May 30, 2013
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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.
The Fund for Syrian Armenian Relief is a joint effort of: Armenian Apostolic Church of America (Eastern Prelacy); Armenian Catholic Eparchy; Armenian Evangelical Union of North America; Armenian Relief Society (Eastern USA, Inc.); Armenian Revolutionary Federation.
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DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM
Registration is still open for the 2013 St. Gregory of Datev Summer Institute for youth ages 13-18 at the St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, from June 30 – July 7, 2013. The Program is sponsored by the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC). For registration and information, please contact the AREC office at 212-689-7810 or at arec@armenianprelacy.org or click here.
SUMMER CAMP FOR ORPHANS
The 4th annual summer camp for orphans will take place in Dzaghgatzor, Armenia, July 4 to 11. Sponsored by the Eastern Prelacy, each year more than fifty orphans enrolled in the Prelacy’s Orphan Sponsorship Program (ages 13 to 16) attend the camp where they learn about the Armenian Church, attend worship services, share in Christian fellowship, and enjoy recreational activities and field trips. The camp is directed by Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian, pastor of St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, with the help of the Prelacy’s Armenia office, the St. Nerses the Great Charitable Organization. To make a donation toward expenses of the camp contact Der Aram by email (aram2@charter.net) or by telephone (508-865-2454).
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, June 2, Second Sunday after Pentecost, Feast of Holy Etchmiadzin are: Proverbs 9:1-6; Zechariah 3:7-4:9; Hebrews 9:1-1-; John 10:22-30.
At that time the festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. What my Father has given me is greater than all else, and no one can snatch it out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one” (John 10:22-30).
For a listing of the coming week’s Bible readings click here.
FEAST OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST AND BISHOP ATHENOGENES
Today, May 30, is the Feast of St. John the Baptist (also called the Forerunner), and Bishop Athenogenes.
John the Baptist is prominent in each of the four Gospels. He is associated with the beginning of the ministry of Jesus and is considered to be the “forerunner” to Jesus the Messiah. He baptized those who repented their sins, and he preached of the coming of one after him who is greater than he and would baptize not with water but with the Spirit. In the third chapter of Matthew, John is reluctant to baptize Jesus and does so only after encouragement from Jesus. The Armenian Church considers St. John the Baptist as one of the two prime intercessors to Jesus, the other being the Blessed Mother.
Athenogenes, a bishop and theologian was burned to death along with ten of his disciples in Sebastia, Armenia, during the persecution of Christians by Emperor Diocletian. Athenogenes wrote a hymn of praise proclaiming the divinity of the Holy Spirit. He is remembered as singing this hymn as he went into the flames.
FEAST OF ST. GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR: DELIVERANCE FROM THE PIT
This Saturday, June 1, is the Feast of St. Gregory the Illuminator’s emergence from the pit (Khor Viraben Yelkuh). Gregory is revered as the patron saint of the Armenian Church. He is recognized and memorialized in both eastern and western hierarchical churches. The Armenian liturgical calendar reserves three feast days in his honor: Entrance into the pit, emergence from the pit, and discovery of relics. In addition to these three days, there are several feast days to which he is closely connected, namely the feast days for Sts. Hripsimiantz, Sts. Gayaniantz, Shoghakat, Holy Etchmiadzin, and King Trdat. The Roman Catholic Church, Orthodox churches, and Oriental Orthodox churches have special days in their calendars for the veneration of St. Gregory, who is considered to be one of the Fathers of the early Christian church.
Gregory was condemned to the pit in 287 AD by King Trdat and the persecution of Christians began. After the martyrdom of a group of nuns who came to Armenia from Rome led by Hripsime and Gayane, Trdat was stricken with strange maladies. His sister, Khosrovidukht, had a dream that Gregory was the only person who could heal her brother. Miraculously, Gregory was still alive after many years in the pit, thanks to an angelic woman who lowered food and water into the pit each day. Gregory emerged from the pit; the king was healed and baptized, and he declared Christianity to be the official religion of Armenia.
Gregory was not the first to preach Christianity in Armenia. That distinction belongs to the apostles Thaddeus and Bartholomew who came to Armenia in the first century, and thus gave the Armenian Church its apostolic designation. Nevertheless, Gregory is revered in the Armenian Church and is considered by Armenians to be the father of their faith. Hundreds of churches have been built and named in his honor.
“The ancient calendars of the still undivided Church celebrated him [Gregory] on the same day in both the East and the West as a tireless apostle of truth and holiness. The father in faith of the whole Armenian people, St. Gregory still intercedes from heaven today, so that all the children of your great nation may at last gather round the one table prepared by Christ, the divine Shepherd of one flock.”
Pope John Paul II in his “Apostolic Letter for the 1700th Anniversary of the Baptism of the Armenian People,” issued February 2, 2001.
FEAST OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN
This Sunday, June 2, is the Feast of Holy Mother Etchmiadzin, the cathedral built by St. Gregory after his deliverance from the pit, to the specifications he saw in a vision, and on the place marked by the Lord with a golden hammer. This feast day commemorates the establishment of the Armenian Church and the end of paganism.
Etchmiadzin is the oldest example of a four-altar, four-pillar, domed, cruciform church in Christian architecture. More than 1,700 years old, it is the oldest surviving Armenian Christian site. Relief sculptures on the exterior walls are some of the oldest examples of the Christian Armenian art of sculpting.
NORTH ANDOVER EVENT DEDICATED TO YEAR OF THE MOTHER
More than 40 students, all dressed in colorful Armenian tradition attire, participated in the annual School Hantes on Sunday, May 19, at St. Gregory Church, North Andover, Massachusetts. The program was under the direction of Sossy Jeknavorian who has been cultivating these programs over the past four decades. She lauded the teaching staff and her students for their participation every Sunday in class, along with the parents who were involved.
The Hantes followed a Sunday School graduation ceremony that took place in the church sanctuary with a full congregation, many of them parents and grandparents of the children. A scrumptious luncheon preceded the festivities. The program included recitations, dancing, and tributes to the Armenian mother by the children who ranged in age 4 to 16. The program culminated with the singing of “Our Armenian School” and “Mer Hairenik.”
(Reported by Tom Vartabedian)
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| Students at St. Gregory Church in North Andover with their teachers and pastor, Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian. |
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| The older students perform. |
BLESSING OF FLAG IN DEARBORN
St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, offered prayers of thanksgiving for the Republic of Armenia and blessed the tricolor flag last Sunday, May 26. The prayer service took place outside in front of the Community Center with the participation of the Homenetmen scouts. The Armenian flag was blessed and raised with the singing of the Armenian national anthem by all present.
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| The procession goes from the church to the community center. |
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| Rev. Fr. Hrant Kevorkian blesses the flag. |
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS IN NEW JERSEY
The Nareg Armenian School of Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, marked the 95th anniversary of the first Armenian Republic last Saturday with a special program that featured guest speaker, Mr. Haroutune Misserlian. Following the program the students released tri-colored balloons.
Following the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church conducted a special blessing of the flag ceremony with the participation of the Homenetmen Scouts.
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| Students of the Nareg Armenian School with Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian and Mr. Haroutune Misserlian and teachers. |
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| The tricolor flag is blessed and raised in New Jersey. |
HOVNANIAN SCHOOL EVENT WILL BENEFIT EDUCATION FUND
The Board of Trustees of the Hovnanian School in New Milford, New Jersey, is hosting a fundraising event this Saturday evening, June 1, at the Saddle River, New Jersey home of art collector Andreas Roubian. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Hovnanian School Education Fund.
Mr. Roubian is a renowned collector of art and an authority on the works of the 19th century Armenian painter, Ivan Aivazovsky. Tickets for this special event is $500 per person. Cocktails and appetizers will be served. For information contact Meline Toufayan at 201-236-2276 or the Hovnanian School at 201-967-5940.
Founded in 1976, the Hovnanian School is a private school accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges. Classes range from ELC through eighth grades with multi-lingual instruction offered in English, Armenian, and French throughout.
CATHOLICOS RECEIVES REPRESENTATIVES OF CHURCHES
Forty representatives from churches in Denmark, Germany, India, Indonesia, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States met with His Holiness Aram last Saturday, May 25 in Antelias. The representatives were accompanied by the General Secretary and members of the Executive Committee of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC).
His Holiness welcomed the guests and thanked them for their support of the MECC and their solidarity with the churches in the Middle East. His Holiness reiterated that “in spite of difficulties, Christians will continue to coexist with Islam in the region, the birthplace of Christianity, based on the principle of rights and responsibilities. We will continue to denounce violence and insist on dialogue.” His Holiness also spoke about the plight of the Syrian population and the need to assist them. He asked the churches to increase their financial contributions to the MECC, especially for Christian education and humanitarian assistance. Before leaving the Catholicosate the representatives visited the Genocide Memorial Chapel.
CHALDEAN PATRIARCH VISITS CATHOLICOS
The Chaldean Catholic Patriarch, Louis Raphael Sako, and Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC) met with Catholicos Aram last Friday, May 24. They were accompanied by Archbishop Avak Assadourian, Armenian Prelate of Iraq, and the Locum Tenens of the Syriac Orthodox Church.
After the Patriarch described the political situation in Iraq and its impact on Christian communities, they discussed the situation in the Middle East and the challenges faced by the Christian communities. His Holiness outlined the task of Christians in the area: to inspire hope, to act out of love, and to work toward reconciliation. Christians must remain in the region, affirm their rights, fulfill their responsibilities and promote peaceful coexistence, the Catholicos said.
BISHOP OF EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH MEETS WITH CATHOLICOS
Rt. Rev. Dr. Munib Younan, the Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land, met with His Holiness last Thursday, May 23. The Bishop, who is one of the Presidents of the Middle East Council of Churches spoke about the political situation in the Holy Land and the plight of Christians there. Catholicos Aram, who is also one of the presidents of MECC, and Bishop Munib agreed to propose that the MECC organize a meeting of the heads of the churches in the region to take place either in Lebanon or Cyprus to discuss the difficulties, and state their perspectives and expectations with one voice.
INDEPENDENCE DAY AND HOMENETMEN ANNIVERSARY IN ANTELIAS
The 95th anniversary of the first independent Republic of Armenia and the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Homenetmen were celebrated in Antelias last Sunday, May 26. The celebration began in the morning with the Holy Liturgy celebrated by Very Rev. Fr. Hovhannes Saghdejian, after which His Holiness Catholicos Aram presided over the Memorial Service to honor the heroes of the Battle of Sardarabad in May 1918. After the Memorial Service a procession headed by the Catholicos proceeded to the Catholicate’s Main Hall where a special ceremony celebrated the Sardarabad victory and the name day of Catholicos Aram.
Later His Holiness attended the public celebration marking Independence Day and the 95th anniversary of the Armenian Athletic and Scouts organization (Homenetmen). In his public address, His Holiness congratulated the Homenetmen for living up to its motto: “Elevate yourself and elevate others.”
Birth of Dro (May 31, 1884)
Dro (Drastamat Kanayan) was a freedom fighter, a military leader of the first Republic of Armenia, and a political activist in the Diaspora. He was born in the town of Igdir, in the province of Surmalu (Eastern Armenia, then part of the Russian Empire).
His father sent him to the parish school, but the young Drastamat did not show any interest in books. He would skip school and wander about near the military headquarters of Igdir; his interest in military art developed from these youthful wanderings. He did not do much better in high school in Yerevan. His enthusiasm for the feats of freedom fighters (fedayees) and his interest in the national ideas of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (A.R.F.) prompted him to create a secret youth movement at school. He became a member of the A.R.F. at a very young age.
The Russian government issued a decree on June 12, 1903, to confiscate the properties of the Armenian Church. This created a widespread feeling of ire among the Armenian of the Russian Empire. The A.R.F. created armed groups that acted as guardians of the church property and organized massive demonstrations. Dro Kanayan joined these groups. He later engaged in the clandestine transportation of weapons from Surmalu to Western Armenia.
In 1905 he participated actively in the Armenian self-defense against the Tatar attacks in Baku and other cities of the Caucasus. Following the decision of the party, 21-year-old Dro killed Prince M. A. Nakashidze, governor of Baku, regarded as the main driving force behind the massacres of Armenians. Dro was also active in many battles in the regions of Nakhichevan and Zangezur, and distinguished himself with his talent as a military organizer and strategist.
Dro moved to Tiflis during World War I and became commander of the second battalion of Armenian volunteers, which advanced in the direction of Igdir-Bayazet-Berkri-Van. He was gravely wounded in battle. After recovery in Tiflis, he returned to the command of his troops and entered Van.
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Three years later, in March 1918, the Armenian National Council of Tiflis, the supreme authority of Caucasian Armenians, designated him military commissar of the Armenian army corpus. In this capacity, he led the Armenian army in the battle of Bash-Aparan from May 23-27, 1918, which became one of the decisive battles that achieved the independence of Armenia.
In the years of the Republic, Dro was among the organizers of the Armenian army, and he also was charged with the maintenance of political stability in the country. He fought victoriously in the brief Armeno-Georgian war, and then in Zangezur and Karabagh against the Azerbaijani encroachment in late 1919 and early 1920. He became Minister of Defense in the short-lived cabinet of Simon Vratzian, who was prime minister between November 24 and December 2, 1920. The catastrophic situation of Armenia, defeated in the Armeno-Turkish war started in September, and on the verge of being overrun by the invading Turkish army, prompted Dro to adopt a pro-Russian position. He found that the only alternative, as the lesser of two evils, was the establishment of the Soviet regime in Armenia, which would guarantee the survival of the country.
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By an agreement signed on December 2, the government of the Republic of Armenia resigned and transferred power to the Communists. Dro and a Soviet representative, Silin, were charged with the transition government until the arrival of the Bolshevik Revolutionary Committee (Revkom) on December 6.
In the wave of repression that followed the establishment of the Soviet regime, Dro and some 1,200 officers of the former Armenian army were exiled to Russia. Dro stayed in Moscow for the next four years. In 1925 he managed to leave for France and then he settled in Romania. He was elected member of the Bureau of the A.R.F. in 1933 and held this position until his death.
During World War II, Dro and a small group of A.R.F. members living in the Balkans, cut off from the headquarters of the party in Cairo (Egypt), decided to establish some sort of cooperation with the Nazi German regime in order to save the lives of tens of thousands of Armenian prisoners of the Soviet army and avoid any kind of danger to the Armenian population in occupied Europe. He left his comfortable life in Romania and moved to Germany. When the German army started the organization of the “Eastern Legions,” enrolling Soviet prisoners of war according to their nationality, he encouraged Armenian prisoners to enter military service, because the alternative was death in the camps. An “Armenian Legion” was formed, with some 11,000 soldiers. Dro was also engaged in military counterintelligence missions in Crimea and the Northern Caucasus, but he was never the commander of the Armenian Legion or had any military position, as it has been frequently written.
After the war, Dro settled first in the United States and then in Lebanon, while he continued his political activities. He passed away in Boston on March 8, 1956. His remnants were reburied in Armenia, in a section of the memorial complex of the Battle of Bash-Aparan, in 2000. The government of Armenia founded the General Dro National Institute of Strategic Studies, while the Ministry of Defense established a medal in his name to decorate military personnel, freedom-fighters, and civilians who excelled in military teaching.
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| The grave site of General Dro in Boston was visited several years before the transfer of his remains to Armenia. President Levon Ter-Petrossian joined General Dro’s family to pay respects to the hero. From left: Mrs. Lucia Ter-Petrossian, Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, Mrs. Gayane Kanayan, Levon Ter-Petrossian, Mr. & Mrs. Mardig Kanayan, and Mrs. Olga Kanayan Proudian. |
FROM THE BOOKSTORE
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The Astrologer of Karabagh
(or The Establishment of the Fortress of Sushi: A Transcaucasian Historical Novel)
By Platon P. Zubov (1796-1857)
Translated by Artashes Emin
Edited with Introduction and Annotations by Ara Ghazarians
The Astrologer of Karabagh is a historical novel by Platon P. Zubov written in 1834. It takes place in the mid-18th century in the Caucasus and focuses on the Armenian region of Artsakh and the five melikdomes that formed an alliance. Betraying the alliance, Melik-Shahnazarian plays into the hands of the Panah Khan, the Azeri ruler of the Khanate of Karabagh.
Originally written in Russian, an Armenian translation was done by the renowned writer, Raffi, in 1882. The theme of this novel, namely that disunity is destructive, was also a theme in the writings of Raffi. The English text was translated from the original Russian and edited by Ara Ghazarians.
125 pages, $18.00 plus shipping & handling
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Armenia and Karabakh
The Stone Garden Travel Guide, Third Edition
By Matthew Karanian
Matthew Karanian, born and raised in America, went to Armenia eighteen years ago. That initial trip changed his life. Since then he has returned at least twelve times, including an extended period of nearly four years. He became an expert on all of Armenia and Karabakh and shared his knowledge with a guide book. The third edition of the guide book was issued this year.
Simply stated, anyone traveling to Armenia or Karabakh should not go without this book. It is filled with valuable insight and information. And perhaps the best alternative to actual travel is vicarious travel by perusing this guide and gazing at its beautiful photography (by Karanian and Robert Kurkjian) and extensive maps. It is a stunning book!
320 pages, $25.00 plus shipping & handling
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60th ANNIVERSARY OF REACHING “TOP OF THE WORLD”
Sixty years ago, at 11:30 am on May 29, 1953, Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa from Nepal, who were a part of a British expedition, became the first explorers to reach the summit of Mount Everest, which at 29,035 feet above sea level is the highest point on earth. With none of the instant communications of our world today, news of their success became known a few days later on June 2, the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
May 2 to June 30—“History of Armenia: Past, Present, Future,” a series of eight seminars presented on Thursdays, 7 pm to 8:30 pm, at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New York City. Sponsored by the Cathedral and the UN Armenian Mission. Facilitator: Artur Martirosyan, Ph.D.
June 1—Hovnanian School Board of Trustees is hosting “An Evening of Fine Art and Entertainment” at the home of Mr. Andreas Roubian, Saddle River, New Jersey, a renowned art collector. Funds raised will benefit the Hovnanian School Education Fund. $500 per person. For information: Meline Toufayan, 201-236-2276 or the school’s web site (www.hovnanianschool.org).
June 2—Strawberry Festival & Sunday Brunch, hosted by the Ladies Guild of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. A delicious array of American and Armenian dishes. Donation: $15. For information contact the church office, 718-224-2275.
June 7—Concert dedicated to the 300th Jubilee of Sayat Nova featuring Elie Berberian (Canada) and his band performing songs by Sayat Nova and other favorite minstrels, 8 pm, at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Avenue, Woodside, New York 11377. Donation: $25, includes post-concert reception. For tickets: gradaranik@gmail.com or 212-689-5880.
July 7—St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, Outdoor Family Event, following church services on the Feast of Transfiguration, Vartivar. Everyone, especially the youth, is invited to join in water games on the lawn next to the church.
June 9—Father’s Day Dinner and Comedy, sponsored by Armenian Compatriotic Union of Ourfa, featuring renowned comedian Vahe Berberian with a new repertoire, with the participation of violinist Souren Kahvedjian, Ya Hala Restaurant, 45 Main Street, Wallington, New Jersey. Adults $60; children under ten $30. Proceeds to Syrian Armenian Relief Fund. For information: (732) 970-5207.
June 9—St. Sarkis Church and Douglaston School of Music and Art present “Aram Khatchaturian—110th Anniversary Concert,” by faculty members and students of Douglaston School of Music and Art, 1:30 pm, Chaderjian Hall, St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th Street, Douglaston, New York. Donation: $10.
June 13—St. Gregory Church, North Andover, Massachusetts, 4th annual Cigar Night & Dinner in Blessed Memory of Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian. Surf & Turf dinner, open bar, cigars, live & silent auction, raffles. Tickets must be purchased in advance by sending a check for $150 payable to St. Gregory’s Mens Club, 158 Main Street, North Andover, Massachusetts 01845, or contact Greg Minasian at gminasian@verizon.net, or 978-470-3075.
June 15—National Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG), Seminar and Picnic, 10 am to 2 pm. Jointly hosted with Ladies Guild of Saint Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, 315 Church Street, Whitinsville. Guest speaker: Carol Jaffarian, will provide update on the Mother and Child Clinic and Birthing Center in Akhourian, Armenia. RSVP by June 8 to the Church (508-234-3677), or to Sharke Derapkrian by email (shakar07@comcast.net) or phone (978-685-7243).
June 12 to 15—World General Assembly of the Holy See of Cilicia, at the Catholicosate in Antelias, Lebanon.
June 16—St. Gregory Church, annual Father’s Day Picnic, 12 noon to 5 pm, on the church grounds at 135 Goodwin Street, Indian Orchard, Massachusetts. Enjoy many favorite Armenian dinners including shish kebab and rice pilaf. Baked goods available for purchase. 50/50 raffle, Armenian music and dancing, and a bounce house for children. Free admission and parking. For information: 413-543-4763.
June 24—Holy Trinity Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, 10th Annual Golf Outing at Sterling National Country Club, Sterling, Massachusetts. Join us for a great day of golf including golf, cart, breakfast, prizes, gifts, and dinner for $140 per golfer. Tee off at 9 am. Shotgun start and scramble format. For information contact Rich Tashjian at richtashjian@gmail.com or 978-422-7600.
June 30-July 7—27th Annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute, at St. Mary of Providence Center, Elverson, Pennsylvania, sponsored by the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Cou8ncil (AREC). For information contact the AREC office3 by email (arec@armenianprelacy.org) or phone (212-689-7810).
July 4-11—4th Annual Summer Camp for Orphans will take place in Dzaghgztazor, Armenia, sponsored by the Eastern Prelacy. Orphans ages 13 to 16 who are enrolled in the Prelacy’s Orphan Sponsorship program are eligible to attend to learn about the Armenian Church and history. The week long program includes Bible study and prayers and meditation combined with summer fun activities and fellowship with other campers. For more information contact Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian by email (aram2@charter.net) or by phone (508-865-2454).
July 8-19—8th Annual Summer Camp program at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York.
July 13—“A Hye Summer Night VII” Dinner Dance sponsored by Ladies Guild of Sts. Vartanantz Church and Armenian Relief Society “Ani” Chapter of Providence, Rhode Island, at the Providence Marriott Hotel, One Orms Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02904, 6 pm to 1 am. Featuring: Joe Kouyoumjian (oud), Brian Ansbigian (oud), David Ansbigian (oud), Leon Janikian (clarinet), Ken Kalajian (guitar), Jason Naroian (dumbeg), Armen Janigian (Daf). For tickets ($50 per person) and information: Joyce Bagdasarian (401-434-4467); Joyce Yeremian (401-354-8770).
August 18—St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, Blessing of the Grapes and Family Fun Picnic, at Lakeshore Park, 601 South Lake Drive, Novi, Michigan. Food, music, dancing, magic show, volleyball, soccer, tavlou tournament, mountain biking, swimming.
September 15—Book Presentation at Pashalian Hall, St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, New York, of “One Church One Nation” by Hrair Hawk Khatcherian.
October 19—Armenian Friends of America presents “Hye Kef 5” featuring musicians Leon Janikian, Joe Kouyoumjian, Greg Takvorian, Ken Kalajian, Ron Raphaelian, and Jay Baronian, 7:30-12:30, Michael’s Function Hall, 12 Alpha Street, Haverhill, Massachusetts. Proceeds to benefit all Armenian churches in Merrimack Valley and New Hampshire. Tickets: $40 adults; $30 students; includes individually-served mezza platters. For information/reservations: John Arzigian 603-560-3826; Sandy Boroyan 978-251-8687; Scott Sahagian 617-699-3581; Peter Gulezian 978-375-1616.
Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy’s web site.
Items in Crossroads can be reproduced without permission. Please credit Crossroads as the source.
Parishes of the Eastern Prelacy are invited to send information about their major events to be included in the calendar. Send to: info@armenianprelacy.org 
