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| We Remember
September 11, 2001
On this day of remembrance, we express our prayers of hope in the resurrection of our Lord, for the souls of those who lost their lives on this day thirteen years ago in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania.
“The Lord alone is my rock and my salvation;
He is my fortress. I will not be shaken.”
Psalm 62
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BREAKING NEWS: PRESIDENT MEETS WITH PATRIARCHS
On this last day of the Summit organized by “In Defense of Christians (IDC),” the Patriarchs attending the Summit met with President Barack Obama at the White House to discuss the current situation in the Middle East. The Summit that was organized by IDC is the first occasion where Christian Patriarchs (including His Holiness Aram I) from the Middle East gathered together in the United States in a show of unity. A press release by IDC noted:
For the first time in history, five Christian Patriarchs representing Christian communities in the Middle East visited the White House to discuss the protection of Christians in the Middle East with President Obama and National Security Advisor Susan Rice.
In Defense of Christians President Toufic Baaklini said, "We want to thank President Obama at this critical moment in history for meeting with the representatives of these Christian communities from the Middle East who face suffering and hardship for professing their religious beliefs."
Attending the meeting with the President were:
His Eminence, Patriarch Mar Bechara Boutros Cardinal Raï Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and All the East.
His Beatitude, Gregorius III Laham Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, Alexandria and Jerusalem.
His Beatitude, Mor Ignatius Aphrem II Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch.
His Beatitude, Ignatius Youssef III Yonan Syriac Catholic Patriarch of Antioch and All the East.
His Beatitude, Aram I Keshishian Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
His Eminence the Most Reverend Metropolitan Joseph Al-Zehlaoui Archbishop of New York and All North America of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church (Official representative of His Beatitude Greek Orthodox Patriarch John X of Antioch and all the East)
His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria (Official representative of His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, the 118th Pope of Alexandria & Patriarch of All Africa on the Holy Apostolic See of St. Mark the Evangelist of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria)
His Excellency Ibrahim, Ibrahim Bishop Emeritus of Chaldean Eparchy of Saint Thomas the Apostle (Official representative of His Beatitude Louis Rahphael Sako I, Chaldean Catholic Patriarch of Babylon and the Head of the Chaldean Catholic Church).
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CATHOLICOS ARAM IN WASHINGTON, DC
His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, arrived in Washington, DC, last Saturday, to join with other religious leaders in the In Defense of Christians (IDC) Inaugural Summit of Middle East Christians. Today is the final day of the Summit. His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan, who was also invited to participate in the Summit, has been accompanying His Holiness, as have Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy, and Very Rev. Fr. Housig Mardirosian, Director of Ecumenical Relations at the Catholicosate.
The general theme of the Summit is “Protecting and Preserving Christianity, Where It All Began.” Five hundred people participated, including high-ranking clergy, U.S. Senators and Congressmen, Representatives of Non-Governmental Organization, and the Press.
At a press conference prior to the beginning of the Summit, His Holiness said: “…We have come to inform and present a full picture of the situation in our region. We have not come to organize opposition against any of the sides in the region. We have come to reflect together and to seek ways to overcome and eradicate terrorism from our societies… Terrorism is an insult to human dignity and an evil that religions and nations must actively counter…. The current violence is directed against freedom of conscience and basic human rights, and is, by extension, a threat to all humanity…. For many centuries the two religions [Christian and Muslim] have existed together and continue to co-exist together. Certain groups are exploiting religious teaching for their own cause.”
His Holiness addressed the Summit on the theme of church unity. He spoke of the theological foundations of church unity, why Christian unity is indispensable for the churches in the Middle East, and about the recent tragic experience of Christians in Iraq.
His Holiness said, “The Call to Unity is a call of our Lord Jesus Christ…. This is a call of our forefathers and foremothers who for centuries in the Middle East, in the birthplace of Christianity, prayed together, reflected together, worked together to restore the unity of the church. Persecutions, suffering, oppression and massacres have marked the history of the church in our part of the world. The life of Christians has been one of martyrdom in life and even in death. The upheavals and vicissitudes of history have never undermined and weakened the firm commitment of churches to witness and evangelism. The spirit of creativity and openness towards their neighbors has become the sustaining power and driving force of their life…. The life of Christian communities is seriously threatened. The survival of Christianity in the Middle East is at stake. Resignation or alienation has no place in our life. We remain firmly attached to our lands, to our rights and to our God-given mission. In the fifth century, at a most critical moment of Armenian history, when the very survival of our nation and faith was threatened, the Armenian people said with one voice: from this faith no one can shake us. Today, in the face of the growing threat of extremism, the churches of the Middle East say with renewed faith and hope and with one voice: from our faith, from our rights no one can shake us.”
His Holiness’ powerful remarks can be viewed below.
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|  | His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia together with other leaders of the Christian Churches of the Middle East. | |  | Archbishop Oshagan addresses the conference. | | | |
For more information and photographs of His Holiness at the In Defense of Christians Summit click here.
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CATHOLICOS PRESIDES AND
DELIVERS SERMON AT SOORP KHATCH
On Sunday His Holiness Aram I presided over the Holy Liturgy and delivered the sermon at Soorp Khatch Church in Bethesda, Maryland. Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian, pastor of Soorp Khatch Church, celebrated the Liturgy. Archbishop Oshagan introduced His Holiness and described the circumstances of his presence in Washington.
In his sermon, the Catholicos thanked the Prelate and greeted the faithful and expressed joy at being with the community. He told the faithful who had filled the pews of the church that Christian faith is the foundation of Christian life and is central to the teachings and miracles of Jesus, noting that Jesus transformed the meaning and purpose of faith. “To follow Jesus,” His Holiness said, “means discipleship, giving up everything and following him. Faith in Christ is the source of life; whoever lives a Christian life will be courageous before the challenges of the world.”
Attending the Liturgy were the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia, H.E. Tigran Sargsyan and his family; and the representative of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh. Also attending was Dr. Dertad Manguikian, a member of the Catholicosate’s Central Executive, with his wife Seta.
To view the Liturgy and Sermon (in Armenian) click here.
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|  | Archbishop Oshagan escorts His Holiness into Soorp Khatch Church. | |  | A view of the congregation during the Liturgy. | |  | A reception followed the Liturgy where young and old greeted His Holiness. | | | |
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ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN WILL BE IN WORCESTER THIS SUNDAY
Archbishop Oshagan will travel to Worcester, Massachusetts, where on Sunday, September 14 he will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at Holy Trinity Church. Following the Liturgy His Eminence will preside over the 80th anniversary of the Holy Trinity parish.
MUSICAL ARMENIA APPLICATIONS
The Musical Armenia committee is accepting applications from young Armenian musicians who would like to be featured in a concert at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall in New York City. Those interested in apply should visit the Prelacy’s web site (www.armenianprelacy.org) or click here.
The Prelacy inaugurated the Musical Armenia series in 1982 in order to promote the careers of talented young Armenian musicians from all over the world. Since then, the annual concerts have remained faithful to the objectives of the series. The 2015 concert will take place on Friday, March 20. Applications should be sent no later than October 30, 2014.
SIAMANTO ACADEMY WILL RESUME ITS ACTIVITIES
The first session of the reorganized Siamanto Academy will take place this Saturday, September 13, at Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey.
The Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC), a joint endeavor of the Prelacy and the Armenian Relief Society, sponsored for many years the Siamanto Academy for young adults. After a recent hiatus, the Academy is ready to resume its activities. The Academy offers courses on Armenian history, culture, and contemporary issues. Classes will take place on a monthly basis, every second Saturday, beginning this Saturday at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church (Ridgefield, New Jersey), from 2 pm-5 pm. For additional information, please contact ANEC at anec@armenianprelacy.org.
SUNDAY SCHOOL BEGINS NEW TERM IN PHILLY
Last Sunday, St. Gregory Church of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, opened its doors for the 2014-2015 Sunday School year. More than fifty students filled Terhanian Hall for the “Welcome Back” general assembly. Later in their classrooms students learned about St. Mary, the Holy Mother of Christ, and celebrated her birthday. They participated in the Holy Eucharist and later enjoyed the Sunday school picnic that the Men’s Club hosted. Friendship, food, fun, face-painting, were all part of the day.
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|  | Sunday school students and staff surround Archpriest Fr. Nerses Manoogian, pastor of St. Gregory Church in Philadelphia on the first day of the new term. | |
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PICNIC IN NORTH ANDOVER ENJOYED BY ALL
More than 500 guests enjoyed the annual picnic hosted by St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley in North Andover, Massachusetts last Sunday. The afternoon was filled with great food, good music, and lots of fun and dancing.
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|  | The Siroun Dance Company of Central Massachusetts performed traditional Armenian dances wearing costumes made in Armenia. | |
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LECTURE ON MEKHITAR HERATSI AT CATHEDRAL
Dr. Gregory Kazandjian, presented an enlightening lecture about Mekhitar Heratsi, the Armenian medieval physician last Sunday at Pashalian Hall at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City. The event was co-sponsored by the Cathedral and the New York chapter of the Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society. On behalf of Hamazkayin, Zaven Vartanian offered opening remarks and invited Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of the Cathedral, to present the lecturer.
Dr. Kazandjian surveyed the life and achievements of Mekhitar (1120-1193) and identified twelve areas that show the original contributions of this remarkable physician to the science of his time. Among other things, he was the first to show the cause of inflammation and contagion as microbial penetration, more than three centuries before the concept was first enunciated in Western science. His treatise, “Consolation of Fevers,” was the first work written in vernacular Armenian (ramgoren), the colloquial language of his time, and intended to help cure fevers widely spread in Armenian Cilicia, where he lived.
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|  | Dr. Gregory Kazandjian lectures on the famous medieval Armenian physician, Mekhitar Heratsi. | |
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BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, September 14, Exaltation of the Holy Cross, are: Isaiah 49:13-23; Galatians 6:14-18; John 3:13-21.
May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything! As for those who will follow this rule—peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
From now on, let no one make trouble for me; for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen. (Galatians 6:14-18)
For a listing of the coming week’s Bible readings click here.
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EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
This Sunday, September 13, the Armenian Church commemorates the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Khachverats), which is the last of the five Tabernacle Feasts observed by the Armenian Church during the liturgical year.
This holiday is a celebration of the Holy Cross and is commemorated by most Christian churches on September 14. The Armenian Church celebrates it on the Sunday closest to the 14th. It is the oldest of the feasts devoted to the cross. The cross, once a means of death for criminals, gradually became the dominant symbol of the Christian world, an object of reverence and worship, and symbol of triumph over death. There are four feasts devoted to the cross in the Armenian liturgical calendar, with the Exaltation being the most important. The other three are: Apparition of the Holy Cross; Holy Cross of Varak; and Discovery of the Cross. Each of these four holidays devoted to the Holy Cross are related to the life and the salvific work of our Lord.
The ceremony for the Exaltation begins with the decoration of the Cross with sweet basil (rehan), a sign of royalty, and also as a symbol of the living cross. After the Bible readings, the officiating priest lifts the Cross and makes the sign of the Cross, and blesses the four corners of the world (Andastan service), and asks the Almighty to grant peace and prosperity to the people of the world.
The Khachveratz ceremony was prepared by Catholicos Sahag Dzoraporetsi (677-703). He also composed the hymn that is sung on this day. As with other Tabernacle Feasts, the Exaltation is preceded with a period of fasting (Monday to Friday), and followed by a memorial day (Merelotz).
Name day commemorations this Sunday include: Khatchadour, Khatchig, Khatcherets. Rehan, Khatchkhatoun, Khachouhi, Khatchperouhi, Khosrov, Khosrovanoush, Khrosrovitoukhd, and Nshan.
MONDAY IS MEMORIAL DAY
The day after the five Tabernacle Feasts is a Memorial Day in the Armenian Liturgical Calendar. Traditionally the Divine Liturgy is celebrated on this day and the faithful go to the cemeteries where graves were blessed to honor the memory of their departed loved ones.
Remembering the dead is an important ritual for the living. In a sense it is an act of faith and love, not meant necessarily to achieve understanding or bring healing. It is simply to remember, as we are doing today with the remembrances of September 11, 2001.
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| THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
(Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee[ANEC])
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Birth of Movses Silikian
(September 14, 1862)
The battle of Sardarabad, from May 21-28, 1918, symbolized the defining moment in Armenian life. It is quite likely that, following an Armenian defeat, the Turkish armies would have had a free pass to occupy Eastern Armenia and liquidate its population, completing the process of annihilation that had been taken place with Western Armenians from 1915-1916. The victory had a military hero, General Movses Silikian.
Silikian was born on September 14, 1862, in the village of Vardashen, in the province of Nukhi (currently Azerbaijan). He was not an ethnic Armenian, but belonged to the Udi minority (an ethnicity descending from the Caucasian Albanians, with a distinctive Northern Caucasian language), although he was a faithful of the Armenian Apostolic Church. He graduated from the Moscow Military Gymnasium (1882-1884) and the Alexander III Military School.
Silikian entered the military service in 1884 and was assigned to the military region of the Caucasus. After serving as company and battalion commander, he was awarded with the degree of colonel in 1914. He became adjutant to the military commander of Yerevan in 1915, commander of the Eighth Regiment in 1915, and commander of the Army Group of Van in 1916. He participated in the liberation of Mush and Bitlis, and became military commander of Erzerum after the occupation of the city. He was awarded the order of St. George in 1916 and rose to the degree of major general in August 1917.
After the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the retreat of the Russian forces, Silikian was designated commander of the second rifle division of the Armenian army in January 1918, and afterwards, commander of the Army Group of Yerevan. He managed to organize a regular army in a short time, and by order of Aram Manukian, who had taken the leadership of the Province of Yerevan, Silikian led the Armenian troops in Sardarabad, where their victory stopped the advance of the Turkish army towards Yerevan.
After the independence of Armenia, Silikian, promoted to general commandant in 1919, became commander of the front of Nor Bayazid (nowadays Gavar) in the same year and was designated general commander of the front of Kars-Alexandropol (nowadays Gumri) in the fall of 1920.
The veteran soldier was exiled in January 1921 to Riazan after the establishment of the Soviet regime in Armenia. He returned in May 1921 to Armenia and settled in Yerevan. He was exiled once again, this time to Rostov-on-Don, and returned again to Yerevan. He worked at the Alexandropol branch of the Swedish “Baltic” company from 1921-1923, and from 1923-1929 or 1930 at the Armenian branch of the Near East Relief.
Silikian was arrested once again during the Stalinist purges of 1937 (he had been previously arrested in 1927 and 1935), and charged within the frame of the “Tukhachevsky case” (a fabricated case against Marshal Mikhail Tukhachevsky and other prominent Soviet military leaders), to which he bore no relation. As many other victims of the purges, he was executed in the gorge of Nork, together with General Kristapor Araratian and other heroes of Sardarabad, on November 22, 1937. He was rehabilitated fifty years later, on November 10, 1987. A neighborhood in Yerevan has been named after him, as well as a medal of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia.
Previous entries in “This Week in Armenian History” can be read on the Prelacy’s web site (www.armenianprelacy.org).
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| SYRIAN ARMENIAN COMMUNITY NEEDS OUR HELP MORE THAN EVER
The crises in Syria, including the recent upheaval in Kessab, require 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: Fund for Syrian Armenian Relief
Thank you for your help
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| ARMENIAN LANGUAGE CORNER
(Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee[ANEC])
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The Many Meanings of Life
Every language has its unique expression when raising a glass for a toast. While English speakers say “Cheers,” which is meant to inspire courage, hope, life, or animation, or all of them together, Spanish speakers say “Salud” and just mean “health,” which is the basis of life.
What do Armenian speakers say? They say Genats (Կենաց). If you are sitting at a table in Armenia, the first toast is usually Hay zhoghovrtee genatseh (Հայ ժողովրդի կենացը), which basically means “To the Armenian people.”
While genats seems to be related to the verb genal (կենալ “to stop, to stay”), actually it is not. The word is a Classical Armenian declined form from geank (կեանք), “life.” Thus, when you make a toast, you are making it “To the life of...”
Now, the root of geank and of many other words where “life” is involved is the Classical Armenian verb geal (կեալ) “to live.” This verb is not used in Modern Armenian, where we simply say abril (ապրիլ), which is written exactly the same as the name of the month of April (Abril/Ապրիլ).
Among the above mentioned words we have the third person in singular, future tense of the verb geal, which gives a very usual word in Armenian: getseh (կեցցէ) “will live.” This is the equivalent of the English expression “Long live.” Thus, when you want to say “Long live Armenia,” you just say Getseh Hayastan (Կեցցէ Հայաստան), which is... one syllable shorter than in English! And if you hear someone telling you getsehs (կեցցես), then you are getting a “Bravo!”
The same as genats and getseh, our third example also comes from Classical Armenian: gentanee (կենդանի). While any person knowledgeable in Armenian may point out that the word means “animal” and a dog is a gentanee, let us remind him or her that God too is a gentanee, according to the Bible.
How come?
Matthew 16:15 calls Christ «Vorti Astudzoh gentanvoh» (Որդի Աստուծոյ կենդանւոյ), which in Modern Armenian is read gentani Asdudzoh Vorteen (կենդանի Աստուծոյ Որդին) and in English “Son of living God.”
The difference is only grammatical: the noun gentanee refers to any live being (“animal”), including humans; the adjective gentanee refers to the fact that someone (including God) is “alive” or “”living.”
Warning: if someone tells you that you are a gentanee, be assured that he or she is comparing you to a non-speaking, two-legged or four-legged being. Not a nice thing to say!
Previous entries in “The Armenian Language Corner” can be read on the Prelacy’s web site (www.armenianprelacy.org).
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Reprint of Books on Historic Armenian Cities
After the Armenian genocide, more than a hundred books on various historic Armenian cities and provinces were published through the efforts of compatriotic societies, as well as individuals throughout the world. In 2012 the Catholicate of the Holy See of Cilicia initiated the reprint of these books on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the genocide. Copies of the first six books in this collection are now available through the Prelacy Bookstore:
- Puzant Yeghiayan, Ատանայի հայոց պատմութիւն (History of the Armenians of Adana).
- Garo Sasuni, Պատմութիւն Տարօնի աշխարհի (History of the Land of Daron).
- Kevork A. Sarafian, Պատմութիւն Անթէպի հայոց (History of the Armenians of Aintab), volume 1.
- Kevork A. Sarafian, Պատմութիւն Անթէպի հայոց (History of the Armenians of Aintab), volume 2.
- Hagop Boghosian, Հաճընի ընդհանուր պատմութիւն (General History of Hajin).
- Aram Sahakian, Դիւցազնական Ուրֆան եւ իր հայորդիները (Heroic Urfa and Her Armenian Children).
All of the above books are in Armenian and are hardcover.
Each book is $50.00, plus shipping and handling.
To order these or other books contact the Prelacy Bookstore by email (books@armenianprelacy.org) or by phone (212-689-7810).
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September 12—St. Hagop Church, Racine, Wisconsin, 2nd Annual “Taste of the Mediterranean” Wine Tasting Fundraiser, 4 to 6 pm at Uncork in downtown Racine. Event will again feature 6 wines for tasting, a “mezze” table, silent auction items, and 50/50 raffle. Cost of the event is $20 per person or $35 per couple. Last year’s even was a sell-out, so get your tickets early. For tickets and/or information contact Mary M. Olson by email (mmsolson@sgbcglobal.net).
September 14—St. Sarkis Church, 38-65 234th Street, Douglaston, New York, Annual Picnic on the church grounds following church services. Admission is free. Enjoy excellent kebabs and salads. Terrific entertainment for everyone and special activities for children in the “KidZone.” Music, food, and friends…a wonderful afternoon. For information 718-224-2275.
September 14—Opening day of Sunday School at St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts. For information contact Priscilla Altoonian, Director, (hyemom23@aol.com).
September 18, 19, 20—2014 Fall Food Festival, Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland.
September 18—Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, 12th Annual Golf Classic, River Vale Country Club, River Vale, New Jersey. Rain or Shine. 11 am registration and Grilled Lunch Buffet; 1 pm Tee Off. Format: Shotgun Scramble (All player levels welcome). Golf Outing Reservation: $195; limited to first 128 paid golf reservations. Reservation includes: Grilled lunch buffet, dinner banquet, golf, cart, and range balls. Contests and Prizes. Sponsorships available. For information: 201-943-2950.
September 19—All Saints Church, Glenview, Illinois, 10th Annual Golf Outing, Fox Run Golf Link, 333 Plum Grove Road, Elk Grove Village. For information: Hagop Soulakian 847-858-7685 or soulakian19@gmail.com.
September 19, 20—Armenian Relief Society of Eastern USA, Erebouni and Mayr Chapters present Two-Evenings with Emmy Award-winning director Bared Maronian, in support of his new documentary film, “Women of 1915,” on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Guest of honor: Johnson Garrett, great-grandson of Cleveland H. Dodge, founder of Near East Relief. Guest singer: Hooshere. Friday: Virginia Davies & Willard Taylor, 299 W. 12th Street PH, NYC; Saturday: Narine & Sandy Petropoulos, 114 Revere Road, Manhasset, NY. Donation $75. For information: Anahid (anahide@aol.com) or 917-751-4916.
September 20—Charles Aznavour “Farewell Concert” at The Theater, Madison Square Garden. Only area appearance. Tickets: THEATERATMSG.COM or 866-858-0008.
September 21—Ladies Guild of St. Stephen’s Church of New Britain and Hartford, Connecticut, will host a Tea party at noon in the church hall, 167 Tremont Street, New Britain, Connecticut. Brought back by popular demand. Guest speaker from the Bigelow Tea Company. Goodie bags for all. Raffle prize is being provided by Armeny Custom Jewelry Design.
September 21—St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, “Designer Bag Bingo” luncheon in Founders’ Hall at 2 pm. Fifteen lucky winners of designer bags, including top labels, Gucci, Prada, Fendi, Laboutin, Judith Leiber, Chanel, and others. Join us for a fun game of Bingo, Chinese auction, and enjoy the lavish Chanel inspired theme and décor, along with champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts. Ticket sales limited. For reservations and information: Cissy DerHagopian 856-313-6848; Donna Walter 484-354-0388.
September 21—St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, Sunday School Picnic, 1 to 3 pm. Food, hayride, and games at Peter and Susan Baghdasarian’s farm, Uxbridge, Massachusetts. For information contact Sunday school director Priscilla Altoonian (hyemom23@aol.com).
October 3—St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York, Saturday School Dinner Dance Gala.
October 3 & 4—Ordination to the Priesthood of Deacon Diran Der Khosrofian and Deacon Harold Nazarian, at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan. Banquet to immediately follow at the Providence Marriott Hotel. Please contact the Church Office at 401-831-6399 for reservations/information.
October 11—Armenian Friends of America presents Kef 5, 7:30-12:30, Michael’s Function Hall, 12 Alpha Street, Haverhill, Massachusetts. Tickets $50; students 21 and under, $40. Proceeds will benefit Armenian churches of Merrimack Valley. Individually served mezza platters and pastries; musicians, Mal Barsamian (clarinet), John Berberian (oud), Bob Raphaelian (violin), Bruce Jigarjian (guitar), Jason Naroian (dumbeg & vocals). Advance ticket sales only. John Arzigian, 603-560-3826; Lucy Sirmaian, 978-683-9121; Peter Gulezian, 978-375-1616, Sandy Boroyan, 978-251-8687.
October 12-15—Prelacy Clergy Gathering for Reflection and Renewal at St. Mary of Providence Retreat Center, Elverson, Pennsylvania.
October 19—St. Stephen’s Church, New Britain, Connecticut, His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan will ordain sub-deacon Ara Stepanian during the Divine Liturgy and preside over the parish’s 89th Annual Banquet.
November 7 & 8—St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 58th Armenian Bazaar, 10 am to 9:30 pm at Armenian Cultural & Educational Center, 47 Nichols Avenue, Watertown, Massachusetts. Meals served from 11:30 am to 8:30 pm (take out is available). Enjoy delicious meals, Armenian pastries, gourmet items, arts and crafts, books, raffles, attic treasures. For information: 617-924-7562.
November 21, 22, 23—Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, Annual Bazaar, Food Festival, and Hantes. Mezze and Kebab dinners (chicken, shish, luleh); dessert table and trays of home-made delicacies; Boutique Booths; Chinese Auction; Supervised Game Room for children; Pre-packaged Monte, Sou Buereg, Kufteh, and Lehmejun; Take-out available; Live Music for dancing and listening. Traditional Kavourma dinner on Sunday served immediately after church service. For information: 201-943-2950.
December 6—Armenian Winter Dessert Festival, Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland.
December 6—St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, Annual Bazaar at Dutch Reformed Church, Whitinsvilloe, 10 am to 5 pm.
December 7—Ladies Guild of St. Stephen’s Church of New Britain and Hartford, Connecticut, will host a Wine Tasting Party at noon in the church hall, 167 Tremont Street, New Britain. A wine talk and tasting will be provided by Taylor Brooke Winery, Woodstock, Connecticut, owned by Linda Varjabedian Auger.
February 9-11, 2015—Ghevontiantz gathering of clergy serving the Eastern Prelacy.
October 5-9, 2015—Clergy gathering of Eastern, Western, and Canadian Prelacies.
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Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy’s web site.
To ensure the timely arrival of Crossroads in your electronic mailbox, add email@armenianprelacy.org to your address book.
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.
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