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ORDINATIONS AT THE CATHEDRAL
Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the Prelacy, will ordain Dickran Kabarajian to the order of Diaconate this Sunday, December 7, at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, New York City. His Grace will also ordain Aram Parnagian, Haig Nadjarian, and Vahan Nadjarian as acolytes. Archbishop Oshagan will preside over the ordinations and the Divine Liturgy that will be celebrated by the Vicar. The Liturgy will begin at 10 a.m.
REQUIEM SERVICE FOR ARCHBISHOPS MESROB AND ZAREH
Requiem services will be offered this Sunday, December 7, at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City, for Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian (11th anniversary) and Archbishop Zareh Aznavorian (10th anniversary). Archbishop Oshagan will preside over the services that will also include a short presentation by Bishop Anoushavan in the Cathedral’s John Pashalian Hall followed by a reception.
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Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian (1941—2003) served as Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of the United States and Canada from 1978 to 1998. During that span of twenty years the Prelacy’s mission of service grew rapidly and effectively. Following his retirement from his Prelacy duties, he moved to Armenia where he undertook a large number of projects to improve the life of the Armenian people, and also served as the Executive Secretary of the 1700th anniversary of Christian Armenia.
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Archbishop Zareh Aznavorian (1947—2004) was a gifted scholar, a brilliant Biblical translator, author of many textbooks and commentaries, and talented composer of religious and secular music. He was recognized as one of the most eminent Biblical scholars in contemporary times. At the time of his death he served as the Director of the Christian Education Department and chairman of the Central Religious Council of the Holy See of the Great House of Cilicia.
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ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN PRESIDES AS ARCHPRIEST ARAM
CELEBRATES FINAL LITURGY AS PASTOR OF
SOORP ASDVADTZADZIN
Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church of Whitinsville, Massachusetts honored Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian with a banquet last Sunday following his final celebration of the Divine Liturgy as pastor of the Whitinsville parish. Archbishop Oshagan presided over the Divine Liturgy and Banquet. Clergy from the New England parishes, members of the Prelacy Executive Council, as well as distinguished guests, family and friends from California, Texas, and New Jersey gathered to honor Der Aram and Yeretsgin Margaret.
Peter Bedigian spoke on behalf of the Board of Trustees describing the sixteen years of service given to the Whitinsville community by Der Aram and Yn. Margaret. In his remarks, Der Aram recalled when Mesrob Srpazan of blessed memory asked him to “take care of Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church of Whitinsville.” He told Der Mikael, the new pastor, “I know God has picked you and I know He has His hand upon you.”
Archbishop Oshagan delivered an inspirational message, not only to Der Aram and Der Mikael, but to everyone to remember the past; there were times of struggle and times when it seemed the doors of the church would close. The Prelate asked everyone to also remember the successes, to remember where they came from and who they were. His Eminence noted that the large capacity turnout was the best testimony to Der Aram’s leadership and love. Speaking to Der Mikael, the Archbishop said, “I am happy that as a son of this community you will continue the work of Der Aram; take care of this flock and love them with all your heart, for in you and through you they must see the work of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Read a report by Tom Vartabedian here.
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 | Archbishop Oshagan with Der Aram and Der Mikael. | |  | Der Aram celebrating his final Liturgy as pastor of St. Asdvadzadzin. | |  | Granddaughter Grace presents Der Aram with a gift. | | | |
PRELATE WILL ATTEND ENTHRONEMENT
Archbishop Oshagan will attend the Enthronement of His Eminence Metropolitan Joseph Zahlawi, of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church this Saturday, December 6, at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Brooklyn. The enthronement will be officiated by His Beatitude John X, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East who arrived from Damascus, Syria yesterday.
PRELATE WILL ATTEND ANCA BANQUET
Archbishop Oshagan will deliver the invocation at the 8th annual Eastern Region Banquet of the Armenian National Committee of America that will take place this Sunday, December 7, at the Ritz Carlton, Battery Park, in New York.
The 2014 ANCA Freedom Award will be presented to Robert Morgenthau and the Morgenthau Family; the 2014 ANCA Vahan Cardashian Award will be presented to Alice Movsesian.
ARCHPRIEST FR. STEPANIAN BEGINS SERVICE
AT ST. STEPHEN’S CHURCH IN CONNECTICUT
This Sunday, December 7, Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the Sermon at St. Stephen’s Armenian Church in New Britain, Connecticut, beginning his service as pastor of the parish.
As the new pastor, Der Aram met with the pastors of the local Diocese churches, to discuss future plans to work together, especially on next year’s 100th anniversary of the Genocide.
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|  | Connecticut clergy met to discuss future collaboration. Left to right, Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian, St. Stephen’s Church, New Britain; Rev. Fr. Untzag Nalbandian, Holy Ascension Church, Trumbull; and Rev. Fr. Kapriel Mouradjian, Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection, New Britain. Not in photo: Rev. Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian, St. George Church, Hartford. | |
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VICAR ATTENDS GALA HONORING RAFFY HOVANESSIAN
Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar General, attended the 20th anniversary gala of the Armenian American Health Professionals Organization (AAHPO), on November 21, at the New York Athletic Club. The Vicar represented Archbishop Oshagan and the Prelacy Religious and Executive Councils and joined in honoring Raffy Hovanessian, M.D. Dr. Hovanessian, who many years ago was decorated with the Prince of Cilicia insignia, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the Holy See of Cilicia, was honored on this occasion for his exceptional dedication and service to “humanity and medicine.”
The Gala also honored AAHPO founding members, Nabet Kassabian, M.D., Khoren Nalbandian, RPH, and John Nercessian, M.D. The organization’s mission is to improve healthcare awareness, increase prevention of disease and early detection, and provide medical support and education to Armenians in the tri-state area as well as in Armenia.
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|  | Bishop Anoushavan with Dr. Raffy and Mrs. Shoghag Vicky Hovanessian, at the Gala. | |
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71ST ANNIVERSARY OF LEBANON’S INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATED
Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar of the Prelacy, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, a member of the Religious Council, and Chris Parnagian, Esq., a member of the Executive Council, attended a celebration marking the 71st anniversary of Lebanon on November 21 in New York City. Congratulations were extended on behalf of the Eastern Prelacy to Lebanese Consul General, His Excellency Majdi Ramadan. Lebanon became an independent state in 1943 when it was released from the French mandate.
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|  | At the celebration, from the left, Bishop Anoushavan, Consul General Majdi Ramadan, Mrs. Vanessa Ramadan, Christopher Parnagian, Esq., Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian. | |
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HISTORICAL ATLAS LAUNCHED IN MONTREAL
Dr. Vartan Matiossian, ANEC executive director and editor of the bilingual “Historical Atlas of Armenia,” visited Montreal by invitation of the Armenian Prelacy of Canada. Under the auspices of His Grace Bishop Meghrig Parikian, Prelate, on November 20 in the evening he made a presentation in Armenian about the Atlas at the hall of the Prelacy. Ms. Dania Ohanian, Executive Director of the Prelacy, introduced the lecturer.
Dr. Matiossian discussed approaches to Armenian history and the circumstances that made a new and completely revised edition of the Atlas necessary, with the first edition being out-of-print for many years. In the end, he answered various questions from the audience.
On November 21, Dr. Matiossian made a presentation about the Atlas during the professional day of the Sourp Hagop Armenian School. Teachers of Armenian subjects at the elementary and high school level followed with particular attention the two-hour presentation, which included two lesson plans with the use of maps, pictures, and texts from the Atlas.
The “Historical Atlas of Armenia,” is available at the Prelacy Bookstore (books@armenian prelacy.org or 212-689-7810).
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|  | Dr. Vartan Matiossian speaks about the “Historical Atlas of Armenia” in Montreal. | |
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PRELATE AND VICAR WILL ATTEND LUNCHEON
HONORING 111TH PRECINCT POLICE AND FIRE FIGHTERS
For two decades Saint Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York, has hosted a special Thanksgiving and Christmas prayer service and luncheon for the men and women of the 111th Precinct Police and Fire departments, under the auspices of Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan. The 20th anniversary of this special event will be marked during this year’s luncheon that will take place next Wednesday, December 10. The Honorable Melinda Katz, Queens Borough President, will attend this year’s festivities.
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BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, December 7, Third Sunday of Advent, (Eve of the Fast of St. James (Hagop) are: Isaiah 37:14-38; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12; Luke 14:12-24.
He said also to the one who had invited him, “When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
One of the dinner guests, on hearing this, said to him, “Blessed is anyone who will eat bread in the kingdom of God!” Then Jesus said to him, “Someone gave a great dinner and invited many. At the time for the dinner he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come; for everything is ready now.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of land, and I must go out and see it; please accept my regrets. Another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to try them out; please accept my regrets.’ Another said, ‘I have just been married, and therefore I cannot come.’
So the slave returned and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and said to his slave, ‘Go out at once into the streets and lanes of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.’ And the slave said, ‘Sir, what you ordered has been done, and there is still room.’ Then the master said to the slave, ‘Go out into the roads and lanes, and compel people to come in, so that my house may be filled. For I tell you, none of those who were invited will taste my dinner.’” (Luke 14:12-24)
For a listing of the coming week’s Bible readings click here.
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FEAST OF THE CONCEPTION OF THE HOLY VIRGIN MARY
Tuesday, December 9, is the Feast of the Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary. This is one of the eight feast days devoted to the Holy Virgin Mary in the Armenian Church’s Liturgical Calendar. This feast is always on December 9, and is part of the Church’s preparation for Christmas. The faithful rejoice in the event that celebrates Mary’s conception in fulfillment of the prayers of her parents and nurtured to become the mother of the Messiah. Bible readings for the Feast of the Conception are: Song of Songs 6:3-8; Malachi 3:1-2; Galatians 3:24-29; Luke 1:39-56.
EVE OF THE FAST OF ST. JAMES
This Sunday, December 7, is the eve (paregentan) of the Fast of St. James (Hagop) of Nisibus. This five-day fast, Monday to Friday, leads us to the Feast of St. James, which is next Saturday, December 13. Traditionally the entire fifty day period of Advent was a period of fasting, similar to Great Lent. In modern times, three week-long fasts are observed during Advent, namely, Fast of Advent (Hisnagats Bahk), Fast of St. James (Sourp Hagopeh Bahk), and the Fast of the Nativity (Dznuntyan Bahk).
ST. NICHOLAS, THE WONDERWORKER
This Saturday, December 6, the Armenian Church remembers St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, a fourth century Bishop of Myra, Lycia in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). He was a defender of orthodoxy and because of many miracles attributed to his intercession he is called “the wonderworker.” He was a secret gift-giver and is believed to be the model for Santa Claus.
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
This Sunday, December 7, is the third Sunday of Advent. Advent is a season of waiting for the coming of Christ that gives us reason to live in hope regardless of the many challenges and vicissitudes facing us. John the Baptist is the greatest Advent figure (read Matthew, Chapter 3 and Luke, Chapter 3).
Advent is a good time to think of the needs of others, near and far. Sometimes just a telephone call or a visit can boost the spirits of a friend, neighbor or relative. During Advent we always like to remind you of the need for sponsors for children in Armenia and Artsakh. We are fortunate to live in a country of bountiful blessings. And as the admonition rooted in the Gospels, tells us, “To those whom much is given, much is expected.” In that spirit, during this season of Advent we ask you to read the next two items and search your heart for the true meaning of Christmas.
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NEEDED:
SPONSORS FOR ORPHANS
During the last two decades, one of the most pervasive tragedies felt by Armenia as a consequence of natural disaster and war was the emergence of a large orphan population. The 1988 earthquake (exactly 26 years ago on Sunday), and the war in the defense and liberation of Artsakh, resulted in an orphan crisis on a scale not seen since the 1915 Genocide. The continuing economic hardship that has faced the vast majority of Armenian families in Armenia and Artsakh has compounded the problem.
More than 20 years ago the Eastern Prelacy began its Orphan Sponsorship Program. In the early years the orphans were all children of soldiers who died or were seriously wounded. Later the program was expanded to include any needy child in Armenia or Artsakh who had lost one or both parents.
We currently have a list of children waiting for sponsors. Once a child is accepted he or she remains in the program until age 18. The annual donation is $225 per child. Sponsors are provided with names, addresses, and other pertinent information about their sponsored child and are encouraged to maintain communications.
During this joyous season when we celebrate the birth of our Lord, what better gift could there be than helping a child? Please consider becoming a sponsor. You can do it online through the Prelacy’s web page (www.armenianprelacy.org). Go to “Departments” and then to “Armenia Projects.” Or if you prefer to talk to a real person, contact the Prelacy at 212-689-7810 and ask for Sophie.
HELP FOR SYRIAN ARMENIANS
Financial help for our Syrian Armenian community is needed more than ever. Do not be fooled by the fact that news reports are no longer on the front page. As winter descends, the suffering of the people grows more desperate. The situation is dire for everyone. Please give as generously as possible. As it has been said, what is being asked is not charity, it is humanity. You can donate now through the link in the next item.
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| SYRIAN ARMENIAN COMMUNITY NEEDS OUR HELP MORE THAN EVER
The crisis in Syria requires our financial assistance.
Please keep this community in your prayers, your hearts, and your pocketbooks.
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET OUR ONGOING RELIEF EFFORTS FOR THE ARMENIAN COMMUNITY IN SYRIA WHERE CONDITIONS ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY MORE DIFFICULT.
THE NEED IS REAL.
THE NEED IS GREAT.
DONATIONS TO THE FUND FOR SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF CAN BE MADE ON LINE. TO DONATE NOW CLICK HERE AND SELECT SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF IN THE MENU. OR IF YOU PREFER YOU MAY MAIL YOUR DONATION TO:
Armenian Prelacy
138 E. 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Checks payable to: Fund for Syrian Armenian Relief
Thank you for your help
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| NEWS FROM THE CATHOLICOSATE
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CHRISTIAN COALITION MEETS
The members of the Executive Committee of the Coalition of Christians in the Middle East met last week in Antelias. The group was formed four years ago bringing Christians together and to strengthen their presence in the Middle East.
After hearing the report of the committee, His Holiness Aram I praised the contribution of the Coalition members to the Christian presence in the region and suggested that they monitor all other efforts underway with the same concerns and goals. The Catholicos also shared his concerns regarding the presidential election in Lebanon.
VISIT TO SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENTS AND FACULTY
Catholicos Aram met with Sunday school students and teachers in the Antelias region on Sunday, November 23. His Holiness regularly has such meetings and considers them to be an important aspect of his vocation as a pastor. After engaging the students and teachers in discussion, he thanked the teachers and parents for supporting the Sunday schools, which he noted “are our centers for teaching and learning Christian values.”
ARMENIAN AMBASSADOR VISITS CATHOLICOS
Ambassador Ashod Kocharaian, Armenia’s ambassador to Lebanon, visited His Holiness Aram I on November 25. The main discussion centered upon issues related to the 2015 commemoration of the Armenian Genocide and Armenia-Diaspora relations.
His Holiness again expressed his concern about the three military men killed when Azeris gunned down their helicopter in Armenian territory. He asked the ambassador to convey his condolences to the families of the victims.
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| THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)
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Birth of Mikayel Chamchian
(December 4, 1738)
Fifth century historian Movses Khorenatsi has been commonly labeled as the Father of Armenian History. It is not unfair to call Father Mikayel Chamchian the Father of Modern Armenian Historiography.
Chamchian was born in Constantinople. He was initially homeschooled and then attended the local Catholic school. He later studied jewelry with Mikayel chelebi Diuzian, imperial jeweler and a distant relative. The young Garabed (that was Chamchian’s baptismal name) was so famous in town for his talent as a jeweler that a contemporary wrote: “Not even one was found like him.” Diuzian thought of turning him into his business partner and even arranging marriage with his daughter. However, in 1757, barely eighteen, Chamchian left his promising career and went to the island of San Lazzaro, in Venice, to enter the Mekhitarist monastery and satisfy his thirst for knowledge. His elder brother Hagopos was a member of the Mekhitarist Congregation.
After graduating from the island’s school in 1762, Chamchian joined the congregation and became a teacher at the school. His scholarly studies were interrupted in 1769, when he was consecrated vartabed and sent to serve the Armenian Catholic community of Basra (Iraq). He traveled through the Armenian communities of the Middle East (Alexandria, Beirut, Damascus, Aleppo, Baghdad, etcetera) and collected manuscripts for the library of the monastery. In the 1770s he wrote a four-volume polemical work (each volume contained 800-900 pages) entitled Shield of Orthodoxy. This work was destined to demonstrate “the orthodox doctrine of the Armenian Church.” His enemies robbed this work from his room, and the Vatican called him for an interrogation, since his defense of Catholicism seemed to have been accompanied with some sympathy for the “schismatic” Armenian Apostolic Church.
He returned to the monastery in 1775 and taught at the seminary for the next fourteen years. Many of the best scholars of the congregation in the next several decades were his students. He produced a remarkable grammar of Classical Armenian in 1779, which he abridged in 1801 and became the main textbook of Armenian schools in the nineteenth century (eleven reprints).
Between 1780 and 1788, Chamchian dedicated himself to write the first comprehensive history of Armenia from the origins to his days. The author was an enormously fastidious writer and made countless changes and additions in his volumes until they went into printing. The thick three volumes, which had the publishing dates 1784-1786, were actually published between 1785 and 1788. Chamchian’s History of Armenia would become a reference work for Armenian Studies scholars for over a century and, besides, it would offer a full picture of the past for a people that were trying to construct their national identity.
Afterwards, he devoted himself to religious and theological works. Due to his poor health, the congregation sent him back to Constantinople as its resident representative. He would remain in the capital of the Ottoman Empire and he would continue producing with incredible fecundity; among other works, he published a ten-volume commentary of the Psalms, more than 6,000 pages (1815-1823). He also worked on a project to create a school of Armenian higher education in any European university town. Besides a history of the Ottoman Empire that remained unpublished, he produced an abridged version of his History of Armenia, both in Armenia (1811) and in Turkish (1812). The Armenian version was translated into English and published in Calcutta in 1827.
Following the ecumenic orientation that had been the focus of the founder of the congregation, Mekhitar of Sepastia, Chamchian dedicated himself also to solve the disputes among Armenian Apostolics and Catholics in Constantinople, in the understanding that the Armenian Church was not heretic, as it was frequently portrayed at the time, and there was no need to shock the Armenian nation with new quarrels. He even tried to unify both communities. During four decades (1776-1815), he wrote a theological work of some 900 pages, Shield of Faith, Which Confirms the Orthodoxy of the Armenian Church from St. Gregory, the Illuminator of Armenia, until Today. Another Catholic priest robbed the book and took it to Rome, where it had the impact of a bomb. After four years of discussions and debates, the book was destroyed by order of the Propaganda Fide and only an abridged version was published half a century after Chamchian’s death (Calcutta, 1873).
Chamchian passed away on November 30, 1823 and was buried in the Armenian cemetery of Pera (today Beyoglu). His History of Armenia still remains as a classic, and has been the foundation of his intellectual fame.
Previous entries in “This Week in Armenian History” can be read on the Prelacy’s web site (www.armenianprelacy.org).
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| ARMENIAN LANGUAGE CORNER
Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)
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| Tricky Verbs and a Little Headache
We have frequently compared the Armenian and English languages in this column to look for similar features. This time, we will look for a dissimilar feature.
English verbs do not have endings in their infinitive forms: “to run,” “to think,” “to go.” This is not the case in other languages, such as Latin languages (Spanish, French, or Italian, among others) or Armenian, where those verbs are vazel (վազել), khorhil (խորհիլ), yertal (երթալ). Modern Armenian has three infinitive endings (el, il, al).(*)
In those three examples there is a root and an ending: vaz-el, khorh-il, yert-al. Sometimes, the roots have a certain meaning by themselves, which makes it easier to understand the meaning. For instance, the root yert (երթ) is a noun that indicates movement and means “march.”
Some verbs create a problem when we go from colloquial to written language. People tend to use different endings in their speech, which actually are the wrong ones. These troublesome verbs belong to the endings el and il, which are used as if they ended in al. The problem is compounded when those wrong colloquial forms become wrong written forms.
Many readers will probably recognize themselves in one or other of the following verbs, which are frequently misspoken and then miswritten. Rest assured that you will not lose anything by learning the accurate way to use them.
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Yes ge kdnem
(Ես կը գտնեմ)
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Yes ge kdnam
(Ես կը գտնամ)
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Tun g’elles
(Դուն կ՚ելլես)
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Tun g’ellas
(Դուն կ՚ելլաս)
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Menk ge mdnenk
(Մենք կը մտնենք)
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Menk ge mdnank
(Մենք կը մտնանք)
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Tuk ge desnek
(Դուք կը տեսնէք)
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Tuk ge desnak
(Դուք կը տեսնաք)
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Anonk ge hedznen
(Անոնք կը հեծնեն)
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Anonk ge hedznan
(Անոնք կը հեծնան)
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Yes g’erevim
(Ես կ՚երեւիմ)
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Yes g’erevam
(Ես կ՚երեւամ)
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Tun ge tvis
(Դուն կը թուիս)
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Tun ge tvas
(Դուն կը թուաս)
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(*) There is a fourth ending ul that is used in extremely few cases.
Previous entries in “The Armenian Language Corner” can be read on the Prelacy’s web site (www.armenianprelacy.org).
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ARMENIAN COMMUNITIES OF ASIA MINOR
Edited by Richard G. Hovannisian
This title is the 13th in a series published as part of the UCLA series called Historic Armenian Cities and Provinces. Edited by Prof. Richard G. Hovannisian, Armenian Communities of Asia Minor explores Armenian communities in western Asia Minor that were established during the later Byzantine and early centuries of the Ottoman Empires. Cities and towns of this region, about 100 miles around Constantinople, featured production of products such as tobacco, textiles, and silk, as well as vibrant community life through Armenian cultural organizations, schools, and churches.
Essays include topics such as the Armenian community in the Konia region; the role of Armenian potters in Ottoman ceramic industry; Armenian schools and theater in the region; and Gomidas and musical culture of Kutahia. The book also features a pictorial essay of these Armenian communities and a discussion of their end as the population became victim to the Armenian Genocide.
Armenian Communities of Asia Minor, 324 pages, soft cover,
$35.00, plus shipping & handling
The other volumes in this series are: Van/Vaspurakan; Baghesh/Bitlis and Taron/Mush; Tsopk/Kharpert; Karin/Erzerum; Sebastia/Sivas and Lesser Armenia; Tigranakert/Diarbekir and Edessa/Urfa; Cilicia; Pontus-Trebizond and the Black Sea Communities; Constantinople; Kars and Ani; Smyrna/Izmir: The Aegean Communities; Kesaria/Kayseri and Cappadocia.
To place an order or for information contact the Armenian Prelacy Bookstore by email (books@armenianprelacy.org) or by phone (212-689-7810).
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AND SPEAKING OF BOOKS. . .
PROFESSOR HRATCH ZADOIAN DONATES 25,000 BOOKS
TO NATIONAL LIBRARY OF ARMENIA
Professor Hratch Zadoian, a past vice-chairman of the Prelacy’s Executive Council, and author of Our Brothers’ Keepers: The American National Committee to Aid Homeless Armenians, has donated a major portion of his personal library to the National Library of Armenia. The recent donation was made through the auspices of the Eastern Prelacy that made the arrangements for shipping the books to Armenia. All told, more than 25,000 volumes in 1,063 cartons filled a forty-foot container that was shipped in October and arrived in Armenia two weeks ago. The books have already reached the National Library, and Professor Zadoian has received an acknowledgement letter of thanks from the director of the library, Tigran Zarkaryan, for the valuable and diverse collection that will make the National Library of Armenia one of the finest libraries in the entire area.
Professor Zadoian had previously donated more than 5,000 books and this shipment raises the total to more than 30,000 books. The volumes include books on political science, history, literature, and biography. Professor Zadoian was Vice President of Queens College, City University of New York, at the time of his retirement and a member of the Queens College Political Science Department.
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|  | The boxes filled with more than 25,000 books reach Armenia. | |
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December 6—Armenian Winter Dessert Festival, Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland.
December 6—Lowell Gomideh anniversary celebration, 6 pm, at St. Gregory Church, 158 Main Street, North Andover, Massachusetts. Dinner, entertainment, program, speaker: David Boyajian, “The Survival of Armenia: Dangers and Opportunities. Admission: $20 adults; $10 students. For information: tommyvart@aol.com or 978-373-1654.
December 6—St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, Annual Bazaar at Christian Reform Church, Whitinsville, 10 am to 5 pm.
December 6—St. Paul Church, Waukegan, Illinois, Annual Holiday Bake Sale & Luncheon, 9 am to 3 pm. Enjoy authentic Armenian and American pastries and plan to stay for lunch at St. Paul Café, in the church hall, 645 S. Lewis Avenue. For information or pre-orders, 847-244-4573.
December 7—St. Stephen’s Church, New Britain, Connecticut, Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian will celebrate his first liturgy and deliver the sermon as the pastor. Please join us and welcome Der Aram to our church family and home.
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, tasting, and Armenian food pairing will be provided by Taylor Brooke Winery, Woodstock, Connecticut, owned by Linda Varjabedian Auger. For information: 860-229-8322.
December 7—8th Annual ANC Eastern Region Banquet, Ritz-Carlton Battery Park, NY. Freedom Award Honoree: former Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau and the Morgenthau family; Vahan Cardashian Award Honoree: ANCA activist Alice Movsesian. Tickets are $250. For reservations and information, please visit www.anca.org/erbanquet or 917.428.1918.
December 12—Children of Armenia Fund (COAF) 11th Annual Holiday Gala, Cipriani 42nd Street, New York City. Cocktails and Silent Auction, 7 pm; Dinner & Program, 8 pm; Dancing & After Party, 10 pm. For tickets and information www.coafkids.org or 212-994-8234.
December 13—St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, “A 2014 Christmas Celebration” at 7pm in the Sanctuary. Usher in the Christmas season with family and friends. Featuring master organist, Ara Eloian, group caroling in Armenian and English. Reception following in Terhanian Hall. Admission is Free. RSVP to church office 215-482-9200.
December 13—St. Stephen’s Church, New Britain, Connecticut, Sunday School trip to “The Festival of Trees,” The Wadsworth Atheneum, 600 Main Street, Hartford, at 10 am. All area Armenian Sundays schools will meet at the Wadsworth Atheneum to enjoy the decorated Christmas trees donated to the museum. Our goal will be to donate next year a Christmas tree decorated in honor of our Armenian ancestors and in commemoration of the 100th year Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide. Everyone is welcome to join. Free admission, 10 am to 1 pm. Street parking is free.
December 13 and December 21—St. Stephen’s Church, 167 Tremont Street, New Britain, Connecticut, “The Purpose of Christmas,” movie and discussion in two sessions, following the Divine Liturgy and potluck lunch. This film shows the real purpose and meaning of Christmas. The 15-minute film will be followed by a Q&A discussion led by Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian.
December 21—Armenian Chamber Music, presented by St. Illuminator’s Cathedral and Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Society of New York, at the Armenian Center, Woodside, New York, at 4 pm. Featuring: Noune Karapetyan (soprano), Sargis Karapetyan (violin), Nune Hakobyan (piano). Program includes works of Armenian contemporary composers. Musical notes by Krikor Pidedjian (musicologist). Aram Satian, president of the Composers Union of Armenia will attend. Admission: $20. For information and/or tickets: St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, office@stilluminators.org or 212-689-5880.
February 9-11, 2015—Ghevontiantz gathering of clergy serving the Eastern Prelacy.
March 13-15, 2015—“Responsibility 2015,” International conference for Armenian Genocide’s centennial at Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York, featuring prominent historians, policymakers, authors, and artists. Organized by the ARF Eastern US Centennial Committee, under the auspices of the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of America, Eastern Region. www.responsibility2015.com for information.
March 20, 2015—Musical Armenia, presented by Eastern Prelacy and Prelacy Ladies Guild, Weill Recital Hall, 8 pm, Carnegie Hall, New York City.
March 13-15, 2015—International conference, “Responsibility 2015” marking the Armenian Genocide’s centennial, at Marriott Marquis Hotel, New York City. Organized by the ARF Eastern United States Centennial Committee, under the auspices of the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of America, Eastern Region. For information visit the web site (www.responsibility2015.com).
April 25, 2015—Connecticut Armenian Genocide Commemoration Day at the Connecticut State Capitol. Keynote speaker: Noted author Chris Bohjalian.
April 26, 2015—Centennial commemoration of Genocide. Joint united Divine Liturgy in New York City (site to be announced), presided by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. To be followed by Times Square gathering “100 Years to Remember.”
May 7, 8, 9, 2015—National Armenian Genocide Centennial Commemoration in Washington, DC, organized under the patronage of the Diocese and the Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Presided by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of the Great House of Cilicia. May 7, Ecumenical Service at the National Cathedral, 7 pm; May 8, A Journey Through Armenian Music at the Music Center at Strathmore, 7:30 pm; May 8 & 9, Exhibits, Films, and Events at various venues; May 9, Divine Liturgy at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 10 am; May 9, A Time to Give Thanks, banquet, 6 pm (location to be announced).
May 10 to June 4, 2015—Pontifical Visit of His Holiness Aram I to the Eastern Prelacy.
July 18, 2015—Blessing of the Holy Muron (Oil) by His Holiness Aram I, at the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon.
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.
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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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