Today, Thursday, July 12, the Armenian Church commemorates the prophet Isaiah, who is best known for the longest prophetic book in the Old Testament (66 chapters) that bears his name. Isaiah foretells the birth of the Messiah by a virgin and describes the suffering of the Messiah’s church. Many of the New Testament teachings of Jesus refer to the book of Isaiah. Because of his clear foretelling about Christ the Savior, Isaiah is also recognized as an Old Testament evangelist. Although it is not recorded in the Bible, it is believed that Isaiah died a martyr’s death by order of the Hebrew king, Manasseh. Relics of the prophet are preserved at Mt. Athos in the Greek Orthodox Khilendaria Monastery in Greece.
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IN MEMORIAM
Henry Morgenthau III
January 11, 1917—July 10, 2018
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We mourn the passing of Henry Morgenthau III, a good friend of the Armenian nation and the grandson of Ambassador Henry Morgenthau. He followed the example set by his grandfather as an advocate for the Armenians. Mr. Morgenthau III died on Tuesday, July 10, at age 101.
In many public appearances on radio and television, as well as in newspapers, books, and magazines, Mr. Morgenthau shared his recollections of his grandfather who was the U.S. ambassador to the Ottoman Empire during World War I, and who tirelessly tried to come to the aid of the Armenians. He was instrumental in the founding of the Near East Relief that saved thousands of orphans and became the model for modern philanthropy. Mr. Morgenthau III often told how his grandfather considered his advocacy to help the Armenians and the establishment of the Near East Relief as the achievements he was most proud of.
Mr. Morgenthau III often participated in Armenian commemorations and events even into his advanced age. He was honored in May 2015 during the Centennial Genocide Commemorations that took place in Washington, D.C.
“Surely there is a reward for the righteous.”
(Psalm 58)
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A photo from last year’s summer camp with the children gathered for a group activity.
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For the ninth consecutive year, Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian, pastor of St. Stephen Church, New Britain, Connecticut, will be directing a summer camp in Armenia for the children enrolled in the Prelacy’s Orphan Sponsorship program. The camp is organized with the help of the Prelacy office in Yerevan, the St. Nerses the Great Charitable and Social Organization. This year more than 70 children will be attending the camp that begins tomorrow, Friday, July 13 and continues through August 25. The children enjoy each others’ friendship and fun-filled activities while learning about the teachings of Christianity and the history of the Armenian Church at the camp grounds in Dzaghkasor, Armenia. The children participate in outdoor activities each day and enjoy field trips to various sites of interest. Those children who wish to are baptized by Der Aram with the consent of their guardians.
Archbishop Oshagan issued a communiqué this week about the camp asking Prelacy parishes to help fund the annual summer jamboree, joining other individuals who have helped defray the cost for the past years. Donations can also be mailed directly to the Prelacy. Checks should be payable to the Armenian Apostolic Church of America (indicate summer camp in the memo area) and mailed to the Armenian Prelacy, 138 East 39
th
Street, New York, NY 10016.
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ST. SARKIS CHURCH, DOUGLASTON, NY
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A group photo of the St. Sarkis Church Summer Camp!
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Campers join Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian in the Sanctuary
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Campers enjoy an afternoon of entertainment!
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STS. VARTANANTZ CHURCH, PROVIDENCE, RI
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The campers and counselors at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence.
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This week Sts. Vartanantz in Providence, Rhode Island, is hosting its 4
th
annual Summer Bible Camp. The theme for this year’s Bible camp is “Shipwrecked—Saved by Jesus.” Forty-three campers are enjoying wonderful fellowship as they make new friends and spend time with old friends. More than 20 counselors are guiding the children in exploring the theme through a combination of Bible time, arts and crafts, music and singing, and various activities. So far, the campers have enjoyed a special visit from the ice cream truck, along with a fun and interactive presentation by “The Shanteyman!” The conclusion of the week will be a hantes/presentation for family and friends.
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The campers enjoy arts and crafts.
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Learning sharagans with Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian.
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DATEV INSTITUTE COMPLETES 32
ND
SUMMER PROGRAM
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2018 graduates of the Institute with His Grace Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General of the Prelacy, Rev. Fr. Nerses Manoogian, Pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church of Philadelphia, and Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Director of AREC.
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The Eastern Prelacy’s St. Gregory of Datev Institute held its 32nd annual Summer Christian educational program for youth ages 13-18 at St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, from July 1-8, 2018, with the participation of 34 students, from 11 parishes. Sponsored by the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), the Institute graduated nine students this year, students who have completed four weeklong programs, one week each summer. The graduates were: Meghrig Arakelian, Shant Asadurian, Katherine Jemian, Margaret Jemian, Megerdich Khederlarian, Nishan Kouyoumjian, Meline Momjian, Nyrie Ovanessian, and Angela Trozzo.
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Anoushavan Srpazan with Mrs. Madonna Kzirian (left), Chairlady of ARS Artemis Chapter, and Mrs. Shnorik Karakelian (right), Chairlady of ARS Ani Chapter. Both Chapters made a generous donation to the Institute. The Artemis Chapter also hosted the graduation luncheon on Sunday, July 8.
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BOOK PRESENTATION IN MONTREAL
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Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian introduced a new book by Rev. Dr. Manuel Jinbashian, “The Classical Armenian Bible: Its Source and Translation Techniques,” on July 9 in Montreal. Shown in the photo are, left to right, Verabadveli Jirayr Bezdikian, Verabadveli Hovhannes Sevajian, Archbishop Khajag Hagopian, Mr. and Mrs. Albert and Leyla Aroyan, Archpriest Fr. Karnig Koyounian, Rev. Dr. Manuel Jinbashian, Archbishop Papken Tcharian, Bishop Abgar Hovakimian, and Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian.
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Bible readings for
Sunday, July 15, Second Sunday of Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
are Isaiah 3:16-4:1; 1 Corinthians 1:25-30; Matthew 18:10-14.
For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength. Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
(1 Corinthians 1:25-30)
***
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven. What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.”
(Matthew 18:10-14)
For a listing of the coming week’s Bible readings
click here.
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SAINTS THADDEUS AND SANDUKHT
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St. Thaddeus, St. Sandukht and other Christians in Sanatruk's prison
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This Saturday, July 14, the Armenian Church commemorates Saint Thaddeus, one of two apostles who preached in Armenia, and Saint Sandukht, daughter of King Sanadrouk, and the first saint of the Armenian Church. It is not an exaggeration to say that these two—Thaddeus and Sandukht—were pioneers in bringing Christianity to Armenia in the first century.
Princess Sandukht was converted to Christianity by Thaddeus, and she in turn converted many others. Her father tried to have her renounce her conversion and finally gave her a choice of the crown or the sword. She chose the sword and became the first witness for Christianity in Armenia and the first saint of the Armenian Church. Shortly after her martyrdom, Thaddeus was martyred at Artaz (in present day northern Iran). The Armenian monastery of St. Thaddeus is built on the apostle’s tomb. During the early 20
th
century the monastery was an important crossroads for travelers and pilgrims. A popular annual pilgrimage by Armenians from around the world takes place in July. During the four-day festival thousands gather in tents pitched on the monastery grounds.
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SAINT CYPRIAN THE BISHOP AND 45 MARTYRS
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On Monday, July 16, the Armenian Church commemorates St. Cyprian (
Gibrianos
), bishop of Carthage, and 45 martyrs. Cyprian was an important early Christian writer, and a major theologian of the early African church. Many of his works in Latin have survived. One of his best known works is,
On the Unity of the Church
. Many of his epistles, treatises, and pastoral letters are extant. He urged Christians to recite the Lord’s Prayer every day, meditating on each phrase. He wrote a commentary on the Lord’s Prayer showing how it is the model for prayer.
Born in the year 200, he was the son of wealthy parents and became a teacher of rhetoric and literature. He converted to Christianity in his middle years and was ordained a priest and elected to serve as bishop of Carthage. He was subject to persecution after his conversion and in the year 258 was beheaded along with forty-five martyrs.
“When we pray, we should ensure that we understand the words we use. We should be humble, aware of our own weaknesses, and be eager to receive God’s grace. Our bodily posture and our tone of voice should reflect the fact that through prayer we enter God’s presence. To speak too loudly to God would be impudent; thus a quiet and modest manner is appropriate. The Lord has instructed us that we should usually pray in private, even in our own bedrooms. This reminds us that God is everywhere, that he hears and sees everything, and that he penetrates the deepest secrets of our hearts.”
(From “On the Lord’s Prayer,” by Cyprian of Carthage)
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Also remembered this week:
Tuesday, July 17: St. Athenogenes the Bishop, ten disciples and five witnesses.
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PROVIDENCE MEN’S CLUB RAISES FUND FOR SOLDIERS
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Fermanian Fellowship Hall was filled to capacity.
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The Men’s Club of Sts. Vartanantz Church in Providence, Rhode Island hosted a fundraising dinner to benefit the ARS Wounded and Disabled Soldiers Initiative with Yerevan Hospital #1 in Armenia. The parish’s Fermanian Fellowship Hall was filled, and guests overflowed into the church’s parking lot as the community came together to benefit the hospital in Yerevan where Armenian soldiers are sent for rehab and to recover from wounds suffered defending Artsakh. Following dinner, many of the attendees stepped outside for cigars and camaraderie by the fire pit on the beautiful summer evening.
The Men’s Club extends thanks to all who attended and donated and to Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian for his support and words of encouragement. Enough funds were raised to purchase a hospital bed. Men’s Club treasurer, Steve Elmasian, said “We may be 7,000 miles from our Homeland, but it was clear that the guests were there for more than a dinner and a night out.”
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Death of St. Nerses Lambronatsi
(July 14, 1198)
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St. Nerses Lambronatsi is remembered as one of the most significant figures in Armenian ecclesiastical and literary history for his relatively short, but prolific life during the time of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia.
He was born in 1153 in the fortress of Lambron. His baptismal name was Smpad. He was son of Oshin II, the lord of Lambron, from the Hetumian family, and nephew of Catholicos Nerses IV Shnorhali (1166–1173). His mother Shahandukht, from the Pahlavuni family, was a descendant of St. Gregory the Illuminator. He received his early education at the monastery of Skevra, which was continued at the superior school of Hromkla, the seat of the Catholicosate of All Armenians, under the supervision of his uncle Nerses and his successor Grigor III Tgha (1173-1193). Ordained in 1169 at the age of 16 by his uncle, who gave him his own name, he was elevated to episcopacy and consecrated Archbishop of Tarsus in 1175, at the age of twenty-two.
Nerses Lambronatsi was well versed in sacred and profane sciences and had an excellent knowledge of Greek, Latin, Syriac, and probably Coptic. He preferred to lead a life of meditation and solitude, and since he did not feel ready to take upon his administrative duties, he visited the monasteries in the region of Antioch to get acquainted with monastic life among non-Armenians and to satisfy his scholarly appetite. During this period, he translated
The Rule of St. Benedict, The Dialogues of Pope Gregory the Great,
and the Book of Revelation (1179).
Nerses contributed to the promotion of literacy, helped schools and libraries, monasteries and churches, and made a substantial donation towards the purchase and copy of manuscripts. He ordered or personally copied many ancient Armenian manuscripts, including the oldest and best extant copy of Gregory of Narek’s
Book of Tragedy,
which he ordered in 1173.
Returning to his pastoral duties, Nerses became a champion of the cause of Church unity. By unity he did not mean absorption of one Church by the other, and he remained a staunch defender of the Christological position of the Armenian Church. He has been regarded as a forerunner of the current ecumenical movement. In 1179 he attended the Council of Hromkla, where he may have delivered his address on unity, the
Synodal Discourse,
considered a masterpiece of eloquence and style. He was a first-rate orator, and his other speeches, homilies, panegyrics, and orations have literary merit. In 1195 he wrote
Letter to King Levon,
a spirited piece of polemical literature, where he rejected the accusations of having taken a pro-Byzantine position.
Nerses Lambronatsi is one of the most prolific writers in Armenian literature, and famous as a writer and translator. His
Commentary on the Mystery of the Mass
is still one of the best commentaries on the Eucharist in the Armenian Church. He also wrote other interpretive works, including commentaries on Cyril of Jerusalem’s various writings and others on the Psalms, the books of Solomon, the Book of Daniel, the Gospel of Matthew, et cetera, and a biography in verse of his uncle St. Nerses Shnorhali.
Lambronatsi was also interested in ecclesiastic and secular law. The lack of a written code of civil law led him to translate various legal works from Greek and Syriac that were used until the adoption of the
Code of Law
of Mekhitar Gosh. A multifaceted author, he also wrote the letter and music of twenty-three liturgical hymns (
sharagan
).
The union of the Armenian and Greek Churches was decided upon but never consummated due to the death of Emperor Manuel I Comnenus in 1180. Manuel's successors abandoned the negotiations and persecuted the Armenians. However, Levon II, Prince of Cilicia, made a last effort in 1197. He sent an embassy to Constantinople led by Nerses, which engaged in discussions on religious questions with Emperor Alexius III Angelus and Patriarch George II, without success.
Prince Levon wanted to secure the title of king for himself and sought the support of Pope Celestine III and of Emperor Henry VI of the Holy Roman Empire. The Pope sent Conrad, Archbishop of Mainz, to Tarsus, where Levon was crowned king on January 6, 1198.
Six months later, on July 14, 1198, Nerses Lambronatsi, who had spent his last years at the court as secretary, palace counsel, and translator, suddenly passed away in the monastery of Skevra while he was giving a sermon and was buried there. He was later canonized by the Armenian Church.
His students dedicated songs to him and wrote biographical sketches of his life. One of those students, Grigor Skevratsi, characterized his teacher in the following terms: “He emanated like a source, advanced like a river, and expanded like a sea.”
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PLEASE REMEMBER
SYRIAN ARMENIAN COMMUNITY NEEDS OUR HELP MORE THAN EVER
The crisis in Syria requires our financial assistance.
Please keep this community in your prayers, your hearts, and your pocketbooks.
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET OUR ONGOING RELIEF EFFORTS FOR THE ARMENIAN COMMUNITY IN SYRIA WHERE CONDITIONS ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY MORE DIFFICULT.
THE NEED IS REAL.
THE NEED IS GREAT.
DONATIONS TO THE FUND FOR SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF CAN BE MADE ON LINE.
TO DONATE NOW
CLICK HERE
AND SELECT SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF IN THE MENU.
OR IF YOU PREFER YOU MAY MAIL YOUR DONATION TO:
Armenian Prelacy
138 E. 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Checks payable to: Armenian Apostolic Church of America
(Memo: Syrian Armenian Relief)
Thank you for your help.
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THE ARMENIAN LANGUAGE CORNER
(Prepared by Armenian National Education Committee)
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From Bombs to Soccer
You can probably figure out, without being an expert linguist, that the word “bomb” is related to the sound of “boom” that an explosive makes. Yes, that’s the way it is. The word came from French (what else)
bombe,
which derived from the Italian
bomba.
The Italian word, at its turn, probably came from the Latin
bombus
(“a deep, hollow noise,”), derived from Greek
bombos
(“deep and hollow sound”).
What about the Armenian word? The word
ռումբ
(
roomp
) should not be confused with the English
rump
, and even if you think that it is related to “boom,” you would be on the wrong track. Worse: it had nothing to do with an explosion.
The origin of
roomp
is unknown. It has been suggested a relation with Arabic
rumH
(
ramaha
) “spear,” but it does not look promising for phonetic reasons.
What has a bomb to do with a spear? Apparently, nothing. However, this was one of the original meanings of
roomp
in Armenian ancient literature. In the fifth century, it meant “spear; sling-bullet, lead or iron ball.” In the thirteenth century, the Law Code of Mekhitar Gosh stated: “They have a spear, which is a
roomp
.” On the other hand, there was the word
ռմբաքար
(
rumpakar
) to designate the stone thrown with a catapult, a war machine used during sieges.
Therefore, since the spears and the stones are thrown, the word
roomp
designated in our days a bomb, which is also a projectile.
Of course, you also have the whole gallery of related words, such as
ռմբակոծել (rumpagodzel
“to bomb”) or
ռմբահարել
(
rumpaharel
“to explode a bomb”
),
but also
ռմբակոծիչ
(
rumpagodzeech
), which designates a “bombardier” (the type of airplane that bombs the enemy positions). However, do not think that all are just military words. The word
ռմբարկու
(
rumpargoo
), which means “bomber,” is also used in soccer, in a figurative sense of course, to designate… the goal scorer of a given team.
Who will be the maximum
rumpargoo
(“goal scorer”)
at the World Cup 2018? We will know very soon.
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LATEST ISSUE OF “THE TREASURY”
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The latest issue of
The Treasury
, a quarterly magazine published by
Nor Voskiank
, a fellowship of men and women, was recently issued.
The Treasury
is devoted to Armenian Orthodox theology and life within the Armenian Church with short articles and essays covering topics ranging from Armenian liturgy and worship, theology, church history, Christian culture, lives of the Saints, practical Christian living, book summaries and more.
The Treasury
depends entirely on the generosity of its readers and supporters. For a one-year subscription to
The Treasury
, send a tax-deductible gift of $30 payable to Fellowship of St. Voski, P.O. Box 377, Sutton, MA 01590.
The well-written articles and accompanying art and photographs make this publication a source of edification and beauty. Now in its fourth year, “The Treasury” deserves our full-hearted attention and support.
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THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA IN WESTERN ARMENIAN
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Roslin Press, a recently formed New York based publishing house announced the publication of the first ever Western Armenian translation of C. S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia (seven volumes). Since its publication in 1950, generations of children have and continue to grow up with the Narnia books and films. Now it is available in Armenian. For information about the paperback books visit
www.roslin.press
and for e-book format visit
www.vlume.com
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The Dark Glow of Destiny
By Ambear
The Dark Glow of Destiny
is a novel that spans from Beirut to Paris, and to New York City filled with tragedy, love, and friendship.
Soft cover, 194 pages, $20.00 plus shipping and handling.
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“les Lueurs Sombres de la Destinee.”
By Ambear
The same novel is available in French,
Soft cover, 194 pages, $20.00 plus shipping and handling.
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UNWILTED BOUQUET
By Ambear
Unwilted Bouquet
is a collection of Armenian and English poetry and prose based on a variety of themes, as a centennial tribute to the victims of the Armenian Genocide as well as those who survived to bear witness.
Soft cover, 222 pages, $20.00 plus shipping and handling.
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SIAMANTO ACADEMY—
Meets every second Saturday of the month at the Hovnanian School, 817 River Road, New Milford, New Jersey.
New term begins on September 22, 2018.
July 14—
Ladies Guild of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, presents “Hye Summer Night XII,” at Crown Plaza Hotel, Warwick, Rhode Island. Entertainment by Onnik Dinkjian, Hatchig Kazarian, Ara Dinkjian, Bruce Gigarjian, and Raffi Massoyan. Dinner/Dance $55.00 (6 pm to 12:30 am); Dance only $35.00 (8 pm). For dinner and table reservations: Joyce Bagdasarian, 401-434-4467 by July 7.
July 21
-- St. Illuminator Cathedral's Huyser Music Ensemble presents a first-of-its-kind Broadway caliber Armenian musical, entitled "We Shall Return Soon," at the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, Tony Bennett Concert Hall, Long Island City, New York, at 7:45 pm. Written and directed by Huyser's artistic director Harout Barsoumian, this musical is dedicated to the centennial of the first Republic of Armenia, seen through the memories of a 105-year-old Genocide survivor. The musical will feature the participation of Tekeyan Cultural Association's Mher Megerdchian Theatrical Group. For updates and more details, visit
http://www.huysermusic.org
.
August 12
—Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, New Jersey, Annual picnic and Blessing of the Grapes, sponsored by Sts. Vartanantz Church and A.R.F. Dro Gomideh. On the church grounds under large tents (in case of rain, head to large hall), 1 pm to 5 pm. Delicious food and desserts; arts and crafts and playground for kids; cards and tavloo.
September 8
—Special session of the Eastern Prelacy’s National Representative Assembly for election of Prelate, will take place at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, 221 East 27
th
Street, New York City. Meeting will begin at 1 pm sharp.
September 21, 2018 to January 13, 2019
—“Armenia!” a large exhibition dedicated to the medieval period of Armenian history and culture at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City. The exhibit is the first at the Met dedicated solely to Armenia. Curated by Dr. Helen C. Evans.
October 20
—Armenian Friends America, Inc., Sixth Annual HYE KEF 5, featuring Onnik Dinkjian, John Berberian, Ara Dinkjian, Mal Barsamian, and Jason Naroian. Double Tree Hotel, Andover, Massachusetts. For information:
www.ArmenianFriendsofAmerica.org
.
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The Armenian Prelacy
Tel: 212-689-7810 ♦ Fax: 212-689-7168 ♦ Email: email@armenianprelacy.org
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