VARTANANTZ COMMEMORATIONS: 

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN IN NEW JERSEY

Last Thursday, February 23, Archbishop Oshagan celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at Sts. Varanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey, in commemoration of the Vartanantz saints and the name day of the New Jersey parish. Assisting His Eminence on the altar were Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, visiting pastor of Holy Cross Church in Troy, New York, and Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York. Also attending the service were Archpriest Fr. Nerses Manoogian, pastor of St. Gregory Church in Philadelphia and Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian, pastor of Soorp Khatch Church in Bethesda, Maryland. Attending the service were the 4th to 8th grade students, teachers, and administrators of the Hovnanian School. His Eminence’s sermon was directed at the Hovnanian School students. He praised them and their parents for their dedication to their Armenian roots. Students listened intently as the Prelate told them that Vartanantz is not just something in the past because we have many modern Avarayr battles that we have to fight. In what has become a tradition for the Hovnanian School, the students all took Communion and then enjoyed a luncheon prepared and served by the Sts. Vartanantz Ladies Guild, after which the students delighted all those in attendance with a program devoted to Vartanantz.

A scene from the Liturgy at Sts. Vartanantz Church last Thursday.

Archbishop Oshagan offers a prayer prior to lunch. From left, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian, Archpriest Fr. Nerses Manoogian, Archbishop Oshagan, Ms. Shake Tashjian, principal of Hovnanian School, Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, Yn. Ani Bozoian, and Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian.

Upper grade students of the Hovnanian School of New Milford, New Jersey, present Vartanantz Day celebration.

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN IN PROVIDENCE

On Sunday, February 26, Archbishop Oshagan celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Sts. Vartanantz Church in Providence, Rhode Island, in honor of Vartanantz Day. During the service His Eminence ordained Garo Tarbinian as an acolyte (tbir), a minor order of the Armenian Church. Following the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence presided over the traditional Vartanantz Day dinner sponsored by the Ladies Guild. A beautiful program of hymns and readings was presented by the Sunday School and the Mourad Armenian School students, directed by music teacher, Raffi Rachdouni. In celebration of the “Year of Renewal” as proclaimed by His Holiness Aram I, five dedicated and faithful young adults, representing their generation, were presented with plaques honoring their service to the church and community. The honorees were Raffi Rachdouni, Hrant Khatchadourian, Garo Tashian, Dalita Getzoyan, and Alysha Phillips. 

Archbishop Oshagan blesses the newly ordained acolyte, Garo Tarbinian.

Armenian and Sunday school student during program.

Archbishop Oshagan speaks to the four honorees, left to right: Dalita Getzoyan, Alysha Philips, Garo Tashian, Hrant Khatchadourian.

DYARNUNTARACH IN NEW JERSEY: 

VICAR CELEBRATES LITURGY

Bishop Anoushavan celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey, on Sunday, February 19. Following the services, His Grace presided over the traditional Dyarnuntarach bonfire outdoors. Dyarnuntarach is one of the Domincal and fixed feasts of the Armenian Church that represents an important event in the life of Jesus. Following Hebrew law, Mary took the infant Jesus to the Temple forty days after the Holy Birth. (See Luke 2:22-40).  There are many traditions associated with this holy day. One of the most popular is the bonfire that is lit from a flame taken from the altar with young people dancing or jumping over the fire once the flames have subsided. The tradition originated from pre-Christian era, but became a symbol of the Light of the Lord.  Traditionally congregants would take home a lighted candle from the bonfire and keep it burning through the night.

Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian with Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian and altar servers and deacons at Sts. Vartanantz Church on February 19.

The traditional Dyaruntarach bonfire.

VICAR WILL PRESIDE AND LECTURE

Bishop Anoushavan will preside over the Divine Liturgy this Sunday (March 5) at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City. Following services His Grace will present a lecture on the 350th anniversary of the first Armenian printed Bible.

BIBLE READINGS

Bible readings for Sunday, March 5, Second Sunday of Great Lent, Sunday of the Expulsion are: Isaiah 33:2-22; Romans 12:1-13; Matthew 5:17-48. 

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in  generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. (Romans 12:1-13)

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophet; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

“You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder’; and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment and if  you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. Do when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go to hell.

“Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’ But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:17-48)

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

SAINT THEODORE THE WARRIOR

This Saturday, March 4, the Armenian Church remembers Theodore the Warrior, a captain in the Roman army during the reign of Emperor Licinius. Theodore was born into a Christian family and was educated in the teachings of the faith. He was noted for his bravery and was especially noted for killing a serpent that was terrorizing people and animals. Theodore armed himself with a sword, and with a prayer to the Lord vanquished the serpent and became a heroic figure. He was appointed commander of Heraclea where he combined his military duties with the preaching of the Gospel. Soon nearly all of Heraclea had accepted Christianity. Emperor Licinius began a campaign against the Christians, and Theodore was a main target. He was arrested and given an opportunity to renounce his Christian faith, which he refused to do. He was martyred in 319 A.D. in Heraclea, Thrace.

SUNDAY OF THE EXPULSION

As of Monday we entered the period of Great Lent (Medz Bahk), and the Church has taken on a somber, mournful, and penitential manifestation. Beginning last Sunday, which was Poon Paregentan, the altar is closed with a dark curtain, symbolic of the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden (See Genesis, chapters 2 and 3).

Holy Communion is not offered during the liturgy. It is a period of repentance and reflection on our spiritual journey toward Easter. We are reminded that through prayers and fasting we strive to please God and regain Mankind’s original sinless creation.

Each of the Sundays during Lent has a theme. This Sunday is the Sunday of the Expulsion (Ardagsman Giragi). The message of this day is a continuation of last Sunday’s Paregentan theme, namely, Adam and Eve’s fall from grace and banishment from Paradise. The hymns sung on the first two Sundays of Lent remind us of the expulsion and give sinners the opportunity to be worthy through repentance. 

O Lord, you first gave the holy observance of the law in paradise. But the first creatures disobeyed you by eating the forbidden fruit and thus tasted the bitterness of sin and death. Therefore, enable us to taste the sweetness of your commandments. (From the hymn sung on the Sunday of the Expulsion)

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 BEGAN YESTERDAY

This year’s Prelacy Lenten Program that began last night is devoted to “The Year of Renewal.” Last evening’s lecture was by Dn. Shant Kazanjian who spoke about “Renewal in Christ.” 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 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.

VICAR CELEBRATES VARTANANTZ IN WATERTOWN

Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. Stephen Church in Watertown, Massachusetts, on Vartanantz, with the participation of the pastors of the Prelacy’s New England parishes. Saturday school students participated in the celebration with a brief program at the end of the service. (Last week’s Crossroads mistakenly said that Sunday school students offered a program when in fact it was Armenian school students).

Bishop Anoushavan with altar servers at St. Stephen’s Church in Watertown during Vartanantz Day commemoration. 

ARS REMEMBRANCE DAY

Last Sunday our parishes offered Requiem Service for deceased members and benefactors of the Armenian Relief Society. At  St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City, Bishop Anoushavan presided over the Divine Liturgy and the requiem service. During the fellowship hour following the services, His Grace praised the ARS for its dedication and service to the Armenian community.

Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General of the Prelacy, and Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, with members of the New York “Mayr” Chapter of the ARS, and deacons last Sunday.

SUMGAIT-BAKU PROTESTS IN NEW YORK

Last Friday the Armenian National Committee of New York together with dozens of activists gathered in front of the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the United Nations to demand truth and justice for the crimes perpetrated against the Armenians in the towns of Sumgait, Baku, Kirovabad, Maragha, which resulted in hundreds of Armenians being killed and over 400,000 forcefully deported from their homes. The demonstrators also called for the end of the two-decades-long aggression of Azerbaijan against Artsakh and Armenia. The demonstration concluded with a prayer offered by Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian and deacons from St. Illuminator’s Cathedral.

Members from the New York metro area gathered to demonstrate at the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the United Nations last Friday.

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 click here.

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.

Alexander Mantashian was a prominent oil magnate at the turn of the twentieth century, when Armenians were one of the main driving forces behind oil extraction and trade in Baku. He was also a very important philanthropist.

Born in Tiflis (Tbilisi) on March 3, 1842, Mantashian spent most of his childhood in Tabriz (Northern Iran), where his father was involved in the cotton and textile trade. As his only son, he was involved in his father’s business affairs from early on. In 1869 he moved to Manchester, a major European center of cotton and textile processing industries, to help ship goods to his father in Tabriz. He honed his skills in the secrets and crafts of the textile industry, and also delved into the intricacies of European business and English culture, learning English, French, and German in the meantime. He returned to Tiflis in 1872 with his father, and became fully engaged in the wholesale textile trade. After his father's death in 1887, Mantashian purchased most of the shares of the Tiflis Central Commercial Bank, becoming its principal shareholder and then chairman of the board. The bank was the only financial institution in the Caucasus whose shares traded on the St. Petersburg Stock Exchange.

Well-established in commerce and in public life, Mantashian became interested in a new business venture. The oil boom had started in Baku (currently Azerbaijan) in the 1870s. The promise of colossal profits lured adventurous investors. The businessman’s entrepreneurial savvy recognized human vulnerability: he was known to sign off on his business documents «Աստծով» (Asttsov “with God”) in Armenian. His childhood friend Mikael Aramiants had moved from Tiflis to Baku in 1884 and established the oil company A. Tsaturov and Co. with three compatriots from Gharabagh. One of them, A. Tsaturian, borrowed 50,000 rubles from the Tiflis Central Bank. In return, Mantashian was allowed to purchase shares at a bargain, and eventually he took over the company.

Mantashian’s penchant for high risk investments led him to buy marginally successful oil wells in Baku, and the gamble paid back. He built a refinery in Baku, as well as a lubricant plant and a marine refinery for pumping oil and fuel to vessels. His company also produced storage canisters in Batumi, a mechanical workshop in Zabrat, and a pumping station in Odessa. He was a major player in the construction of an east-west pipeline extending 500 miles from the coast of the Caspian Sea (Baku) to the Black Sea port of Batumi, which was the world’s longest pipeline after its opening in 1907. The pipeline ultimately made a positive impact on the oil business in Europe. For transportation, he acquired 100 freight cars that ran on the railways of southwestern Russia. His tankers supplied oil to India, China, Japan and the Mediterranean countries. He was well known to hire fellow Armenians to manage his plants and to give business loans to his countrymen.

In 1899 Mantashian created the trading house A.I. Mantashev and Co. with Aramiants, opening representative offices and warehouses in the major cities of Europe and Asia: Smyrna, Salonica, Constantinople, Alexandria, Cairo, Port Said, Damascus, Paris, London, Bombay, and Shanghai. Mantashev became a shareholder in a number of oil companies, among them Branobel (belonging to Ludwig and Robert Nobel). The firm managed 51.3% of the total stock of oil and 66.8% of the oil content in the Caspian Sea. In 1904, it was the third largest oil company in Baku, next to the Nobel brothers and the Caspian Sea Society of the Rothschild brothers.

Mantashian’s oil company was the largest in Russian industry by its capital from 1899-1909. By 1909 its fixed assets amounted to 22 million rubles (over 35 million dollars of today).

Despite his enormous wealth, Mantashian led a modest lifestyle. He did not like gold and never wore jewelry. He usually traveled by public transportation in Tiflis, carrying a very small amount of money. A patron of arts and culture, he loved theater and, besides frequent donations to the Armenian Dramatic Society, he built the Pitoewski Theatre in the Georgian capital (now the National Rustaveli Theatre). He had a personal lounge in the Academie National de Musique of Paris. Besides helping actors, his sponsorship was fundamental to have talented young Armenian students pursue their careers at the best universities, including such luminaries of Armenian culture and studies like Gomidas Vartabed, Hrachia Adjarian, Nicolas Adontz, and Hakob Manandian, among many others.

In his time, Mantashian’s largesse had an impact on Armenian life comparable to Alex Manoogian, Kirk Kirkorian, and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (incidentally, he met and helped young Calouste Gulbenkian in 1896). His earliest charitable gesture was his contribution to the construction of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Manchester in 1870. He was one of the twelve founders of the Armenian Benevolent Society of the Caucasus (1881), which developed a very important activity over the next three decades. He made important donations for the construction of the new building of the Nersesian Lyceum in Tiflis and the residence of the Catholicos of All Armenians in Holy Etchmadzin. His most famous and lasting donation remains the St. John the Baptist Armenian Church in Paris (1904), near Champs Elysees. His tongue-in-cheek explanation for the choice of Paris was that the City of Lights had been the place where he had sinned most. Émile Loubet, President of France, conferred Mantashian the order of the Legion of Honor for his donation.

The Armenian benefactor passed away in Saint Petersburg, where he had gone to follow medical treatment for kidney disease, on April 19, 1911. His body was moved to Tiflis and buried next to his wife at the cemetery of Khojivank, which was being restored at the time with his donations. His company was confiscated after the October Revolution of 1917 and, in 1933, the Khojivank cemetery, including Mantashian’s tomb, was mostly destroyed by order of Lavrenti Beria, the main Stalin henchman in the Caucasus. Today, most of his buildings are still standing in Tbilisi, and a downtown street and a statue remember him in 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.

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. 

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

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—“350th Anniversary of the First Armenian Printed Bible,” lecture by Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New York, NY. Organized by St. Illuminator Cathedral and Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of New York.

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 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.