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PRELATE’S EASTER MESSAGE
Resurrected Life
“I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25)
This is the true testimony given by Christ for himself to humanity. Resurrection is not only resumption of life, but also eternal life, which is the reward reserved for all those who lived faithfully in and with Christ.
Usually we look, live, and understand life as being the sum of our days in this world. We think of life being the span from birth to death and we hope it will be pleasant and happy. To enjoy the sweetness of life, we hope the days of our life will be many and long.
Therefore, the plain and true physiological understanding of this definition of life needs greater and profound meaning in the context of our Christian faith, where we do not regard life as only the time we lived on earth, but also especially our union with our God and Lord Jesus Christ, that begins from this world and opens the way to true life—our union with Christ. Exactly with this understanding on another occasion our Lord said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life,” (John 14:6)
These thoughts become profound when we prepare to greet and celebrate Christ’s glorious resurrection. It is a message of twenty centuries directed to all humanity that beyond this world there is a life that does not age, a life that does not die. To enjoy that life it is necessary to adopt the road that leads to the resurrected Christ. Blessed and holy are they who have confessed Christ as their Lord and Life, who have witnessed this truth, even at the risk of their passing lives.
If the experience of an individual life opens the road to eternal life, then truly the collective comprehension of peoples also guarantees the same eternity that comes from God as grace and reward.
This is a statement of fact whose witness is the Armenian people throughout their national existence. We confessed Christ as our God; through our national crucifixion we were witness to Him and through our non-negotiable sacrifice, we were resurrected with Him, a resurrection that is received only with devotion and faithfulness.
There is no greater outcry of this truth of our witness then our nation’s collective martyrdom one hundred years ago. As much as it is the victim of international intrigue, it is equally testimony of the love and faithfulness that our nation has shown to Christ. Starting with Vartanank and through the centuries the unshaken proclamation of our struggle, devotion, and martyrdom has always been, “Who will separate us from the love of Christ?” (Romans 8:35). The genocide was the greatest catastrophe for our people and for humanity. Our grandfathers and grandmothers were sacrificed, as was our paradise homeland of thousands of years. This year, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the genocide, we are obliged to seek our eternal national life, whose ransom was paid by the blood of one-and-one-half million martyrs. As a nation we withstood one hundred years of terror, treachery, and evil. Now we stand upright and we not only mourn, but we marvel at the miracle of their martyrdom. Their martyrdom is so much greater and majestic than ordinary death. In the life of our church, the Martyrs of April, elevated upon the steps of sainthood, reach God; they reach eternal and true life—Christ!
As a message on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the genocide, suffice it for me to condense two specific thoughts:
1. Deprived of a homeland, the tragedy of our people was a result of a cruel and evil plan. Along with the loss of our homeland we lost all of the holy values that were inherently there. Throughout the centuries our homeland bloomed and flourished with our culture through our creative genius, blood, and sweat.
The message of the centennial directed to all of our people, throughout Armenia and the Diaspora, is that our homeland is sacred and is a treasure chest of our centuries of hallowed treasures. Maintaining and defending today’s independent Armenia is a duty for each of us, and our cause is the complete unity of our sacred lands.
2. On April 23, the Catholicoi of the Armenian Church will declare the canonization of the Martyrs of April. This is the supreme reward of our God and people. We the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the April saints have the imperative to live with our prayers and enjoy the blessedness won with blood and agony. This is the reward given to them by Christ himself, the everlasting obligation of the Armenian people, and the crown of righteousness given to them by our nation (II Timothy 4:8).
It is blissful to be the descendants of these holy martyrs. We prayed for them for one hundred years. Now the time has come for us to pray to them and seek their intercession for the perseverance of resurrection gained by our faithfulness, and a bright and victorious future.
“I am the resurrection and the life.”
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN
Prelate
«Ես եմ յարութիւնը եւ կեանքը»։ (Յհ 11.25)
Մարդկութեան տրուած Քրիստոսի ճշմարիտ վկայութիւնն է ի՛ր իսկ անձին համար: Յարութիւնը ոչ միայն կեանքին վերսկսումն է, այլ յաւիտենականութիւնն է, եւ այդ կեանքը՝ Քրիստոսի հետ եւ մէջ ապրուած բոլոր հաւատաւոր քրիստոնեաներուն վերապահուած վարձատրութիւնը:
Սովորաբար մենք կեանքը կը դիտենք, կ՚ապրինք եւ կը հասկնանք որպէս այս աշխարհի վրայ ապրուած մեր օրերուն ամբողջութիւնը: Զայն կը հասկնանք որպէս ծնունդէն մինչեւ մահ երկարող ժամանակաշրջան մը, որ կ’ուզենք անոյշ եւ ուրախ ըլլայ, մանաւանդ այս քաղցրութիւնը վայելելու համար կը ցանկանք նաեւ որ մեր կեանքին օրերը ըլլան շատ ու երկար:
Սակայն պարզ եւ զուտ բնախօսական հասկացողութեամբ կեանքի այս ըմբռնումը կու գայ առաւել ու խոր իմաստ ստանալու քրիստոնէական մեր հաւատքին մէջ, երբ կեանքը չենք դիտեր լոկ որպէս աշխարհի վրայ ապրած օրերուն ամբողջութիւն մը, այլ նա՛մանաւանդ միութիւն մը մեր Աստուծոյն ու Տիրոջ՝ Յիսուս Քրիստոսի հետ, սկսած նոյնինքն այս աշխարհէն, որ ճամբան կը բանայ ճշմարիտ կեանքին – Քրիստոսի հետ մեր միութեան: Ճիշդ այս հասկացողութեամբ, ուրիշ առիթով մը Տէրը ըսաւ. «Ես եմ ճամբան, ճշմարտութիւնը եւ կեանքը» (Յհ 14.6):
Այս մտածումները առաւել խորք կը ստանան, երբ կը պատրաստուինք դիմաւորելու եւ տօնախմբելու Քրիստոսի փառապանծ յարութիւնը: Քսան դարերու պատգամ է ան՝ ուղղուած ամբողջ մարդկութեան, թէ այս աշխարհէն անդին կա՛յ չհինցող կեանք մը, չմեռնող կեանք մը, որ ըմբոշխնելու եւ վայելելու համար անհրաժեշտ է որդեգրել այն ճամբան, որ յարուցեալ Քրիստոսի կը տանի: Երանելի եւ սուրբ դարձած են բոլոր անոնք, որոնք խոստովանած են Քրիստոսը որպէս իրենց Տէրը եւ Կեանքը, որոնք վկայած են այս ճշմարտութեան՝ նոյնիսկ ի գին իրենց անցողական այս կեանքին:
Եւ եթէ անհատական կեանքի փորձառութիւնը ճամբան կը բանայ յաւիտենական կեանքին, արդարեւ անոր հաւաքական ըմբռնողութիւնն ալ ժողովուրդներու կ’երաշխաւորէ նո՛յն յաւիտենականութիւնը, որ որպէս շնորհք եւ վարձատրութիւն կու գայ մեր Աստուծմէն:
Հաստատում մըն է ասիկա, որուն լաւագոյն վկան եղաւ հայ ժողովուրդը իր ազգային կեանքի ամբողջ տեւողութեան: Խոստովանեցանք Քրիստոսը որպէս մեր Աստուածը, վկայեցինք անոր մեր ազգային խաչելութեամբը եւ մեր անսակարկ զոհողութեամբ յարութիւն առինք իրեն հետ, որ կը ստացուի միմիայն նուիրումով ու հաւատարմութեամբ:
Չկայ աւելի աղաղակող ճշմարտութիւն մեր այս վկայութեան, եթէ ոչ հարիւր տարի առաջ մեր ժողովուրդին հաւաքական նահատակութիւնը: Որքան ալ անիկա աշխարհաքաղաքական սադրանքներուն զոհն է, նոյնքան ալ վկայութիւնն է այն սիրոյն եւ հաւատարմութեան, որ մեր ժողովուրդը ունեցած է Քրիստոսի հանդէպ: Վարդանանքէն սկսեալ եւ դարերու ընթացքին, մեր պայքարին, նուիրումին ու նահատակութեան անխախտ յայտարարութիւնը միշտ եղած է՝ «Ո՞վ կրնայ մեզ բաժնել Քրիստոսի սէրէն» (Հռ 8.35): Ցեղասպանութիւնը մեր ազգին եւ մարդկութեան հանդէպ ամենածանր աղէտն է, որուն զոհ գացին մեր մեծ հայրերն ու մայրերը, որուն զոհ գնաց հազարամեայ դրախտավայր մեր հայրենիքը: Այս տարի, ցեղասպանութեան հարիւրամեակին առիթով, ազգային յաւիտենական կեանքը պարտաւոր ենք գտնել, որուն փրկագինը մէկուկէս միլիոն մեր նահատակները իրենց արիւնով վճարեցին: Հարիւր տարիներու սարսափին, անդոհին եւ չարաշուք տառապանքին դիմացանք ազգովին, եւ ահա ոտքի կանգնած ենք եւ ո՛չ միայն կ’ողբանք, այլեւ կը սքանչանանք անոնց նահատակութեամբ կեանքը շահելուն հրաշքին վրայ: Մահանալու սովորական հասկացողութենէն այնքա՜ն վեր եւ վեհ է անոնց նահատակութիւնը, որ մեր եկեղեցական կեանքին մէջ Ապրիլեան նահատակները սրբութեան սանդուխէն վեր բարձրանալով կը հասնին Աստուծոյ, կը հասնին յաւիտենական ու ճշմարիտ կեանքին՝ Քրիստոսի:
Ցեղասպանութեան հարիւրամեակին առիթով որպէս պատգամ կը բաւականանամ հետեւեալ երկու յստակ մտածումները խտացնելով.-
1.- Հայրենազուրկ դարձած մեր ժողովուրդին դժբախտութիւնը անագորոյն եւ չար ծրագրի մը արդիւնքն էր: Հայրենիքի հողին հետ կորսնցուցինք այն բոլոր սրբազան արժէքները, որոնք ընդելուզուած էին հոն: Հայրենիքը դարերու ընթացքին ծաղկած ու բարգաւաճած էր մեր մշակոյթով, ստեղծագործ մեր հանճարով, արիւնով ու քրտինքով:
Հարիւրամեակը պատգամ է մեր ամբողջ ժողովուրդին ուղղուած, հայրենիքէն ներս թէ Սփիւռքի տարածքին, թէ Հայրենիքը սուրբ է եւ սրբազան արկղն է դարերու մեր նուիրական գանձերուն: Այսօրուան անկախ Հայաստանը պահելն ու պահպանելը պարտաւորութիւնն է իւրաքանչիւրիս, եւ մա՛նաւանդ անոր ամբողջական միութիւնը մեր սրբազան հողերուն հետ՝ դատը բոլորիս:
2.- Ապրիլ 23-ին, Հայ Եկեղեցւոյ Վեհափառ Հայրապետները պիտի հռչակեն սրբադասումը Ապրիլեան Նահատակներուն: Մեր Աստուծոյն եւ ժողովուրդին ընծայուած գերագոյն վարձատրութիւնն է ասիկա: Մենք՝ թոռներն ու ծոռները Ապրիլեան սուրբերուն, հրամայականը ունինք մեր աղօթքներուն առընթեր ապրելու եւ վայելելու արիւնով ու տառապանքով շահուած այս երանութիւնը: Քրիստոսի կողմէ իրենց տրուած վարձատրութիւնն է ասիկա, Հայ ժողովուրդին կողմէ անոնց ընծայուած սրտի մշտահունչ պարտքը եւ արդարութեան պսակը (Բ. Տիմ 4.8):
Ի՜նչ երջանկութիւն, ըլլալու յետնորդները այս սուրբ նահատակներուն: Հարիւր տարի իրենց համար աղօթեցինք: Եկած է պահը որ աղօթենք իրենց եւ իրենց բարեխօսութիւնը խնդրենք մեր հաւատարմութեամբ շահուած յարութեան յարատեւութեան եւ փայլուն ու յաղթական ապագային համար:
«Ես եմ յարութիւնը եւ կեանքը»։
Սուրբ Յարութիւն,
5 Ապրիլ, 2015
PALM SUNDAY
This Sunday, March 29, 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, March 29, His Eminence will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the Sermon at St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts.
Holy Thursday, April 2, His Eminence will preside over the Washing of the Feet and Tenebrae services at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, New York City.
Holy Friday, April 3, His Eminence will preside over the Entombment Service at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
Holy Saturday, April 4, His Eminence will preside at Easter Eve Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York.
Easter Sunday, April 5, 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, March 29, His Grace will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the Sermon and preside over the “Opening of the Gates” ceremony at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
Holy Thursday, April 2, His Grace will attend the Eucharistic Divine Liturgy and preside over the Washing of the Feet and Tenebrae services at Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland.
Holy Friday, April 3, His Grace will preside over the Entombment Service at St. Gregory Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Holy Saturday, April 4, His Grace will preside over Easter Eve Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church, at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, New York City.
Easter Sunday, April 5, His Grace will celebrate the Easter Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York.
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, accompanied by metro area clergy will visit the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Emerson, New Jersey, and the Hovnanian Armenian School in New Milford, New Jersey, on March 31. On April 1 they will visit the Armenian Home in Flushing, New York and the St. Sarkis Seniors in Douglaston, New York.
ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF REMEMBRANCE:
NATIONAL EVENTS IN WASHINGTON
The national observance in the United States includes special events that will take place over a three-day period (May 7, 8, 9) in Washington, DC, that includes an ecumenical prayer service, a Pontifical Divine Liturgy, a memorial concert, and an awards banquet honoring those who helped the survivors. The Catholicoi, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, will be present to preside over the events. Armenians from all over the United States are expected to participate in solidarity and unity.
National Observance in Washington, DC
May 7—9, 2015
Thursday, May 7, 2015—Ecumenical Service, 7 pm
Ecumenical Service will take place at the National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Avenue, NW. Presided by His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia. President of Armenia, Serge Sarkisian, will attend as will many dignitaries and diplomats. Keynote speaker: Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches. Performances by soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian and Hover Chamber Choir. Very limited seating; Photo ID is needed. Tickets (non-transferable and color-coded for seating blocks) are free but required for entry. This event is co-sponsored by the National Council of Churches and the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. Note: Waiting List Only.
Friday, May 8, 2015—Concert of Armenian Music at 8 pm
“A Journey through 100 Years,” a concert of Armenian music at the Music Center at Strathmore, 10701 Rockville Pike North, Bethesda, Maryland. Artists participating include sopranos Hasmik Papian and Isabel Bayrakdarian, violinists Ida Kavafian and Levon Chilingirian, cellist Alexander Chaushian, clarinetist Narek Arutyunian, pianists Sahan Arzruni and Serouj Kradjian, Hover Chamber Choir, Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra, directed by Edward Topchian. For tickets ($40 to $125) go to www.strathmore.org. Note: Waiting List Only.
Saturday, May 9, 2015—Divine Liturgy at 10 am
Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Avenue NE, Washington, DC, on the campus of Catholic University, at 10 am. His Holiness Karekin II will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and His Holiness Aram I will deliver the sermon. Armenian choirs from across the country will participate under the direction of Maestro Khoren Mekanejian. Tickets are not needed.
Saturday, May 9, 2015—Reception and Banquet, 5:30 pm
Reception and Banquet at the Marriott Marquis Hotel at 5:30 pm. Institutions and individuals who helped Armenians will be honored, with remembrance of all those experiencing genocide and human rights abuses. Mark Geragos, emcee; keynote speakers to be announced; Zulal, a cappella choir, will perform. Tickets are $120 per person. Checks should be payable to Armenian Commemoration Centennial, and mailed to NCAGC, 4125 Fessenden Street, NW, Washington, DC 20016. Note: Waiting List Only.
EXHIBITIONS & CULTURAL EVENTS
Throughout the three days in Washington there will be a variety of exhibitions and cultural events that are free and open to the public at the Marriott Marquis organized by the National Commemorative Committee. Bus tours in and around Washington will also be available (with a fee). Full schedule of these auxiliary events will be available at the hotel.
TRANSPORTATION
Buses will be available to take guests between the Marriott Marquis and event venues; $30 per person for the three events.
NEW YORK METRO AREA EVENTS ORGANIZED BY CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE
Divine Liturgy, Friday, April 24, 10 am
at
Saint Vartan Cathedral
630 Second Avenue, New York City
and
Saint Illuminator Cathedral
221 East 27th Street, New York City
Friday, April 24—March to Demand Justice, 12 noon
Immediately after the Divine Liturgy there will be a march from St. Vartan and St. Illuminator Cathedrals to the Turkish Consulate organized by the ARF-ADL (New York and New Jersey branches).
Friday, April 24—Vigil at the United Nations, 4 to 6 pm
“Celebration of the Survival of a Nation,” at United Nations Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, East 47th Street and Second Avenue, New York City. Program includes Eric Bogosian, author; Solange Merdinian, mezzo-soprano; Alan Semerdjian, poet and singer; Huyser Musical Group; Shant and Raffi Massoyan, musicians; Nicole Varanian, educator; Eugenie Mukeshimana, Rwanda genocide survivor; Magid Kabashi, Sudan genocide survivor.
Sunday, April 26—Divine Liturgy, 10 am
Saint Vartan Cathedral
The Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Armenian Church of America; the sermon will be delivered by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America. Please note: Divine Liturgy will not be celebrated in local parishes of the Eastern Diocese and Eastern Prelacy on Sunday, April 26.
Sunday, April 26, 2015—Gathering at Times Square
Immediately after the Liturgy, the faithful will walk in a procession from Second Avenue and 34th Street to Times Square to participate in a rally/gathering at the crossroads of the world. Buses are expected from throughout the East Coast and Midwest making this the largest gathering ever of Armenian Americans. The Times Square event is organized by the Mid-Atlantic Knights and Daughters of Vartan, in affiliation with the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of America (Eastern Region).
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PONTIFICAL VISIT 2015
(Watch for regular updates here)
His Holiness Aram I will begin his Pontifical visit on Sunday, May 10, when he will visit Soorp Khatch Church in Bethesda, Maryland, where he will preside over the Divine Liturgy.
As he subsequently visits each community he will bless bread and salt. This is an ancient custom and ceremony in the Armenian Church. It is a symbol of welcome and hospitality. Bread is honored as life-giving (the staff of life) and used as a metaphor for food in general. Salt, a scarce and much sought after preservative, was a gift of great value. It became a sign of lasting friendship and eventually evolved into the symbol of the covenant of God with His people. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls the people who believe in Him the “salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13).
His Holiness blesses the bread and salt and then dips a piece of the bread in the salt and takes a bite. The blessing recited asks God for meaning in life and thanks Him for His grace and mercy.
Information about the pontifical visit is available on the Prelacy’s web page. To go there now click here.
REGIONAL CONFERENCE THIS SATURDAY
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference will take place this Saturday, March 28, hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey. The conference will be attended by clergy, board of trustees members, and delegates to the National Representative Assembly, as well as the Prelacy’s Executive Council who will convene their monthly meeting Friday evening in New Jersey.
DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM FOR YOUTH 13-18
The 29th annual summer program for youth ages 13-18 is scheduled to be held at the St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, from June 28—July 5, 2015. Sponsored by the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), the summer program offers a unique weeklong Christian educational program for youth. It aims to instill and nurture the Armenian Christian faith and identity in our youth through a variety of educational activities, coupled with daily church services and communal recreational activities. For information and registration, please visit the Prelacy’s website at armenianprelacy.org/arec/datev or contact the AREC office at 212-689-7810 or arec@armenianprelacy.org.
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BIBLE READING
Bible readings for Sunday, March 29, 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.
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THE RAISING OF LAZARUS
This Saturday, March 29, 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.
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 humanity.
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—the Resurrection. The week before Easter marks a series of events in the life of Jesus that were ordained. 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 services, 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?”
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|  | Dr. Nicole Vartanian speaks about the Armenian genocide. |
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GENOCIDE AWARENESS AT
ST. LOUIS METRO AREA
An audience of Armenians and non-Armenians from the greater St. Louis area gathered at the Holocaust Museum & Learning Center in St. Louis to participate in a presentation about the Armenian Genocide on March 19. The speaker was Dr. Nicole Vartanian, the Executive Director of the Children of Armenia Fund (COAF). The event was organized by the Armenian Genocide Centennial committee of the St. Louis metro area, and the Jewish Community Relations Council.
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STUDENTS FROM PILIBOS SCHOOL VISIT CATHEDRAL
Twenty-eight 8th grade students from the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School in Hollywood, California, accompanied by their principal, Dr. Alina Dorian, and two teachers, visited St. Illuminator’s Cathedral yesterday. The students are on a class trip to New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor, greeted the students and their chaperones and gave them a tour of the Cathedral and some historical highlights. Der Hayr answered the many questions posed by the students and presented each with an Armenian cross as a souvenir of their visit.
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 | The students from the Rose and Alex Pilibos School and their chaperones with Der Mesrob at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral. | |
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LENTEN REFLECTIONS CONCLUDE
The last of the Prelacy’s six-part Lenten Program took place last night at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City, with church service and reflections and meal fellowship. This year, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Genocide, the Lenten reflections focused on diverse aspects of the Armenian Genocide. Last night’s presentations were offered by Diana Demirdjian Cava, Esq., Nyeree Boyadjian Demirdjian, and Michael Gostanian.
The Lenten Program is sponsored by the Prelacy’s Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), the Prelacy’s Ladies Guild (PLG), and the Ladies’ Guild of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral.
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|  | Attendees at the last of the six Lenten programs. | |
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All the Lenten Reflections are here.
TWO SEMINARS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS
Dn. Shant Kazanjian, Director of the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), conducted two seminars for the Sunday School community, one at St. Stephen’s Church in Watertown, Massachusetts, March 14, and the other at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City, on March 21. The third seminar scheduled at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on March 7, was canceled because of the untimely death of the Sunday School director Jeanette Nazarian on March 7.
“Saints” was the overall theme for the seminar, in light of the canonization of the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide, which will take place on April 23. Dn. Shant first focused on the notion of the holy (= soorp) in the Bible, holy God and his holy people, just to ground the discussion in the holy scriptures, the primary source of our faith. In the New Testament, “saints” or “holy ones” is a common designation for the people of God, the living members of the Church. In the afternoon, the discussion shifted from the living Christians to the departed Christians in general and the “Saints” as a special class of the departed Christians. The participants engaged in a number of activities to explore various aspects of the topic, activities that could easily be adopted and adapted for Sunday School classes. Dn. Shant entertained a host of questions from the participants related to the whole issue of the canonization of the Armenian Martyrs.
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|  | Seminar participants from St. Stephen’s Church (MA) and Sts. Vartanantz Church (RI) with Archpriest Fr. Antranig Baljian, pastor of St. Stephen’s Church. | |  | Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, flanked by seminar participants from St. Sarkis Church (MI), Sts. Vartanantz Church (NJ), and St. Illuminator’s Cathedral (NYC). | |  | A scene from the seminar at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral. | | | |
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MUSICAL ARMENIA
A snowy evening that continued through the night did not deter Musical Armenia fans who made it to Weill Recital Hall last Friday for the 32nd concert in the Musical Armenia series. They were rewarded with a fine concert that was dedicated to the centennial anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Featured artists Patil Harboyan, piano, and Heather Tuach, cello, presented a program featuring the works of Armenian composers, including Atamian, Babajanian, Khatchaturian, Saradjian, Stepanian, and Talalyan. A considerable part of the program was devoted to the work of the great Armenian composer and musicologist Komitas Vardapet, who was among the intellectuals and leaders arrested on April 24, 1915, at the onslaught of the Armenian Genocide.
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|  | Patil Harboyan and Heather Tuach perform on stage of Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall. (Photo by Zenop) | |  | The performers with the committee members. (Photo by Zenop) | | | |
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BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA WILL PRESENT PREMIERE
The Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) under the direction of Andris Nelsons will present the world premiere of Ascending Light, a new work for organ and orchestra by composer Michael Gandolfi, written in memory of Berj Zamkochian, a frequent collaborator with the BSO and world renowned organist who died in 2004. The new work that was commissioned by the Gomidas Organ Fund will be performed on March 26, 27, 28 and 31, with Olivier Latry as soloist performing on Symphony Hall’s recently restored Aeolian-Skinner organ. The new work is inscribed to the memory of Berj Zamkochian in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
Mr. Zamkochian established the Gomidas Organ Fund in 1970 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Gomidas Vartabed. He performed an annual concert to benefit the Fund that supplied organs to many schools, conservatories, and churches around the world.
For more information about the concert and ticket availability: www.bso.org.
PROGRAMS ON PBS
Last week Geoffrey Robertson, author of An Inconvenient Genocide: Who Now Remembers the Armenians? was interviewed by Ethan Bronner of Bloomberg News on The Charlie Rose Show. Mr. Robertson discussed his work representing Armenia at the European Court of Human Rights. If you missed it you can see it here.
Within the next several weeks Public Broadcasting stations in the United States will air Digging into the Future: Armenia. This features the work of archaeologists in Armenia at ancient sites. The show provides an interesting look into the past while also featuring the present and future. Also scheduled is a re-broadcast of Andrew Goldberg’s The Armenian Genocide that was originally broadcast nine years ago. Both of these shows will be broadcast at different times in different areas during April. Check your local PBS listings for exact date and time.
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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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| THIS WEEK IN ARMENIAN HISTORY
Prepared by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC)
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Death of Gregorio Sciltian (April 1, 1985)
As it has frequently happened with painters born in Russia, Italian Armenian painter Gregorio Sciltian (Grigor Shiltian) has been sometimes considered an “artist of Russian birth.”
He was born on August 20, 1900 in Nakhichevan-on-Don, the Armenian suburb of Rostov-on-Don (today within the town) that was the birthplace of many important Armenian figures from the last two centuries such as Mikayel Nalbandian or Simon Vratzian. His father was a lawyer, and his mother, the offspring of a family of prosperous Armenian industrialists.
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After studying at a Russian gymnasium in Moscow, Sciltian returned to Rostov and later left for St. Petersburg, where he studied art at the Academy of Fine Arts. After the October Revolution, he fled to Georgia with the aim of going to Europe. However, he was unable to get a visa and temporarily settled in Tiflis. Here he was in contact with various Russian avant-garde painters and writers.
In 1919 he finally left Georgia and, after a short sojourn in Crimea, in 1920 he moved to Constantinople and then to Vienna, where he studied the works of the Italian Renaissance in the Academy and the Museum of Fine Arts. He married Elena Boberman in 1923 and moved to Italy, settling in Rome. He participated in the Biennale of Rome in 1925 and the Biennale of Venice in 1926.
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Afterwards, he moved to Paris, where he lived, worked, and exhibited from 1927 to 1932. He returned to Italy in 1933 and established himself in Milan from 1934 to 1941. After living six years in the area of the Garda Lake, he returned to Milan in 1947. He participated in many exhibitions in Italy, France, Belgium, Germany, and England, and founded a group called “Modern Painters of Reality” with Italian artists Pietro Annigoni, Antonio Bueno, and others in 1947. From the 1950s he also worked on costumes and set designs, and illustrated books. He published five books in Italian, including “My Adventure” (1963) and “The Reality of Sciltian” (1968).
A French critic, Waldemar George, published a work in Italian about him, “Sciltian: The Magic of Reality” (1950). Interestingly, the same critic would publish a book in French on Soviet Armenian painter Yervand Kochar in the early 1970s.
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Sciltian is well known for his portraiture and his trompe-l'oeil compositions. He represented the long-standing tradition of illusionistic painting that dates back to the Middle Ages. However, he added a measure of metaphysics, which links his compositions to the Italian branch of magic realism.
He passed away in Rome on April 1, 1985, and was buried in the Catholic cemetery of the Italian capital. The inscription on the tombstone is an aphorism by him: “The only true and supreme purpose of the art of painting has been and will always be that of obtaining the illusion of reality.”
Previous entries in “This Week in Armenian History” are on the Prelacy’s web site (www.armenianprelacy.org)
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|  | LISTEN TO THE PODCAST WITH FR. NAREG TERTERIAN
(Pastor of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York)
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Turkey and the Armenian Ghost: On the Trail of the Genocide
By Laure Marchand and Guillaume Perrier
Translated by Debbie Blythe
Foreword by Taner Arcam
This is an English translation of the original acclaimed French edition that was published in 2013. The authors follow the trail of genocide by visiting historic sites and interviewing politicians, survivors, descendants, authors, and activists. The past is told through the present. In a fine Foreword, Taner Arcam continues to be haunted with the question “Why do Turks deny the genocide?” and searches for answers.
Turkey and the Armenian Ghost, 225 pages, hardcover, $29.95 plus shipping & handling
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A Musical Tribute to the Genocide Martyrs
Featuring the Chamber Choir of Yerevan and the
Alan Hovhaness Chamber Orchestra
Krikor Pidedjian, Conductor
This CD dedicated to the Armenian Martyrs was produced several years ago. It is a beautifully sung and recorded selection of fifteen songs. It was recorded in Armenia and manufactured in the United States. If you do not own this CD, you should order one now at this very special price. Discounted price valid until April 24, 2015.
Musical Tribute to the Genocide Martyrs, CD with booklet, $10.00 plus shipping & handling.
To order this books or CD contact the Prelacy Bookstore by email (books@armenianprelacy.org) or by telephone (212-689-7810).
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March 5-27—Solo Exhibition of art by Seeroon Yeretzian, N.A.W.A. Gallery, 80 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1405, New York City, Tuesday to Friday, 10 am to 5 pm. Opening reception on March 5, 5 pm to 8 pm. For information: 212-675-1616.
March 28—Eastern Prelacy’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference for pastors, trustees, and delegates, hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church, 461 Bergen Boulevard, Ridgefield, New Jersey, 10 am to 4 pm.
April 1-30—Photography exhibit by Tom Vartabedian commemorating the Centennial at Haverhill Public Library, 99 Main Street, showing images of the country and its people, including scenes of the eternal flame at Tzizernagapert. The exhibit is next to the Children’s Room in the upstairs gallery.
April 12—“A Tribute to Survival,” concert, sponsored by the Armenian Martyrs’ Memorial Committee of Rhode Island, featuring The Armenian Chorale of Rhode Island, directed by Maestro Konstantin Petrossian, accompanied by Mari Panosian and symphony orchestra. Guest artists: Gohar Manjelikian, Joanne Mouradjian, Kate Norigian, Debra Takian Pjojian, Elizabeth Souin, Vagharshag Ohanian. Musical instrumental selections by David Ayriyan on Kemancha and David Gevorkian on Duduk. The Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston, directed by Apo Ashjian will perform. Park Theatre, 848 Park Avenue, Cranston, Rhode Island, at 3 pm. Free admission and parking. Valet parking available. For information: www.ammri.org.
April 21—“Commemorating the Centenary of the Armenian Genocide: A Reading in Remembrance,” Holy Cross Church, 580 West 187th Street, New York City, 7 pm. For information: Lola Koundakjian, armenianpoetryproject@gmail.com.
April 23—Canonization of the Armenian Martyrs of 1915 in Holy Etchmiadzin, Armenia.
April 24—Centennial Memorial Dinner, sponsored by Providence ARF, hosted by the Armenian Cultural Association of America, Inc., Omni Providence Hotel, One West Exchange Street, Providence, Rhode Island. Cocktails 6 pm; dinner 7 pm. Emcee: Honorable Scott Avedisian, Mayor of Warwick; guest speaker, Marian Mesrobian MacCurdy, author of “Sacred Justice: The Voices and Legacy of the Armenian Operation Nemesis.” $50 per person. Reserve by email: acaa.prov.ri@gmail.com or by phone: Raffi Rachdouni 401-226-2305; Paula Burke 401-282-0459.
April 25—Connecticut Armenian Genocide Commemoration Day at the Connecticut State Capitol at 11 am. Keynote speaker: Noted author Chris Bohjalian.
April 25—Armenian Genocide Centennial commemoration sponsored by the Armenian National Committee of Merrimack Valley (Massachusetts), 10 am at Lowell City Hall, following a procession from John Street, led by the Armenian American Veterans. Participants are asked to gather at 9:30 am. Luncheon buffet to follow with the showing of a film.
April 26—Centennial commemoration of Genocide. Joint united Divine Liturgy at St. Vartan Cathedral, New York City. Celebrant, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian; homilist, Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. To be followed by Times Square gathering “100 Years to Remember.”
April 27—“Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide,” by Drew University Center for Holocaust/Genocide Study in Madison, New Jersey at 7 pm. Testimony of Andranik Vartanian (1900-2007), presented by his daughter Susan Vartanian Barba; “Undoing Denial: The Armenian Genocide and Art” presented by Neery E. Melkonian; Concert by the Armenian folk group, Zulal, an a cappella trio will present Armenian village folk melodies. Free and open to the public. RSVP encouraged: (973) 408-3600 or ctrholst@drew.edu.
May 7, 8, 9—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, 5:30 pm, Marriott Marquis.
May 10 to June 4—Pontifical Visit of His Holiness Aram I to the Eastern Prelacy.
June 3-6—National Representative Assembly hosted by St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts.
June 18—Annual Cigar Night and Dinner, Men’s Club of St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Massachusetts. Drawing of Super Raffle of 2015 Mercedes Benz-CLA 250 will take place. Raffle tickets can be purchased online (saintgregory.org/organizations/mens-club).
July 18—Blessing of the Holy Muron (Oil) by His Holiness Aram I, at the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon. For details click here.
October 5-9—Clergy gathering of Eastern, Western, and Canadian Prelacies.
November 15—90th Anniversary Banquet, St. Stephen’s Church, 167 Tremont Street, New Britain, Connecticut. Watch for details.
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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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