|
|
|
| PRELATE’S EASTER MESSAGE “BEHOLD THE BREATH OF RESURRECTION” He is not here; for he has been raised.
(Matthew 28:6) Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James, were greeted with these words when they went to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus, in accordance with the Hebrew custom. There they were astonished when the earth moved because of a strong earthquake, and the angel rolled back the stone at the entrance of the tomb. With confusion, fear, and doubt, they heard the angel’s voice say, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised from the dead. Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead.’” (Mt 28:5,7) Imagine the spiritual turmoil of the two Marys. They had always followed Jesus throughout his ministry. They were with Jesus in front of the cross. They were with Jesus when his body was placed in the tomb. And they had come to the tomb for a final time to be with him and to anoint his body. But they found the tomb empty. The words that Jesus often spoke that three days hence he would be resurrected rang in their ears, this time with the echo of the empty tomb. “Go quickly and tell his disciples.” Here was the directive for the spread of the Gospel that began on the morning of the Resurrection with the angel’s proclamation that later became, and remains, the faith of the Church and the Faithful. Because, as Paul the apostle preached, without faith in the Resurrection “our proclamation has been in vain and your faith is futile,” (1 Cor 15:14, 17). The Resurrection gave joy to the women, who entered the grotto and did not find Jesus. This first happiness became the exultation of the faithful throughout the centuries. It is with this joy that we greet one another on the morning of resurrection, believing that Jesus’ Resurrection is the promise of resurrection for all who live for Jesus and who die for and with Jesus. “Where, O death, is your victory? Where O death, is your sting?” (1 Cor 15:55), proclaimed the faithful, because they had received assurance of new life with Christ. Our people repeated the same proclamation when they found themselves in the decisive time of witness and martyrdom. With this faith we persevered; with this faith we presented ourselves as a sacrifice to God. With this same faith we, the worthy posterity of our forefathers, survived, endured, and created. On the occasion of Holy Easter 2014, when we think of the secret of our people’s resurrection and endurance, without doubt, the most persuasive and powerful testimony is found in the truth and faith given to us by Jesus’ Resurrection. On the eve of the 100th anniversary of the Genocide, when as a resurrected nation we remember and we struggle, we are obligated to make our just demands our weapons, fighting against death, catastrophe, and evil. We endured with the idea of resurrection, becoming stronger and singing of victory. And now is the time for Christ’s Resurrection to become the faith of each and every Armenian in order to affirm and strengthen our collective resurrection as a people and fatherland. “Behold the breath of resurrection, my massacred nation.” (Vahan Tekeyan) In the words of the same poet, with “sacred defiance,” henceforth it is time for the breath of resurrection to give us awareness, give us life, to hammer into our spirits the proper consciousness to be masters of our cause, to be the executors of the legacy of the martyrs, and thus give them heavenly peace. Our cataclysmic martyrs, faithful to the belief of resurrection, were sacrificed to the Genocide.
On the morning of Resurrection, let us illuminate their tortured and martyred souls with our struggle and faithfulness. Last month, the lives of our brothers and sisters in Kessab were once again in peril, with the same manner of persecution, with the same intention, and with the instigation of the same enemy. Just as one hundred years ago the native Armenian people were uprooted from their ancestral land, today with the very same intention our peaceful, constructive, and innocent compatriots are being uprooted from Kessab, the city whose breath and heartbeat are Armenian. Once again our resurrected faith and our hope of survival and victory are faced with evil and evil’s intrigue. We believe that just as we resisted the greatest catastrophe of Genocide, the Kessabtzis will endure and with their strong willpower will return to their ancestral homes, fields, and businesses, girded by the same hope. Christ is risen from the dead. ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN
Prelate
«ՅԱՐՈՒԹԵԱՆ ՇՈՒՆՉՆ Է ԱՀԱ»։ Հոս չէ, որովհետեւ յարութիւն առաւ։ (Մտ 28.6) Հրեշտակին այս խօսքերով դիմաւորուեցան Մարիամ Մագդաղենացին եւ Յակոբոսի մայրը՝ Մարիամ, երբ անոնք հրէական սովորութեան համաձայն գերեզման գացին՝ օծելու համար Յիսուսի մարմինը։ Սակայն անակնկալի մատնուեցան, երբ երկիրը շարժեցաւ զօրաւոր երկրաշարժով մը, եւ հրեշտակը գլորեց գերեզմանին մուտքին դրուած քարը։ Շփոթի, վախի եւ կասկածի մէջ նաեւ լսեցին հրեշտակին ձայնը որ կþըսէր. «Դուք մի՛ վախնաք. գիտեմ որ խաչուած Յիսուսը կը փնտռէք, հոս չէ, որովհետեւ յարութիւն առաւ։ Անմիջապէս գացէք եւ իր աշակերտներուն ըսէք՝ թէ յարութիւն առաւ» (Մտ 28.5,7)։ Երեւակայեցէք հոգեվիճակը երկու Մարիամներուն։ Անոնք Յիսուսի քարոզութեան ընթացքին միշտ կը հետեւէին անոր։ Յիսուսի հետ էին խաչին առջեւ։ Յիսուսի հետ էին, երբ գերեզման դրին անոր մարմինը։ Եւ գերեզման եկեր էին վերջին անգամ անոր հետ ըլլալու եւ օծելու մարմինը։ Սակայն գերեզմանը պարապ գտեր էին։ Յիսուսի յաճախ կրկնած խօսքը, թէ երեք օր ետք յարութիւն պիտի առնէ, իրենց ականջներուն դարձեալ կը հնչէր, այս անգամ պարապ գերեզմանին արձագանգով։ «Գացէք եւ իր աշակերտներուն պատմեցէք»։ Ահաւասիկ Աւետարանին տարածումի հրահանգը, որ յարութեան առաւօտուն սկսաւ հրեշտակին աւետումով եւ հետագային եղաւ ու մնաց հաւատքը՝ եկեղեցւոյ եւ հաւատացեալին։ Որովհետեւ առանց յարութեան հաւատքին «ի զուր է մեր քարոզութիւնը» եւ «ինքնախաբէութիւն է ձեր հաւատքը» (Ա. Կրն 15.14,17) ինչպէս քարոզեց Պօղոս Առաքեալը։ Յարութիւնը նաեւ ուրախութիւն եղաւ կիներուն, որոնք քարայրէն ներս մտան եւ հոն չգտան Յիսուսը։ Առաջին այս ուրախութիւնը եղաւ հաւատացեալին ցնծութիւնը ամբողջ դարերու ընթացքին։ Յարութեան առաւօտուն այս ուրախութեամբ է որ կþողջունենք զիրար, հաւատալով որ Յիսուսի յարութիւնը երաշխիքն է յարութեանը բոլոր անոնց, որոնք Յիսուսի համար կþապրին եւ Յիսուսի համար եւ հետ կը մահանան։ «Ո՞ւր է, մահ, յաղթանակդ։ Ո՞ւր է, մահ, քու խայթոցդ» (Ա. Կրն 15.55) յայտարարեցին հաւատացեալները, քանի Քրիստոսի հետ նոր կեանք ունենալու ապահովութիւնը ստացեր էին։ Նոյն յայտարարութիւնը մեր ժողովուրդը յաճախ կրկնեց, երբ իր հաւատքին համար վկայութեան եւ նահատակութեան վճռական պահուն դիմաց գտնուեցաւ։ Այս հաւատքով գօտեպնդուեցանք, այս հաւատքով մենք զմեզ Աստուծոյ ընծայեցինք՝ որպէս պատարագ։ Այս նոյն հաւատքով մենք՝ մեր նախնիներու արժանաւոր հետնորդները վերապրեցանք, գոյատեւեցինք եւ ստեղծագործեցինք: 2014 տարուան յարութեան տօնին, երբ կը մտածենք մեր ժողովուրդին յարութեան եւ գոյատեւման գաղտնիքին մասին, անկասկած որ ամենէն համոզիչ եւ զօրեղ վկայութիւնը կը գտնենք Քրիստոսի յարութեամբ մեզի տրուած ճշմարտութեան եւ հաւատքին մէջ։ Ցեղասպանութեան հարիւրամեակի սեմին, երբ ազգովին վերակենդանացած՝ կը յիշենք եւ կը պայքարինք, պարտաւոր ենք՝ արդար պահանջատիրութիւնը մեր զէնքը դարձուցած, պայքարելու մահուան, աղէտին ու չարիքին դէմ։ Յարութեան գաղափարով դիմացանք, զօրացանք ու երգեցինք մեր յաղթանակը, եւ ահա պահն է որ Քրիստոսի յարութիւնը դառնայ իւրաքանչիւր հայուն հաւատքը՝ հաստատելու եւ ամրագրելու մեր հաւաքական յարութիւնը, որպէս ժողովուրդ ու հայրենիք։ «Յարութեան շունչն է ահա, ջարդուկոտոր ազգդ իմ» (Վահան Թէքէեան) Նոյն բանաստեղծին բառերով՝ «ըմբոստութիւն սրբազան»ով այլեւս ժամանակն է, որ յարութեան շունչը մեզի արթնութիւն տայ, կեանք տայ, հայու արժանավայել գիտակցութեամբ կռանելու իւրաքանչիւրիս ոգին, մեր դատին տէրը ըլլալու, նահատակներուն կտակը գործադրելու եւ այս ձեւով անոնց երանական հանգիստ տալու: Մեր եղեռնական նահատակները յարութեան գաղափարին հաւատարիմ՝ զոհ գացին ցեղասպանութեան։ Յարութեան այս առաւօտուն, ահա մեր պայքարով ու հաւատարմութեամբ լուսաւորենք անոնց չարչարուած ու նահատակուած հոգին։ Անցեալ ամիս, Քեսապի մեր հարազատներուն կեանքը անգամ մը եւս փորձաքարի զարնուեցաւ՝ հալածանքի նոյն ոճով, նոյն նպատակներով եւ նոյն թշնամիին սադրանքներով։ Ինչպէս հարիւր տարի առաջ հայ բնիկ ժողովուրդը արմատախիլ եղաւ իր հայրենի հողերէն, ահաւասիկ նոյն նպատակներով կը փորձուի արմատախիլ ընել խաղաղ, շինարար եւ անմեղ մեր արենակիցները՝ հայաշունչ եւ հայատրոփ Քեսապէն։ Անգամ մը եւս յարութեան մեր հաւատքը եւ գոյատեւելու ու յաղթանակելու յոյսը դէմ դիմաց կը գտնուին չարին ու անոր մեքենայութիւններուն։ Կը հաւատանք, որ այնպէս ինչպէս դիմացանք Ցեղասպանութեան ամենադժխեմ աղէտին, Քեսապցիք ալ նոյն յոյսով պիտի տոկան եւ կամքի հզօրութեամբ պիտի վերադառնան իրենց հայրենի երդիքները, դաշտերը եւ գոծատեղիները՝ յոյսով գօտեպնդուած։ Քրիստոս յարեա՜ւ ի մեռելոց։ Սուրբ Յարութիւն,
20 Ապրիլ, 2014
| |
PALM SUNDAY This Sunday, April 13, is Palm Sunday commemorating Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the beginning of Holy Week. The Church is joyful after forty days of repentance. Christ is coming into Jerusalem. He is coming in the name of the Lord in fulfillment of the prophecy (Zechariah 9:9-16). Rejoice, O Jerusalem, and adorn your bridal chamber, O Sion, for behold your King Christ, seated on the new colt, shows meekness and comes to enter into your chamber. … Cry aloud, Hosanna, blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord, who has great mercy.
(From the Introit of Palm Sunday)
| |
PRELATE’S HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE Archbishop Oshagan’s Holy Week schedule is as follows:
Palm Sunday, April 13, His Eminence will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the Sermon at St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts.
Holy Thursday, April 17, His Eminence will preside over the Washing of the Feet and Tenebrae services at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
Easter Sunday, April 20, His Eminence will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the Sermon at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, New York City.
VICAR’S HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE Bishop Anoushavan’s Holy Week schedule is as follows:
Palm Sunday, April 13, His Grace will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the Sermon and preside over the “Opening of the Gates” ceremony at St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan.
Holy Thursday, April 17, His Grace will attend the Eucharistic Divine Liturgy and preside over the Washing of the Feet and Tenebrae services at All Saints Church, Glenview, Illinois.
Holy Friday, April 18, His Grace will preside over the Entombment Service and deliver the sermon at St. Hagop Church, Racine, Wisconsin.
Holy Saturday, April 19, His Grace will preside over Easter Eve Liturgy at St. Paul Church, Waukegan, Illinois.
Easter Sunday, April 20, His Grace will celebrate the Easter Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Gregory Church, Granite City, Illinois.
PRELATE AND VICAR WILL MAKE HOLY WEEK VISITS As they do every year during Holy Week, His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan and His Grace Bishop Anoushavan will visit the Old Age Home in Flushing, New York, on Monday, April 14, and on Tuesday, April 15, they will visit the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Emerson, New Jersey, and the Hovnanian Armenian School in New Milford, New Jersey.
VICAR ATTENDS CAPITOL HILL OBSERVANCE; SENATE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE ADOPTS GENOCIDE RESOLUTION Bishop Anoushavan attended the annual Capitol Hill Observance of the Armenian Genocide last night, April 9, at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, DC. The observance is hosted every April by the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, the Embassy of Armenia, the Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, and Armenian American organizations. The co-chairs of the Caucus are Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Michael Grimm (R-NY). Leaders of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee joined the observance. Featured guest speaker was Ragip Zarakolu, Turkish Human Rights Activist and Outspoken Champion of Armenian Genocide Affirmation. Mr. Zarakolu said, “…the United States is a good friend of Turkey, but if it is a real friend of Turkey, they must act differently. They must support democratization in Turkey, and the real democratization in Turkey can begin by facing the history, our history, the reality of 1915.” Bishop Anoushavan offered the closing prayer, in which he thanked the organizers and participants, and offered gratitude to the Lord for His deliverance. “We give thanks to You for having bestowed the grace of Your Resurrection upon the Armenian people for their rebirth and revival nearly a century ago. Keep them faithful to their Christian roots so that they may serve Your kingdom with the same spirit of faithfulness as their forefathers,” the Vicar prayed. Today, the Vicar joined other clergy and supporters to meet with congressional leaders and to witness the historic vote on the Armenian Genocide Resolution (S. Res. 410). The Senate Foreign Relations Committee, chaired by Robert Menendez (D-NJ) adopted the Armenian Genocide Resolution with a vote of 12 to 5. The panel called upon the Senate to commemorate this crime and encourage the President to ensure that America’s foreign policy reflects and reinforces the lessons, documented in the U.S. record, of the still unpunished genocide. At last evening’s observance, Senator Menendez said: “To me, to all men and women of good will, I would think there is a simple statement—genocide is genocide, and you cannot call it anything else but that and you need to have a recognition of that. Next year when we mark a century—a hundred years ago that the Armenians were killed by Ottoman Turkey, it seems to me that with most of the survivors gone—but with a few left—it is incredibly important for us to lead globally at this time.”
| |
|  | Clergy and guests at the annual Capitol Hill Observance of the Armenian Genocide yesterday evening listen intently. | |  | The Vicar at the observance, with (from left to right), Dr. Dertad Manguikian, Bishop Anoushavan, Turkish Human Rights Leader Ragip Zarakolu, and Rev. Fr Sarkis Aktavoukian. | |  | Bishop Anoushavan with Senator Robert Menendez (center) and Raffi Karakashian, ANCA Legislative Affairs Director today. | | | |
PRELACY LENTEN PROGRAM CONCLUDES The sixth and final Prelacy Lenten Program took place last night at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City, a weekly program that included a Husgoom (Peace-Compline) Service and a lecture, followed by a table fellowship. This year the Lenten lectures focused on the Nicene Creed (Havadamk). The last section of the Creed was presented by Archpriest Fr. Nerses Manoogian, pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator church of Philadelphia—“We believe in one, universal, and apostolic Holy Church. To view Fr. Nerses Manoogian's presentation, click the video link below:
| |
| Last night, thirty-seven eighth grade students from the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School in Hollywood, California, along with three teachers, visited the Cathedral and participated in the Lenten Program. The students are on a class trip to the east coast, visiting New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. At the end of the program, Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, who facilitated the six-part Lenten Program, on behalf of H. E. Archbishop Oshagan, thanked everyone for their participation— including the lecturers, the Prelacy Ladies Guild (PLG), the Ladies Guild of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, and the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), who sponsored the Program, and all those who made the program possible through their labor of love—and wished them all a blessed Holy Week journey to Easter, the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus the Christ.
| |
 | Archpriest Fr. Nerses Manoogian brought the six-week study of the Nicene Creed to an end last night. | |  | Archpriest Fr. Nerses Manoogian, pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church (Philadelphia, PA), Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church (Ridgefield, NJ), Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of the Cathedral, Rev. Haig Kherlopian, pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Church of New York, with the participants and the students and teachers from the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School (Hollywood, California). | | | |
| SAVE THE DATES FOR NRA The 2014 National Representative Assembly (NRA), along with the Clergy Conference, and the Conference of the National Association of Ladies Guilds (NALG), will take place May 13-17, hosted by St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan. Delegates and guests will find more information here.
DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM FOR YOUTH St. Gregory of Datev Institute will hold its 28th annual summer program for youth ages 13-18 at St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, from June 29 to July 6, 2014. The program is sponsored by the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC). For information and registration, click the image below.
| |
| SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS’ SEMINAR IN WATERTOWN Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Director of the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), conducted a 4-hour seminar on the Nicene Creed (Havadamk) for the New England Sunday School teachers on Saturday, April 5. The event was hosted by the St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church of Watertown, Massachusetts. The seminar sought to give the teachers an opportunity to enhance their understanding of the Nicene Creed, the confession of faith that has been endorsed by the church universal since the 4th century and later integrated into the liturgy of the Church. Dn. Shant talked in broad strokes about the development of creeds in general and the Nicene Creed in particular, highlighting the various functions of the creeds in the life of the church. Creeds today, as in the past, also function as a symbol or a badge of membership in the church, as summaries of faith in an outline form, as tests of orthodoxy, as a basic rule of faith for reading the Bible, and as a syllabus for Christian instruction. While recognizing the importance of these functions in the life of the Church, Dn. Shant stressed that the creeds have to be expounded scripturally and that the Bible is and remains the bedrock and the ultimate source of our faith. In addition to a host of related issues, the participants engaged in discussing the function of the Nicene Creed in the faith development and formation of the believer, young and old. Parishes and Sunday Schools interested in sponsoring a similar seminar are invited to contact Dn. Shant at the Prelacy (arec@armenianprelacy.org or 212.689-7810).
| |
|  | Seminar participants with Rev. Fr. Antranig Baljian, pastor of St. Stephen’s Church in Watertown, Massachusetts, and Rev. Fr. Torkom Chorbajian, a recently ordained clergyman who is currently serving in Watertown under the guidance of Archpriest Antranig. | |  | A scene from the seminar. | |  | A scene from the seminar. | | | |
WALK ARMENIA 2014 IN MANHATTAN The New York Mayr and Erepouni chapters of the Armenian Relief Society went on their annual Walk Armenia fundraiser on April 6. The event raises funds for various ARS activities. This year the beneficiary was Bared Maronian’s documentary, “Women of 1915.” The participants gathered at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral and then, led by Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian and Rev. Haig Kherlopian, walked to the United Nations’ headquarters, to the Armenian Prelacy offices, and to the Armenian Mission to the United Nations, before walking back to St. Illuminator’s where a reception took place. The participants agreed that this was the most successful walk yet. Not only did they enjoy each others company and the beautiful spring weather, but they were able to visit three Armenian sites within a one-mile radius. Participants and organizers expressed thanks to the Board of Trustees of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral and to Rev. Fr. Lakissian for welcoming them and hosting the event.
| |
|  | Walk Armenia participants in front of the Prelacy offices on 39th Street in Manhattan. | |
| | |
BIBLE READINGS Bible readings for Sunday, April 13, Palm Sunday are: Song of Songs 1:1-2:3; Zechariah 9:9-15; Philippians 4:4-7; Matthew 20:29-21:17. When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, “Tell the daughter of Zion, Look your kind is coming to you, humble and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.” Then Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who were selling and buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer; but you are making it a den of robbers.” (Matthew 21:1-13) For a listing of the coming week’s Bible readings click here.
| |
| THE RAISING OF LAZARUS This Saturday, April 12, the Armenian Church commemorates the Raising of Lazarus as told in the Gospel of John, Chapter 11. Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha were good friends of Jesus. Their home in Bethany (near Jerusalem) was Jesus’ home whenever he was in Jerusalem. Lazarus’s sudden death threw his sisters into deep mourning. Jesus also wept for his friend. John’s gospel account emphasizes the fact that Lazarus was indeed dead by pointing out that his body was in the tomb. Jesus’ raising of Lazarus convinced many people of his unique powers, and according to John, the authorities took steps to try to silence him. Lazarus represents humankind and Bethany represents the whole world. The major themes of this day are the forthcoming victory of Christ over death, the supreme sacrifice of love, and the resurrection as the ultimate triumph of love.
| |
|  | Jean-Baptiste Jouvenet, The Raising of Lazarus, 1706 | |
| | |
A hymn traditionally sung on Saturday evening (eve of Palm Sunday) says: “With the raising of Lazarus by which the dead were given hope, the descendants of Adam were also raised….” Thus, as the Lenten period comes to an end, we are greeted by the hope of Christ’s promise of the resurrection of humankind. The forty days of Great Lent (Medz Bahk) come to an end with Vespers on the Friday prior to the commemoration of the Raising of Lazarus. A new fasting period for Holy Week begins on Monday and continues through Holy Saturday.
HOLY WEEK We are now entering the most solemn period for Christians—Holy Week—leading us to our most sacred holiday, Easter and the Resurrection. The week before Easter marks a series of events in the life of Jesus that were ordained or prophesied. These events include the raising of Lazarus (described above) and the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, where he is greeted by large assembly of people carrying olive and palm branches (See Bible reading). On Palm Sunday (Tsaghkazard) the altar curtain, which was closed at the beginning of Lent, is open. The palms are blessed and distributed to the faithful. Children dressed in their best clothes and carrying beautifully decorated candles, parade around the church in a procession. In the evening, or as now done immediately following the Divine Liturgy, the faithful gather at the door of the church or at the closed altar, for the Opening of the Doors (Trnpatsek) ceremony, symbolizing the opening of the gates to the Kingdom of God. This solemn penitential service in preparation of Holy Week is unique to the Armenian Church. Each day of Holy Week (also called Great Week, Avak Shabat) is a holy day. Monday commemorates the barren fig tree (Matthew 21:18-20). Tuesday commemorates the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:13). Wednesday commemorates the Anointment and Betrayal of Christ (Matthew 26). Thursday is Maundy Thursday, which originates from Christ’s command that His disciples love one another (John 13:34). In the evening the Washing of the Feet (Votunlva) takes place in remembrance of the events of the Last Supper. Late Thursday evening the betrayal and torment of Christ, Tenebrae (Latin for darkness; in Armenian Khavaroum), is commemorated. In one of the most dramatic ceremonies, Gospel readings describing Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal by Judas, and denial by Peter, are read interspersed with the singing of hymns composed by Nerses Shnorhali, some of the most beautiful hymns of the Armenian Church. Holy Friday (Avak Ourpat), the solemnest day in the Christian calendar, commemorates the crucifixion, death and burial of our Lord.
THE INSPIRING MUSIC OF HOLY WEEK The Armenian Church’s hymns for Holy Week, from Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem to his passion and crucifixion, to his burial and resurrection, comprise some of the most beautiful and inspiring music ever created. Palm Sunday is the first outburst of joy after the somber Lenten period, and the hymn “Rejoice, O Holy Church” (Ourakh Ler) expresses the joy of Palm Sunday. “Rejoice, O Holy Church, at the advent of the Holy Only-begotten, rejoice and delight with all the saints. Blessed are you. You who came, King of the universe.” During the Opening of the Doors ceremony (Drnbatsek), the beautiful hymn, “Open to us, Lord” (Pats Mez Der) is sung at the door of the church or in front of the closed altar. “We beseech you, O Lord, open for us, open for us, Lord, the gate of your mercy, we beseech you imploringly, O Lord.” During the vigil on Maundy Thursday some of the most melodious and memorable hymns are sung including: “My Heart Trembles” (Sird Im Sasani); “Seized by the Love of Money” (Ardsatsiroutyampun Molyal), and the heartbreaking “Where Are You, O Mother” (Oor Es Mayr Im). “Where are you, most sweet mother? I fervently seek your motherly love. My eyes are filled with bitter tears; I have no one to wipe them away. Where are you, my mother?”
| |
| NEWS FROM THE CATHOLICOSATE
| |
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF BROTHERHOOD CONCLUDES The 12th General Assembly of the Brotherhood of the Holy See of Cilicia took place last week in Antelias, Lebanon, under the leadership of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. His Holiness reminded the clergy that such meetings were opportunities to assess, learn, and plan. “This process requires spiritual renewal and formation of intellectual capabilities based on the principles of love, reciprocity and service to the people. Taking the Church to the people and building the Church of the people is our mission,” the Catholicos said. During the first two sessions of the meeting, the Assembly discussed a draft report on “clerical dress codes,” and the final draft of the bylaws of the Brotherhood. At the end of the discussions the executive of the assembly invited comments to be submitted in writing to the bylaws drafting committee. The next six sessions of the Assembly were devoted to presentations on the history of the Catholicosate of Cilicia from Sis (Cilicia) to Antelias (Lebanon). The speakers presented research papers describing the conditions under which the Catholicosate was uprooted, its properties confiscated, and its spiritual and cultural heritage destroyed. Other presentations were made on historical struggles and conflicts, the Armenian Bishops Conferences, and the renewal of the church and rising challenges.
CATHOLICOS RECEIVES UNITED NATIONS OFFICIAL Baroness Valerie Amos, the United Nations’ Under-Secretary for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief, met with His Holiness Aram last week at the Catholicosate, to discuss the status of Syrian refugees. His Holiness expressed his appreciation to her for including the situation in Kessab in her forthcoming report to the Security Council. He explained the circumstances under which the population had left Kessab and their current situation in Latakia. His Holiness also spoke about the precarious situation of all Armenians, those displaced from their homes in other parts of Syria and the current refugees in Lebanon. He provided the Under-Secretary with reports and fact sheets on the situation in Syria and Lebanon.
| |
| THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
(Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee[ANEC])
| |
Foundation of Armenfilm (April 16, 1923) The first Armenian movie, called “Armenian Cinema” (Հայկական սինեմա), was filmed in 1912 in Cairo (Egypt). In the same year, it was shown in several Armenian communities of the United States. But the first and biggest Armenian studio was created eleven years later, in 1923, in Yerevan. The Council of Popular Commissars (Council of Ministers) of Soviet Armenia adopted a decision on April 16, 1923, to nationalize all private cinemas and to found the company “Petkino” (State Cinema), which was shortly thereafter renamed “Haypetfotokino” (Armenian State Photo Cinema). The board of the company was directed by Daniel Dznuni. The company was renamed “Haykino” in 1928 and then Yerevan Film Studio (1937). The first film was a documentary, “Soviet Armenia” in 1924 (directed by I. Kraslavski). It was followed by the first feature film, H. Bek-Nazarian’s Namus (The Honor), a year later. A series of silent films by Bek-Nazarian, the pioneering director of Armenian cinema, and others brought recognition to Armenian productions within the Soviet Union. The beginning of the “talkies” was marked by the production of the masterpiece of Armenian cinema, Pepo (1935), also directed by Bek-Nazarian. It followed a long period of historical films, before and during World War II, including Zangezur (1938), by Bek-Nazarian, which won the USSR State Prize. However, Lev Atamanov filmed the first Armenian cartoon, The Dog and the Cat (1938), during this period. After a period dominated by the production of documentaries, feature films resumed in 1954, and the period of maturity was reached in the 1960-1980s, when some of those films even made their way to the international market. The company was renamed Armenfilm in 1957 (it was known in Armenian as Hayfilm) and the studios were baptized with the name of Hamo Bek-Nazarian in 1966. Some of the more remarkable films of this period were: “Hello, It’s Me” (Frunze Dovlatyan, 1965), “Triangle” (Henrik Malian, 1967), “We Are Our Mountains” (Henrik Malian, 1969), “The Color of Pomegranate” (Sergei Parajanov, 1969), “Nahapet” (Henrik Malian, 1977), “A Piece of Sky” (Henrik Malian, 1980), “White Dreams” (Sergei Israelian, 1984), “The Tango of Our Childhood” (Albert Mkrtchyan, 1985), “Nostalgia” (Frunze Dovlatyan, 1990), and others. After the fall of the Soviet Union, Armenfilm entered a period of decline and was privatized in 2005 to Armenia Studios LLC (a branch of CS Media Holding).
| |
|  | Henrik Malian's "The Tango of Our Childhood" (Մեր մանկութեան տանգոն), 1985. Watch the entire film by clicking the above link. | |
| | |
Previous entries in “This Week in Armenian History” are on the Prelacy’s web site (www.armenianprelacy.org)
| |
| 99th ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION AT TIMES SQUARE The 99th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide will once again be marked at a gathering at Times Square, 43rd Street and Broadway, New York City—the crossroads of the world. The gathering will take place Sunday, April 27, from 2 to 4 pm. The event is sponsored by the Knights & Daughters of Vartan and co-sponsored by AGBU, Armenian Assembly of America, Armenian National Committee of America, ADL-Ramgavars, and Armenian Council of America, and with the participation of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, Armenian Missionary Association of America, Armenian Catholic Eparchy for U.S. and Canada, Mid-Atlantic ACYOA, AYF-YOARF, Armenian Youth Organizations, and University Armenian Clubs. Free bus transportation to & from Times Square from New York and New Jersey is available. For information go to kofv.org and click on April 24.
| |
| ARMENIAN LANGUAGE CORNER
(Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee[ANEC])
| |
Barons Are Not What They Used to Be Barons are not very fashionable these days, except when someone with this title has a mention in the press for good or bad reasons. (Their title is still used to remind us of the “robber barons” of the 19th century in American economic history.) However, they are alive and well in the Armenian language, even if on a lower ranking. The origin of the word baron (պարոն) is common for both English and Armenian: Old French baron, which comes from Latin. It entered the Armenian language in the early period of the state of Cilicia (11th-12th century), with the meaning of “ruler, prince.” The form պարոն seems to show that the transcription of the sound b as բ in Classical Armenian was not working properly any more. It appears that the word followed the French model, where monsieur first meant “ruler, prince,” and became the equivalent of “mister” or “sir” in modern times. We say: Baron Kevork Boghosian (Պարոն Գէորգ Պօղոսեան, “Mister Kevork Boghosian”) Harkeli baron (Յարգելի պարոն, “Dear Sir”) The word is also used to say “gentleman,” as in: Barone ov e? (Պարոնը ո՞վ է, “Who is the gentleman?”) However, when you need to say “Mr. and Mrs.,” you cannot use baron. You have to say Der yev Diguin (Տէր եւ Տիկին). As we see, the well-known word Der (“Lord”) has some use among ordinary people, besides being the title utilized to address God, high-ranking and low-ranking ecclesiastics, and, in other times, noblemen of all sorts. In the nineteenth century, diar (տիար, plural deark/տեարք) appeared in Western Armenian as a purely native equivalent of baron. Perhaps its creators had either French monsieur or English milord somewhere in their mind. It was born from the combination of the words di (տի “great”) and ayr (այր “male”), and followed the model of digin (տիկին, “Mrs.,” “Madam,” “lady”). This same combination had also originated the word der. The genitive singular of der in Classical Armenian is dearn (տեառն “of the Lord”); Dearnentarach (Տեառնընդառաջ) literally means “Meeting of the Lord.” Diar may be considered a fancier word than baron and for this reason it seems to confer an aura of elegance. Sometimes it is used to address personalities. In any given case, you can say Harkeli diar nakhakah (Յարգելի տիար նախագահ, “Dear Mr. President”) or simply Diar Boghos Kevorkian (Տիար Պօղոս Գէորգեան, “Mr. Boghos Kevorkian”). However, you cannot use diar to say “gentleman” or “Mr. and Mrs.” As a side note, the use of baron in Armenia was restricted to name “capitalists” during Soviet times; Soviet citizens had to address each other as enger (ընկեր “comrade”). After the collapse of the Soviet Union, baron was restored and, with it, the word diar also entered Eastern Armenian. Previous entries in “The Armenian Language Corner” are on the Prelacy’s web site (www.armenianprelacy.org)
| |
| ARMENIAN GENOCIDE TO BE DISCUSSED ON RADIO Tri-state area residents may want to tune in to WBAI/NYC (99.5 FM) this Sunday, April 13, to hear Mark Momjian, Esq., discuss the Armenian Genocide. Mr. Momjian, a native Philadelphia in private practice for more than 25 years, will be a guest on “Beyond the Pale,” which explores Jewish culture and offers local, national, and international political debate and analysis, from noon to 1 pm.
| |
| SYRIAN ARMENIAN COMMUNITY NEEDS OUR HELP MORE THAN EVER
The crises in Syria, including the recent upheaval in Kessab, need 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.
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.
Thank you for your help
| |
April 11—St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, A Reflection on the Commentary of Badarak of Hovhanes Arjishetsi, by His Grace Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Ph.D. Fellowship hour by Ladies Guild. April 13—St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, Palm Sunday dinner organized by the Ladies Guild and the Sunday School faculty. Special program for children. Adults $30; children, 5-12, $10; under 4 free. April 19—St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Easter Eve Day, Holy Communion & Breakfast for the children. April 19—St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Easter Eve Dinner, 8 pm, salmon dinner with all the trimmings and evening of fellowship. $30 per person. For reservations and information: 718-224-2275. April 24—“Walk to Honor our Martyrs,” organized by the New York ARF and the ANC of New York, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan, at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New York City. Badarak and Hokehankist, 10:30 am to 12 noon. Walk begins 12:30 pm from the Cathedral. For information: office@stilluminators.org or 212-689-5880. April 24—99th commemoration of the Armenian Genocide with the participation of the four Armenian churches in greater Detroit, at St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, Vespers service at 7 pm followed by Requiem Service and Madagh. April 26—Armenian Relief Society, Agnouni, Bergen, Shake, and Spitak New Jersey chapters, present Emmy award winner, Bared Maronian, in his new documentary film, “Women of 1915,” 7:30 pm, Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, New Jersey. Donation $50 (light meal will be served). For information: Arpi Misserlian 973-907-2898; Talin Daghlian 201-446-2316. April 26—Armenian Genocide Walk in Philadelphia. Registration 12 noon at Independence Visitor Center (Market Street between 5th and 6th Streets). Walk begins at 1 pm, followed by program at 2 pm. Featured speakers: George Aghjayan, “Why Western Armenia”; Pennsylvania State Senator Daylin Leach, representative of the 17th District. Free bus transportation from St. Sahag & St. Mesrob Church and St. Gregory Church. For information: armeniangenocidewalk@gmail.com and www.armeniangenocidewalk.com. April 27—Armenian Genocide Commemorative Committee of Merrimack Valley observance, 3 pm, North Andover High School, 430 Osgood St., Arev Armenian Folk Ensemble performing; joint requiem service by MV Armenian churches; reception to follow; complimentary admission. April 27—Annual Times Square Gathering, in commemoration of the 99th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Sponsored by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan with the support and participation of all churches and organizations. Free bus transportation from area Armenian churches, and other locations. May 1—Avak luncheon at noon, St. Gregory Church, 158 Main Street, North Andover, Massachusetts. Speaker: Tom Vartabedian, “A 50-Year Retrospective into Armenian American Journalism,” with stores and photos. May 9—Armenian Relief Society Mayr Chapter of New York presents “A Mother’s Day Dinner Dance,” featuring the Akhtamar Dance Ensemble and music by Khajag, at the Armenian Center, 69-23 47th Avenue, Woodside, New York. Adults $40; children (under 10) $15. For reservations: Anais, 718-392-6982 or Anahid 718-263-9325. May 10—Unveiling of new genocide memorial by Lowell City Hall, sponsored by the Armenian Genocide Monument Committee of Merrimack Valley, 10 am, downtown procession, followed by program at City Hall and reception in St. Ann’s Church at noon. Musical interlude by soloist Sevan Dulgarian. Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, MC. May 10—“Remembering Zahrad” on the 90th anniversary of his birth. Sponsored by the Esayan-Getronagan Alumni of New York, 8 pm at Kalustyan Hall, Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs, Bayside, New York. Featuring: Arto Krimian, Dr. Herand Markarian, Zivart Balikjian, Berge Turabian. Admission is free. May 11—Mothers Day Brunch organized by the Board of Trustees of St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, following the Divine Liturgy. Program will follow. Admission by donation. May 16—Eastern Prelacy’s National Representative Assembly (NRA) banquet hosted by St. Sarkis Church (Dearborn) at Double Tree Hotel Banquet Hall, 5801 Southfield Service Drive, Detroit. Cocktails 7 pm; dinner 8 pm. Ticket donation, $50. For reservations contact the church office, 313-336-6200 before May 9. May 21—Benefit for Boston’s Armenian Heritage Park, “Chefs Party for Our Park!” Royal Sonesta Hotel, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 6:30 pm, with participation of more than 15 of Boston’s top chefs. Go to www.ArmenianHeritagePark.org for information. May 13-17—Clergy Conference and National Representative Assembly, and Annual Conference of the National Association of Ladies’ Guilds (NALG) of the Eastern Prelacy, hosted by St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan. May 18—St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York, Saturday school year-end hantes, 4 pm. May 24—96th anniversary of Armenian independence sponsored by Lowell “Aharonian” ARF, 6 pm, St. Gregory Church, 158 Main Street, North Andover, Massachusetts. Dinner, entertainment, and speaker, Baku pogrom survivor Anna Turcotte, author of “Nowhere, A story of Exile.” Admission: $20 adults; $10 students. May 31—The Armenian Bar Association presents a panel discussion about “Ongoing Legal Efforts and Challenges to Preserve Armenian Antiquities and Cultural Property,” at Association of the Bar of the City of New York, 42 West 44th Street, New York City (between 5th and 6th Avenues), 3:30 to 4:30 pm. Free admission. For information: Denise Darmanian nyfed@aol.com or 917-848-0968. June 1—Ladies Guild Annual Brunch, St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. June 16-17—St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, Sunday School Teens Seminar at Colombiere Conference and Retreat Center, Clarkston, Michigan. June 24-26—Vacation Bible Camp for preschool (age 4) to 6th grade students at St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, from 10 am to 2 pm. Religious activities, lessons, crafts, and games. For information: 313-336-6200. June 29 – July 6, 2014: St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer Program for youth ages 13-18 at the St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, sponsored by the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC). For information, contact the AREC office at 212.689.7810 or at arec@armenianprelacy.org. July 14—39th Annual St. Sarkis Golf & Tennis Classic, Meadowbrook Country Club, Northville, Michigan. $250 donation for golf breakfast, lunch, and banquet. $125 donation banquet only. Reservations: 313-336-6200. August 17—St. Sarkis Church (Dearborn) Grape Blessing Family Fun Picnic at Kensington Park, Kensington, Michigan. Good food, music, biking, soccer, dancing, magician, swimming, playscape, kids games, door prizes, face painting, tavloo tournament and more. October 3—St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, New York, Saturday School Dinner Dance Gala.
| |
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
| |
|
|
|
|
