St James Altar smaller
E-Bulletin
ST. JAMES ARMENIAN Apostolic CHURCH
Rev. Fr. Hovhan Khoja-Eynatyan, Pastor
816 Clark Street, Evanston, IL 60201
Tel: 847-864-6263

 

June 2 - 8, 2013
SUNDAY, June 2, 2013

Feast of the Catholic Church  of Holy Etchmiadzin     

Morning Service - 9:15 AM
Divine Liturgy - 10:00 AM

Scripture readings:

Proverbs 9:1-6               Zechariah 3:7-4:9

Hebrews 9:1-10             John 10:22-30

 

Second offering plate will be collected after the Divine Liturgy for the victims of Oklahoma disaster.

FEAST OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN

According to tradition, and hagiographic sources, following the declaration of Christianity as the Official Religion of Armenia in 301 AD, St. Gregory has a famous vision, wherein the Only Begotten Son of God - Jesus Christ, descends from Heaven, his face lit aglow, and with the strike of a golden hammer designates the site where the Mother Cathedral for the entire Armenian nation is to be founded. Hence, the name of the spiritual center for the Armenians, "Etchmiadzin", means "the Descent of the Only Begotten" (Etch - descent, mi - only, dzin - begotten.)

St. Gregory relayed the story about his vision to the Armenian King Tiridates, under whose royal auspices and support the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin was built.  King Tiridates and Queen Ashkhen participated in the construction, as did the entire capital city of Vagharshapat by bringing stones from the biblical mountain of Ararat to lay the foundations.  In the site marked by Christ, a Holy Altar of Descent was built. 

According of Patriarch Malachia Ormanian, from the days of her establishment, the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin has been the residence of the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.  Thus, it is the Mother See of the Armenian Church, and as such, her universal, spiritual and administrative headquarters.    

Another title bestowed upon the cathedral is "Catholic" - not to be confused with the Roman Catholic faith.  Catholic is a Greek word meaning "Universal". Theologically, the cathedral has been called "catholic" as a description of the catholicity (universality) of the Church.

 


ORDER OF SPECIAL PRAYER FOR THE CATHOLICOS

On the Feast of Holy Etchmiadzin


The Order of Special Prayer for the Catholicos and the Feast of Holy Etchmiadzin are celebrated together two weeks after Pentecost, between May 24 and June 27.

The Feast of Holy Etchmiadzin is dedicated to St. Gregory the Illuminator's delivery from the pit where he was held captive for fifteen years. His delivery from the pit marks a turning point in the history of the Armenian Church. As described by the historian Agathangelos, upon his release, St. Gregory had a vision in which the Only Begotten Son of God descended from Heaven with a golden hammer and marked the place where he was to erect the present Cathedral. In the year 303 A.D. the pagan temple on that site was demolished and the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin was built in its place. Hence, the Feast of the Holy Etchmiadzin marks the establishment of the Armenian

Church and Catholicate, the Holy See. In this order of special prayer, the clergyman entreats the Lord to make this Church "parent, teacher and overseer of all Armenian churches" and keep this important sacred institution "untarnished, unshakable, and bright."

 

On this auspicious occasion a special prayer is offered for the Catholicos, the successor of St. Gregory the Illuminator. Particularly on this day, the flock prays for the welfare of its chief pastor, the patriarch of the Armenian nation and leader of the Armenian Church. The Church prays for this chosen servant to be able to lead wisely with patience, righteousness, virtue, humility, and true faith.

The service ends with the Blessing of the Four Corners of the World during which the Patriarchal See of Armenia is blessed in the name of the Holy Trinity "by the sign of the Holy Cross, the Gospel and the grace of this day."


THANKSGIVING PRAYER

On the feast of Holy Etchmiadzin

 

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who by the prayers and intercession of your greatly tortured witness and our father, Saint Gregory the Illuminator, descended from heaven onto the plain of Ararat with great glory and with the multitude of your luminous armies. You came to visit Your small flock, the Armenian nation, in order to show your special love and great mercy. With a golden hammer you struck the abysmal depths and put to flight the bands of demons. There You miraculously designed in luminous form Holy Etchmiadzin, our Holy See. You made it a storehouse of your unfading divine grace so that it may be the parent, teacher and overseer of all the Armenian churches. Keep her without blemish, firm and bright for the glory of our churches and children until the end of the world, so that they may always glorify Your holy Name for ever and ever. Amen.


WOMEN'S GUILD DAY
 
 
Sunday, June 9, 2013
 
Join us in honoring the members 
of St. James Women's Guild 
CULTURAL COMMITTEE OF ST. JAMES ARMENIAN CHURCH 

Invites You to the Book Presentation and Signing Series
  
Sunday, June 30, 2013
by
David Luhrssen
Author of
"Mamoulian: Life on Stage and Screen"

 

Following Divine Liturgy - 12:30 PM

An Armenian national raised in Russia, Rouben Mamoulian (1897--1987) studied in the influential Stanislavski studio, renowned as the source of the "method" acting technique. Shortly after immigrating to New York in 1926, he created a sensation with an all-black production of Porgy (1927). He then went on to direct the debut Broadway productions of three of the most popular shows in the history of American musical theater: Porgy and Bess (1935), Oklahoma! (1943), and Carousel (1945). Mamoulian began working in film just as the sound revolution was dramatically changing the technical capabilities of the medium, and he quickly established himself as an innovator. Not only did many of his unusual camera techniques become standard, but he also invented a device that eliminated the background noises created by cameras and dollies. Seen as a rebel earlier in his career, Mamoulian gradually gained respect in Hollywood, and the Directors Guild of America awarded him the prestigious D. W. Griffith Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1983.

FEAST OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

 

EPISCOPAL LITURGY AND ORDINATION OF ACOLYTES AND DEACONS 

 

 SUNDAY, July 7, 2013

 

Officiated by

His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian

 

Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America

 

Morning Service - 9:00 AM

Divine Liturgy - 10:00 AM

 

*******

Celebratory Luncheon- 12:30 PM

2013 DIOCESAN SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS

HYE Camp

 

For campers ages 8 to 15 * Housed at Camp Hickory, Ingleside, IL

Staff Training: July 25 - 28, Two-week Session: July 28 - August 10

One-week Camp Session: July 28-August 3 (all participants)

One-week Camp Session: August 4-10

(available for those unable to attend week 1)

To register visit www.armenianchurch-ed.net

 

For more information, contact:

Jennifer E. Morris, Youth Outreach Coordinator

jenniferm@armeniandiocese.org - 

(248) 648-0702

 

Please note that registration deadlines are rapidly approaching, 

and medical forms signed by a doctor are required. 

 

Financial assistance is available- ask Der Hovhan.


2013 ST. NERSESS SUMMER CONFERENCES FOR YOUTH

 

Decons' Training

June 24  - July 2, 2013 

(Scholarships available - Ask Der Hayr)  

 

High Shcool Session "A"  

July 5-13, 2013

 

High School Session "B"

July 29 - August 6, 2013

 

Post High-Shcool Session

August 8-13, 2013

 

Download application here.

 

SMC Offers two scholarships

The Sacred Music Council is pleased to offer two scholarships for 2013: 
Two $250.00 scholarships for St. Nersess Seminary Deacons' Training Program; and 
One $500.00 scholarship from the Margaret E. Hagopian Musical Training Scholarship fund.

The Deacons' Training program teaches the students the deacon's role in the Divine Liturgy and other worship services of the Armenian Church.

The Margaret E. Hagopian Scholarship fund has been identified for choir members and altar servers who actively participating in their choirs, and will be enrolling in courses such as Music History, Music Appreciation, Music Theory, Composition, or Vocal Training.

This scholarship is also offered to choir directors and church organists who are taking courses to help with developmental skills as well as improvements in conducting choirs.

Ask Der Hayr for the application.
Altar Guild's Wish List

1. Candle holders and followers for two side altars (4 of each) 
2. Banners (1 or 2) 
3. Jajanch, Radiance (Ostensorium, monstrance) (1 or 2) 
4. Painting for the main altar (pledged) 
5. Painting for the left altar (of St. Gregory the Illuminator) 
6. Painting of St. James of Nisibis 
7. Curtains to cover the overhead storage areas in the vestry and choir rooms

8. Priest's vestments

9. Set of a chalice veil and a Sudarium (linen-holder) for the Gospel book

10. Children's albs (Shabeegs)

11. Large Hand-cross for Weddings and The Ceremony of the Blessing of Water

Have you signed up for eScrip?

 

 

That will cost you nothing. You do not need to spend extra money, yet you will make a contribution to St. James.

Here's How it Works:

  • You register any one or all of your existing grocery loyalty, debit and credit cards for use in the program.
  • Participating merchants will make contributions to your chosen group, based on purchases made by you, just by using the cards you have registered.
  • Your purchases are tracked and available to you online, allowing you to see just how much you are earning on your church's behalf!

How to sign-up online:

1)      Go to www.escrip.com

2)      Click on Sign-Up-It's Free.

3)      Choose the Group ID radio button, enter '500011443' in the text box, and click 'Search'.

4)      Click on St James Armenian Church.

5)      Follow the step-by-step instructions on the web site to set-up your account.

6)      Click 'Next'.

7)      Enter your personal information and click 'Next'.

8)      Select card type, enter card number, and click 'Next'.

 

 

Sign Up Now!  eScrip is proven to be a fantastic resource for fundraising where participating business partners contribute a percentage of your grocery loyalty cards, credit card, and debit/ATM card purchases to the school, church or organization of your choice.

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FEASTS

June 2 - Feast of Holy Etchmiadzin

June 3 - Commemoration of the Children of Bethlehem, Acacius  the Witness, Movkima the Priest, and Kotriatos the Soldier

June 4 - Commemoration of St. Nooneh and St. Maneh

June 6 - Commemoration of St. Princes Sahak and Hovsep and St. Martyrs Sarkiss and Bacchus

June 8 - Commemoration of St. Nersess the Great and St. Bishop Khad


ST. JAMES PARISH 
TOWN HALL MEETING

This SUNDAY, JUNE 2
after Divine Liturgy

Parish's delegates will share information about the recent Diocesan Assembly.

2013 MEMBERSHIP DUES

 

Why not take care of your 2013 dues now!

If you are not already a 2013 dues-paid member, please consider becoming one. 

New members must pay dues by JUNE 30 in order to be eligible to vote during the Parish Assembly on January 2014.

Do you know that now you can pay your dues with your credit card? Ask Vahan Janjigian or Arda Paylan.

Forms are available in the church office.

STEWARDSHIP

 

St. James' Stewardship Committee encourages you to become a steward. To date we have pledged only $15K. Please consider becoming a steward of St. James and helping our parish meet its $50K goal for 2013. Pledges of any amount are welcome. Contact Parish Council member and Stewardship Committee Chair, Gevik Anbarchian, for additional information. 

ST. JAMES VIDEO


 
This video was produced by St. James parish to feature our various ministries,  programs and outreach efforts. 
 
Click above to watch the  video.
CONGRATULATIONS, ALIK!

Mr. Alik Sarkisian, Northwestern University's head men's and women's diving coach, has been selected to serve as USA Diving's Team Leader and Assistant Coach for the 2013 FISU World University Games take place in Kazan, Russia, this summer. 

 

Congratulations,  Alik, and good luck!

 

PAREV MONTHLY AND 

A.G.B.U. CHICAGO

Present new movie

 GAREGIN NJDEH

 

Saturday, June 8, 2013

7:00 PM

  

A.G.B.U. Onnig Norhad Community Center (7248 N. Harlem)

 

$15 General Admission

For tickets call Missak Galian 

at 847/965-4537

JOHN AZARIAN MEMORIAL ARMENIAN YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP FUND

is accepting applications for the year 2013 -2014 academic year.
Application dead line May 31, 2013.


CLASS OF 2013 GRADUATES

 

If you have a graduate in your family or know of someone who is graduating, please send us their information.

 

 If you are a graduate, please submit the school you are graduating from , the school you will be attending (if applicable), course of study (if applicable), degree earned and future plans.

 

We are planning to host a reception to honor our graduates on June 16.   

Call or e-mail the Church office  before June 12.

FIRST-EVER ARMENIAN CHURCH iBOOK 
 
The Eastern Diocese is proud to introduce the first-ever Armenian Church iBook designed for the iPad. Hagop Nersoyan's "The Story of Sts. Vartanants" is brought to life on your iPad with interactive features, including photo galleries, video and audio, an interactive map, and more.

This compelling digital book invites readers to revisit St. Vartan's stand against the Persian army in defense of Armenia's continued existence as a Christian nation. The book is free and available on iTunes and the iBookstore. 
 
Download it, and begin your adventure today.

HOME BLESSING

 

Home blessing

 

All parishioners who wish to have their homes blessed call Der Hovhan (847) 644-7389 to make arrangements. Have a piece of bread, dish of salt and glass of water available for the blessing. 

The HOLY BIBLE
Armenian Church Edition
is now in the church pews.

 

If you would like to purchase your personal copy, please contact the Church office.
CALL FOR PHOTOS
 
The Parish is looking for old photos for the website and archive.  
Anything historical having to do with the Parish, Church Building, Church organizations and events or Armenian community in Evanston. We are also looking for photos of our past pastors. If you can help contact office@stjamesevanston.org or 847-864-6263.


Your photos will be scanned and immediately returned.
Help us Celebrate the Parish 70 year anniversary!

PARKING ON SUNDAYS

Parking is FREE on Saturdays and Sundays at the large condominium building at Clark & Benson (Quartet Copies). Enter the garage from Benson street.

SUNDAY BULLETIN
(pdf)


CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS AT ST. JAMES 
 

June 2

June 9             

 

June 16

June 30

July 7

August 25

September 21

Town Hall Meeting

Women's Guild Sunday

Sunday School end-of-the-year program  

Celebrating Graduates   

Book presentation by David Luhrssen

Episcopal Liturgy and Ordinations

"Taste of Armenia"

Annual Picnic at Harms Woods

Please sign up for a Coffee Hour

 

Coffee hour tables can be simple or complex.  Sometimes when people do a coffee hour table they put out coffee cakes and doughnuts; sometimes they put out some fruits. Others put out entire lunch. We encourage you to sign up for coffee hour a couple of times each year. It can be simple or an entire meal - either is fine. The sign-up sheet is in the church hall.