The Eastern Prelacy notes with sadness the passing of Louise Manoogian Simone, a benefactor of the Armenian Church and nation. She was 85 years old. Funeral services will be private.
The daughter of Alex and Marie Manoogian, she continued her family’s legacy of philanthropy. She succeeded her father as the international leader of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and was a dedicated supporter of the Armenian Church, especially the Holy See of Etchmiadzin. She was particularly responsible for aid to Armenia after the 1988 earthquake and much-needed humanitarian aid during the early years of independence.
Asdvatz hokeen lousavoreh
. May God illuminate her soul.
|
|
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 24, in memory of the deceased clergy who served the Prelacy.
Remembered with gratitude and honor:
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, Rev. Fr. Nareg Shrikian.
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)
|
|
REQUIEM SERVICE FOR VICTIMS OF
SUMGAIT, BAKU, KIROVABAD
|
|
By order of the Prelate, all Prelacy parishes will offer requiem services this Sunday, February 24, in memory of Armenians who were massacred by Azerbaijan in the towns of Sumgait, Baku, and Kirovabad, that resulted in hundreds dead and hundreds of thousands forcefully deported from their homes. Archbishop Anoushavan has directed parishes to circulate a second plate offering that will benefit the families of fallen heroes.
|
|
Archbishop Anoushavan has directed all parishes to observe Remembrance Day for the Armenian Relief Society, offering requiem service for all deceased members and benefactors of the ARS this Sunday, February 24. Remembered specifically will be the founder of the ARS, Agnouni (Khatchadour Maloomian), on the occasion of the 104
th
anniversary of his death, and the following benefactors: George and Beatrice Lazarian, Levon and Sophia Hagopian, Karekin and Virginia Siroonian, Samuel and Agnes Yeremian, Araxie Proodian, Haiganoush Garabedian, Doris Norian Lentzi, Alice Norian, Arpkes Kelerchian, Hagop Jacques Mouradian, Alice Haigazian Berman, Genevieve Yekeshian, Yervant and Helen Terzian, Albert and Takouhi Bagian, Giragos Vaporsiyan, Kourken Assaturian, and Margaret Assaturian.
“The Armenian Relief Society has been in the forefront providing humanitarian aid wherever needed for more than a century. It has also been a steadfast supporter of our schools and education in general. Let us honor the memory of all those who served and supported this noble organization,” said Archbishop Anoushavan.
|
|
PRELATE WILL PRESIDE IN CONNECTICUT;
REV. FR. VAHAN WILL CELEBRATE FIRST LITURGY
|
|
Archbishop Anoushavan will travel to Connecticut this Sunday, February 24, where he will preside over the Divine Liturgy at St. Stephen’s Church in New Britain. Rev. Fr. Vahan Kouyoumdjian, who was recently ordained to the Holy Order of Priesthood, will celebrate his first Divine Liturgy and deliver the Sermon having completed a period of time in isolation for prayer, meditation, and study. A luncheon will follow in the church hall after the Divine Liturgy and Requiem Service.
|
|
CATHOLICOSATE PLANS CONFERENCE ON THE ARMENIAN PRESS IN JULY
|
|
The Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia has announced plans for a pan-Armenian conference devoted to the Armenian Press as part of the year-long commemoration of the Year of the Armenian Press that was proclaimed by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I in January.
The conference will take place July 2, 3, and 4, at the Catholicosate in Antelias, Lebanon. The conference will have a pan-Armenia focus and editors and journalists from Armenian, Artsakh, and the Diaspora are invited to participate. The conference will concentrate on the current challenges facing the Armenian Press, as well as other relevant topics such as the ways and means of working together, the use of modern technology, the role of social media in the world of reporting, and today’s struggles facing the Armenian print press.
Those wishing to participate in the conference should contact Mr. Khachig Dedeyan at the Catholicosate no later than April 15 by email (
info@armenianorthodoxchurch.org
) or telephone (+961 4 410001).
|
|
PRELATE CELEBRATES DIVINE LITURGY IN DOUGLASTON
ON THE FEAST OF ST SARKIS
|
|
Archbishop Anoushavan and Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian with altar servers and choir members of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, NY
|
|
Recipients of the Eastern Prelacy's certificate of merit: (from left to right) Raffi Nenejian, Elsie Halajian (accepting for Nyrie Bedrossian), Makrouhi Kalayjian, Annette Givelekian.
|
|
Following Badarak, a reception and an Artistic program performed by the Suzanne and Hovsep Hagopian Saturday School Students took place in the Chadrjian Hall. Archbishop Anoushavan awarded members of the Parish Certificates of Merit for their dedication and continuous devotion to St. Sarkis Church.
|
|
PRELATE ATTENDS FESTIVAL LAUNCH
|
|
Bishop Anoushavan attended the Embassy of Armenia’s Launch of the PostClassical Ensemble’s Spring 2020 Armenian Festival, which will feature Narek Hakhnazaryan, composer Vache Sharafyan, and artist Kevork Mourad in events at the National Gallery of Art and the Washington National Cathedral. The Dinner & Concert Gala event at the Armenian Embassy was hosted by Ambassador Varoujan Nersesyan and the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, February 19. The evening began with a pre-concert reception and ended with a post-concert dinner. Accompanying the Prelate was Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian, pastor of Soorp Khatch Church of Bethesda, Maryland.
|
|
PRELATE AND AMAA DIRECTOR MEET
|
|
Archbishop Anoushavan and Zaven Khanjian, Executive Director of the Armenian Missionary Association of America met yesterday at the Association’s headquarters in Paramus, New Jersey.
|
|
In spite of a snow storm that hit northern New Jersey yesterday afternoon, Archbishop Anoushavan fulfilled a visit to the headquarters of the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) in Paramus, New Jersey. His Eminence was given a tour of the AMAA headquarters by Zaven Khanjian, Executive Director of the AMAA, who congratulated the Prelate on his recent election and elevation. Archbishop Anoushavan and Mr. Khanjian had a cordial conversation about the well-being of the Armenian people in the Homeland and the Diaspora. They also discussed interfaith relations and the need for a stronger bond among all Christians.
|
|
The Eastern Prelacy has presented the annual Musical Armenia concert since 1982, bringing many talented artists of Armenian descent into the limelight. This year’s concert that will take place at 2 pm, on Sunday, March 17, is the 36
th
concert in the series. The concert will feature Cara Pogossian, (viola) and Edvard Pogossian, (cello), with Vatche Jambazian, (piano).
Cara Pogossian
was awarded a bronze medal at the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, the largest chamber music competition in the world. She appeared recently on NPR’s “From the Top” program. Ms. Pogossian is currently a sophomore at the Curtis Institute of Music. She was awarded a scholarship from the AGBU.
In recognition of his winner achievement at the Juilliard Concerto Competition
Edvard Pogossian
performed with the Juilliard Orchestra at David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center and at Chicago’s Harris Theater. Mr. Pogossian is a first-year artist in residence student at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel in Belgium and is a graduate of The Juilliard School.
The program includes the music of Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Komitas, Mirzoyan, Mansurian, and Spendiarian. The concert venue is Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, West 57
th
Street and Seventh Avenue in New York City. Tickets ($25) can be purchased at the Carnegie Hall Box office (212-247-7800); and at the Armenian Prelacy (212-689-7810).
Become a Sponsor of Musical Armenia:
Established by Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian and the Prelacy Ladies Guild, Musical Armenia is dedicated to promoting young Armenian artists and to the performance of music by Armenian composers. Over the past 37 years many of the program’s performers have established solid professional careers.
The Prelacy is able to present this annual concert 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 cover the cost and keep the price of tickets affordable for all.
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 donors are acknowledged in the concert booklet. The categories of sponsorship are: Diamond $1,000; Platinum $500; Gold $300; Silver $200. Diamond, Platinum, and Gold sponsors will receive two complimentary tickets. For more information or to become a sponsor of Musical Armenia contact Sophie by email (
sophie@armenianprelacy.org
) or by telephone (212-689-7810).
|
|
Bible readings for
Sunday, February 24, Sixth Sunday after Nativity
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)
|
|
Today, Thursday, February 21, 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 23, 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 accomplishments, even under 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 older). With the death of Catholicos Sahag Bartev the line of St. Gregory the Illuminator came to an end.
|
|
This Tuesday, February 26, the Armenian Church commemorates the Feast of the Holy Ghevontian (Leontine) priests. After the battle of Vartanantz, a number of priests and deacons were 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 is 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.
|
|
PRELACY’S LENTEN PROGRAM BEGINS MARCH 6
|
|
Great Lent, which begins on March 4, is around the corner. In keeping with the tradition, the Prelacy’s Lenten Program will be held at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City on six consecutive Wednesdays of Great Lent starting, March 6. The program will include a short church service at 7:00pm, followed by a 20-minute lecture at 7:30 and a table fellowship at 8:00pm.
The speakers are: Iris Papazian (March 6), Rev. Father Nareg Terterian (March 13), Rev. Father Vahan Kouyoumdjian (March 20), Rev. Father Nerses Manoogian (March 27), Rev. Father Kapriel Nazarian (April 3), and Prof. Siobhan Nash-Marshall (April 10).
The Program is sponsored by the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC) and the Ladies Guild of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral. Look for more details next week.
|
|
The Prelacy’s Orphans Sponsorship program was established in 1993 and continues to be the central mission of the Prelacy’s programs in Armenia and Artsakh. As part of the program, letters are received regularly from sponsored children addressed to their sponsors. All letters received are sent to that child’s sponsor.
Because the letters are delightful to read, from time to time we will share some in
Crossroads
. Last week we shared the first of what we hope will become a regular feature in
Crossroads
. We will continue to identify the children and sponsor by initials only and include a translation of the letter.
|
|
Greetings to my dear Sponsor,
I wish you and your family a very Happy New Year and Merry Armenian Christmas.
My name is . . . and I am the daughter of lieutenant colonel . . . . My father was killed in the four-day war in April 2016.
I am 11 years old and in the fifth grade . . . . I am on the honor roll in school for academics and behavior and at the end of the school year I always get certificates for being one of the best. I love all the subjects in school, but my favorites are Math, Armenian, English and Russian languages, Armenian History and Arts. In our school we learn three foreign languages: German, English, and Russian. Starting this September, I began also going to a music school where I learn how to sing. I also participate in the after-school classes of dance and sewing. I love to sing, dance, and sew.
My family is comprised of three people: my mother, brother, and myself. I love my family very much. My mom doesn’t work, but she is a third year student in Shirak State University’s Business Management program.
I am so grateful to you for becoming my sponsor! We really needed that after my father’s death. With love and gratitude, [AA.].
|
|
PRESENTATION OF THE LORD
CELEBRATED IN NORTH ANDOVER
|
|
Faithful parishioners gathered at St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church in North Andover, Massachusetts last Friday evening for the celebration of the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord to the Temple, or
Dyarnuntarach
. Very Rev. Fr. Sahag Yemishian, Vicar General of the Prelacy, presided over the evening's festivities. Rev. Fr. Mikael Der Kosrofian, pastor of St. Asdvadzadzin Church in Whitinsville, also participated along with Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian, pastor of St. Gregory Church in North Andover.
The celebration began with the evening prayer service, during which the faithful heard the Gospel reading about the presentation of Jesus Christ to the Temple in Jerusalem at 40 days, as was required by Jewish Law. This passage is found in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 2, Verses 22-40. In his sermon, Hayr Sahag emphasized the importance of understanding the Presentation of our Lord as a call for all of us Armenian Christians to present ourselves to God and to become his dedicated servants. At the conclusion of the service, the clergy and altar servers led the procession of the faithful outside, where the bon fire was waiting. Using the candle lit during the service, Hayr Soorp ignited the blaze to the warmth and delight of everyone present. The congregation sang spiritual and patriotic songs, including a beautiful rendition of "Giligia." The Ladies' Guild prepared a delicious dinner inside Jaffarian Hall. During the dinner, Der Stephan spoke and welcomed everyone. He welcomed Hayr Sahag to the community. He noted that since Hayr Soorp is the pastor of neighboring Holy Trinity Church in Worcester, he is no stranger to North Andover and has visited Saint Gregory Church on many occasions. However, this being his first official visit as Vicar of the Prelacy, Der Hayr extended congratulatory remarks on behalf of the community, wishing him many years of devoted service to the Armenian Church and community. The Ladies' Guild presented Hayr Soorp with a cake to congratulate him on his new appointment.
|
|
The Salt & Light Youth Group and the AYF New York Hyortik Junior chapter held a joint MidWinter Sleepover last weekend at St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York, with more than 50 youth registered and attending the sleepover. The agenda for the weekend was created by Der Nareg, Yeretsgin Annie, and leaders from both the AYF and Salt & Light Youth Group. Everyone worked diligently together to provide our youth with a balance of both religious and cultural education, as well as time for singing, dancing, laughing, and wonderful homemade meals throughout the weekend. Fifteen adult supervisors were on hand throughout the weekend.
A surprise visit from His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan on Saturday morning made the weekend even more memorable. The Prelate spoke to the youth about the meaning of the St. Sarkis name day and the Armenian traditions of honoring our saints. He also encouraged the youth to ask him any questions they may have about the church, or his role in leading the church, which led to an interactive question and answer session. (Reported by Nyrie Halajian)
To read the full press release and view more photographs
click here.
|
|
Death of Grigor Gurzadyan
(February 22, 2014)
|
|
Astrophysics in Armenia became linked to the world-famous name of Victor Hambardzumian. One of his students would become an important name in cosmic astronomy.
Grigor Gurzadyan was born on October 15, 1922, in Baghdad (Iraq), the child of survivors from the Armenian Genocide. He emigrated to Soviet Armenia with his family when he was just a child. His brother Sargis (1929-2015), born in Yerevan, would coauthor the project of embellishment of Tamanian Street (the area known as Cascade).
Grigor Gurzadyan entered the Polytechnic Institute of Yerevan (now Yerevan State University of Engineering) and graduated in 1944 from the faculties of hydrotechnics and construction. Afterwards, he made a big shift in his career and entered the field of astronomy. He was one of the founding members of the observatory of Biurakan, created in 1946 by Hambardzumian. Under his direction, Gurzadian defended his doctoral thesis at the State University of Moscow in 1948, at the age of twenty-six, with the subject “The Radiation Equilibrium of Interstellar Gas Material.” He became a professor at Yerevan State University from 1948-1978 and head of the section of Physics of Stars and Nebulae of the observatory from 1950-1966.
He defended his second doctorate in 1955 at the State University of Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). In the same year, he married Marianna Kalantar, a professor of Russian and daughter of Ashkharbek Kalantar, one of the founders of Armenian archaeology and victim of the Stalin purges. Their children Vahagn and Gagik would also become well-known physicists.
Gurzadyan became a well-known name in Soviet science. He published ten voluminous monographs about issues of astrophysics and more than 200 scholarly articles in Russian and English. He studied the physics and dynamics of nebulae and predicted the role of magnetic fields in nebulae from the 1960s, formulating a theory of star explosions based on the non-thermal phenomena going in them. He headed the observations of ultraviolet and X-rays in the sun and the stars with the launching of orbital telescopes in the 1960s. In 1965 he was elected corresponding member of the Academy of Sciences of Armenia, From 1967-1973 he was the head of the branch of cosmic studies at the observatory of Biurakan.
Gurzadyan’s most important achievement in the design of orbital telescopes was the series “Orion,” which contributed to important scientific results. The telescopes “Orion-1” and “Orion-2” were launched in 1971 and 1973 by the spatial station Salyut-1 and the Soyuz-13 spacecraft. From 1973-1978 he directed the laboratory of astronomy at Garni, where more than 40 Soviet astronauts had their preflight training. He went back to Biurakan in 1978 as head of the laboratory of exo-atmospheric astronomy until 1992 and in 1979 he headed the chair of construction of spatial devices at his alma mater, the Polytechnic Institute. From 1992-2004 he was director of the Institute of Astronomy in Garni.
Besides his many scientific achievements, Gurzadyan was also a much-sought essayist from the 1980s. He published many reflections on philosophical and current issues in the press, which were collected in a dozen of books.
An emeritus worker of science since 1975, he was elected full member of the Academy of Sciences in 1986. He passed away on February 22, 2014, in Yerevan, at the age of ninety-two.
|
|
THE SYRIAN ARMENIAN COMMUNITY
BEGINS TO REBUILD
The fighting and bombs have stopped. Now the difficult process of rebuilding has started.
Please continue to keep the Armenian community in Syria in your prayers and pocket books.
DONATIONS TO THE FUND FOR SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF CAN BE MADE ON LINE.
AND SELECT SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF IN THE MENU.
OR IF YOU PREFER YOU MAY MAIL YOUR DONATION TO:
Armenian Prelacy
138 E. 39
th
Street
New York, NY 10016
Checks payable to: Armenian Apostolic Church of America
(Memo: Syrian Armenian Relief)
Thank you for your help.
|
|
We have dealt several times with the difficult issue of how to deal with the Armenian translation of certain English words and expressions. The ideas brought in this column are not new, and many competent people in the Armenian language have put their two cents before us.
Sometimes it is good to go back and learn from them. One such person was Jirayr Missakian. His name may not say anything to the English reader, unless you realize that he is identical to the “J. Missakian” who penned a well-written summary on the Armenian Cause, published in 1950 by the Armenian Committee for the Independence of Armenia (the predecessor of the Armenian National Committee of America), and entitled
A Searchlight on the Armenian Question (1878-1950).
Jirayr Missakian was the younger brother of a famous journalist and public figure, Shavarsh Missakian (1884-1957), the founder of the
Haratch
daily in Paris. He arrived in Boston in 1948 after living for some twenty-five years in London, and became a chronicle-writer for the daily
Hairenik,
where he published about 3,000 such chronicles. (His niece Arpik Missakian, who succeeded her father at the helm of
Haratch,
put together a selection in a book printed in 1961.) J. Missakian was also the editor of the monthly
Hye Sird,
the monthly publication of the Armenian Relief Society, and left unpublished a big English-Armenian-French dictionary. He passed away in 1968 at the age of sixty-nine.
We came across one of his chronicles that appeared in
Hairenik
on April 23, 1957, which he devoted to the issue of neologisms and how people did not know how to create successful equivalents for English words due to their poor grasp of the Armenian language. Here, he also brought the case of someone who had translated the last words of an ambassador who had taken his own life. The suicidal person had said: “I can’t stand it any longer.”
The translator had “killed” the Armenian language with his translation: «Ասկէ աւելի չեմ կրնար կենալ» (
Asgeh avelee chem gurnal genal
). While this literally means “I can’t stand more than this,” there was a huge problem. The verb
կենալ
(
genal
) means “to stand,” but “to stand” does not mean
genal…
in this case. As any English speaker knows, it means “to tolerate” in the sense of “to resist.” That’s why Missakian mocked him: “The idiot, it seems, does not know our
ա՛լ չեմ դիմանար (al chem teemanar).
” If you are too hot and you can’t resist it anymore, then you say
«Այս տաքին ա՛լ չեմ դիմանար
» (
Ays dakeen al chem teemanar)
, which would be “I can’t stand this heat anymore.”
Missakian was determined to gather a collection of such horrific translations dispersed in the Armenian press and teach a lesson to some of his colleagues, but we do not think that he succeeded in his idea. However, we will continue seeking such jewels in the past and the present, and try to learn and teach something from them. Any help is more than welcome.
|
|
A one day seminar will take place on Saturday, March 23, at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City. The seminar, “Exploring the Eucharist (Soorp Badarak)” will be conducted by Archdeacon Shant Kazanjian. Registration is required by March 15. For information and registration contact the Cathedral office by phone (212-689-5880) or email (
office@stilluminators.org
).
|
|
REMEMBERING NEVARTE HAMPARIAN:
GRACEFUL DANCER AND RESCUER OF TRADITION
|
|
“A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” (
Ecclesiastes 3:4)
|
|
Nevarte Hamparian (1926-2019), a long-time parishioner of St. Illuminator Cathedral, and a noted dancer who taught countless children their ancestral dances and fiercely fought to keep the traditional Armenian dances alive within the life of the community, passed on from this life last week. Funeral services took place at the Cathedral on Friday and Saturday, February 15 and 16. Interment followed at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx. Her husband Nishan predeceased her many years ago. She is survived by her three children, Aram, Anahid, and Vartan, as well as niece and nephews Lorig, Aram, and Raffi, the children of her husband’s brother, the late Ardash and Mary Hamparian.
The child of genocide survivors, Nevarte was a first generation Armenian American. She was a beautiful and graceful dancer who brought joy to the New York metropolitan area community with her authentic traditional Armenian dances. She was a champion of preserving and performing the “real” Armenian dances and not to succumb to choreographed modern dances. The intricate movements of the hands and feet (and head!) are integral, she would say, as she patiently demonstrated dances from different villages in Anatolia as well as from the larger cities with a sizeable Armenian population. May she dance in the heavenly light of our Lord and Savior forever. (Iris Papazian)
|
|
We would love to know your thoughts about and suggestions for our weekly Crossroads electronic publication, and we have set up a special e-mail address for your comments. Write to us at
crossroads@armenianprelacy.org
.
|
|
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.
March 2
—Third annual Hye Hearts Dance, hosted by the five Armenian churches of Greater Hartford and Western Massachusetts at the Holiday Inn, Hartford, Connecticut, featuring live Armenian band and DJ Gena with international music. Tickets and information: David Jermakian (413) 727-2586,
davidjermakian@gmail.com
.
March 3
—ARS Shakeh Chapter, Poon Paregentan Bake Sale following the Holy Badarak at Sts. Vartanantz Church’s large hall, 461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, New Jersey. Delicious desserts and savory food before Lent begins. For information contact Seta Asadurian at 201-320-2859.
March 9
—Kyrkostas Concert Celebrates with Music, Dance, Comedy & Dinner, 7 pm at 5710 Hewlett Street, Little Neck, New York, honoring memory of Armenian/Greek American pianist/composer Mark Kyrkostas. Preceding the program a buffet dinner, $30 per person (2 for $50). Seating limited, reserve early by calling 718-428-5650.
March 17
—Annual Musical Armenia concert sponsored by Eastern Prelacy and Prelacy Ladies Guild, 2 pm, at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall. Featured artists: Edvard Pogossian, cello; Cara Pogossian, viola; Vatche Jambazian, piano. Tickets: $25 Carnegie Hall Box Office 212-247-7800 or Prelacy office 212-689-7810.
March 23
—Exploring the Eucharist (Soorp Badarak), 10 am to 3 pm at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, 221 East 27
th
Street, NYC. Conducted by Archdeacon Shant Kazanjian, Director Christian Education / Eastern Prelacy. Registration is required by March 15. Contact: church office, 212-689-5880 or
office@stilluminators.org
.
March 30
—ARS Agnouni, Bergen County, and Hamazkayin of NJ present “From Reincarnation to Independence,” a new collection by Shadoyan Fashion Couture, dedicated to the 100
th
anniversary of the First Armenian Republic. At the Syrian Church, 55 Midland Ave., Paramus, NJ, at 6 pm. For information:
arsbergencounty@gmail.com
).
April 7
—“Finding Our Roots: A Genealogy Presentation by George Aghjayan, Director of Armenian Historical Archives, author, genealogy researcher. 1 pm, luncheon followed by presentation. St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts. $10 at door. RSVP Audrey Guzelian 617-731-6051.
April 12-14
—Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School presents exhibition of artwork by Arthur Pinajian (1914-1999) at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, 630 Second Avenue, New York City. A portion of proceeds from sales will benefit the Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School in Bayside, New York.
May 5
—60
th
anniversary of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey. SAVE THE DATE.
May 16-18
—National Representative Assembly of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, hosted by St. Asdvatzadzin Church of Whitinsville, Massachusetts.
June 30-July 7
—33
rd
St. Gregory of Datev Summer Institute (ages 13-19) at St. Mary of Providence Center, Elverson, Pennsylvania. Sponsored by Eastern Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC). Information:
arec@armenianprelacy.org
or 212-689-7810.
October 9-12
—On the occasion of the Feast of the Holy Translators a clergy conference of the Eastern, Western, and Canadian Prelacies will convene in Montebello, California. Details will follow.
October 19
—Armenian Friends of America present the Annual Hye Kef 5 Dance, featuring The Vosbikians, at Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, Andover, Massachusetts. For tickets / information: Sharke’ Der Apkarian at 978-808-0598; or John Arzigian at 603-560-3826.
|
|
Follow us on Social Media
|
|
The Armenian Prelacy
Tel: 212-689-7810 ♦ Fax: 212-689-7168 ♦ Email: email@armenianprelacy.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
