For this week's Crossroads, the third prayer from St. Nerses Shnorhali's "Havadov Khosdovanim" is read by Avedis Bell, fourth grade student of St. Stephen's Armenian Elementary School of Watertown, MA.
|
|
ORDINATION OF DEACONS IN MICHIGAN
|
|
Saint Sarkis Church of Dearborn, Michigan, celebrated its 57th anniversary with the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian. During his visit, Archbishop Anoushavan celebrated the Divine Liturgy and ordained Michael-Armen Kadian, Haig Kadian, Harout Achekian, Mano Achekian and Harout Ashekian as sub-deacons.
|
|
Following the Divine Liturgy, the church hosted a reception dedicated to the Saint Sarkis Ladies' Guild. The Mistress of Ceremonies was Ms. Knar Topouzian, a graduate of this year's Summer Youth Academy of the Catholicosate of Cilicia. Der Hrant Kevorkian welcomed everyone and introduced the short video presentation of the programs and activities of the Armenian Prelacy. Simone' Topouzian, chairlady of the Board of Trustees expressed a few words on behalf of the parish thanking the faithful parishioners for their continued support of Saint Sarkis Church. The Ladies Guild's video presentation and the dedication service was the highlight of the afternoon. The celebration came to an end with remarks by His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, praising the active role of the Ladies' Guild in the church, praying for the prosperity of the Saint Sarkis Church and the singing of Giligia.
|
|
During Archbishop Anoushavan’s visit to Saint Sarkis Church, three new members were added to the “Pillars of the Prelacy.” The Pillars of the Prelacy program was established in 2003 as an annual giving program to provide a regular source of income to support the many programs offered by the Prelacy. In this photograph, from left to right, Kegham Tazian, Patricia and Raffi Kuredjian, Archbishop Anoushavan, Rev. Fr. Hrant, Yn. Tamar, and Silva and Hagop Demirjian. For information about the Pillars program contact the Prelacy office (212-689-7810).
|
|
PRELATE WILL VISIT WAUKEGAN COMMUNITY ON SUNDAY;
WILL ATTEND CONFERENCE IN CALIFORNIA NEXT WEEK
|
|
Archbishop Anoushavan will travel to Waukegan, Illinois, where on Sunday, October 6 he will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Paul Armenian Church. From Waukegan, His Eminence will travel to California to participate in the Feast of the Holy Translators Clergy Conference of the Eastern, Western, and Canadian Prelacies, which will convene at Holy Cross Cathedral in Montebello, California, October 7 to 11.
|
|
PRELACY THANKSGIVING DAY WILL BE CELEBRATED
|
|
In what will become the beginning of a new tradition, each year a special “Prelacy Thanksgiving Day” will be celebrated honoring one aspect of the Prelacy’s multi-faceted mission. The 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.
|
|
Bible readings for
Sunday, October 6, Fourth Sunday of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
are, Isaiah 17:7-14; 2 Corinthians 13:5-13; Mark 11:27-33.
And they came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, and they said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?” Jesus said to them, “I will ask you a question: answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men? Answer me.” And they argued with one another, “If we say ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ But shall we say, ‘From men’?”—they were afraid of the people, for all held that John was a real prophet. So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
(Mark 11:27-33)
***
This is the third time I am coming to you. “Any charge must be sustained by the evidence of two or three witnesses.” I warned those who sinned previously and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again, I will not be lenient—since you desire proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful in you. For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God.
Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless, indeed, you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have failed. But we pray to God that you may not do anything wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. This is what we pray for, that you may become perfect. So I write these things while I am away from you, so that when I come, I may not have to be severe in using the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down.
Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.
(2 Corinthians 13:5-13)
For a listing of the coming week’s Bible readings
click here
.
|
|
SAINTLY PRINCES SAHAK AND HAMAZASB
|
|
Today, Thursday, October 3, the Armenian Church commemorates Prince Sahak and Hamazasb, brothers who challenged the Arab rule in Armenia. When they were captured, they were given the choice of renouncing their Christian religion or death. They refused to convert and were martyred.
|
|
72 HOLY DISCIPLES OF CHRIST
|
|
This Saturday, October 5, the Armenian Church commemorates the 72 Holy Disciples of Christ. The reference comes from the Gospel of Luke (Chapter 10, Verse 1): “After this the Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go.” (Note: Some sources say 72 disciples; others say 70). These disciples remained true to the Lord and their calling, and spread the Lord’s message. They were not random choices, but rather true disciples whose labors carried the message of the Lord throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. All of the saints are remembered individually in the liturgical calendar of the church, but this day is set aside to remember them collectively.
Also commemorated this week:
Monday, October 7: St. Phocas, the Patriarch; St. Irenaeus of Lyons
Tuesday, October 8: Sts. Thekla and Barbara the virgins
Thursday, October 10: St. Pantaleon the Physician
|
|
CONFERENCE ON WESTERN ARMENIAN
|
|
A conference 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, will take place at the Vahakn and Hasmig Hovnanian Reception Hall of the Eastern Prelacy, on Wednesday, October 16 at 7 pm. Participants include Introduction by Mrs. Mary Gulumian; Moderator, Dr. Christopher Sheklian; Speakers, Dr. Vartan Matiossian, Mr. Jesse Arlen, and Mrs. Gilda Kupelian. For information contact by email (
anec@armenianprelacy.org
) or telephone (212-689-7231).
|
|
SIAMANTO ACADEMY BEGINS ON OCTOBER 12
|
|
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 on Saturday, October 12, the second week of the Armenian Cultural month, in the Prelacy building, 138 E. 39th Street, Manhattan, from 10:00 am-12:30 pm. The sessions will continue to be held once a month with expert guest lecturers. 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, please call the ANEC Executive Director Mary Gulumian at 212-689-7231 or email
ANEC@armenianprelacy.org
|
|
PRAYERS FOR THE REPUBLIC IN PROVIDENCE
|
|
Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian, pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, offers prayers for the Republic of Armenia on the 28
th
anniversary of independence with the participation of the altar servers and members of the Scouts.
|
|
85
th
ANNIVERSARY OF MOURAD ARMENIAN SCHOOL
|
|
The 85
th
anniversary celebration of the Sts. Vartanantz Mourad Armenian School will take place on Saturday, October 26, 6:30 pm at the Providence Marriott Downtown Hotel in Providence, Rhode Island. The Gala Banquet is under the auspices of the Prelate, His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian and the honored presence of Archpriest Fr. Gomidas Baghsarian, Emeritus Pastor and Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian, Pastor. Also attending will be members of the Prelacy’s Armenian National Education Committee and the Regional Executive of the Armenian Relief Society.
|
|
TANIEL VAROUJAN SCHOOL KEEPS STUDENTS ENGAGED
|
|
Learning the techniques of Chess.
|
|
The Taniel Varoujan Armenian School of All Saints Armenian Church in Glenview, Illinois, keeps its students engaged in Armenian culture while at the same time preserving cultural customs. Most recently the School introduced Armenian Clubs. Twice a month students enjoy a club of their choice, whether it be Armenian crochet/needlework; chess; drama, or singing. Volunteers from the community are donating their time, expertise, and supplies toward this initiative.
|
|
Learning Armenian crochet.
|
|
The youngest students are learning the Armenian alphabet.
|
|
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 Rouben*, who is sponsored by Seta Ghougassian.
*In order to protect the privacy of the children we use only their first names.
|
|
Dear Sponsor,
My name is Rouben … , I live in Yerevan. I go to Nairi Zarian School #130. I live with my mother, sister, grandmother and grandfather. My father was killed during his military service when I was 3 years old.
I am doing well in school and have many friends. My favorite subjects are Armenian, English, and Russian languages. I love to play soccer. I know the names of all famous soccer players. I want to become a soccer player myself. (Signed) Rouben …
|
|
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.
|
|
Death of Edward Mirzoyan (October 5, 2012)
|
|
Composer Edward Mirzoyan was a noted name in the music of Soviet Armenia and president of the Composers Union for more than three decades. He was born in Gori, Georgia, on May 12, 1921. His stepfather was composer Mikayel Mirzayan (1888-1958).
Mirzoyan later moved to Armenia and graduated in 1941 from the creative section of the Yerevan Conservatory. By that time he had already composed his first works, including two popular songs based on Avetik Isahakian’s poems, “They Say That…” and “Dream.” He served in the Soviet army from March-November 1942, organizing army ensembles of songs and dances. From 1946-48 he continued his studies at the musical studio of the House of Armenian Culture in Moscow. Returning to Yerevan, he taught at his alma mater from 1948 onwards, becoming a full professor in 1965.
From 1950-1952 he was executive secretary of the Composers Union of Armenia and its president from 1956-1991, becoming honorary president in 1994, and president of the Peace Fund of Armenia from 1977-2009 (honorary president in 2009). He toured the United States and Canada in 1963. In the same year he earned the title of Popular Artist of Soviet Armenia, one among various awards and honorific titles he received throughout his life.
He wrote songs based on poems by Avetik Isahakian and Yeghishe Charents. Some of his works were characterized by their dynamism, such as “Symphonic Dances,” “Festive Prelude,” “Introduction and Perpetuum Mobile” (for violin and orchestra). His “String Quartet” is one of the interesting words of Armenian chamber music. His cantatas, like “Armenia,” “Festive,” and others, are suffused with patriotic spirit. He contributed several symphonic works of particular value such as the sonata for cello and piano” and the symphony for string orchestra and timpani. He also wrote “Album for My Grandchild,” “Poem for Piano,” “Poem-Epitaph for Chamber Orchestra,” and other works.
Mirzoyan has also written the music of several Armenian movies, such as
Collapse
(1959),
Chaos
(1974),
The President of the Revolutionary Committee
(1977),
Exile No. 11
(1979), and
The Pharmacy at the Corner
(1988), and the documentary
Today Is a Sunny Day
(1975).
Some of Mirzoyan’s students were famous composers like Jivan Ter-Tadevosian, Constantine Orbelian, Avet Terterian, Vache Sharafian, Khachatur Avetisian, Robert Amirkhanian, and others.
Mirzoyan passed away in Yerevan, on October 5, 2012, at the age of ninety-one. He was buried at the Komitas Pantheon. The House of Composers of Dilijan was named after him 2013.
|
|
ANY COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS FOR CROSSROADS?
|
|
Please remember that the deadline for submitting items for
Crossroads
is on Wednesdays at noon.
|
|
Earlier this year the Prelacy embarked on a long overdue process of digitizing photographs and important documents. From time to time we will be sharing some interesting historical photos found in our archives.
|
|
This week’s archive photo is from 2001. One of the major celebrations, in a series of celebrations organized by the Prelacy for the 1700
th
anniversary of Christian Armenia, featured Armenia’s National Chamber Orchestra under the directorship of Maestro Aram Gharabekian in a concert in New York’s Alice Tully Hall on November 10, 2001. The sold-out “Passion and Light” concert attracted a large number of dignitaries. The concert was preceded by a cocktail reception in the lobby of Alice Tully Hall and a lengthy standing ovation prompted three encores. An intimate dinner party for the orchestra followed the concert.
|
|
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
(
Calendar items may be edited to conform to space and style
)
|
|
October 7-10
—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, California.
October 12
—Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, NJ continues celebration of 60
th
anniversary with Elie Berberian and his band. Information: 201-943-2950.
October 16
—"Western Armenian in the 21st Century: A Dialogue about Challenges and New Approaches." Panel discussion organized by the Armenian National Education Committee, the Zohrab Information Center, and the Society for Armenian Studies, at the Armenian Prelacy. 7:00 pm. Introduction: Ms. Mary Gulumian. Moderator: Dr. Christopher Sheklian. Panelists: Dr. Vartan Matiossian, Mr. Jesse Arlen, and Ms. Gilda Kupelian. Information: (212) 689-7231 or
anec@armenianprelacy.org
.
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 Goodwin St., 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. Details will follow.
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) 230-0021 or by email (
mourad85thgala@gmail.com
).
November 1 and 2
—St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachussetts, presents the 63rd installment of its annual bazaar at the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center (ACEC). 47 Nichols Ave, Watertown, MA.
November 1-3
—Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, annual Food Festival. Free complimentary parking; featuring Onnik Dinkjian on Saturday! 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. Valet parking available. For information: 401-831-6399.
November 16
- St. Stephen's Armenian Elementary School 35th Anniversary Celebration
Under the Auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy USA at the Westin Waltham, MA. 6:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception | 7:30 p.m. Dinner and Program. RSVP online at
https://mkt.com/ssaes
.
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 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.
|
|
Follow us on Social Media
|
|
The Armenian Prelacy
Tel: 212-689-7810 ♦ Fax: 212-689-7168 ♦ Email: email@armenianprelacy.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
