“CAMECT” MEETS AT PRELACY
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“CAMECT” meeting participants, left to right: Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, Mr. Steven Howard, Rev. Zaven Khanjian, Fr. Brian McWeeney, V. Rev. Fr. Thomas Zain, Mr. Toufic Baaklini, Metropolitan Joseph Zahlawi, Archbishop Anoushavan, Most Rev. Nicholas Ozone, Most Rev. Gregory John Mansour, Dr. Mae Elizabeth Cannon, Rev. Haig Kherlopian, Most Rev. Nicholas Samra, Rev. Adday Francis, Archdeacon Shant Kazanjian. Not in photo: Monsignor John Kozar.
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Representatives of the Christian Arab and Middle Eastern Churches Together (CAMECT) met yesterday at the offices of the Eastern Prelacy in New York for their semi-annual meeting. CAMECT is a common effort of the faith communities in the United States who belong to or are associated with their respective churches in the Middle East that includes the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese, Armenian Orthodox Church, Armenian Catholic Church, Armenian Evangelical Church, Assyrian Church of the East, Chaldean Catholic Church, Coptic Orthodox Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Maronite Catholic Church, Melkite Greek Catholic Church, Presbyterian Church, Syriac Orthodox Church, Syriac Catholic Church.
The meeting participants reviewed CAMECT’S role and provided updates on churches in the Middle East, as well as the future growth and engagement of CAMECT. Also on the agenda was the election of officers with the following results: Chairman, Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian,; corresponding secretary, Most Rev. Gregory Mansour; recording secretary, V. Rev. Fr. Thomas Zain. The representatives also discussed how to best reach out to media and political leaders in New York and Washington and were provided with an update from “In Defense of Christians.”
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PRELATE WILL ATTEND GATHERING OF
YOUNG ADULT COUPLES
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Archbishop Anoushavan will preside at a dinner gathering of young adult couples in the metropolitan area this Saturday. The gathering is being hosted by Vahe and Talyn Chaglasian at their home in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. The couple suggested this initiative to the Prelate as the first of many others that will bring together young adults and encourage a frank and truthful exchange of ideas.
Archbishop Anoushavan noted, “We hope this encounter will be the first of many, not only in the metropolitan New York area, but elsewhere as well, to help us create and establish new programs to engage and attract our youth to the teachings of Armenian Christian values, and offer them social and educational events that are relevant for their generation.”
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CATHOLICOSATE PLANS CONFERENCE ON THE ARMENIAN PRESS IN JULY
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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-Armenian focus and editors and journalists from Armenian, Artsakh, and the Diaspora are invited to participate. The conference will focus 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).
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Last Sunday’s Musical Armenia concert was another glowing event in the history of this series. The featured artists were Edvard Pogossian, Cello; Cara Pogossian, Viola; and Vatche Jambazian, Piano. All three are young and talented and are currently continuing their education while also performing. Cara is a sophomore at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia; Edvard is a first-year artist-in-residence student at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel in Belgium; and Vatche Jambazian is in the Doctor of Musical Arts Program at the Manhattan School of Music. A full review of the concert will be in next week’s Crossroads.
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Bible readings for
Sunday, March 24
,
Fourth Sunday of Great Lent, Sunday of the Steward,
are: Isaiah 56:1-57:21; Ephesians 4:17-5:14; Luke 16:1-31.
Now this I affirm and insist on in the Lord: you must no longer live as the Gentiles live, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of their ignorance and hardness of heart. They have lost all sensitivity and have abandoned themselves to licentiousness, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. That is not the way you learned Christ! For surely you have heard about him and were taught in him, as truth is in Jesus. You were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another. Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not make room for the devil. Thieves must give up stealing; rather let them labor and work honestly with their own hands, so as to have something to share with the needy. Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption. Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant and sacrifice to God. But fornication and impurity of any kind, or greed, must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints. Entirely out of place is obscene, silly, and vulgar talk; but instead, let there be thanksgiving. Be sure of this, that no fornicator or impure person, or one who is greedy (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be associated with them. For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light—for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
(Ephesians 4:17-5:14)
***
Then Jesus said to the disciples, “There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was squandering his property. So he summoned him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Give me an accounting of your management, because you cannot be my manager any longer.’ Then the manager said to himself, ‘What will I do, now that my master is taking the position away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. I have decided what to do so that, when I am dismissed as manager, people may welcome me into their homes.’ So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ He answered, ‘A hundred jugs of olive oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it fifty.’ Then he asked another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ He replied, ‘A hundred containers of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill and make it eighty.’ And his master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly; for the children of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of dishonest wealth so that when it is gone, they may welcome you into the eternal homes.
“Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much. If then you have not been faithful with the dishonest wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own? No slave can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.”
The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all this, and they ridiculed him. So he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of others; but God knows your hearts; for what is prized by human beings is an abomination in the sight of God.
“The law and the prophets were in effect until John came; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is proclaimed, and everyone tries to enter it by force. But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one stroke of a letter in the law to be dropped.
“Anyone who divorces his wife and marries commits adultery, and whoever marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.’ He said, “Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house—for I have five brothers—that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.’ Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.’ He said, ‘No father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”
(Luke 16:1-31)
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This Sunday, March 24, the fourth Sunday of Lent, is the Sunday of the Steward (
Dntesi Giragi
). The parable of the Unrighteous Steward is in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 16 (see reading above). This parable is about a rich man and his steward. The steward was one who looked out for his own personal benefit and through his cunning arrangements he made deals with those who were in debt to his master. Jesus used this parable not to condone the behavior of the steward but rather as an illustration of qualities that have a necessary place in the life of true disciples. Since we are stewards of the world, we are accountable to our Lord for the talents we have and the things that have been entrusted to our care.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus used parables as a teaching tool. His parables were common stories, usually short and always interesting. Generally, the stories were used to convey important moral and ethical lessons. Some of the parables are simple and easy to comprehend. Others are more complex and challenging.
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SAINTS HONORED THIS SATURDAY
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This Saturday, March 23, the Armenian Church commemorates the following four saints:
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Patriarch of Jerusalem, succeeded St. Cyril as Patriarch of Jerusalem (386-417). He grew up with the monks at the monastery of Nitria (Egypt) where he learned about Christianity and the teachings of Origen. He was noted for his keen intellect and is said to have delivered inspiring and eloquent sermons.
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Hovhan Odznetsi
(St. John of Otzoon) was catholicos from 717 to 728, which was a period when Armenia was under Arab rule. He defended Armenians from forced conversion and was successful in securing the right of worship for Armenian Christians. He was also successful in securing tax-exempt status for the church. He was highly admired and respected.
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Hovhan Vorodnetsi
(St. John of Orotni) was born in 1317. Following his ordination he served at the monasteries of Klatzor and Datev. He dedicated most of his efforts toward the preservation of the orthodox faith, and against the attempt to merge the Armenian Church with the Latin Church. He wrote commentaries on the Gospel of John and the epistles of St. Paul.
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(St. Gregory of Datev), born in 1346 in the province of Vayotz Tzor, is perhaps the best known of the four. He was a student of John of Orotni and a great defender of the character of the Armenian Church. He was a brilliant scholar; he knew Latin fluently and had studied the Greek philosophers extensively. He is regarded to be the greatest teacher of the Armenian Church. His most famous work is the Book of Questions (
Kirk Hartsmants
), which examines questions of faith. He is also credited with setting a high standard for preaching. He is often referred to as “the second Gregory the Illuminator.” Datevatzi, who died in 1409, had the distinction of being the last person to be canonized in the Armenian Church until four years ago when the Martyrs of April were sanctified on the 100
th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
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Wednesday, March 27, is the median day of Lent (
Meechink
). It is the 24
th
day of Lent and it falls on the Wednesday of the fourth week of Lent. Although it does not have any specific religious significance, this mid-point day has been traditionally marked as a special day and occasion for fellowship, friendship, and the sharing of a Lenten meal.
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PRELACY’S LENTEN PROGRAM CONTINUES
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The third of a six-part Lenten Program took place last night, March 20, at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City. The Program included a short church service at 7:00pm followed by a lecture at 7:30, and a table fellowship at 8:00pm, presided by His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, the Prelate.
The topic last night was “Hearing and Understanding”
and was presented by Rev. Fr. Vahan Kouyoumdjian, visiting clergy at St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church (New Britain, Connecticut). If you missed the live stream,
click here
to watch it.
Next Wednesday, March 27, the speaker is Archpriest Fr. Nerses Manoogian, pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church (Philadelphia), and his topic: “Looys”—An Armenian Religious Periodical.”
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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
).
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ANEC DIRECTOR PRESENTS BOOK IN PHILLY AND TRUMBULL
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Vartan Matiossian presents “House of Prayer” in Philadelphia.
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House of Prayer is also presented in Trumbull, Connecticut.
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A bilingual edition of Armenian American writer Hamasdegh’s
House of Prayer
was released at the banquet celebrating Archbishop Anoushavan’s election in December. A complimentary copy was given to each person attending the banquet. The handsomely produced book, sponsored by the Stanciu and Kochoumian families, was presented at St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston in early February. ANEC Executive Director Dr. Vartan Matiossian, the translator of the book, traveled to Pennsylvania and Connecticut during the past weekend. On Friday, March 15, in the evening, he presented the book and its author in a lecture at the Lenten series of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Philadelphia. The lecturer was introduced by Archpriest Fr. Nerses Manoogian, pastor. Upon an invitation from Rev. Fr. Untsag Nalbandian and the local Saturday and Sunday schools, Dr. Matiossian presented
House of Prayer
on Sunday, March 17, after the Divine Liturgy, at Holy Ascension Armenian Church in Trumbull, Connecticut.
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REGISTER NOW FOR DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM
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We are pleased to announce that plans are underway for the 33
rd
annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer Program, a unique Christian educational program for youth ages 13-18. Sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), the weeklong program will be held at St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, from June 30 to July 7, 2019. For information and registration, please click
here
.
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NEWS FROM OUR SCHOOLS. . .
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STS. VARTANANTZ SUNDAY SCHOOL CELEBRATES
“POUN PAREGENTAN”
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The Sunday School of Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey, celebrated “Poun Paregentan” on March 2, with a Black-and-Gold themed Masquerade Dinner-Dance. It was a festive night complete with live music by Garo Touroussian, Viken Makoushian, and DJ Neptune, as well as dancing, food, dazzling lights, and a King and Queen of Mardi Gras crowning event. Special performance by the Hamazkayin Nairy Dance Ensemble took place and the event provided the opportunity for a gathering of friends in preparation for the season of Great Lent.
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NEWS FROM OUR PARISHES. . .
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A FOND LOOK AT THE GRASSROOTS OF ARMENIA
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Hovsep Dagdigian uncovers “Unseen Armenia” at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral.
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Last Sunday St. Illuminator’s Cathedral hosted Mr. Hovsep Dagdigian from Harvard, Massachusetts, who delivered a PowerPoint presentation called “Unseen Armenia,” based on a series of recurring articles he has written for the Armenian press.
For many years now, Hovsep and his friend, Vova Tshagharyan, former director of Armenia's Shengavit Historical and Archaeological Culture Preserve, have been traveling the country-sides of the Republic of Armenia, Artsakh, and Western Armenia in search of archaeological sites, forgotten monuments, natural wonders, and village lore.
In his introductory remarks, St. Illuminator’s Pastor, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian introduced Hovsep, praising this Armenian-American’s lifelong commitment to our nation. Hovsep learned to speak fluent Armenian as an adult thanks to full cultural immersion at the Antelias Theological Seminary and the Nishan Palandjian Jemaran, both in Lebanon.
Using visual examples, Hovsep took parishioners on a virtual tour of locations -- many unknown to the people of the Diaspora and even Armenia itself. Highlights of sites included a hidden chapel in the Sisian region where Vartan Mamigonian prayed before going into battle; petroglyph inscriptions on Mt. Ughtasar; medieval cemeteries in the Armavir province; the sheep shearing festival in the Syunik region; statues of Armenian fedayees found in remote locations; the Armenian Cosmic Ray Division station on Mt. Aragats, and celebrations by and for the Armenians of Musa Dagh.
Members of the audience encouraged Hovsep to continue his documentation on the Internet, while others expressed interest in joining him on his junkets.
Ultimately, the presentation was a powerful reminder that some of the poorest Armenians in far-flung places are also among the most kind, friendly and hospitable -- eager to welcome visitors and share village history and folklore. In turn, such visits have presented Hovsep and Vova with the opportunity to understand how Armenia and the Diaspora can help such Armenians develop their economy and assure them that they are not the forgotten people of the country.
It is to be hoped that Prime Minister Pashinyan’s recent unannounced visits to the Armenian provinces will complement the morale-enhancing ones made by Hovsep and Vova for the past ten years and encourage others to follow their example.
Hovsep’s articles may be accessed on Armeniapedia:
http://www.armeniapedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Dagdigian
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STS. VARTANANTZ CHURCH MEN’S CLUB IN PROVIDENCE
CONTINUES MISSION OF FEEDING THE HOMELESS
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Rev. Fr. Kapriel with the volunteers from Sts. Vartanantz Church in Providence.
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The guests at the Rescue Mission enjoy dinner.
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Sts. Vartanantz Church Men's Club and friends helped feed the homeless once again at the Providence Rescue Mission, on Friday, March 15. Initially, a full house was served, and then a second seating took place. The Men's Club has been providing a warm meal at the Rescue Mission 4-5 times a year for the past seven years. It's a most rewarding experience for everyone involved, from Mrs. Ann Tikoian who sponsored this most recent dinner, to the 12 people who volunteered to prepare and serve the delicious meal, and of course, to the gracious and appreciative guests. The Men’s Club once again was blessed with the presence and active participation of Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian, pastor, for the dinner. Generous sponsors, including both individuals and organizations in the Rhode Island community, have committed for the next nine dinners. The next dinner will be in June.
To better understand why the Men’s Club chose the Mission as the place to serve these dinners, here is some background information. The Providence Rescue Mission is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization in the West End of the city. It is more than just a homeless shelter and soup kitchen. Their goal is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ while treating every individual who comes through their doors with dignity and respect. They are able to do this because of those who faithfully, month after month, donate their time, materials and resources to them. They believe that God does miracles, and due to the community’s faithful support, they see them every day. All the services they provide are made available to every member of the community. There is never a charge for anything that they offer. The Providence Rescue Mission believes that by providing these necessary services with the dignity and love of the Lord, they make a direct and lasting impact on the people they serve on a daily basis.
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Death of Jacques Douvalian
(March 26, 2008)
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“The name Jacques Douvalian suffices to bring before your eyes the Yerevan of the late 1950s and early 1960s, a beautiful, joyful, and multicolor city with new and broad streets and parks … And the songs of the singer were in an amazing harmony with the romantic Yerevan of those years,” musicologist Margarit Rukhkyan recently said.
Douvalian had a meteoric career. He was born in Aleppo on January 1, 1920. His family had survived the genocide. They moved to Paris in 1925. Jacques, who was very interested in mathematics and exact sciences, was forced to leave middle school and work to help his family. Then he became interested in music, started to sing and compose songs. He was a singer in cafés, and in the 1940s he befriended Charles Aznavour and other singers. After World War II, he gave several concerts.
In 1954 he migrated to Soviet Armenia with his mother. His aim was to study astrophysics, but he changed his mind and continued singing.
Two years later, in 1956, Douvalian became the main singer of the State Jazz Orchestra, which would be directed by Konstantin Orbelian until its dissolution in 1992. The word “jazz” did not refer specifically to American jazz, but to a combination of Armenian and Western light music called
estradayin
in Armenian (from the Italian word
strada
“street”). Douvalian toured many cities of the Soviet Union and enjoyed a very warm reception. In 1959 he became the soloist of Yuri Sulsky’s instrumental ensemble in Moscow, and his songs in Armenian, Russian, and French became a hit. He was the author of some of the lyrics. His voice had a certain French quality to it that bridged Yerevan and Paris at a time when French cinema and songs started entering the Soviet world.
It is unclear what happened later. Margarit Rukhkyan recalls that “when I went to their home to arrange for a TV program, I heard from the singer himself the news that he was leaving for France. His mother looked at me with silent reprimand when I lamented her son’s decision to leave Armenia.” After the visit of French Foreign Minister Christian Pineau to Armenia in 1956, many French Armenians who had migrated to Armenia in 1946-1948 later petitioned for help to re-enter France due to social and political constraints. Perhaps Douvalian’s return to France, when he was a popular name in and out of Armenia, was related to this phenomenon.
In any case, after settling back in France, the singer disappeared from the artistic scene and never returned to the stage. He passed away in Versailles on March 26, 2008. Rukhkyan released a CD of his best recordings in 2015 on the 95
th
anniversary of Douvalian’s birth.
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The Tree and the Beloved One
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The Bible mentions the sycamore, which Zacchaeus climbed to see Jesus as he passed (Luke 19:47), and this is a tree resembling the fig-tree, with its leaves resembling those of the mulberry. Therefore, you will find it called fig-mulberry.
However, there are several types of sycamores all over the world, and there is particularly one called the American sycamore (
Platanus occidentalis
), whose counterpart is the Old World sycamore or Oriental plane, which has the scientific name
Platanus orientalis
.
This Oriental tree, known as
platane
in ancient Greek history and literature, was well known from Asia Minor to India and an important component in Persian gardens, which were built around water and shade. It was known with the Persian name
chinar,
which has entered the English language, defined as “the oriental plane tree, native from south-eastern Europe to northern Iran.”
If the word could enter the English language from as far as Persia, then there is no doubt that it could also enter the Armenian language, if not the literary variety, but at least the dialects. For those who know Armenian, or are familiar with Armenian songs, it is likely that the name
chinar
will ring a bell. Gomidas Vartabed composed the music for a beautiful love song called
Չինար ես
(
Chinar es
“You are a chinar”), and he arranged the music for another such song, called
Իմ չինարի եարը
(
Im chinari yaruh
“My beloved like a chinar”).
Interestingly, according to the authoritative
Explanatory Dictionary of the Armenian Language
by Stepanos Malkhasiants (the first complete dictionary of Classical and Modern Armenian, published in four volumes in 1944-1945), the name
chinar
was applied to three different kinds of trees: the plane tree, the beech tree, and the poplar. (Remember how many different varieties of sycamores are around.) To complicate matters, some medieval sources mentioned a flower of sweet perfume, called
chinaru,
but lexicographers have been unable to identify the actual flower or find the actual origin of the word. It is hard to think that the name of a tree in Persian would become the name of a flower in Armenian.
Chinar
is not just a tree name in Armenian. As you see, love songs compared the loved ones to the tree, and it’s common to hear in such songs the dialectal expression
չինար պոյ
(
chinar boy
) (the word
boy
comes from the same Turkish word, meaning “height”). Here, the word
chinar
is an adjective, meaning “tall, flexible.” If you would like a more fancy translation, here is one: svelte. Not that nineteenth century Armenian villagers would call “svelte” the object of their loving attention…
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AN ARTICLE FOR THE LENTEN SEASON
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Rev. Fr. Bedros Shetilian, pastor of St. Gregory Church, Indian Orchard, Massachusetts has written an article titled “My Go, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me,” from the Gospel of Matthew, that was published in an online publication, “Pravmir.com, Orthodox Christianity and the World. “The article tackles questions like Why are good human beings suffering and evil ones are happy? Why are some good people dying early because of sickness and some evil ones are living a long time? How can we explain the evil that exists in the world with the fact that God is almighty and just? You can read the entire article at
http://www.pravmir.com/my-god-my-god-why-have-you-forsaken-me-about-theodicy/
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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
.
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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 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 by March 15. Contact: church office, 212-689-5880 or
office@stilluminators.org
.
March 23
—Introduction of Prelacy Young Couples Club, hosted by Vahe and Talyn Chaglasian in Upper Saddle River, NJ. For information: 212-689-7810.
March 24
—Ladies Guild of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, NJ, annual Lenten Luncheon after Holy Badarak. Enjoy Vospov Kufteh, Iman Bayildi, Plaki, plus desserts. For information: church office (201-943-2950).
March 29
—Town hall meeting with Armenian Defense Minister Mr. Davit Tonoyan, presented by Embassy of Armenia to United States, 6:30 pm, Kavookjian Auditorium, Diocese of the Armenian Church, 630 Second Avenue, NYC. RSVP to
rsvp.armembassyusa@mfa.am
.
March 28 to April 7
—Armenian Relief Society, Agnouni, Bergen County Armenouhie, Shakeh & Spitak chapters of New Jersey Online Auction to benefit the ARS Endowment Fund. For information:
arseusaauction@gmail.com
.
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 1-2
—2019 Mary T. Clark Event at Reid Castle, Manhattanville College, Purchase, NY. Various speakers will discuss “Living in a Post-Truth World,” and conclude at 6 pm April 2 with the annual Mary T. Clark Lecture, delivered by His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian. For information: 315-731-0958.
April 7
—Finding Our Roots: A Genealogy Presentation by George Aghjayan, Director of Armenian Historical Archives, author, genealogy researcher, at 1 pm, luncheon followed by presentation. St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, MA. Information: Audrey Guzelian (617) 731-6051.
April 7
—85
th
anniversary and banquet, St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, 135 Goodwin Street, Indian Orchard, Massachusetts. Divine Liturgy at 10 am, celebrated by Archbishop Anoushavan. For information:
stgregorymass@yahoo.com
.
April 7
—Book Presentation in English and Armenian, “Acknowledgment and Condemnation: The Trials of Young Turks in 1919-1921 and 1926.” Hosted by St. Illuminator’s Cathedral and Hamazkayin (Eastern Region), 1 pm at the Cathedral’s Pashalian Hall. The author Dr. Meline Anumyan will speak. Information: 212-689-5880.
April 12-14
—Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School presents exhibition of artwork by Arthur Pinajian at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, 630 Second Avenue, NYC. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Holy Martyrs School.
April 24
—March for Justice, Remembering the Armenian Genocide Martyrs. Under the auspices of Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate. Divine Liturgy at 10 am, St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, 221 E. 27
th
Street, New York City. March for Justice begins at 12:30 pm from the Cathedral to the Turkish Consulate. For information: 212-689-5880.
April 27
—Connecticut commemoration of the 104
th
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide at Connecticut Hall of the House at the State Capitol, 210 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut, 11 am. Featured speaker Salpi Ghazarian, Director of the University of Southern California’s Institute of Armenian Studies.
May 5
—60
th
anniversary Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, NJ. “60 Years from Generation to Generation,” honoring Garabedian, Mirakian, Najarian, and Sarajian families. Banquet in grand hall. Information: 201-943-2950.
May 16-18
—National Representative Assembly of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, hosted by St. Asdvatzadzin Church of Whitinsville, MA.
June 30-July 7
—33
rd
St. Gregory of Datev Summer Institute (ages 13-19) at St. Mary of Providence Center, Elverson, PA. 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 joint clergy conference of the Eastern, Western, and Canadian Prelacies will convene in Montebello, CA.
October 12
—Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, NJ continues celebration of 60
th
anniversary with Elie Berberian and his band. Information: 201-943-2950.
October 19
—Armenian Friends of America Annual Hye Kef 5 Dance, featuring The Vosbikians, at Double Tree by Hilton, Andover, MA. For information: Sharke’ Der Apkarian at 978-808-0598; John Arzigian at 603-560-3826.
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The Armenian Prelacy
Tel: 212-689-7810 ♦ Fax: 212-689-7168 ♦ Email: email@armenianprelacy.org
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