Mary’s conception in fulfillment of the prayers of her parents and who was nurtured to become the mother of the Messiah. Bible readings for this Feast are: Song of Songs 6:3-8; Malachi 3:1-2; Galatians 3:24-29; Luke 1:39-56.

EVE OF THE FAST OF ST. JAMES

This Sunday (December 10) is the eve ( paregentan ) of the Fast of St. James ( Hagop ) of Nisibus. This five-day fast, Monday to Friday, leads us to the Feast of St. James, which is next Sunday. Traditionally the entire fifty-day period of Advent was a period of fasting, similar to Great Lent. In modern times, three week-long (Monday to Friday) fasts are observed during Advent: Fast of Advent ( Hisnagats Bahk); Fast of St. James ( Sourp Hagopeh Bahk ), and the Fast of the Nativity ( Dznuntyan Bahk ).

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

This Sunday (December 10) is the third Sunday of Advent, a season of anticipation for the coming of Christ that gives us purpose to live in hope regardless of the many challenges and vicissitudes that face us. John the Baptist is the greatest Advent figure (read Matthew, Chapter 3 and Luke, Chapter 3). In the Armenian Church tradition this period of waiting is known as Hisnag —the fifty day period that leads to the celebration of Christ’s Nativity and Epiphany on January 6. Saints also commemorated this week include: St. Minas, Monday, December 11 Sts. Cornelius the Centurion and Polycarp of Smyrna, Tuesday, December 12 St. Eustratius the Martyr, Thursday, December 14

BISHOP ANOUSHAVAN PRESENTS NEW BOOK

At the book presentation last Friday, from left Dr. Aurora Bayrakdarian, Professor Siobhan Nash-Marshall, Bishop Anoushavan, Paul Kucharski, Assistant Professor, and Dr. Carlo Bayrakdarian

Bishop Anoushavan presented a new book last Friday at Manhattanville College. The new book is The Sins of the Fathers: Turkish Denialism and the Armenian Genocide, by Professor Siobhan Nash-Marshall, who hold the Mary T. Clark Chair of Christian Philosophy at Manhattanville College. In his interesting presentation Bishop Anoushavan confessed that “From the first moment when this duty was proposed to me, humbly I tried to avoid it, because I am not a philosopher, politician, or professor to present such a profound analytical work in a respectful and intellectual way. Nevertheless, all these years having known her sincere and selfless personality and having witnessed her passion for truth, I yielded, and here I am to share my testimony with you.” His Grace then went on to present a detailed critique of the 235 page volume, which is the first of a trilogy—The Betrayal of Philosophy. In his presentation Bishop Anoushavan said, “One of the unique characteristics of this work is that along with socio-political, economic, social, and psychological factors of the Armenian Genocide, as viewed by many historians, Ms. Marshall opens a new dimension related to the first inhuman action toward Humanity in the 20 th century, unfortunately followed by others. She explicitly discusses the politicization of Philosophy and deplores that Philosophy has stopped being the love of wisdom and has become a search for the means to control reality and mold it into the image and likeness of its own ideas.”

The Sins of the Fathers: Turkish Denialism and the Armenian Genocide By Siobhan Nash-Marshall 235 pages, soft cover, $25.00 plus shipping & handling TO PURCHASE THIS BOOK CONTACT THE PRELACY BOOKSTORE BY EMAIL ( books@armenianprelacy.org ) OR PHONE (212-689-7810).

BIBLE STUDY AT THE CATHEDRAL

The letter of St. Paul to the Galatians provided much food for thought for those who attended the four-part Bible Study conducted by Deacon Shant Kazanjian.

Deacon Shant emphasizes one of many profound thoughts expressed by Paul the Apostle.

A four-part Bible Study on the Letter of St. Paul to the Galatians concluded last Thursday at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City. The program, cosponsored by the Cathedral and the Armenian Prelacy, was conducted by Deacon Shant Kazanjian, Prelacy’s Director of Christian Education.   Over twenty people participated. The sessions were held from 7:30pm to 9:00pm, preceded by a ‘light’ Armenian style dinner at 7:00pm.   St. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians is universally recognized as one of the most influential documents in the Bible, only six chapters, a little over 2200 words, with many dense and complex passages. But those who grapple with the text will undoubtedly reap the benefits of coming to the heart of the Apostle’s gospel message of the crucified Messiah.   Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, thanked Dn. Shant for leading the study, everyone for their participation, and Prof. Nicholas and Janine Economides for sponsoring the event, and wished everyone a blessed Christmas season.  

HARRY KOUNDAKJIAN EXHIBIT AT CATHEDRAL

Rev. Fr. Mesrob with Mr. & Mrs. Vicken Koundakjian and Ms. Lola Koundakjian

A photo exhibition hosted by St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, featuring the work of the noted photographer Harry Koundakjian, opened in the Cathedral’s John Pashalian Hall last Sunday. Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, the Cathedral's pastor, opened the exhibition and reception with introductory remarks. Der Mesrob said: "On behalf of St. Illuminator's Cathedral and the Koundakjian family I welcome you all to the official opening of the photo exhibition "Harry L. Koundakjian: 50 Years of Journalism." We are honored to have the privilege of hosting this extraordinary and unique exhibition. We are grateful to Mr. & Mrs. Vicken and Paula Koundakjian, Ms. Lola Koundakjian, and Mr. Yervant Kasparian for their efforts in making this event possible." Harry L. Koundakjian, born in Syria, finished high school in Lebanon, where he began working for the Associated Press in the 1960s, first as a freelancer and then as a staffer in 1969. He also worked for "L'Orient-Le Jour," "France Soir," "Life," "Time," and the Armenian media. In 1979, he and his family moved to New York City, where he was a photo editor for AP until his retirement in 2006. He photographed news events throughout the Middle East, Europe. and United States, including the war in Lebanon, the 1972 Olympics in Germany, and the 1978 wedding of King Hussein of Jordan to his fourth wife, Queen Noor. He also captured historical moments, political and religious leaders such as presidents Chamoun, Assad, Sadat, and Clinton, Yasser Arafat, and Prime Minister Rafic Hariri; monarchs like King Hussein, King Saoud, Queen Elizabeth, and the Shah of Iran. He traveled with Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in Air Force One during his shuttles to make peace between Arabs and Israelis. He also photographed Pope Paul VI, Catholicoi Vazken I, Karekin I, Zareh I, Khoren I, Karekin II, and Aram I. His photos--many of them published on the front page—won him honors, including the AP Managing Editor's plaque, the World Press Photo award, and the St. Mesrob Mashdots Medal from H.H. Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia. Der Mesrob concluded his remarks with this quote from the late photographer: "My future is today, I'll always have a camera around my neck, even when I'm buried. It's been a productive career, one rich in satisfaction and joy. Every day is still a fresh adventure." Family members Vicken and Lola Koundakjian also offered remarks. As a token of appreciation, they presented two pieces to the Cathedral and Der Mesrob on behalf of the Koundakjian family.

Birth of Valery Bryusov (December 13, 1873) Valery Bryusov was one of the leading names of Russian poetry at the beginning of the twentieth century, and he would become especially involved with Armenia and the Armenians in the 1910s. The future poet was born on December 13, 1873, into a merchant’s family in Moscow. His parents had little to do with his upbringing, and Bryusov was largely left to himself as a child. He was a voracious reader of everything that fell into his hands, including the works of Charles Darwin and Jules Verne, as well as various materialistic and scientific essays. He received excellent education and studied in two Moscow gymnasia from 1885-1893. Then he went to Moscow State University from 1893-1899. Bryusov was still a university student when he started his literary career in the early 1890s. He translated poetry by the French Symbolists (Paul Verlaine, Maurice Maeterlinck, and Stéphane Mallarmé) and Edgar Allan Poe. He also began publishing his own poems, which were influenced by the literary movements then in fashion in Europe, Decadentism and Symbolism. In order to give Russian Symbolism a dimension that it still did not have, Bryusov made recourse to a mystification. Thus, he published three volumes of his own poetry, entitled Russian Symbolists: An Anthology (1894-1895), with different pen names. The trick proved successful and attracted several young poets to the ranks of Symbolism. Bryusov became an authority after the appearance of his fourth collection of poetry (1900). The celebration of sensual pleasures and the mastery of a wide range of poetic forms characterized his poetry, which he published in several more collections until 1921. His editorship of Vesy (The Balance), an influential literary magazine, from 1904-1908 consolidated his position in the Russian literary world. Among his eighty books, he also had historical novels, short stories, plays, essays, and translations. As a translator, Bryusov was the first to render the works of Belgian poet Emile Verhaeren into Russian. He also translated works by Victor Hugo, Jean Racine, Lord Byron, Oscar Wilde, Johann Goethe, Virgil, and others. On this basis, in June 1915 the Armenian Committee of Moscow approached him with a proposal to work on an anthology of Armenian poetry. Bryusov researched all bibliography available in several European languages, and fell enamored of Armenian literature. In his superb introduction to Armenian poetry from the Earliest Times until Our Days , published in 1916, he wrote: “While studying Armenia, I found an inexhaustible source of spiritual and sublime pleasures… As a historian, as a man of science, I saw in the history of Armenia a whole original world, whose thousands of interesting, complex questions raised scholarly interest, and as a poet, as an artist, I saw a similarly original world in Armenian poetry, a new and yet undiscovered universe, where high-valued productions of true literary creation glittered and shone.” He also studied the Armenian language for several months and wrote a monograph, The Annals of the Historical Fate of the Armenian People. In January 1916, once the preparations for the anthology were basically finished, Bryusov departed to the Southern Caucasus to get acquainted with Armenian reality and introduce his work to the public. He sojourned in Baku, Tiflis, Yerevan, and Etchmiadzin, where he gave very successful lectures about Armenian history and poetry, and read from among his more than 170 translations from more than 40 Armenian poets. Bryusov would become the first author to introduce Armenian poetry in such a comprehensive way to the Russian audience. Most of his translations still keep their freshness a century later. He also wrote a series of poems dedicated to Armenia, and even planned to prepare an anthology of Armenian prose from the fifth to the twentieth century. In 1923 he was named popular artist of Soviet Armenia for his work on the anthology.  In the 1910s, Bryusov’s reputation gradually declined, as his poetry began to seem cold and strained to many of his contemporaries. Unlike many fellow Symbolists, he remained in Russia after the revolution of 1917. He supported the Soviet government and earned a position in the cultural ministry of the Soviet Union. He helped draw up the proposal for the Great Soviet Encyclopedia. He became the head of the Chamber Book of Moscow, and later of the scientific libraries and the literary section of the Commissariat (ministry) of Education of Soviet Russia. In 1921 he founded the Higher Institute of Literature and Art, which was named after him in 1923, and was its rector. There, he also taught various subjects: history of Russian and ancient literatures, metrics, comparative grammar of Indo-European language, and even history of mathematics. His collections of poetry published after the Soviet revolution marked him as one of the founders of Soviet literature. Bryusov passed away on October 9, 1924, in Moscow. The Yerevan State Pedagogical Institute of Russian and Foreign Languages (now Linguistic University), founded in 1935, was named after him in 1962. Previous entries in “This Week in Armenian History” are on the Prelacy’s web site ( www.armenianprelacy.org ).

PLEASE REMEMBER SYRIAN ARMENIAN COMMUNITY NEEDS OUR HELP MORE THAN EVER The crisis in Syria requires our financial assistance. Please keep this community in your prayers, your hearts, and your pocketbooks. PLEASE DO NOT FORGET OUR ONGOING RELIEF EFFORTS FOR THE ARMENIAN COMMUNITY IN SYRIA WHERE CONDITIONS ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY MORE DIFFICULT. THE NEED IS REAL. THE NEED IS GREAT. DONATIONS TO THE FUND FOR SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF CAN BE MADE ON LINE. TO DONATE NOW CLICK HERE AND SELECT SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF IN THE MENU. OR IF YOU PREFER YOU MAY MAIL YOUR DONATION TO: Armenian Prelacy 138 E. 39th Street New York, NY 10016 Checks payable to: Armenian Apostolic Church of America (Memo: Syrian Armenian Relief) Thank you for your help.

A PILGRIMAGE TO JERUSALEM DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 30

The Prelacy is pleased to announce a 14-day pilgrimage to Jerusalem beginning on April 2 through April 15, 2018. Departure is on Monday, April 2, the day after Easter in the U.S. Because Jerusalem follows the Julian (old) calendar, pilgrims will celebrate Easter in Jerusalem on Sunday, April 8. Visit the "Pilgrimage to Jerusalem" webpage now for more details and to take part in this exciting journey to the Holy Land.

FROM THE PRELACY BOOKSTORE

TREASURE CHESS OF ARMENIA (BRAND NEW BOARD GAME…UNIQUE AND LOTS OF FUN!)

First of its kind; No other like it. Created and developed by two educators, the set includes: 1 game board, 2 pawns, 1 black, 1 white; 1 gold treasure coin; 1 spinner; 26 bonus cards (red); 12 destination cards (blue); 4 moves cards (orange); and information sheet. Enjoyable for all ages, six and above. A great gift. $30.00 plus shipping & handling. To order contact the Bookstore by email ( Books@armenianprelacy.org ) or by phone (212-689-7810).

My First Armenian Songbook ( Aracheen Yerkaranus ) By Karenn Chutjian Presti

Illustrated by Alastair Sadler Includes CD In this unique songbook, Armenian and English language songs are presented. Included are original translations of traditional songs from Armenian to English, and from English to Armenian. The book is ideal for children who are learning Armenian or are being exposed to Armenian culture. The accompanying CD contains all the songs in the Armenian. Transliteration of each song is provided at the end of the book. 46 pages, with CD: $35.00 plus shipping & handling 

SET OF FOUR PLACE MATS

Perfect gift for that special child in your life. Set of four place mats that teaches Armenian words, including animals, colors, vegetables, and fruit.  Set of four, $20.00 plus shipping and handling

HISTORICAL ATLAS OF ARMENIA A REPEAT OF A SPECIAL OFFER:

SOME EVENTS OF INTEREST

Arshile Gorky Exhibit Currently on view (until December 23) is the exhibition “Ardent Nature: Arshile Gorky Landscapes, 1943-1947,” at the Hauser & Wirth New York Gallery, 32 E. 69 th Street, New York City. National Geographic Society: The Tomb of Christ The National Geographic Society in Washington, DC, has a new exhibit, “The Tomb of Christ” that virtually transports visitors to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the shrine that stands over the site of Christ’s burial place in Jerusalem. The 3-D exhibit features the recent restoration efforts, as well as the many events, including earthquakes, fire, and human controversies that have befallen the site. The exhibit will continue through August 15, 2018. The Museum of the Bible The Museum of the Bible opened last month in Washington, DC. Reportedly a $500 million endeavor, the Museum houses more than 500 Christian and Hebrew biblical artifacts and texts, including fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls. The Museum is privately funded (by the Green family, owners of Hobby Lobby), and features interactive exhibits. Can’t help wondering if the Armenian Bible is represented. ARMENIA at The Met: Mark this one on your calendar for 2018. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is presenting a major exhibition about the historical and cultural heritage of the Armenian people from the 4 th to 17 th centuries, scheduled to open on September 21, 2018 and continue through to January 13, 2019.

ON THIS DAY. . .

December 7, 1941—Imperial Japan attacks the United States at Pearl Harbor. The surprise attack destroyed the U.S. Pacific Fleet and led to the United States’ entry into World War II. December 7, 1988—Northwest Armenia is devastated by a major earthquake. More than 25,000 lives lost.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SIAMANTO ACADEMY— Meets every second Saturday of the month at the Hovnanian School, 817 River Road, New Milford, New Jersey. For information: anec@armenianprelacy.org or 212-689-7810.. December 3-10 --“Harry L. Koundakjian: 50 Years of PhotoJournalism,” hosted by St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, 221 East 27 th Street, New York City, in John Pashalian Hall. Opening reception Sunday, December 3, 1-5 pm. The exhibit can also be viewed December 4 to December 10, from 12 to 4 pm Monday to Friday and 11 am to 2 pm on Sunday. December 3 --63rd anniversary celebration of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, Granite City, Illinois. December 5-8 —World General Assembly of the Great House of Cilicia, at the Catholicosate in Antelias, Lebanon. December 9 —Men’s Club Christmas Party, St. Gregory Church Hall, 135 Goodwin Street, Indian Orchard, Massachusetts, 6:30 pm. Delicious appetizers, food, drinks, desserts and DJ Haig Arakelian. Adults $15 (includes food and 1 drink); Children $5. For information: 413-543-4763. December 10 —St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, 85 th Anniversary of the St. Sarkis community and 55 th Anniversary of the current church structure and campus. Soorp Badarak will be celebrated by Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian. Lavish mezza reception in the Lillian Arakelian Fellowship Hall; Armenian sacred music performed in the church sanctuary by special guests, Soloist Onnik Dinkjian, accompanied on the organ by Ara Dinkjian. December 17 —St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, Sunday School Christmas Pageant following church services. December 24 —St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, Christmas Sing-a-long in the church sanctuary following services. January 20, 2018 —St. Stephen Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 60 th Anniversary Celebration. March 18, 2018 —35 th Musical Armenia Concert presented by Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church and Prelacy Ladies Guild. Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, 57 th Street at 7 th Avenue, Sunday, March 18 at 2 pm. May 9-12, 2018 —Eastern Prelacy’s National Representative Assembly, hosted by St. Gregory Church, North Andover, Massachusetts. The one-day clergy conference will take place on Wednesday, May 9. The full Assembly will convene on Thursday, May 10, at 11 am and will conclude on Saturday, May 12, at noon. October 20, 2018 —Armenian Friends America, Inc., Sixth Annual HYE KEF 5, featuring world famous Onnik Dinkjian and the All Stars. Double Tree Hotel, Andover, Massachusetts. Details to follow. www.ArmenianFriendsofAmerica.org .

The Armenian Prelacy  Tel: 212-689-7810 ♦ Fax: 212-689-7168 ♦ Email: email@armenianprelacy.org Visit the Catholicosate webpage at  http://www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org/en/