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October 17, 2019
START WITH A PRAYER
For this week's Crossroads, the fifth prayer from St. Nerses Shnorhali's "Havadov Khosdovanim" is read by Taleen Lakissian of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Cathedral, New York, NY.

TURKEY’S INVASION OF NORTHERN SYRIA CONDEMNED;
CONTACT YOUR GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES
International condemnation and threat of more sanctions have failed to stop Turkey’s incursion into northern Syria. Human rights groups have stated that Christians in the Middle East face new threats due to recent developments. The Washington DC based organization, “In Defense of Christians,” has taken a strong position against the latest Turkish actions, as have others.

His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of the Great House of Cilicia, is in constant contact with the Catholicosal Vicar, Rev. Fr. Levon Yeghiayan in the midst of the Turkish military offensive in Syria and the humanitarian catastrophe it is causing.

Father Levon informed His Holiness that as of now the Armenian populated area of Qamishli, near the Turkish border, is not under immediate danger. A number of Armenian families who live in nearby areas have witnessed and been affected by the Turkish bombardments.

His Holiness has put a certain amount of money at the disposal of Father Levon and the Qamishli community to provide for the needs of families in need.

Take a stand against Turkey’s invasion in northern Syria. Write to your Senators and Representatives to impose the strongest possible sanctions on Turkey and to pass the Armenian Genocide Legislation (S. Res. 150 and H. Res. 296). If needed, sample letters are available on the websites of the Armenian National Committee of America and the Armenian Assembly.
The Eastern Prelacy is accepting monetary donations that will be forwarded to His Holiness specifically for relief aid for families affected by this latest incursion by Turkey. Checks should be payable to Armenian Apostolic Church of America and mailed to the Prelacy, 138 East 39 th Street, New York, NY 10016. Please indicate “Syrian Armenian Relief” in the memo area.

CLERGY CONFERENCE IN CALIFORNIA CONCLUDES
Every two years the prelates and clergy serving in the Eastern United States, Western United States, and Canadian Prelacies gather for a joint clergy conference on the occasion of the Feast of the Holy Translators. This year’s joint conference was hosted by the Western Prelacy and held at the Holy Cross Cathedral in Montebello, California from October 8 to 11. The conference was presided by the three Prelates, H.E. Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, and Archbishop Papken Tcharian and hosted by the Cathedral’s Dean, Pastor, and Board of Trustees.

Forty clergymen arrived in Los Angeles on Monday, October 7, and in the evening enjoyed a dinner reception at the Cathedral’s “Tumanjan” Hall attended by members of the Board of Trustees, Delegates, Ladies Guilds, sister organizations, Alex and Rose Pilibos School, and choir members and artists who provided cultural entertainment.

The conference officially began on Tuesday morning with Sunrise Service, followed by a spiritual meditation by Very Rev. Fr. Ghevont Pentezian on faith. In his message to the clergy gathering, His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of the Great House of Cilicia said, “The Church in its essence is a mission, a Christian mission, and clergymen are apostles called to continue to propagate the work of Christ’ apostles. It is with this knowledge and awareness that clergymen must approach their calling and take the Church to the people armed with faith and love.”

Elected to serve as the Executive (Tivan) were: Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General of the Western Prelacy and Very Rev. Fr. Keghart Kosbakian, Vicar General of the Canadian Prelacy, Chairmen; Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian (Western Prelacy) and Rev. Fr. Torkom Chorbajian (Eastern Prelacy), Secretaries.

The subsequent days were filled with lectures on current issues such as substance abuse, human relationships, as well as insights on celebrations such as the current Year of the Armenian Media. The days also included visits to the area Armenian schools and other places of interest. Each day ended with prayers and meditations.

An important part of the conference was a report on the progress of the ten-year plan of action presented by the Vicar Generals of the three Prelacies. Discussions also took place about collaborative projects.

Following many days of inspiring encounters and services, the final visit of the clergy was to the Western Prelacy headquarters, where they gathered at the St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen Chapel. In the evening the St. Garabed Church of Hollywood was filled to capacity for a special Divine Liturgy presided by the Eastern and Western Prelates and celebrated by the Prelate of Canada with the participation of all of the clergy in attendance on the occasion of the Feast of the Holy Translators.

Without doubt, the participants returned to their respective parishes enriched and inspired by their week-long fellowship, camaraderie, meditations, and prayers and prepared to continue their mission of service with new vigor and devotion.

PRELATE CONSECRATES MURALS IN PHILADELPHIA
Archbishop Anoushavan and Archpriest Fr. Nerses Manoogian with the altar servers and congregation at St. Gregory Church of Philadelphia.
Last Sunday Archbishop Anoushavan celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Philadelphia. During the Liturgy the Prelate consecrated the new murals that adorn the altar that were recently completed by artists Armen and Nina Kankanian from Washington, DC. 

The Prelate consecrates the new altar murals. 

CAMECT OFFICIALS VISIT NUNCIO
Archbishop Anoushavan, on the left, Chairman of “Christian Arab and Middle Eastern Churches Together” (CAMECT), and Bishop Gregory Mansour, on the right, Secretary, paid a courtesy visit  today to His Eminence Archbishop Bernardito Auza, Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See to the United Nations, who was recently named Apostolic Nuncio to Spain. They congratulated Archbishop Bernardito on his new position and wished him Godspeed in all of his endeavors.
PRELACY DAY OF THANKS RECEIVES BRISK RESPONSE;
CHARITABLE PROGRAMS IN ARMENIA AND ARTSAKH
WILL BE FOCUS
The deadline for reservations and donations for the November 17 th Thanksgiving Banquet is fast approaching. Don’t be left out, make your reservations and donations immediately as a “sold-out” audience is expected to attend this special first annual Prelacy thanksgiving day. 
Each year a special “Prelacy Thanksgiving Day” will be celebrated honoring one aspect of the Prelacy’s multi-faceted mission. This year’s first “Prelacy Thanksgiving Day” will take place on Sunday, November 17, 2019. The day will begin with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy by Archbishop Anoushavan at St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York, beginning at 10:30 am. A Thanksgiving Banquet will take place after the Liturgy at Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows Park in Queens, New York. Cocktail reception will begin at 2 pm with dinner and program at 3 pm.

In a recent statement Archbishop Anoushavan explained that the “Prelacy Thanksgiving Day” was conceived “in order to thank, without exception, our people for their unwavering dedication to all Prelacy sponsored programs. Therefore, every year we will spotlight a different program. For the inaugural event we have decided to celebrate and honor the services of the Prelacy’s charitable mission in Armenia and Artsakh through the Saint Nerses the Great Charitable and Social Organization ( Medzn Nerses ) that was established as the Prelacy’s charitable office in the homeland. Although the roots of this effort go back to the 1988 earthquake in Armenia, the formal establishment of this charitable office actually took place 25 years ago. Indeed, in 2018 Medzn Nerses marked its official 25 th anniversary. So, therefore, this year on November 17 we will be celebrating its 25 th +1 anniversary. In effect we are celebrating 26 years of love in action in Armenia and Artsakh,” the Prelate explained.

To make your banquet reservations and/or donate for the banquet booklet click here . Or if you prefer contact the Prelacy office (212-689-7810). 

BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, October 20, Sixth Sunday of the Exaltation are, Isaiah 20:2-21:6; Galatians 4:3-18; Luke 4:14-23.

Then Jesus filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, “Is not this Joseph’s son?” He said to them, “Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘Doctor, cure yourself!’ And you will say, ‘Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.’” (Luke 4:14-23)

***

So with us; while we were minors, we were enslaved to the elemental spirits of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to beings that by nature are not gods. Now, however, that you have come to know God, how can you turn back again to the weak and beggarly elemental spirits? How can you want to be enslaved to them again? You are observing special days, and months, and seasons, and years. I am afraid that my work for you may have been wasted.

Friends, I beg you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have done me no wrong. You know that it was because of a physical infirmity that I first announced the gospel to you; though my condition put you to the test, you did not scorn or despise me, but welcomed me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. What has become of the goodwill you felt? For I testify that, had it been possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? They make much of you, but for no good purpose; they want to exclude you, so that you may make much of them. It is good to be made much of for a good purpose at all times, and not only when I am present with you. (Galatians 4:3-18)

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

THE HOLY EVANGELISTS
This Saturday, October 19, the Armenian Church commemorates the Holy Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, the authors of the four Gospels. The word Evangelist comes from the Greek Euaggelistes which means “one who brings good news.” Evangelists are given the special ability by the Holy Spirit to communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ clearly and effectively. In the early days of the church evangelism was the work of the apostles. By the third century, the authors of the four canonical Gospels became known as the Holy Evangelists, and as the church grew “evangelist” began to denote a specific office that could include “apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers” (see Ephesians 4:11-12). All four Holy Evangelists died martyrs.
Matthew is the patron of the Church’s mission. The Gospel attributed to him closes with Jesus’ command to His disciples and followers to, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)
Mark had significant influence on the advancement of Christianity. Although the Gospel according to Mark is a narrative of the life of Jesus, theologians consider it to be a handbook of discipleship. The dominant message is that being a Christian is not only to believe in Jesus Christ, it is also living according to the example set by Jesus. According to tradition, Mark was the first bishop of Alexandria. One of the most magnificent cathedrals in the world is named after him in Venice, where his relics are kept.
Luke is the author of the third Gospel and the Book of Acts. He is considered to be the patron of physicians and artists. The Gospel according to Luke describes Jesus as “the healer of a broken world.” Luke is also noted for his concern for the poor, the marginalized, women, and social outcasts. His Gospel does not end with the Resurrection, but continues to Pentecost and the eternal presence of Christ in the world. Traditionally he is believed to be one of the Seventy and the unnamed disciple in Emmaus.
John , often called the “beloved disciple,” is the author of the fourth Gospel. He was the only one of the twelve disciples who did not forsake Christ and stood at the foot of the Cross. Jesus entrusted his mother to John’s care on the day of the Crucifixion. The best known verse in his Gospel is John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” According to tradition, John left Jerusalem after attending the first ecumenical council and went to Asia Minor and settled in Ephesus. He was exiled to the island of Patmos where he wrote the book of Revelation, although more recently scholars have concluded that John the Apostle and John of Patmos were two different people.
Also commemorated this week:
Thursday, October 17: Dionysius the Areopagite.
Monday, October 21 : Sts. Joseph, Longinus the centurion, Joseph of Arimathea, Lazarus sisters, Martha and Mary.
Tuesday, October 22: St. Theodotus the Priest.

PANEL DISCUSSION ON WESTERN ARMENIAN EXPLORES
“NEW THINKING FOR NEW TIMES”
A panel discussion on “Western Armenian in the 21 st  century: Challenges and New Proposals,” jointly organized by the Armenian National Education Committee, the Krikor & Clara Zohrab Information Center, and the Society for Armenian Studies, took place at the Vahakn and Hasmig Hovnanian Reception Hall of the Eastern Prelacy, yesterday evening. After the introduction by Ms. Mary Gulumian, ANEC director, Dr. Christopher Sheklian, director of the Zohrab Center, moderated the conversation. The speakers were Dr. Vartan Matiossian, executive director of the Armenian Prelacy; Mr. Jesse Siragan Arlen, Ph.D. candidate at UCLA, and Ms. Gilda Kupelian, head of the Armenian Studies department at the Armenian Diocese. The conversation, held in Armenian and English, was an opportunity for the speakers to refer various issues, among them the importance of modernizing the pedagogical approach in Western Armenian teaching and of financially supporting language teaching. Interesting issues were also raised during the Q & A session.

The point of departure for this panel discussion was the collective volume “Western Armenian in the 21 st  century: Challenges and New Approaches,” edited by Bedros Der Matossian and Barlow Der Mugrdechian, and published by the Society for Armenian Studies. Copies of this volume may be ordered from the Prelacy Bookstore ( books@armenianprelacy.org ). To watch the discussion, you may log onto the Prelacy Facebook page by clicking here
SIAMANTO ACADEMY BEGINS ON NOVEMBER 2
For more than three decades, the SIAMANTO Academy has brought together and enriched the knowledge of young generations about faith, Armenian identity, history, language, and culture.

Siamanto will resume its activities Saturday, November 2, and will continue to meet once a month with expert guest lecturers. As always, the participants will be treated to both historical and current subjects, as always, to be connected with their roots, culture, and everyday life. At the same time, this will provide an opportunity to meet new Armenian friends.

For registration or information, please call the ANEC Executive Director Mary Gulumian at 212-689-7231 or email ANEC@armenianprelacy.org .

BAPTISM—CHRISMATION SEMINAR
Archdeacon Shant Kazanjian, the Prelacy’s Director of Christian Education, will conduct a one-day seminar on “Baptism – Chrismation: The Foundation of our Life in Christ,” at St. Hagop Church in Racine, Wisconsin on Saturday, November 2. All are welcome. For information and registration: Mrs. Shirley Saryan, 414-282-1919.
FROM OUR SCHOOLS...
ST. STEPHEN’S ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PREPARING
TO CELEBATE 35 TH ANNIVERSARY
Houry Boyamian
Principal
Nicole Babikian Hajjar
Event Chair
Diran Apelian
Keynote Speaker
Lisa Gulesserian
Mistress of Ceremonies
St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School (SSAES) is preparing to celebrate its 35 th anniversary on November 16, 2019, with a benefit evening themed “Shaping Our Future, Preserving Our Culture,” to take place at The Westin Waltham, in Massachusetts. On this occasion, the School aims to rally the support of the Armenian community of the Greater Boston area and beyond to mark this milestone in its history.

Principal Houry Boyamian, who has been leading the school for the past 31 years, announced that the evening’s proceeds will benefit the School’s Financial Aid Program, with the goal of offering the opportunities of a rigorous American education coupled with a strong Armenian foundation to as many students as possible now and in the future.

Event Chair, Nicole Babikian Hajjar, whose three children are graduates of St. Stephen’s, was quoted saying “we are expecting a diverse constituency to come together in support, as we highlight the school’s unique role in building identity and community among Greater Boston’s Armenians.”

The evening’s Mistress of Ceremonies, Lisa Gulesserian, is a preceptor on Armenian language and culture at Harvard University and an ardent promoter of the Armenian language. The keynote address will be delivered by Professor Diran Apelian, member of the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Inventors, and co-founder of the Armenia Project Center in Yerevan. Singer and songwriter Artur Hakobyan (famously known as Mister X) will provide the evening’s entertainment.

The 20-member strong planning team is hard at work putting the final touches to the program and ensuring the success of this milestone celebration. Tickets may be purchased on-line at www.mkt/ssaes . For information: 35@assaes,org or 617-926-6979.

LETTER FROM ARMENIA
The Prelacy’s Orphan 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. We are pleased to share some of these letters through Crossroads .

This week’s letter is from ARMAN*, who is sponsored by Sarkis and Ardemis Teshoian. 

*In order to protect the privacy of the children we use only their first names.
Dear Sponsor,

This is Arman. I graduated from 9 th grade in school, but I still have a very busy schedule of training sessions with Armenia’s National Team. I do sports along with my school studies and I am showing lots of promise in sports. In June, I am going to Europe to participate in a competition.

I am very grateful to the family who helps us. Thanks to your caring assistance my mother, who works in two places, can afford to help me in reaching my dream. I am doing all I can to achieve high results in sports and in my school studies, so that I justify the money spent on me.

May God’s faith and hope shine in all our families.

Gratefully,
Arman

PLEASE CONSIDER SPONSORSHIP:
Currently there are children on the waiting list for the Prelacy’s Sponsorship Program. If you would like to sponsor a child please click here for quick and easy online sponsorship. You may also contact the Prelacy by email ( sophie@armenianprelacy.org ) or telephone (212-689-7810), ask for Sophie. 

HERAND MARKARIAN’S JUBILEE CELEBRATION
This Saturday, October 19, the community will celebrate the 65 th Jubilee Celebration of the cultural achievements and 80 th birthday of the well-known writer, director, actor, producer, Herand Markarian. With the blessings of all of the hierarchy of the Armenian Church and under the auspices of Mr. Varuzan Nersessyan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the United States and Robert Avetisyan, Representative of Nagorno Karabagh to the United States, the event is under the patronage of the Central Executive Committee of Hamazkayin and with the participation of Hamazkayin Regional Executive and the New York Chapter. The event will take place at the Theatre in the Park, Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York. Admission of ONE DOLLAR will support humanitarian needs of the soldiers of Armenia and Artsakh. Limited seating. Reservations will be honored at libra6productions@gmail.com on first-submission basis or HOTLINE 845-300-8442.

Dr. Markarian has been a valued artistic contributor to many of the Prelacy’s cultural productions during the past half century including productions on Khrimian Hairig, theatrical and artistic productions on dozens of historical events such as the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, the Millennium of the Cathedral in Ani, the Treaty of Nvarsag, and numerous April 24 th commemorations, to mention just a few.

We congratulate Herand on this milestone anniversary and wish him and his family continued success in all of their endeavors.

ETYMOLOGY OF ARMENIAN SURNAMES
If you are interested in the origin of Armenian surnames and live in the New York/New Jersey metro area, you may want to attend a slide lecture, “What’s in a Name?” that will take place this Sunday, October 20, at St. Thomas Armenian Church in Tenafly, New Jersey. The lecturer, C.K. Garabed, aka Charles Garabed Kasbarian, will share his vast knowledge on the subject gleaned through years of research. The lecture will begin at 1:30 pm and is being sponsored by the Cultural Committee of St. Thomas Church. For information: ckgarabed@aol.com
Sponsored by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)

Birth of Megerdich Portugalian (October 21, 1848)
Megerdich Portugalian spent the last half of his life far from his homeland, but he never ceased working for its welfare as one of the forerunners of the Armenian revolutionary movement.
He was born in the neighborhood of Kum Kapu, in Constantinople. He first went to the Bezjian School. The death of his father in 1859 was, understandably, a big blow to the family. In 1862 he transferred to Sahagian School in the neighborhood of Samatia and graduated from high school the next year. He went to work with his French teacher Pierre Trois, who was the owner of a bookstore, and helped him with the publication of a booklet, The Armenian Question, in Armenian and French, in 1864.

After the death of his mother the next year, Portugalian opened his own bookstore in 1866 and worked for the next two years there, while giving private lessons to the children of well-to-do families. He was forced to close the bookstore in 1868. He would become acquainted and establish close relations with important public figures of the time, such as Khrimian Hayrig, who was briefly Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople (1869-1873), Krikor Odian, one of the writers of the Ottoman Constitution of 1876, and Archbishop Nerses Varjabedian, Khrimian’s successor as Patriarch (1874-1884).

Portugalian had a breakthrough in 1869, when two Armenians from Tokat sent him there at their own expense to teach at the local Voskian Lyceum. He worked towards the improvement of the school level and the local social life. He married in 1871 and opened the Vartanian Girls’ School in 1872 with forty students. His work of educational and public awakening led him to a struggle with conservative elements of the society until he was accused of being a revolutionary to the Ottoman government. As a result, Portugalian was called to Constantinople. However, he returned the next year to continue his fight, but he was arrested and jailed. Only the intervention of the governor of Sepastia freed him in 1874, after which he was recalled to Constantinople for good.

He became the editor of the periodical Asia where he took his struggle against the conservative elements of the community in the capital of the Ottoman Empire. The government shut down the newspaper in 1875. Portugalian did not remain inactive. He founded the Varaztadian Society to enlighten people with lectures and courses, while contributing to various newspapers in Constantinople and the Caucasus, writing under pseudonyms. In 1876 he was one of the founders of the Araratian Society whose center of activities was in Van. These activities were not well regarded by the government, and as a result, Portugalian fled to the Caucasus in 1877 and settled in Tiflis for the next two years. He returned to Van in 1879, founding a Teachers College under the sponsorship of the Araratian School, which also sponsored six other schools in the city.

Portugalian’s activities were a source of worry for the Armenian leadership in Constantinople, and in 1880 he was recalled to the capital, and the Teachers College was closed. However, he returned once again the next year and founded the Central School in 1881. The school was closed in 1885, but its graduates would become the founders of the first Armenian political party, the Armenagan Organization, in the same year. Fearing persecution, Portugalian, his wife, and two daughters fled the Ottoman Empire and settled in Marseilles (France). Here, on August 1, 1885, he published the first issue of the weekly Armenia.

In the meantime, Portugalian worked to gather all Armenian political efforts around a single organization. In 1886 he founded the Armenian Patriotic Union in Marseilles. However, some members of the organization, including the couple Avetis and Maro Nazarbek, who after failing to take it toward a socialist orientation, went their own way in 1887 and founded the Social-Democrat Hunchakian Party in Geneva (Switzerland). During the next decades, Portugalian’s public advocacy would be focused on his newspaper, which would extend his influence over the Armenians in Europe. He would be editor, copyeditor, and distributor of Armenia , with his daughters as typesetters. In 1913 the fortieth anniversary of his public life was commemorated in Constantinople.
Portugalian edited Armenia until his death in Marseilles on September 27, 1921. His legacy would survive him. Four days later, on October 1, 1921, the remnants of the Armenagan Organization whose foundation he had inspired would merge with three other political parties to constitute the Armenian Democratic Liberal ( Ramgavar Azadagan ) Party, the last of the three “traditional” parties existing today in the Diaspora and, after the independence of Armenia in 1991, in the homeland.
Previous entries in “This Week in Armenian History” are on the Prelacy’s web site ( www.armenianprelacy.org ). 
FROM OUR ARCHIVES...
This photo was taken during the visit of Archbishop Khoren Paroyan to the United States as the Legate of His Holiness Zareh I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia. Archbishop Khoren is being welcomed to Providence, Rhode Island, by Mayor Walter H. Reynolds on November 29, 1957. The two clergymen with Archbishop Khoren are Rev. Fr. Nishan Papazian (left) and Rev. Fr. Khachadour Giragosian. At the time Rev. Fr. Nishan was serving Sts. Vartanantz Church in Providence and Rev. Fr. Khachadour was serving St. Illuminator Cathedral in New York City.

ANY COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS FOR CROSSROADS?
Please send your inquiries and comments (English or Armenian) to  Crossroads@armenianprelacy.org .

Please remember that the deadline for submitting items for Crossroads is on Wednesdays at noon.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS
( Calendar items may be edited to conform to space and style )
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.

October 19 —Herand Markarian’s Jubilee Celebration: 65 th anniversary of cultural achievements and 80 th birthday. Theatre in the Park, Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York, at 7:05 pm. Watch for details.

October 19 —St. Gregory Church, 135 Godwin Ave., Indian Orchard, Massachusetts, “Armenian Bazaar,” 11 am to 6 pm. Take out available (call ahead: 413-543-4763.) Free admission and parking.

October 26 —One day conference during the “Year of the Armenian Press” and celebrating the 120 th anniversary of the establishment of Hairenik and the 85 th anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Weekly will take place in Pashalian Hall of St. Illuminator Cathedral in New York City.

October 26 —85 th Anniversary of Sts. Vartanantz Mourad Armenian Saturday School under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan at the Marriott Downtown Hotel, Providence, Rhode Island. Dinner at 6:30 pm. For information/reservations: Talene Bagdasarian (401) 230-0021or by email ( mourad85thgala@gmail.com ).

November 1 & 2 —St. Stephen Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 63 rd annual bazaar at the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center (ACEC), 47 Nichols Avenue, Watertown.

November 1-3 —Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, annual Food Festival. For information: 201-943-2950. 

November 9 and 10 —Armenian Fest 2019, Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, Annual Food Festival at Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet, 60 Rhodes Place, Cranston. Saturday noon to 9 pm; Sunday noon to 7 pm. Free admission and parking. For information: 401-831-6399.

November 10 —Thanksgiving Luncheon hosted by ARS Mayr Chapter, New York, to benefit the ARS Medz Tagher Kindergarten in Artsakh. Byblos Restaurant, 80 Madison Avenue, New York City, 2 to 5:30 pm. Donation: $75. For information/reservations Mina (917-741-2966); Anais (917-225-4326).

November 16 —New England Regional Deacons’ Retreat and Seminar at Holy Trinity Church, 635 Grove Street, Worcester, Massachusetts; 9 am to 5 pm, for all ordained deacons and sub-deacons serving in the New England area Prelacy churches.

November 17 —Eastern Prelacy’s first annual Special Thanksgiving Banquet at Terrace on the Park, Flushing, New York, at 2 pm. Honoring the 25 th + 1 anniversary of the charitable work of the Prelacy’s St. Nerses the Great Charity Program: 26 Years of Charitable Giving in Armenia and Artsakh.

December 5— Presentation of the book “Gomidas-150” at the Armenian Prelacy. Save the date.

December 31 —Save the date. Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, New Year’s Eve dinner/dance.

March 15, 2020 —Save the date and watch for details for the Eastern Prelacy’s 37 th annual Musical Armenia concert, 2 pm at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, West 57 th Street at Seventh Avenue, New York City.

May 13-16, 2020 —National Representative Assembly (NRA) of the Eastern Prelacy hosted by St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Philadelphia. The Clergy Conference will begin on Wednesday, May 13; the full Assembly will convene on Thursday, May 14 and conclude on Saturday, May 16.

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