March 9, 2017

PRELATE IN METRO AREA THIS WEEKEND

Archbishop Oshagan will attend the Lenten Vespers Service at Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey, tomorrow, Friday, March 10. His Eminence will present the Lenten homily and preside over the Fellowship dinner. 

On Sunday, March 12, His Eminence will preside over the Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York.

ARTSAKH OMBUDSMAN VISITS PRELACY

Mr. Reuben Melikyan, Ombudsman for Artsakh, visited the Prelacy office yesterday where he met with the Prelate Archbishop Oshagan and Vicar Bishop Anoushavan. Accompanying Mr. Melikyan was Mr. Artur Martirosyan, a member of the Board of Trustees of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, New York. During the meeting a number of issues that are of great concern to the Republic of Artsakh were discussed. His Eminence expressed the full support of the Prelacy for Artsakh and its future. 

Mr. Melikyan will visit St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, this Sunday, March 12 and Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey, at next Friday’s (March 17) Lenten service. 

Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan with Reuben Melikyan and Artur Martirosyan at the Prelacy office.

VARTANANTZ CELEBRATION IN PROVIDENCE REVISITED

In last week’s edition of Crossroads, we featured an item about Archbishop Oshagan’s visit to Sts. Vartanantz Church in Providence, Rhode Island, on Sunday, February 26, on the occasion of the Vartanantz holiday. During a dinner that followed the Divine Liturgy five parishioners were honored. One photo was inadvertently omitted in Crossroads, and we would like to include it this week with our apologies.

Archbishop Oshagan with honoree Raffi Rachdouni.

BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, March 12, Third Sunday of Great Lent,
Sunday of the Prodigal Son, are: Isaiah 54:11-55:13; 2 Corinthians 6:1-7; Luke 15:1-32.

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” 

So he told them this parable: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. 

“Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” 

And he said, “There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father give me the share of property that falls to me.’ And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have fed on the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to make merry. 

“Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf! And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’” (Luke 15:1-32)

***

As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, “At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you.” See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! We are putting no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see—we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

We have spoken frankly to you Corinthians; our heart is wide open to you. There is no restriction in our affections, but only in yours. In return—I speak as to children—open wide your hearts also.

Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship is there between light and darkness? What agreement does Christ have with Beliar? Or what does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will live in them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, and I will be your father, and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and of spirit, making holiness perfect in the fear of God.”  (2 Corinthians 6:1-7:1)

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

ST. CYRIL OF JERUSALEM

This Saturday (March 11) we commemorate St. Cyril (315-386) of Jerusalem, a doctor of the church. St. Cyril had a pleasant and conciliatory disposition, however he lived at a time when bishops were embroiled in bitter controversies and were quick to condemn any attempts at compromise, even calling such attempts as treason. Sixteen years of his thirty-five years as a bishop were spent in exile. When a famine hit Jerusalem, he sold some of the possessions of the church to raise money for the poor starving people. He was condemned for selling church property and banished. His best known work that has survived, “The Catechetical Lectures,” is believed to be one of the earliest systematic accounts of Christian theology. The lectures consist of an introductory lecture, followed by eighteen lectures on the Christian faith that were used during Lent for those preparing to be baptized on Easter, and five lectures on the sacraments to be used after Easter. The lectures have been translated into many languages, including English and Armenian, and are noted for their presentation of the Christian faith in a positive light and maintaining a balance between correct belief and holy action.

Thousands of pilgrims would come to Jerusalem for Holy Week. Cyril instituted the liturgical forms for that week as they were observed in Jerusalem. A detailed account of Holy Week observances in Jerusalem in the fourth century is available thanks to a woman named Egeria (Etheria), believed to be a Spanish nun, who made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and kept a journal describing the liturgical practices at the various holy sites.

SUNDAY OF THE PRODIGAL SON

Our journey through Great Lent continues. This Sunday, March 12, is the Sunday of the Prodigal Son. The parable of the prodigal son shows God’s fatherly love and eagerness to forgive those who repent (See the Gospel reading above). 

Light from light, generation and down, you came to seek out the wondering sheep of our nature which you carried together with the cross on your shoulder; purify us also from our sins.

Holiest of the holy, purifier of those who exist, you swept your house, purified the world from sins and having found your image in it you renewed it, renew us also from our ancient sins.

With the prodigal son we cry out to you, tender-hearted Father, we have sinned against heaven and before you, the purifier from sins; come out with love to meet us, embrace us with a kiss and purify us from our sins.

Holy Mother of God, fountain of life which flowed from the heavenly Eden, which watered the thirsting earth with the Spirit’s wisdom, pray that we may be given a fountain of tears for the cleansing of our sins.(From the Liturgical Canons of the Armenian Church for the Third Sunday of Lent, Sunday of the Prodigal Son)

THE SUNRISE SERVICE (AREVAKAL)

Although there are references to a Sunrise Service in the Armenian Church as early as the 7th century, the service as we know it today is the work of the 12th century Catholicos, St. Nerses Shnorhali (The Graceful) whose music and prayers have greatly enriched the Armenian Church.

During Lent the Sunrise Service, which traditionally took place on Wednesday and Friday mornings during Lent, takes place on Sundays immediately following the closed-altar Divine Liturgy.

Although the Church takes on a mournful demeanor during Lent, the Sunrise Service is quite joyous with its main theme being “light,” representing our Lord. The word light (looys) appears more than any other word throughout the service, whereas the word “darkness” (khavar) is used just once.

The service consists of four parts, or sets. Each one follows the same pattern starting with a hymn, followed by a litany by the deacon, and a prayer by the priest. Each set has a different theme. Readings are from the book of Psalms.

The joyful music of the hymns and the stirring words make this one of the most pleasant and spiritually uplifting services in the Armenian Church.

LENTEN LECTURE SERIES CONTINUES

The second of the Prelacy’s Lenten lectures was delivered by Ms. Karen Jehanian, a member of the Prelacy’s Executive Council. Ms. Jehanian spoke about “Parish Renewal.” All six of the presentations this year are devoted to the 2017 theme of “The Year of Renewal,” as designated by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia. All the lectures take place at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New York City. The evening begins 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 remaining Lenten lectures is as follows:

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.

You can watch last night's lecture by Karen Jehanian below!

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. To view the most recent reflection offered by Archpriest Fr. Nerses Manoogian, pastor of St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia click here.

VICAR LECTURES ON FIRST PRINTED ARMENIAN BIBLE

Bishop Anoushavan delivered a lecture on the occasion of the 350th anniversary of the first Armenian printed Bible last Sunday at St. Illuminator Cathedral in New York following the Divine Liturgy. The lecture, which was under the auspices of the Prelate Archbishop Oshagan, was jointly sponsored by the Cathedral and Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of New York. Ms. Armine Minassian welcomed the audience and introduced Bishop Anoushavan who spoke about the many challenges that were faced that finally resulted in a printed Armenian Bible. [See “This Week in Armenian History” below—editor]. The event came to a conclusion with a rendition of “Ave Maria,” offered by Ms. Karine Vartanian.

Bishop Anoushavan, at the podium, spoke about the 350th anniversary of the first printed Armenian Bible last Sunday at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York.

MUSICAL ARMENIA 2017

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.Click here to Register for the event on Facebook! and Click here to Buy Tickets now

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.

As noted above, throughout Musical Armenia’s more than three-decades-long history the price of admission has been kept low thanks to the support of dedicated sponsors. As a sponsor you can make a key contribution to the development of talented musicians as they strive for success in their various musical fields. All donations are acknowledged in the concert booklet. The categories of sponsorship are: Diamond ($1,000); Platinum ($500); Gold ($300); Silver ($200). Friend (any amount). Diamond, Platinum, and Gold sponsors will receive two complimentary tickets.

Click here to Donate Now online. Choose “Musical Armenia” in the designations list. 
Or Click here for a Sponsorship Form that can be mailed with your donation to the Armenian Prelacy, 138 East 39th Street, New York, NY 10016.

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

THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)
Beginning of the first printing of the Armenian Bible
(March 11, 1666)

After the pioneering publications by Hakob Meghapart in Venice (1512-1513), Armenian printing started a more consistent pace in the second half of the sixteenth century. A few decades of slow development would suffice to bring to the forefront a main concern and goal: the printing of the Bible in Armenian.

The task would ultimately be undertaken by Archbishop Oskan Yerevantsi (1614-1674), a native of Nor Jugha, the Armenian center founded in Iran after the forced emigration carried out by Shah Abbas III in 1604. Invited to Holy Etchmiadzin in 1634, Oskan met there a Dominican monk, Paolo Piromalli, who had come to Armenia with instructions to adapt the Armenian text of the Bible to the Vulgate, its Latin translation used by the Catholic Church. Piromalli, who taught Latin and other subjects to Oskan, returned to Rome four years later, but Vatican censorship did not allow him to publish his intended translation of the Bible into Armenian. Coming back to Etchmiadzin in 1642, Piromalli collaborated with Oskan to publish the Armenian Bible, but always trying to reconcile the Armenian text to the Latin. This did not come to fruition.

Twenty years later, Oskan Yerevantsi left for Europe with a letter of recommendation by Catholicos Hakob IV Jughayetsi with the goal of printing the Bible in Europe. There was no printing house in Eastern Armenia, under Persian domination, or in Western Armenia, under Ottoman domination. The ecclesiastic first went to Livorno and then to Rome, where he unsuccessfully tried to obtain license from the Vatican to publish the Bible anywhere in Italy. Afterwards, he left for Amsterdam; the Netherlands was a Protestant country and there was complete printing freedom. There, he took over the direction of the printing house named after Holy Etchmiadzin and St. Sarkis (founded by Mateos Tzaretsi in 1660) in the fall of 1664. While publishing other books, he started preliminary work for the printing of the Bible. He ordered new typefaces and ornamented letterheads, while preparing the text for publication.

Oskan worked on the printing with the help of his disciples Garabed Andrianatsi and Ohan Yerevantsi. The 1,462-paged, two column book was printed with a run of 5,000 copies. It was finished in two years and seven months (March 11, 1666 – October 13, 1668). Four lithographs were used in the title pages, with human figures representing Faith and Hope in the ornamental pictures left and right. The word Աստուածաշունչ (Asdvadzashoonch, “Bible”) is printed in bird-like script, and the book cover is red leather-covered, thick wood. The book used seven different typefaces and 159 pictures, mostly by Dutch engraver Christoffel van Sichem the Younger (1581-1658). 

The first edition was partly marred by the text, which constituted a distortion of the fifth century translation. It was probably based on the manuscript commanded by King Hethum II of Cilicia (1294-1301) in 1295. However, it was edited—whether by Piromalli or by Oskan himself—with an eye on the Vulgate, and Oskan translated and added several books of the Old Testament, which were missing from the Armenian Bible and its canon. Its middle position between the classical text and the Vulgate was aimed at making it palatable to Armenians of all denominations, as well as the Catholic Church hierarchy. The next two editions of the Bible (Constantinople, 1705, and Venice, 1733, the latter by Mekhitar of Sebastia, the founder of the Mekhitarist Congregation) were based on the 1666 edition. In 1805 a Mekhitarist monk, Hovhannes Zohrabian, published the fourth edition of the Bible, where he restored the original translation of the Golden Age.

Oskan’s edition was criticized, but it had a great impact on Armenians everywhere. A specially ordered copy from the famous Dutch artist/bookbinder Albert Magnus, with deluxe binding, was presented to the French king Louis XIV. That exemplar is now kept at the National Library of France.

Previous entries in “This Week in Armenian History” are on the Prelacy’s web page ( www.armenianprelacy. org ).

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.

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

PRINCETON ARMENIAN SOCIETY

The Princeton Armenian Society at Princeton University is presenting three interesting events this weekend. Tomorrow, Friday, March 10, a film screening of the documentary Garod will take place at 4:30 pm at Aaron Burr Hall 219. On Sunday, March 12, a concert featuring Ara Dinkjian, Secret Trio and NY Gypsy All Stars, will be presented at 4 pm at Taplin Auditorium in Fine Hall. On Monday, March 13, a Workshop on Middle Eastern Music will take place at 6:30 pm at East Pyne 010.

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET:

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.

ARMENIAN LANGUAGE CORNER
Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)

How Art and Craft Came Together

We have seen many times how certain words have unexpected origins. For instance, the Proto-Indo-European word *ar  (“to fit together, to join”) generated a derivative word *ar-ti, which gave origin to a series of cognate terms in various Indo-European languages, including Latin ars (“work of art; practical skill; a business, craft”).  The latter’s declined form artem entered Old French as art and then reached English as the same word, which meant “skill as a result of learning or practice” in the thirteenth century and started being used with the meaning “skill in creative arts” three centuries later.

However, despite what you might think, the Armenian word արուեստ (arvesd) does not come from the same root *ar. This word was abundantly used in Classical Armenian (pronounced arwest), starting in the fifth century, with different meanings, such as “skill, mental or manual art,” “handicraft, object skillfully made,” “miracle,” and “deceptive trick.” Much later, the parallel form արհեստ (arhesd) appeared. In Modern Armenian, arvesd and arhesd went separate ways: arvesd means “art” and arhesd means “craft.” Today, we know that a sculptor is an արուեստագէտ (arvesdaked  “artist”), and a carpenter is an արհեստաւոր (arhesdavor “craftsman”).

Where does arvesd come from, then? There is not a definite answer, but it is probable that the source was Iran, as it happened for many words borrowed into the Armenian language after millennia of political domination and/or cultural interaction. Old Persian language, at the time of the Achaemenid dynasty, had the word aruastam, whose meaning is debatable, but probably meant “activity, physical prowess,” and Pahlavi (during the Arsacid dynasty, which later had a branch in Armenia) had the word rwst (vowels were not represented), which meant “virtue.” It is possible that rwst actually sounded arwest, and the distance from “virtue” to “skill” was not very big.

Previous entries in “Armenian Language Corner” are on the Prelacy’s web page ( www.armenianprelacy. org ).


THE EASTERN PRELACY IS SEEKING APPLICANTS FOR POSITION OF

ASSISTANT COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

WORK HOURS CAN BE FLEXIBLE


The Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America is seeking applicants for the position of Assistant Communications Director, who will work with the Director of Communications and Publications to assist with all aspects of public relations and communications. Must be able to manage multiple deadlines, be attentive to details, and respect and understand the religious culture and history of the Armenian people. 

Duties include assisting the Director of Communications in, but not limited to, the following:

  • Write and/or edit press releases.
  • Write and/or edit articles for semi-annual magazine.
  • Help produce text for weekly electronic newsletter.
  • Work with Communications Officer on internet based programs, including web page and social media.
  • Edit and prepare projects (books, booklets, brochures) for printing.


Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Communications or related field or Liberal Arts.
  • Minimum 5 years experience.
  • Strong writing skills.
  • Skill with social media and other communications channels to showcase Prelacy projects and programs.
  • Knowledge of Armenian language and Armenian Church is a plus.

Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Work hours can be flexible.
Please send a cover letter and CV to:
                Dr. Vazken Ghougassian, Executive Director
                Vazken@armenianprelacy.org

LENTEN TRADITIONS: KEEPING TIME DURING LENT

There are more than 150 fasting days in the Armenian Liturgical Calendar, the longest period being Great Lent (Medz Bahk). Most families in the Armenian villages of yesteryears did not have calendars in their homes. The famous artist Arshile Gorky has written about village life and noted how Armenian villagers kept track of time during the long weeks of Lent. He writes: 

“The walls of the house were made of clay blocks, deprived of all details, with a roof of rude timber. It was here, in my childhood, that I witnessed, for the first time, that most poetic image of operations—the elevation of the object: This structural substitute for a calendar…. In this culture, the seasons manifested themselves; therefore there was no need, with the exception of the Lenten period, for a formal calendar. The people, with the imagery of their extravagantly tender, almost innocently direct concept of Space and Time conceived of the following: In the ceiling was a round aperture to permit the emission of smoke. Over it was placed a wooden cross from which was suspended by a string an onion into which seven feathers had been plunged. As each Sunday elapsed, a feather was removed, thus denoting the passage of time.”

The seventh and last feather to be removed would be on the Sunday of the Resurrection—Easter.

FROM THE PRELACY BOOKSTORE 

A NEW PUBLICATION

OUT OF MY GREAT SORROWS:

The Armenian Genocide and Artist Mary Zakarian

By Allan Arpajian and Susan Arpajian Jolley

Written by Mary Zakarian’s niece and nephew, this book weaves together stories about Zakarian’s life and work. Beginning with chapters on the family history, the book narrates the influence of Zakarian’s mother, a Genocide survivor, on Zakarian’s work. The Philadelphia artist’s work explores concepts such as assimilation, trauma, and guilt.

“At the center of Mary’s life was what she readily identified as its defining feature: her conflicted relationship with her mother. Mary sought through art to come to terms with her own residual grief and that of her mother. Yet despite the sadness at its center, this is a story of survival. It also speaks to how human suffering and trauma inform an artist’s work. It is not only a picture of one woman’s life, but also a window into many matters that affect us all.” (From the Introduction by Susan Arpajian Jolley and Allan Arpajian)

Out of My Great Sorrows: 

The Armenian Genocide and Artist Mary Zakarian

197 pages, hardcover, $49.95, plus shipping and handling
  To order this or any other book, contact the Prelacy Bookstore by email (books@armenianprelacy.org) or telephone (212-689-7810).
 

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME

Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 am, this Sunday, March 12. Remember to set your clocks forward one hour.

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.

Prelacy Lenten Program at St. Illuminator Cathedral, New York City at 7 pm.
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.

March 9—The Mark Kyrkostas “Remember Me with Music” concert, will take place at the home where he grew up in Little Neck, New York. Featuring “The soul of Mark” pianist Ivy Adrian and Broadway star Michelle Mallardi. Due to limited space tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets include a buffet dinner promptly beginning at 6:30 pm, and the program will follow at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $25 per person. For information / tickets: 718-428-5650.

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 25—Hrant Dink Contemporary Oratorio, St. Vartan Cathedral, 630 Second Avenue, New York City, at 6:30 pm. Dinner will follow in the Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium. Organized by the Constantinople Armenian Relief Society on the occasion of its 90th anniversary, and with participation of ten community organizations. Chorus and orchestra under the direction of Kris D. Kalfayan, Musical Director. Tickets: $40 for concert; $60 for dinner. For reservations /  information: 718-459-2757. 

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 8—Premiere of  documentary, “They Shall Not Perish: The Story of Near East Relief,” at The Times Center, New York City. Watch for more details.

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.

April 23—Remembering the Armenian Genocide, Gathering at Times Square, 2 pm (43rd and Broadway, New York City). Sponsored by Knights and Daughters of Vartan; co-sponsored and with the participation of all major Armenian organizations. Free bus transportation to and from Times Square. For information: www.KOFV.ORG/MAIN/APRIL232017.

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

May 21—St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts, 47th anniversary celebration and year-end hantes of church schools. Archbishop Oshagan will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and preside over the dedication of the Tom M. Vartabedian Library and anniversary/hantes.

December 5-8—World General Assembly of the Great House of Cilicia, at the Catholicosate in Antelias, Lebanon.

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/