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August 27, 2015
REQUIEM SERVICE AT HISTORIC CATHOLICOSATE OF SIS
Four representatives of the clergy from the Catholicosate of Cilicia amidst the ruins of the Catholicosate of Sis where a requiem service was offered and the pontifical message of Catholicos Aram I was read. The clergy in photo are: Very Rev. Fr. Houssig Mardirosian, Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoian, and Very Rev. Fr. Bedros Manuelian.
Four clergymen, representing the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia, conducted a solemn requiem service at the site of the historic Catholicosate of Sis last Saturday. The service was in memory of the deceased Catholicoi who lived and served in Sis from 1293 to 1915. The clergymen were His Eminence Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, Prelate of Cyprus; Very Rev. Fr. Housig Mardirosian, Ecumenical Officer of the Catholicosate; Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoian, Dean of the Cilician Seminary; and Very Rev. Fr. Bedros Manuelian, Communications Officer of the Catholicosate.

For the first time in one hundred years a message by a reigning Catholicos of Cilicia was read amidst the ruins of what was once a thriving and lively religious, national, and cultural center.  In his pontifical message His Holiness Catholicos Aram spoke about the Armenian Genocide and the demand that the Sis Catholicosate be returned to its rightful owner—the Catholicosate of Cilicia that was forcibly exiledand eventually reestablished in Lebanon. His Holiness also reaffirmed the commitment of the church to the sacred legacy of the Armenian martyrs, now saints of the church.

“How can we not remember?” His Holiness asks in his message in which he recalled words of His Holiness Catholicos Sahag Khabayan in his final pontifical message before his exile from Sis. Catholicos Aram goes on to say, “We subsequently built a spiritual Cilicia. And at this time, representatives of its brotherhood have come to bow down before the sanctified martyrs and the incense-filled memory of the pontiffs who guided us.”

On April 28, 2015, the Catholicosate filed a lawsuit in the Turkish Constitutional Court to regain ownership of the historic headquarters of the Armenian Church that includes the Catholicosate of Cilicia, the monastery, and the Cathedral of St. Sophia, a major Armenian Christian holy site located in Sis (currently known as Kozan) in south-central Turkey. The site was confiscated by the Turkish government after the 1915 genocide.

Read Aram Vehapar’s message here in Armenian. See more photos here.


YOUTH SEMINAR IN NEW YORK
Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan with Rev. Fr. Nareg and retreat participants last week.
Youth from St. Sarkis Church in New York and Sts. Vartanantz Church in New Jersey joined in a two-day retreat organized by St. Sarkis Church that took place at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, New York, August 20 and 21. The twenty-five participants who were part of this “trial” retreat followed the theme based on Mark 1:35, “Jesus got up…and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed…” They explored the meaning of “solitude,” and the significance of “prayer.” The participants also had free time and thought-provoking discussions along with chapel, vesper, and sunrise services.  On Friday, Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate, and Bishop Anoushavan, Vicar, visited and met and shared a meal with participants. To read more about the retreat and see more photos click here.
Gathering around the campfire toasting marshmallows and eating s’mores.
SIAMANTO ACADEMY WILL BEGIN NEW ACADEMIC YEAR
The Siamanto Academy, sponsored by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC) will begin its 2015-16 academic year on Saturday, September 12, 10 am to 1 pm. Students ages 13 to 18 will explore Armenian history, culture, and current issues. The classes will take place at the Hovnanian School, 817 River Road, New Milford, New Jersey. For information & registration contact ANEC by phone (212-689-7810) or by email (anec@armenianprelacy.org.
BIBLE READINGS
Bible readings for Sunday, August 30, Second Sunday after the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, Feast of the Discovery of the Belt of the Theotokos are: Isaiah 9:8-19; 2 Corinthians 1:1-12; Mark 4:35-40.

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

To the church of God that is in Corinth, including all the saints throughout Achaia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are abundant for us, so also our consolation is abundant through Christ. If we are being afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation; if we are being consoled, it is for your consolation, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we are also suffering. Our hope for you is unshaken; for we know that as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our consolation.

We do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, of the affliction we experienced in Asia; for we were so utterly, unbearably crushed that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death so that we would rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He who rescued us from so deadly a peril will continue to rescue us; on him we have set our hope that he will rescue us again, as you also join in helping us by your prayers, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.

Indeed, this is our boast, the testimony of our conscience: we have behaved in the world with frankness and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God—and all the more toward you.

For a listing of the coming week’s Bible readings click here.
PROPHET JEREMIAH HONORED TODAY
As noted last week, according to the Armenian Liturgical Calendar, today the Armenian Church remembers the Prophet Jeremiah. 
But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.” (Jeremiah 1:7)


FEAST OF THE DISCOVERY OF THE BELT OF THE THEOTOKOS
We can only imagine the joy of finding possessions of the Holy Mother. This Sunday, August 30, the second Sunday after Assumption, is the feast of the Discovery of the Belt of the Theotokos. Because there are no relics of the Holy Mother’s earthly body (she was assumed into Heaven), her personal belongings became the object of devotion and veneration. During the time of the early Church, when Christians were persecuted, her possessions were kept hidden and secret. Her belt was the first item to be discovered in Jerusalem in the fifth century. This discovery is the basis for one of the eight feast days in the Armenian liturgical calendar devoted to the Holy Mother.


HOLY PROPHETS EZEKIEL, EZRA AND ZECHARIAH
Next Tuesday, September 1, the Armenian Church commemorates the Holy Prophets Ezekiel, Ezra, and Zechariah, father of John the Baptist. Ezekiel prophesied for about 28 years. The Book of Ezekiel, composed of 48 chapters, is ranked third among the great prophets. It is full of rich imagery, prophetic visions, and allegories. Ezra was a learned and pious priest in Babylon. The Book of Ezra describes the return to Zion following the Babylonian captivity. Zechariah, is the father of John the Baptist. He was married to Elizabeth, and John was born to them in their old age. The promise of a son was conveyed to Zechariah by an angel.


ST. JOHN THE FORERUNNER AND JOB THE RIGHTEOUS
A fresco depicting the beheading of St. John the Baptist (the Forerunner) from inside of the Armenian cathedral in Lviv, Ukraine.
Next Thursday, September 3, the Armenian Church commemorates St. John the Forerunner and Job the Righteous. St. John the Forerunner, also known as John the Baptist (Hovhaness Mkrtich), is an important figure in the Gospels. He is recognized as the “forerunner” (Karapet) to the Messiah. He lived as a hermit in the desert of Judea. At the age of 30 he began to preach against the evils of the times and called for penance and baptism because “the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.”

Job is a good and righteous person who experiences and endures catastrophe after catastrophe. The phrase “the patience of Job” has entered the English lexicon as a popular cliché. The Book of Job is one of the five books classified as the “poetical books” of the Bible. The central theme is the mystery of suffering. Ultimately, Job is rewarded because “the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning,” and “After this Job lived one hundred and forty years, and saw his children, and his children’s children, four generations. And Job died, old and full of days.” (Job, chapter 42).


BLESSING OF GRAPES IN WATERTOWN
Archpriest Fr. Antranig Baljian with deacons, altar servers, and choir members following the Blessing of Grapes ceremony at St. Stephen’s Church in Watertown, Massachusetts.
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: Armenian Apostolic Church of America
(Memo: Syrian Armenian Relief)

Thank you for your help
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST WITH FATHER NAREG
(Pastor of St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York)

This week’s podcast features:
• Reflections on Youth Retreat
• Interview with Mrs. Zepure E. Reisian: Eyewitness news from Aleppo
• Bible reflection and hymn of the day

Click on the image above to link to the Podcast.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
SIAMANTO ACADEMY—Meets every Saturday beginning September 12 at the Hovnanian School, 817 River Road, New Milford, New Jersey. For information: 212-689-7810 or anec@armenianprelacy.org.

August 27-30—Hamazkayin ArtLinks 2015, educational workshops for 21 to 30 age group. Speakers and workshop leaders include: Eric Bogosian, Eric Nazarian, Aline Ohanesian, Scout Tufenkjian; program director Khatchig Mouradian. Participation fee of $150 includes all workshops, three nights of lodging, and meals. For information: artlinks@hamazkayin.com.

August 29—Teachers’ Seminar, organized by the Armenian National Education Committee (ANEC), 10 am to 3:30 pm, Hovnanian Hall, Prelacy office, 138 E. 39th Street, New York City.

September 11—11th Annual Armenian All Saints Golf Outing, Old Orchard Country Club, 700 W. Rand Road, Mount Prospect, Illinois; 1 pm check in; 2 pm shotgun start. Golf $150 per person; hole sponsor $250. Includes golf with cart, lunch, drinks, dinner, and door prizes.

September 12—Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey, Nareg Saturday School opening and registration.

September 13—St. Stephen’s Church, New Britain and Hartford, Annual Church Picnic at Winding Trails in Farmington. Family and Friends Day; Bring a Friend. New spectacular venue for our picnic this year. Lots of sporting activities for the children and young adults and Holiday Boutique “Trinkets and Treasures.” Pavilion next to hall with lots of room in case of inclement weather. Armenian food and live music.

September 13—Picnic Festival, sponsored by St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley, 158 Main Street, North Andover, Massachusetts, Noon to 5 pm. Shish, losh, chicken kebab, vegetarian dinners. Featuring Siroun Dance Group, dancing to music of John Berberian, Leon Janikian, Jason Naroian, and John Arzigian. Family games and activities. For information www.saintgregory.org or 978-685-5038.

September 13—81st anniversary of Holy Trinity Church, 635 Grove Avenue, Worcester, Massachusetts. Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate, will celebrate the Divine Liturgy, deliver the sermon, and preside over the anniversary dinner in the church’s Danielian Hall. For dinner reservations contact the church office (508-852-2414) before September 6.

September 20—“25 Years in Philadelphia,” a banquet in honor of Archpriest Fr. Nerses Manoogian’s 25 years of service to the Philadelphia Armenian community, 2 pm at Founders Hall, St. Gregory Armenian Church, 8701 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

September 20—Armenian Genocide Commemorative Committee of Merrimack Valley presents “Weaving Armenia’s Story through Music,” a centennial music performance by violinist Haigaram Hovsepian, accompanied by his mom Ani Hovsepian, pianist. Keynote speaker, Henry Therriault; 3 pm, North Andover High School, 430 Osgood Street, North Andover, Massachusetts, followed by reception. Mistress of Ceremonies, Janet Jeghelian.

October 5-9—Clergy gathering of Eastern, Western, and Canadian Prelacies.

October 15—Lecture by Prof. Siobhan Nash-Marshall, Professor of Philosophy and the Mary T. Clark chair of Christian Philosophy at Manhattanville College, at the Armenian Prelacy, 138 East 39th Street, New York City.

October 18—Presentation of the Album “Retrospective” by well-known Canadian photographer Kaloust Babian, at Pashalian Hall, St. Illuminator Cathedral, 221 East 27th Street, New York City, at 1 pm. Organized by St. Illuminator’s Cathedral and Hamazkayin of New York.

October 24—Concert dedicated to the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide featuring singers Nune Yesayan and Sibil, with participation of the Hamazkayin NJ Nayiri Dance Ensemble and Arekag Chorus, 7:30 pm at BergenPac, 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, New Jersey. Tickets: $85, $65. $45. For information: Ani Mouradian 973-224-2741.

October 25—Breakfast in the church hall ($10) after the Liturgy, St. Stephen’s Church, New Britain, Connecticut, sponsored by the Ladies Guild.

October 28—Near East Foundation’s Centennial Gala Celebration, 6:30 pm, Cipriani, 25 Broadway, New York. Save the date.

October 31—100th anniversary of Hudson County (NJ) Shakeh Chapter of Armenian Relief Society, under auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan, Chart House Restaurant, 1700 Harbor Boulevard, Weehawken, New Jersey at 7:30 pm. Sponsored by Dr. Kourkin and Talene Tchorbajian. Featuring Elie Berberian from Canada. Donation $100. For reservations: Knar Kiledjian (201)943-4056; Silva Takvorian (201)779-6744; Marina Yacoubian (201)978-8926.

November 1—Arminstring Ensemble, St. Illuminator Cathedral’s John Pashalian Hall.

November 6 & 7—59th Annual Bazaar, St. Stephen Church, Watertown, Massachusetts, 10 am to 9:30 pm at Armenian Cultural & Educational Center, 47 Nichols Avenue, Watertown, Massachusetts. Meals served from 11:30 am to 8:30 pm (take-out available). Delicious meals, Armenian pastries, Gourmet, Gift Shoppe, Raffles, Attic Treasures. Live auction Friday and Saturday at 7 pm. For information: 617-924-7562.

November 15—“Remembering the Past, Embracing the Future, 1925-2015,” St. Stephen’s Church, New Britain, Connecticut, 90th Anniversary celebration. His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate, will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and preside over the banquet at Farmington Club, 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington, Connecticut. Details to follow.

November 14 & 15—Armenian Fest, hosted by Sts. Vartanantz Church, Providence, Rhode Island, at Rhodes-On-The-Pawtuxet (1 Rhodes Place, off Broad Street) in Cranston. The largest indoor festival, serving delicious shish and losh kebob, chicken and kufta dinners and Armenian pastries. Live dance music. Armenian dance group performance on Saturday and Sunday at 5 pm. 50/50 main raffle prizes, hourly raffles, silent auction, country store, gift baskets, flea-market, arts and crafts. For more information: www.armenianfestri.com/food.html.

November 22—Presentation of Goodbye, Antoura: A Memoir of the Armenian Genocide by Karnig Panian, at St Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. The book will be presented by Dr. Herand Markarian; Mrs. Houry Boyamian, daughter of the author, will provide insight about her father’s memoir that was just recently translated into English.

December 5—Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church Annual Bazaar, 315 Church Street, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, 10 am to 4:30 pm. Dinners served from 11:30 am. Details to follow.

December 6—ARS Holiday Dinner, St. Stephen’s Church Hall, New Britain, Connecticut, after church services. Save the date. Details to follow.

December 20—“Soup, Sandwiches, and Bingo,” St. Stephen’s Church Hall, New Britain, Connecticut, following church services, sponsored by Ladies Guild.
Web pages of the parishes can be accessed through the Prelacy’s web site.
 
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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
The Armenian Prelacy ♦ 138 East 39th Street ♦ New York, NY 10016
tel: 212-689-7810 ♦ Fax: 212-689-7168 ♦ Email: email@armenianprelacy.org
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