REQUIEM SERVICE FOR CLERGY WHO SERVED THE PRELACY

In conjunction with the Ghevontiants commemoration, Prelacy parishes will observe a special requiem service this Sunday, February 19, in memory of the deceased clergy who served the Prelacy.

His Holiness Catholicos Zareh I, His Holiness Catholicos Khoren I, His Holiness Catholicos Karekin I, Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians, Archbishop Hrant Khatchadourian, Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, Archbishop Sumbat Lapajian, V. Rev. Fr. Vaghinag Sisagian, V. Rev. Fr. Ghevont Martougesian, V. Rev. Fr. Nishan Papazian, V. Rev. Fr. Barour Ekmekjian, V. Rev. Fr. Oshagan Minasian, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Amrigian, Rev. Fr. Arsen Varjabedian, Rev. Fr. Mateos Mannigian, Rev. Fr. Bedros Mampreian, Rev. Fr. Stepanos Garabedian, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Der Hovanesian, Rev. Fr. Houssig Naghnikian, Rev. Fr. Adom Melikian, Rev. Fr. Yeghishe Kasbarian, Rev. Fr. Ghevont Khosrovian, Rev. Fr. Bedros Kasarjian, Rev. Fr. Sahag Balian, Rev. Fr. Ghevont Papazian, Rev. Fr. Papken Kasbarian, Rev. Fr. Sahag Yeghigyan, Rev. Fr. Nerses Shahinian, Rev. Fr. Bsag Sarkisian, Rev. Fr. Yeghishe Mkitarian, Rev. Fr. Souren Papakhian, Rev. Fr. Arsen Simeoniantz, Rev. Fr. Movses Der Stepanian, Rev. Fr. Mampre Biberian, Rev. Fr. Khachadour Giragossian, Rev. Fr. Yervant Yeretzian, Rev. Fr. Gomidas Der Torosian, Rev. Fr. Movses Shrikian, Rev. Fr. Dickran Khoyan, Rev. Fr. Smpad Der Mekhsian, Rev. Fr. Vahan Ghazarian, Rev. Fr. Ashod Kochian, Rev. Fr. Arshavir Sevdalian, Rev. Fr. Kourken Yaralian, Rev. Fr. Arsen Hagopian, Rev. Fr. Sarkis Antreasian, Rev. Fr. Sahag Andekian, Rev. Fr. Hmayag Minoyan, Rev. Fr. Krikor Hairabedian, Rev. Fr. Asoghik Kiledjian, Rev. Fr. Varant Bedrosian, Rev. Fr. Sahag Vertanessian, Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian, Rev. Fr. Torkom Hagopian, Rev. Fr. Anoushavan Artinian, Rev. Fr. Geghart Baboghlian, Rev. Fr. Arshag Daghlian, Rev. Fr. Vatche Naccachian, Rev. Fr. Vahrich Shirinian, Rev. Fr. Vartan Arakelian, Rev. Fr. Gorun Shrikian, Rev. Fr. Zaven Poladian, Rev. Fr. Armen Ishkhanian, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Tashjian.

O Christ, Son of God, forbearing and compassionate, through your love as creator, have mercy upon the souls of your departed servants. Be mindful of them on the great day of the coming of your kingdom. Make them worthy of your mercy and of remission and forgiveness of their sins, glorify and number them among the saints of your right hand.

(From the Armenian Church’s Repose of Souls [Hokehankist] service)

PRELATE WILL VISIT CONNECTICUT PARISH

Archbishop Oshagan will travel to New Britain, Connecticut, where on Sunday (February 19) he will preside over the Divine Liturgy at St. Stephen's Church, celebrated by the parish priest Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian. His Eminence will deliver the sermon. A luncheon sponsored by the Ladies Guild will follow the services.

SUMGAIT-BAKU PROTESTS IN NEW YORK

A demonstration on the anniversary of the Baku & Sumgait pogroms will take place on Friday, February 24, in front of the Azerbaijani Mission to the United Nations, corner of 1st Avenue and 48th Street in Manhattan, at 12 noon. The demonstration is organized by the ANC of New York to raise collective voices against Azerbaijan’s ongoing anti-Armenian attacks and demand justice for the victims of Sumgait and Baku massacres as well as over 400,000 Armenian refugees expelled from Azerbaijan, and support for the independent Artsakh Republic and peace in the region. For information: 718-578-9168.

DYARNUNTARACH IN NORTH ANDOVER

Last Saturday the celebration of Dyarnuntarach and the traditional bon fire took place at St. Gregory Church in North Andover, Massachusetts. Participating in the celebration were Very Rev. Fr. Sahag Yemishian, pastor of Holy Trinity Church in Worcester; Archpriest Fr. Antranig Baljian, pastor of St. Stephen Church in Watertown; and Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian, pastor of St. Gregory Church of North Andover. The anniversary celebration of St. Gregory Church that was to take place on Sunday was cancelled because of the snow storm that gripped area. Archbishop Oshagan had planned to attend the weekend celebrations. (Photos by Joe Dagdigian)

2017: THE YEAR OF RENEWAL

His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, has declared the year 2017 as “The Year of Renewal.” His Holiness’s message will be read in Prelacy parishes this Sunday, February 12.

 In his message His Holiness states the imperative of renewal and provides various perspectives leading toward Renewal. His Holiness states: “Renewal in the New Testament is presented as an indispensable necessity. The purpose of Christ’s incarnation and His mission of salvation was the renewal of humankind and the universe. Indeed, the New Testament is the history of the renewal of humanity and creation by divine intervention. The Book of Revelation condenses this with the following words: ‘Behold, I make all things new.’” (Revelation 21:5)

After discussing Renewal as the goal of the Holy Bible, as the axle of the Mission of the Church, and the imperative of Renewal, His Holiness concludes: “The Church has the directive from life-renewing Christ, to become the incentive for spiritual and moral renewal that forms the foundation for true renewal of social life…. The standard-bearers of this very important task of renewal must be the Armenian youth, because they are intimately knowledgeable of the current conditions, concerns, and challenges of the world. And, therefore, they feel the actual need for renewal and they can also bring important help to the collective effort of renewal with their expertise and new ideas.”

You can read His Holiness’s message in Armenian or English.

WEEKLY REFLECTIONS

In a new initiative by the Prelacy, a series of weekly video reflections will be offered by clergy or altar servers. “The Prelacy Reflection Series,” was launched recently and will focus on different areas of our Christian faith. The topic could be about one of our saints, a Bible passage, a major holiday, a holiday unique to the Armenian Church, our sacraments, or on current social or ethical issues. The two first episodes can be viewed below.

PRELACY LENTEN PROGRAM

This year’s Prelacy Lenten Program will be devoted to “The Year of Renewal,” starting on Wednesday, March 1 and continuing for the next five Wednesdays. All the lectures will take place at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New York City. The evening will begin with church service from 7 pm to 7:25 pm, followed by the lecture and discussion, and table fellowship at 8 pm. The Lenten program is sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), the Prelacy Ladies Guild, and the Ladies Guild of St. Illuminator Cathedral. For information: Prelacy office 212-689-7810 or arec@armenianprelacy.org; Cathedral office 212-689-5880 or office@stilluminators.org. The schedule for the Lenten lectures is as follows:

March 1, Renewal in Christ by Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Director of AREC.

March 8, Parish Renewal by Ms. Karen Jehanian, member of Prelacy Executive Council.

March 15, An Introspective Guide for Renewing Ourselves, by Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York.

March 22, Cultural Renewal—Yesterday and Today (in Armenian) by Dr. Vartan Matiossian, Director of ANEC.

March 29, The Legacy of the 1915 Martyrs as Source of Renewal, Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, pastor of Holy Cross Church, Troy, New York and Outreach Clergy.

April 5, Armenian Church Traditions and Renewal, by Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian, pastor of St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts.

UNDERSTANDING THE LITURGICAL CALENDAR

A new mini-site has been created on the Liturgical Calendar of the Armenian Church, an indispensable resource developed by the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC) for our Christian educators. It includes:

•    A two-part video presentation— “Understanding the Liturgical Calendar of the Armenian Church.” View below:

•    Transcript. Click here for Part I. Click here for Part II

•    Quiz—“Test your knowledge.” Click here.

•    “Sunday and Sundays”—a short reflection on Sunday worship and how it relates to our Church Year. Click here.

•    Classification of Feasts and Fasts of the Armenian Church (2017). Click here.

•    Daily Bible Readings for Church Year 2017. Click here.
 
The 2017 color poster (27x36 inch) of the Liturgical Calendar is available at the Prelacy for $5 each plus S/H. To order copies of the poster, please contact the Prelacy at 212-689-7810, books@armenianprelacy.org or arec@armenianprelacy.org.

MUSICAL ARMENIA

Since 1982 the Eastern Prelacy has presented the annual Musical Armenia concert bringing to the forefront many talented artists of Armenian descent. This year’s concert is expected to be one of the best in Musical Armenia history that is recognized for its outstanding quality of artists. The Prelacy is able to present this annual concert series as a contribution to the artistic achievements of the community thanks in large part to a group of dedicated patrons who offer their financial support each year in order to keep the price of tickets affordable.

The concert will take place on Friday, March 31, 8 pm, at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall in New York City. The cost of admission is only 25 dollars. Featured in the 2017 Musical Armenia concert are two outstanding artists: cellist Hasmik Vardanyan and violinist Haik Kazazyan. Accompanying them are two accomplished musicians: Hayk Arsenyan and Karen Hakobyan.

Hasmik Vardanyan has won a number of major competitions, including second prize in the Aram Khachaturian International Cello Competition in 2010. She has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in major concert halls, including the Paris Opera House, Tchaikovsky Music Hall in Moscow, Berlin Opera House, St. John Smith’s Square in London, and Munetsugu Hall in Japan.

Haik Kazazyan has performed as a soloist with many European and Russian orchestras, including the Orchestra of the Marlinsky Theatre, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Orchestre National de France, Russian National Orchestra, and the Moscow Philharmonic. He has won prizes at many international events, including the Tchaikovsky International Competition in 2015. Since 2002, he has been a soloist of the Moscow Philharmonic Society.

For tickets and information contact: Carnegie Hall 212-247-7800 or Prelacy office 212-689-7810.

BIBLE READINGS

Bible readings for Sunday, February 19 are: Isaiah 63:18-64:12; Titus 1:1-11; John 7:37-52. 

Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and the knowledge of the truth that is in accordance with godliness, in the hope of eternal life that God, who never lies, promised before the ages began—in due time he revealed his word through the proclamation with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior

To Titus, my loyal child in the faith we share: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

I left you behind in Crete for this reason, so that you should put in order what remained to be done, and should appoint elders in every town, as I directed you: someone who is blameless, married only once, whose children are believers, not accused of debauchery and not rebellious. For a bishop, as God’s steward, must be blameless; he must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or addicted to wine or violent or greedy for gain; but he must be hospitable, a lover of goodness, prudent, upright, devout, and self-controlled. He must have a firmer grasp of the word that is trustworthy in accordance with the teaching, so that he may be able both to preach with sound doctrine and refute those who contradict it.

There are also many rebellious people, idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision; they must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for sordid gain what it is not right to teach. (Titus 1:1-11)

***

On the last day of the festival, the great day, while Jesus was standing there, he cried out, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me, and let the one who believes in me drink. As the scripture has said, ‘Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water.’ ” Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified. When they heard these words, some in the crowd said, “This is really the prophet. Others said, “This is the Messiah.” But some asked, “Surely the Messiah does not come from Galilee, does he? Has not the scripture said that the Messiah is descended from David and comes from Bethlehem, the village where David lived? So there was a division in the crowd because of him. Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one laid hands on him.

Then the temple police went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked them, “Why did you not arrest him?” The police answered, “Never has anyone spoken like this!” Then the Pharisees replied, “Surely you have not been deceived too, have you? Has any one of the authorities or of the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd, which does not know the law—they are accursed.” Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus’ before, and who was one of them, asked, “Our law does not judge people without first giving them a hearing to find out what they are doing, does it?” They replied, “Surely you are not also from Galilee, are you? Search and you will see that no prophet is to arise from Galilee.” (John 7:37-52)

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

HOLY VOSKIAN PRIESTS

Today, Thursday, February 16, the Armenian Church remembers the Voskian priests—five men who were sent to Rome as ambassadors by the Armenian king, Sanadrook. On the road to Rome they met the Apostle Thaddeus who converted and baptized them. The leader of the five was named Voski. They lived in the mountains as hermits for forty years, after which they preached to the Royal Court. They were martyred in 107 AD.

This Saturday, February 18, the Armenian Church commemorates Catholicos Sahag (Isaac) Bartev, a strong and great leader who is recognized as one of the greatest saints of the Armenian Church. His great accomplishments, even during very difficult political situations, secured the survival of the Armenian nation.

He was the son of St. Nerses the Great and a descendant of St. Gregory the Illuminator. Orphaned at an early age, he nevertheless received an excellent literary education, especially in eastern languages. He was the one who encouraged and supported Mesrob Mashdots in the creation of the Armenian alphabet. Soon after this great event Catholicos Sahag began the first translation of the Bible and he led and guided the vast body of works that were translated into Armenian, thus creating Armenia’s “Golden Age of Literature.” He was an ardent believer in education and ecclesiastical discipline and canon law. He is recognized as the one who kept Armenia ecclesiastically and nationally autonomous.

St. Sahag is believed to have died in 437 at an advanced age of 89 (some sources claim much older). With the death of Catholicos Sahag Bartev the line of St. Gregory the Illuminator came to an end.

This Tuesday, February 21, the Armenian Church commemorates the Feast of the Holy Ghevontian  (Leontine) priests. After the battle of Vartanantz, a group of priests and deacons was abducted by the Persian king and imprisoned, tortured and martyred. Ghevont is revered as the leader of the group because he was an advisor to Vartan Mamigonian, and was remembered for the inspiring message he delivered on the eve of the battle of Avarayr. Ghevont, who was highly educated, assisted Sahag and Mesrob in translating the Bible into Armenian.

The Ghevontian Fathers, martyred in 454 are: Catholicos Hovsep; Bishops Sahag and Tatig; Priests Ghevont, Moushegh, Arshen, Manuel, Abraham, and Khoren; Deacons Kachach and Abraham.

The popular long poems and folkloric short stories by Hovhannes Tumanian turned him into a beloved author of Armenian literature for the past hundred years.

He was born on February 19, 1869, in the village of Dsegh (province of Lori). His father, Der Tadeos, was the village priest and an offspring of a branch from the princely house of the Mamikonian. The future poet first attended the parochial school of the village (1877-1879) and then a school in Jalaloghli (nowadays Stepanavan) from 1879-1883. It was there he wrote his first poem at the age of 12. In 1883 Tumanian moved to Tiflis, where he attended the Nersesian School for the next four years. He dropped out in 1887 and married the next year to Olga Machkalian, with whom he would have ten children. He completed his studies by self-education, and his more than three hundred articles showed him to be a well-versed literary critic and historian, who gave interesting ideas on literature, art, language, and culture, both Armenian and universal.

Tumanian’s two-volume collection Poems (1890 and 1892), earned him broad recognition. He depicted the village life, filled with contradictions, and based his work on popular traditions. Those volumes already included poems like “Maro,” “Sako of Lori,” and the famous tragedy “Anush,” which would later become the subject for Armen Tigranian’s homonymous opera (1912). His simple and natural style turned dozens of phrases and expressions from Tumanian’s work into part of Armenian everyday language. He later published other poems, like “A Drop of Honey,” “Akhtamar,” “The Capture of Tmkaberd,” and especially a version of the Armenian epic “David of Sassoun,” which made him universally known till this day.

In 1899 Tumanian organized meetings of Armenian intellectuals at his house in Tiflis. The meetings soon turned into an influential literary group, which took the name of Vernatun (Վերնատուն “garret”), because its meeting place was the garret of Tumanian’s house. The other founding members of the collective were Ghazaros Aghayan (1840-1911), Levon Shant (1869-1951), Avetik Isahakian (1875-1957), and Derenik Demirjian (1877-1957), with other significant intellectuals like Nikol Aghbalian, Alexander Shirvanzade, Nar-Dos, and others among its members. The Vernatun group existed, with some intervals, until 1908.

During the Armeno-Tatar clashes triggered by the Russian government in 1905-1907, Tumanian moved back to Dsegh and participated in the organization of Armenian self-defense, but also made efforts to intervene as a peacemaker. He was a member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, and his political activities made him the target of the secret police. He was arrested twice (1908-1909 and 1911-1912), but could show his innocence. Afterwards, he left political life.

Tumanian was founding editor (1910-1911) of the daily Horizon and president of the Caucasian Society of Armenian Writers (1912–1921). In October 1914 he joined the “Committee for Support of War Victims,” which later helped Armenian Genocide refugees settled in Etchmiadzin. The title of “Poet of All Armenians,” commonly attached to Tumanian’s name, comes from this period. It was related to an incident where the poet confronted Catholicos of All Armenians Gevorg V. The head of the Armenian Church had ordered that the refugees could not settle in certain areas of the monastery of Holy Etchmiadzin. Tumanian decried that decision and claimed that the refugees could seek shelter in the areas under the authority of the Catholicos of All Armenians by the order of “The Poet of All Armenians.”

Tumanian remained in Tiflis during the first independence. He traveled to Yerevan in March 1921 to intercede and put an end to the civil war that had started after the uprising of February against the Soviet government. He later founded the House of Armenian Art in Tiflis, and became the president of the Committee of Assistance for Armenia (1921-1922).

In the fall of 1921, Tumanian went to Constantinople to gather support for Armenian refugees. After months spent there, he returned ill. He underwent surgery in 1922 and his health improved. However, his disease started to progress again in September. He was transferred to a hospital in Moscow, where he passed away on March 23, 1923, at the age of 54.

Tumanian’s works inspired two celebrated operas, “Anush” (1912) by Armen Tigranian and “Almast” (1930) by Alexander Spendiarian, as well as no less than fifteen animated films and cartoons.

After his death, many places took his name. His native village, Dsegh, was renamed Tumanian from 1938-1969, and another village in Lori, Dzagidzor, took the name Tumanian in 1951. The Armenian State Puppet Theater in Yerevan and the Pedagogical University of Vanadzor have been named after him, as well as a street in central Yerevan and a park in the Yerevan district of Ajapniak. There also are squares and streets bearing his name in Moscow, Kiev, and other cities in Russia and Ukraine. Two museums are dedicated to the writer in Dsegh and Yerevan.

LINCOLN CENTER CONCERT WILL CELEBRATE

25TH ANNIVERSARY OF ARMENIA’S UN MEMBERSHIP

The Armenian Mission to the United Nations will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Armenia’s membership in the United Nations with a concert at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall in New York City on Thursday, March 16. The musical event, described as “A Cultural Adventure,” will feature celebrated Armenian musicians in a performance that bridges the past and the present. The one-hour and twenty-minute program, presented without intermission, will revisit traditional Armenian folk and sacred music immersed in contemporary interpretations.  Attending the performance will be high-ranking officials from the United Nations, ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps, and distinguished members of the public. 

Featured in the performance will be internationally acclaimed jazz and contemporary musicians, including duduk player Jivan Gasparian, Jr., saxophonist Armen Hyusnunts, cellist Artyom Manukyan, pianist Vahagn Hayrapetyan, pianist Vardan Ovsepian, bassist Joshua Davis, drummer  Karen Kocharyan, and the “Hover” State Chamber Choir under choirmaster Sona Hovhanissyan. In addition, famed visual artist Karen Mirzoyan, in collaboration with prominent American stage director Eric Hill, has developed images inspired by Armenia’s culture, history, and landscapes that will enhance the performance. 

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Armenia’s Ambassador to the U.N. said, “As we introduce the extraordinary talent of Armenia both to our own community and to an international audience, our hope is that we will further reinforce our global friendships and leave a lasting impact on our esteemed guests.” 

Tickets are priced at $90, $75, and $50, and can be secured through the Lincoln Center Box Office at 212-721-6500.

SAVE THE DATE FOR NEAR EAST FOUNDATION FILM PREMIERE

“They Shall Not Perish: The Story of Near East Relief,” will have its official premiere on Saturday, April 8 at The Times Center, 242 41st Street, New York City. Produced by NEF Board Member Shant Mardirossian and award-winning producer, writer, and director George Billard, the film details the historic events that led to the Armenian Genocide and the consequent rescue that provided assistance to hundreds of thousands of displaced men, women, and children. The documentary makes extensive use of never before seen footage of orphans who were in Near East Relief’s care. There will be an afternoon and evening showing, both followed by a panel discussion with notable documentary contributors. For more information and see the trailer, visit www.theyshallnotperish.com. 

“SILVERSMITHS OF KAYSERI:”
LECTURE AT THE MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM

A lecture on the Armenian Silversmiths of Kayseri by Sylvie L. Merian will take place at The Morgan Library & Museum, 225 Madison Avenue, New York City, on Friday, February 24 at 6:30 pm.

Specialists of silver liturgical objects, the 17th-18th century workshop of Armenian silversmiths in the town of Kayseri in central Anatolia, endured for almost ninety years. The Morgan is fortunate to own three sets of silver and enameled covers from this workshop, now on exhibition in Mr. Morgan’s Library. Sylvie Merian, scholar and Reader Services Librarian at the Morgan, will present a lecture discussing what is known about these silversmiths, and the Dutch woodcuts used as inspiration by some of the craftsmen featuring dozens of examples of these splendid objects now found in collections worldwide.

Tickets: $15; free for members and students with valid ID. Tickets include free museum admission for the day of program. Tickets can be purchased online at www.themorgan.org or by contacting the Box Office at 212-685-0008, ext. 560 or by email at tickets@themorgan.org.

KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN FOR “HIDDEN TREASURE”

Violinist Nune Melik, who is completing her doctorate at McGill University, and recently debuted as a soloist at New York’s Carnegie Hall, is seeking funds to complete a unique CD that discovers and showcases the beauty and rich musical history of the Armenian people. Called “Hidden Treasure,” she has been working on the project for seven years and is close to completion. To read the whole story about this project, listen to sample pieces, and to find out how you can help the project, Click Here

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.

Prelacy Lenten Program at St. Illuminator Cathedral, New York City at 7 pm.
March 1, Renewal in Christ by Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Director of AREC.
March 8, Parish Renewal by Ms. Karen Jehanian, member of Prelacy Executive Council.
March 15, An Introspective Guide for Renewing Ourselves, by Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York.
March 22, Cultural Renewal—Yesterday and Today (in Armenian) by Dr. Vartan Matiossian, Director of ANEC.
March 29, The Legacy of the 1915 Martyrs as Source of Renewal, Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, pastor of Holy Cross Church, Troy, New York and Outreach Clergy.
April 5, Armenian Church Traditions and Renewal, by Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian, pastor of St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts.

February 19 -  Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, the Prelate,  will be visiting St Stephen’s Armenian Church of Hartford/New Britain to present Merit Awards.  He will preside over the Divine Liturgy (Badarak) and deliver the homily.  Following the church service, the Ladies Guild will be providing a luncheon. Luncheon is free of charge. All are welcome! 

February 19—Presentation on St. Vartan and the Vartanantz Battles by Knights of Vartan Merrimack Valley Arakadz Lodge #35 at St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church of Merrimack Valley; members of the local Lodge will present the history of Vartanantz during the regularly scheduled coffee hour.

February 23—Feast of Sts. Vartanantz at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey. Special presentation by students of The Hovnanian School.

February 24—Lecture by Sylvie L. Merian, “Made by These Unworthy Hands”: The Armenian Silversmiths of Kayseri, at The Morgan Library & Museum,  225 Madison Avenue, New York City, at 6:30 pm. Tickets $15; free for members and students with valid ID. Tickets online at www.themorgan.org or 212-685-0008, ext. 560, or by email at tickets@themorgan.org.

February 25—St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church of Merrimack Valley's Sunday/Armenian School Poon Paregentan Celebration; 6 PM in Jaffarian Hall; delicious food, dancing, lots of fun & door prizes; Adults $15, Students $6; to RSVP please contact Karen Shahtanian (978) 689-8929 or Leslie Boloian (978) 502-6410.

February 26—Vartanantz Sing-along program at St. Gregory Church, Granite City, Illinois.

March 4—121st  of ARF Lowell "Aharonian" Gomideh featuring a memorial tribute to Tom Vartabedian; St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church of Merrimack Valley Jaffarian Hall, 158 Main St., North Andover, Massachusetts 01845; Cocktails 6:00 PM, Dinner & Program 7:00 PM; proceeds to benefit The Armenian Weekly & Armenian National Committee of Merrimack Valley; for tickets contact Armen Jeknavorian (978) 256-2538 or Ara Jeknavorian (978) 251-4845; tables of 8 or 10 may be reserved in advance.

March 4—ARS Youth Connect Program at Columbia University, New York. Speakers include Sarah Leah Whitson (Human Rights Watch), Dr. Kim Hekimian  (Columbia University), Dr. Levon Avdoyan (Library of Congress), and YVP program coordinator Dr. Khatchig Mouradian (Columbia University).

March 5—Annual General Membership Meeting of St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church of Merrimack Valley, 12:30 PM in Jaffarian Hall; light luncheon will be served.

March 16—Concert celebrating the 25th anniversary of Armenia’s membership in the United Nations, at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, featuring celebrated Armenian musicians in a performance that bridges the past and the present. Sponsored by the Armenian Mission to the United Nations. Tickets can be purchased by person at the box office or by phone (212-721-6500).

March 26—Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, Annual Membership meeting.

March 31—Eastern Prelacy’s annual Musical Armenia concert at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, New York City at 8 pm. Featuring: Hasmik Vardanyan, cello; Karen Hakobyan, piano; Haik Kazazyan, violin; Hayk Arsenyan, piano. For tickets ($25) and information call Carnegie Hall Box Office (212-247-7800) or Prelacy Office (212-689-7810).

March 31-April 2—Armenian Relief Society Eastern USA is hosting an Art Exhibit at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, 221 E. 27th Street, New York City, of works of Arthur Pinajian to benefit the ARS Education Fund. Opening ceremony and reception on Saturday, April 1, 7 to 10 pm. Additional viewing Friday March 31, 4 to 10 pm; Saturday April 1, Noon to 4 pm; Sunday April 2, 1 to 4 pm. Selling Exhibition. Free admission. For information: Sonia 917-679-6992.

April 9—Annual Palm Sunday Dinner, ARS Merrimack Valley "Arax" Chapter, St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church Jaffarian Hall, 158 Main St., North Andover, Massachusetts 01845; dinner & program; Guest speaker: Mr. Robert Megerdichian, presenting the Metal Artworks of Abraham Megerdichian; Adults $15, Children 12 & under $8; to reserve tickets contact Sharke' Der Apkarian (978) 808-0598.

May 18-20—National Representative Assembly of the Eastern Prelacy hosted by All Saints Church, Glenview, Illinois.