March 22, 2018

PRELATE’S EASTER MESSAGE

CHRIST—OUR LIFE AND RESURRECTION “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:5)             For the One who lives forever, on the morning of the Resurrection of our Savior and God Jesus Christ, it was His own messenger who testifies and confirms that the One believed to be dead is alive—eternally alive—and should not be sought amongst the dead. On that miraculous morning He who lives forever opened the road to eternity for humanity, especially for all those who with true faith, self-denial, and good deeds become servants of Christ—the One who is always the same—yesterday, and today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)            The anchor of our Christian faith is Christ’s Resurrection. Christ’s entire mission for the salvation of humanity beginning with His Incarnation to His crucifixion and death, receives meaning and becomes a message with His Resurrection. Without this, the foundation of our Christian belief collapses. In the words of Paul the Apostle, “Our preaching is in vain.” (1 Cor. 15:14)            We, the Armenian people, were among the first to recognize and accept Christ’s preaching and salvific sacrifice, and to replicate ourselves and our lives akin to Christ. By the example of Christ’s resurrected life, we modeled our lives and our nation’s immortality on the example of Christ’s resurrected life. For us “living is Christ” (Phil. 1:21), and sacrifice, death, and martyrdom for Him is gaining that life. The hope of survival mixed with the immovable Christian faith inspired us to seek ways that along with our individual salvation, would secure our nation’s survival and immortality. We gained that life by sacrifice, death, and martyrdom for Him. With Christian values we gave meaning to our struggle knowing very well that Christ’s Resurrection was to be our life’s eternal shining light that cannot be buried. The cemetery plainly became a pause before we continued our journey toward a resurrected life. Otherwise how can we explain and understand martyrdom? A person’s total dedication to Christ’s faith and truth is much more than the sum total of days and years that transcends the wisdom of humanity. For those who doubt the faith of eternity, perhaps even consider it to be absurd, think that Christ’s cross and resurrection are foolishness (1 Cor. 2:20-25). But for those of us who are believers, this is God’s power and wisdom that tramples death, and with a nation’s martyrdom we celebrate eternal life. Christ’s cross did not come down our shoulders. We were crucified… crucified…crucified many times, but like Christ we were resurrected, because our wisdom was not temporal wisdom, but rather the wisdom of our Christian faith that does not allow seeking the living amongst the dead.            The best testimony of this in the life of our nation is two dates: 1915 and 1918. The first was crucifixion; the second was resurrection. The catastrophe of the Genocide was so harsh and menacing that together with the loss of our ancestral land and historic Armenia, many believed that this was the end of our physical existence. However, after crucifixion the faith and hope of resurrection was forged on our will “to be” when on a bright May morning of a “rose-colored dawn” we were the witnesses of the resurrection of our nation for the pages of Armenian history. The Armenian people resolutely proclaimed, Why do you look for the living among the dead?            On the occasion of the 100 th anniversary of the resurrection and victory of May, when we contemplate our resurrection from the ashes, and the establishment of new life on our will, without doubt we see that the progress, strengthening, and safety of our Fatherland must become the concern of every Armenian. Any kind of passivity is unforgiveable. The Fatherland is sacred soil and history. Building independence entails struggle and martyrdom. Maintaining independence entails total sacrifice, not just as an emotion, but with perfect dedication and participation.            “We lived not to die, but rather we knew death in order to live,” as His Holiness Catholicos Khoren I, of blessed memory, would often repeat with deep conviction.            On the occasion of the Resurrection of our Savior, let us again vivify our faith, keep our Christian image pure, and inspired and girded by independent Armenia together continue our struggle to fulfill our uncompleted vision.            A blessed Holy Resurrection. Christ is risen from the dead.            Congratulations on the 100 th anniversary of the first Republic of Armenia. ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN Prelate Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America Easter 2018 New York

Քրիստոս՝ Մեր Կեանքն ու Յարութիւնը «Ինչո՞ւ ողջը մեռելներուն մէջ կը փնտռէք» (Ղկ 24.5)։ Յաւիտենական Ապրողին՝ մեր Փրկչին ու Աստուծոյ Յիսուս Քրիստոսի յարութեան առաւօտուն, ի՛ր իսկ պատգամաբերը կը վկայէ ու կը հաստատէ թէ մեռեալ կարծուածը ողջ է, յաւիտենապէս ողջ, եւ պէտք չէ զայն փնտռել մեռելներուն մէջ։ Յաւիտենական Ապրողն է, որ հրաշալի առաւօտ մը, մարդկութեան առջեւ կը բանայ յաւիտենականութեան ճամբան, մանաւանդ բոլոր անոնց համար, որոնք ճշմարիտ հաւատքով, անձնուրաց կեանքով եւ բարերար գործերով կը դառնան ծառան Քրիստոսի, անոր՝ որ նոյնն է միշտ –երէկ, այսօր եւ յաւիտեան (Եբր 13.8)։ Քրիստոնէական մեր հաւատքին խարիսխը Քրիստոսի յարութիւնն է։ Քրիստոսի ամբողջ առաքելութիւնը մարդկութեան փրկութեան համար, իր մարդեղութենէն սկսեալ մինչեւ խաչելութիւն ու մահ, իմաստ կը ստանայ եւ պատգամ կը դառնայ իր յարութեամբ, առանց որուն կը քանդուին քրիստոնէական մեր հաւատալիքներուն հիմերը։ Պօղոս Առաքեալի բառերով՝ «Ի զուր է մեր քարոզութիւնը» (Ա ․ Կր 15.14)։ Քրիստոսի քարոզութիւնը եւ փրկագործական զոհագործումը ճանչցող ու ընդունող, եւ իրենց անձերն ու կեանքը Փրկիչին հետ նոյնացնողներուն առաջիններէն եղանք նաեւ մենք՝ Հայ Ժողովուրդը, որ Քրիստոսի յարուցեալ կեանքին օրինակով պատճէնահանեց իր կեանքն ու ազգային անմահութիւնը։ Մեզի համար կեանքը Քրիստոս ինքն էր (Փիլ 1.21) եւ անոր համար զոհողութիւնը, մահն ու նահատակութիւնը այդ կեանքը շահիլ եղաւ։ Գոյատեւումի յոյսը՝ միախառնուած քրիստոնէական անխախտ հաւատքին, ներշնչեց մեզ՝ որոնելու միջոցներ, որոնք անձին փրկութեան առընթեր՝ ապահովեցին ազգային գոյատեւումն ու յաւիտենականութիւնը։ Քրիստոնէական արժէքներով իմաստաւորեցինք մեր պայքարը, շատ լաւ գիտնալով որ Քրիստոսի յարութիւնը մեր կեանքին յաւիտենական ճառագայթող լոյսը պիտի ըլլար, որ կարելի չէ գերեզմանել։ Գերեզմանը պարզապէս եղաւ կանգառ մը՝ շարունակելու համար մեր երթը դէպի յարուցեալ կեանք։ Այլապէս, ինչպէ՞ս բացատրել ու հասկնալ նահատակութիւնը։ Անձի մը ամբողջական ընծայումը Քրիստոսի հաւատքին ու ճշմարտութեան՝ օրերու եւ տարիներու գումար եղող կեանքէն շա՜տ վեր է, մարդկային իմաստութիւնը անդրանցնող։ Յաւիտենականութեան հաւատքին նկատմամբ կասկած ունեցող անձերու համար, անիկա թերեւս անհեթեթութիւն նկատուի, եւ Քրիստոսի խաչն ու յարութիւնը յիմարութիւն թուի (Ա ․ Կր 2 ․ 20-25), բայց հաւատացողներուս համար անիկա Աստուծոյ զօրութիւնն ու իմաստութիւնն է, որուն դիմաց կ՚ոտնակոխուի մահը, եւ ազգային նահատակութեամբ կը պայծառակերպուի յաւիտենական կեանքը։ Քրիստոսի խաչը մեր ուսերէն վար չեկաւ, խաչուեցանք, խաչուեցանք բազմիցս խաչուեցանք, բայց Քրիստոսի նման յարութիւն առինք, քանի մեր իմաստութիւնը աշխարհի իմաստութիւնը չեղաւ, այլ քրիստոնէական հաւատքի իմաստութիւնը, որ չի թողուր ողջերը մեռելներուն մէջ փնտռել։ Այս ճշմարտութեան լաւագոյն վկայութիւնը մեր ազգի կեանքին մէջ երկու թուականներ են՝ 1915 եւ 1918։ Առաջինը խաչելութիւնն է, երկրորդը՝ յարութիւնը։ Ցեղասպանութեան աղէտը այնքա՜ն դառն ու սպառնալից էր, որ պապենական մեր հողերուն, պատմական Հայաստանի կորուստին հետ, շատեր այն համոզումը ունեցան, որ որպէս ժողովուրդ՝ ֆիզիքական մեր գոյութեանն ալ վերջ կը գտնէր։ Սակայն խաչելութենէն ետք յարութեան հաւատքն ու յոյսը «լինելու» մեր կամքը կոփեցին, եւ Մայիսեան պայծառ առաւօտը, «վարդահեղեղ արշալոյսը», Հայոց պատմութեան էջերուն վրայ եկաւ վկան հանդիսանալու ազգային մեր յարութեան։ Հայ ժողովուրդը հաստատակամ յայտարարեց, թէ ինչո՞ւ ողջը մեռելներուն մէջ կը փնտռէք։ Մայիսեան յարութեան եւ յաղթանակին 100-ամեակին առիթով, երբ կը մտածենք մոխիրներէն վերյառնելու եւ նոր կեանք ունենալու մեր կամքին մասին, բնականաբար մեր Հայրենիքի յառաջդիմութիւնը, հզօրացումն ու անվտանգութիւնը պէտք է դառնայ իւրաքանչիւր հայու մտահոգութիւնը։ Ներելի չէ կրաւորական ոեւէ կեցուածք։ Հայրենիքը սրբազան հող է ու պատմութիւն։ Անկախութիւնը կերտելը պայքար է ու նահատակութիւն, անկախութիւն պահելը՝ ամբողջական զոհողութիւն, որ զգացում չէ, այլ կատարեալ նուիրաբերում ու մասնակցութիւն։ Ապրեցանք ոչ թէ մեռնելու համար, այլ գիտցանք մեռնիլ՝ ապրելու համար, ինչպէս Երջանկայիշատակ Խորէն Ա ․ Վեհափառ Հայրապետը կը կրկնէր՝ խոր համոզումով։ Մեր Փրկչին Սուրբ Յարութեան տօնին առիթով, եկէք մեր հաւատքը դարձեալ կենսաւորենք, քրիստոնէական մեր նկարագիրը անաղարտ պահենք, եւ ներշնչուած ու գօտեպնդուած անկախ Հայաստանով՝ շարունակենք մեր պայքարը անաւարտ մնացած մեր տեսիլքներուն ամբողջական իրականացումին համար։ Շնորհաւոր Սուրբ Յարութիւն։ Քրիստոս յարեաւ ի մեռելոց։ Շնորհաւոր Հայաստանի առաջին Հանրապետութեան 100-ամեակ։ ՕՇԱԿԱՆ ԱՐՔԵՊԻՍԿՈՊՈՍ Առաջնորդ Սուրբ Յարութիւն, 2018 Նիւ Եորք  

MUSICAL ARMENIA

The 35 th anniversary concert of Musical Armenia took place last Sunday at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, enjoyed by an enthusiastic and appreciative audience. The concert featured pianist Hrant Bagrazyan and composer Mary Kouyoumdjian, whose works were presented by Jeffrey Gavett, baritone; Gillian Gallagher, viola; Timo Andres, piano, and Hotel Elefant ensemble. A special 35 th anniversary booklet was produced for the occasion with photographs and program covers of past Musical Armenia concerts. In his message, Archbishop Oshagan said, “Musical Armenia began in the early 1980s with the simple and modest goal of encouraging and supporting young Armenian musical artists. This year the Eastern Prelacy is proud to present the 35 th concert in the series. We are proud because for more than 35 years we have stayed true to our goals by showcasing Armenian performers and providing them with a prestigious venue to express and share their God-given talent with appreciative audiences. The 35 th concert was dedicated to the memory of Rita Lulu Tatevossian, a long-time member of the Prelacy Ladies Guild and a dynamic supporter of the Musical Armenia series. The Prelacy Ladies Guild and the members of the organizing committee express thanks to the donors and patrons whose support has helped sustain the series for more than 35 years.

The 35th Musical Armenia performers Hrant Bagrazyan, Mary Kouyoumdjian, Hotel Elefant and the Musical Armenia committee members. 

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN IN GRANITE CITY

Archbishop Oshagan celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Granite City, Illinois, last Sunday. The parish invited the Prelate to honor his twenty years of service as Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy. Following the Liturgy a concert of sacred music took place in the Prelate’s honor, performed by Onnik Dinkjian. As a memento the parish presented the Prelate with a sketch of the Granite City church along with a donation to the Prelacy’s Fund for Syrian Armenian Relief.

Archbishop Oshagan during the Liturgy.  

Onnik Dinkjian presented a concert of sacred music.

The Prelate displays the sketch of St. Gregory Church presented to him as a memento.

PRELATE AND VICAR ATTEND EVENTS HONORING ARTSAKH PRESIDENT

Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan attended events last week honoring President Babo Sahakyan’s inaugural visit to Washington that included meetings with U.S. government and Congressional officials. Archbishop Oshagan attended a dinner at the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia hosted by Ambassador Grigor Hovhannisyan where leaders of the Armenian American community were present. Bishop Anoushavan attended a dinner/reception on Saturday in Washington, DC, where members of the Armenian American community had the opportunity to meet President Sahakyan.

CITY COUNCIL HONORS WAUKEGAN ARMENIAN COMMUNITY

The Waukegan City Council honored the Armenian community on March 5.

Rev. Fr. Daron Stepanian, pastor of St. Paul Church, addresses the council and audience.

The Waukegan City Council, along with other elected officials, honored the long history of the municipality’s Armenian community while also commemorating the 100 th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, during its regular meeting on March 5. The council unanimously passed a resolution that formally acknowledged the long residency, contributions, and achievements of the Armenian people as part of the city and Lake County fabric. More than 70 members from the parishes of St. George Armenian Church and St. Paul Armenian Apostolic churches in Waukegan attended the ceremony, and marked their own resilience as viable spiritual centers. “It’s more than a century of being part of our community, and a blessing that both churches have sustained themselves for that long of a period,” said Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham. “The Armenian community has helped Waukegan move forward through leadership with former mayors Robert Sabonjian, both the father and son, Haig Paravonian, as well as former Lake County Judge Jack Hoogasian.” To read the entire story written by Gregory Harutunian click here.

STUDENTS FROM ROSE AND ALEX PILIBOS ARMENIAN SCHOOL VISIT CATHEDRAL

The eighth grade students from the Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School in Hollywood, California, accompanied by their teachers, visited St. Illuminator’s Cathedral on Thursday, March 22, 2018. The students are on a class trip to New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor, greeted the fifty-three students and their chaperones and gave them a tour of the Cathedral with some historical highlights. Der Hayr answered the many questions posed by the students. The students performed several recitations for the audience and were treated to pizza and other goodies. Rev. Lakissian presented prayer books to the students and teachers as a small token of appreciation for their visit and participation.

BIBLE READINGS

Bible readings for Sunday, March 25 , Palm Sunday—Christ’s Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem  are: Song of Songs 1:1-2:3; Zechariah 9:9-15; Philippians 4:4-7; Matthew 20:29-21:17. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7) *** And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him. And behold, two blind men sitting by the roadside, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent; but they cried out the more, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” And Jesus stopped and called them, saying, “What do you want me to do for you?” They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they received their sight and followed him. And when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village opposite 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, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and he will send them immediately.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, “Tell the daughter of Zion, Behold, your king 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 garments on them, and he sat thereon. Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. And the crowds that went before him and that followed him shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” And when he entered Jerusalem, all the city was stirred, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee.” And Jesus entered the temple of God and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer’; but you make it a den of robbers.” And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant; and they said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou has brought perfect praise’?” And leaving them, he went out of the city of Bethany and lodged there. (Matthew 20:29-21:17) For a listing of the coming week’s Bible readings click here. 

REMEMBRANCE OF THE RAISING OF LAZARUS

This Saturday, March 24, we commemorate 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’ 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 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.

PALM SUNDAY

This Sunday, March 25, 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 to 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 25, His Eminence will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the Sermon and preside over the “Opening of the Gates” ceremony at St. Stephen’s Church, Watertown, Massachusetts. Holy Thursday , March 29, His Eminence will preside over the Washing of the Feet and Tenebrae services at St. Illuminator Cathedral in New York City. Holy Friday , March 31, His Eminence will preside at the Good Friday Entombment Service at Sts. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey. Holy Saturday , March 31, His Eminence will preside at Easter Eve Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. Easter Sunday , April 1, His Eminence will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City.

VICAR'S HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

Bishop Anoushavan’s Holy Week schedule is as follows: Palm Sunday , March 25, His Grace will celebrate the Divine Liturgy, deliver the Sermon, and preside over the “Opening of the Gates” ceremony at Soorp Khatch Church, Bethesda, Maryland. Holy Thursday , March 29, His Grace will preside over the Washing of the Feet and Tenebrae services at St. Sarkis Church, Douglaston, New York. Holy Friday , March 30, His Grace will preside at the Good Friday Entombment Service at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, New York City. Holy Saturday , April 1, His Grace will preside at the Easter Eve Liturgy at St. Illuminator Cathedral, New York City. Easter Sunday , April 16, His Grace will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Vartanantz Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.

VISITATIONS BY PRELATE AND VICAR

As they do every year, His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan and His Grace Bishop Anoushavan joined with area clergymen will visit the Hovnanian School in New Milford, New Jersey and the Armenian Home in Emerson, New Jersey on Tuesday, March 27. On Wednesday, March 28, they will visit the Armenian Home in Flushing, New York.

HOLY WEEK

Next week we enter the most solemn period for Christians—Holy Week—leading us to our greatest and most sacred holiday--Easter. The week before Easter marks a series of events in the life of Jesus, which were preordained. 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, who are 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, carry beautifully decorated crosses as they 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 Gates ( 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 commemorate 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 ( Trnpatsek ), 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?”

REGISTER FOR DATEV SUMMER PROGRAM

Plans are underway for the 32 nd annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer Program, a unique Armenian Christian educational program for youth ages 13-18 to enrich their knowledge of the Christian faith in a wholesome and nurturing environment, with recreational activities and daily church services. Sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), the Program is scheduled to be held at the St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, from July 1-8, 2018. For information and registration click here. 

ANEC DIRECTOR IN LA

ANEC director Dr. Vartan Matiossian traveled to Los Angeles last weekend, where he participated in the celebration of 400 years of Armenian American heritage, 1618-2018, held at the Ararat-Eskijian Museum, and co-sponsored by the Museum, the National Association of Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR), Project SAVE, the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute of Yerevan, and the Armenian Studies Program at California State University, Northridge. The program opened with an exhibition on Friday, March 16, and continued with a full-day conference on Saturday, March 17. Dr. Matiossian presented a paper entitled “The Early Times of the Armenian-American Press.

WOUNDED SOLDIER IN ARTSAKH RECEIVED A HOME

Ararat Avanesyan, a soldier wounded in the Artsakh Liberation War in the early 90s, celebrated the housewarming of his new house on Tuesday, March 13, in the village of Patara located in the Askeran region of Artsakh. The house was purchased and renovated by the Tufenkian Foundation, with shared funding from Ralph Yirikian, General Manager of VivaCell-MTS and the New York St. Illuminator Cathedral's Zarukian Fund recently established by Azaduhi Zarukian. Askeran Administration Head Sergey Grigoryan, Patara Village Mayor Karen Arzumanyan, and Tufenkian Foundation Executive Director Raffi Doudaklian attended the event. Ararat was one of the first freedom fighters to join the liberation movement, and was heavily wounded in battle, losing one leg and facing a number of serious health issues. Today, at the age of 47, he lives in Patara with his wife and three teenage daughters. Until recently, the family did not have a home of their own and had to take up temporary residence at a relatives' house. Though initially intended to assist soldiers of the April War, the project was later expanded to include Artsakh's wounded soldiers with urgent housing needs, regardless of which war or battle they were injured. Ararat Avanesyan is the 3rd soldier of the 90s Liberation War to benefit from this project. The geography of the initiative was also expanded during the past two years, ranging from large towns like Stepanakert and Hadrut to small, remote villages along Artsakh's borders. This is the 9th housewarming celebrated in Artsakh within the framework of the Tufenkian Foundation's "Housing for Wounded Soldiers" initiative. Aimed at supporting families of soldiers in difficult housing situations, the initiative was launched in April 2016, in response to the Four Day War. Since then, with funds raised during the 2016 emergency appeal and through additional support from individual donors, nine houses have been built, reconstructed or purchased for Artsakh's wounded soldiers. "It is due to the courage and sacrifice of soldiers like Ararat that our homeland is now free. Supporting these soldiers is an essential duty for all of us, with which we express our everlasting gratitude to the brave sons of Artsakh", said Tufenkian Foundation Executive Director Raffi Doudaklian during the housewarming event..

Birth of Nelson Stepanian (March 28, 1913)

Armenians had an important participation in the Soviet army during World War II. One of the most remarkable names in the Soviet air force was Nelson Stepanian. Stepanian was born in Shushi (Artsakh) on March 28, 1913. He moved to Yerevan with his parents shortly thereafter and attended Maxim Gorki School. He was a fifth grader when he got interested in aviation and aeromodelism. He won competitions of aeromodelism in Moscow, Kiev, Tbilisi, and Baku. In 1932 he graduated from the Sergo Orjonikidze preparatory military school of Baku, and three years later finished the school of Military Aviation in Bataysk, where he worked as a flight instructor until 1938. He continued his service in the city of Mineralniye Vodi, in the Northern Caucasus, until 1941. On June 23, 1941, the day after Germany invaded the Soviet Union, Stepanian was called to service in the offensive aviation of the Black Sea fleet. He entered the 46 th attack squadron and got familiarized with the Il-2 fighter, participating in the defensive combats in Poltava, Zaporozhye, and Odessa. He was wounded by shrapnel flak in his twentieth sortie.   In August 1941 Stepanian was transferred to Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) as a member of the second air squadron of the 57 th division and participated in the defense of the city. He was designated ring commander. By decision of the Presidium of the USSR Supreme Soviet, on October 23, 1942, he was decorated as Hero of the Soviet Union, and in November of the same year, Capt. Stepanian became commander of the squadron of the 57 th Assault Regiment. As of November 1942, he was reported to have destroyed 78 German trucks, 67 tanks, 63 anti-aircraft guns, nineteen mortars, 36 railroad cars, twenty merchantmen and warships (including a destroyer), thirteen fuel tankers, twelve armored cars, seven long-range guns, five ammunition dumps, and five bridges. After he was promoted to the rank of major in 1943, he became the commander of the 47th Fighter Division. He executed about 60 battle flights in the positions of Leningrad and destroyed, together with his men, eight tanks, some 90 vehicles, and more than 60 cannons and machine guns. During the Crimean offensive in April 1944, Stepanian became commander of the 47 th air battalion, which was fighting in Crimea and Kuban. Under his command, the battalion participated in the fights near Feodosia, Sebastopol, and Sudak. On April 16, 1944 Stepanian, who headed a group of 12 Il-2 fighters, had personally destroyed three landing barges. He participated in the elimination of a German convoy on May 22, although his plane suffered important damage. Prior to the offensive, the 47th Division had destroyed 8 transports, 12 barges, 9 patrol boats, and more than 3,000 soldiers and officers. In May 1944, after the liberation of Crimea, Stepanian returned to the Baltic Sea with his 47 th Fighter Division, where they were involved in the battles of the Gulf Finland. He was awarded the Order of the Red Banner on July 22. On his final sortie against Liepaja in Latvia, on December 14, 1944, the assault group was attacked by German fighters. Stepanian’s plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire and, though wounded, he rammed his own plane into a German warship. The 31-year-old Armenian pilot died along with navigator Captain Alexander Rumyantsev. The devastating loss hit the rest of the squadron harshly. His fellow pilots sent the following letter to his parents after his death: “[A] simple and modest man, close and beloved by all; he was a father and teacher to all of us, a friend and a commander....We all wept when Nelson Gevorgovich failed to return on that fateful day. They say that tears bring comfort. But the few tears of a soldier, like the red-hot drops of metal, burn the heart and call for vengeance.” Stepanian was posthumously awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union title for a second time for his sacrifice. According to Soviet sources, Stepanian undertook no less than 239 combat sorties, sunk 53 ships (thirteen alone), destroyed 80 tanks, 600 armored vehicles, 105 cannons, 130 machine guns, 27 aircraft, and 5,000 soldiers. Four statues of Stepanian were inaugurated in Liepaja, Yerevan, Stepanakert, and Shushi. The latter was destroyed by Azerbaijanis during the Gharabagh war. The statue of Liepaja was moved to Kaliningrad in the 1990s. Stepanian’s name is also remembered by school No. 71 of Yerevan, named after him on the tenth anniversary of his death in 1954. Previous entries in “This Week in Armenian History” are on the Prelacy’s web site ( www.armenianprelacy.org ).

PLEASE REMEMBER 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.

A NEW PUBLICATION THAT DESERVES OUR SUPPORT

We would like to introduce you to a relatively new publication called The Treasury ( Kantzaran ) a quarterly magazine with short articles and essays covering topics ranging from Armenian liturgy and worship, theology, church history, Christian culture, lives of the Saints, practical Christian living, book summaries and more. The Treasury is published by Nor Voskiank) and is available to read on their website at www.StVoski.org . Printed copies can be obtained through their website as well. For a direct link to access the most recent release of The Treasury , just click on the following link and enjoy: http://www.stvoski.org/embed.html Currently in its fourth year, The Treasury has shed light on topics like Fasting, aspect of the Liturgy, Champions of the Church, the Bible, Stewardship, as well as topics like “Do I really need to go to Church?”… “The Sign of the Cross”… “What’s so special about Mary?”… “Charity for the Poor”… and so much more, all accompanied with beautiful and relevant art. The Treasury is also a treasure-trove for translations of prayers, commentaries, and sermons from great figures of the Armenian Church, some not as well known as others.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SIAMANTO ACADEMY— Meets every second Saturday of the month at the Hovnanian School, 817 River Road, New Milford, New Jersey. For information: anec@armenianprelacy.org or 212-689-7810.. March 25 —St. Sarkis Church, Dearborn, Michigan, Ladies Guild Palm Sunday Luncheon and special outdoor activities for children, Petting Zoo and pony/horse rides, at 1 pm after church services. In celebration of Palm Sunday, parishioners will form a procession around the exterior of the church; this year a donkey will join the procession in remembrance of our Lord’s entrance into Jerusalem. April 6 —Book presentation, “The Sins of the Fathers: Turkish Denialism and the Armenian Genocide” by Professor Siobhan Nash-Marshall. The book will be presented by Dr. Herand Markarian at 7 pm in Vahakn and Hasmig Hovnanian Hall at the Eastern Prelacy, 138 E. 39 th Street, New York City. Reception will follow. Admission is free; RSVP necessary. April 22 —Remembering the Armenian Genocide, Annual Gathering at Times Square, 2 pm, 43 rd Street and Broadway, New York City. Free bus transportation to and from Times Square. Sponsored by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan; co-sponsored by Armenian General Benevolent Union, Armenian Assembly of America, Armenian National Committee of America, ADL-Ramagavars, Armenian National Council, and with the participation of community-wide churches and organizations. Contacts: New York , Sam Melkonian 516-352-2587; Brooklyn , Tigran Sahakyan 347-291-7765; New Jersey , Leo Manuelian 917-418-3940 or 201-746-0409. April 28 —Armenian Martyrs’ Memorial Committee of Rhode Island presents “Cocktails and Conversation with Chris Bohjalian,” 3 to 5 pm, Marriott Providence Downtown, One Orms Street, Providence. Join the NY Times best-selling author Chris Bohjalian in conversation with Rhode Island’s Robin Kall of “Reading with Robin.” Space limited; reserve early. $40 per person (includes hors d’oeuvres, a cocktail, and surprise goody bag). Reserve online at www.ammri.org or contact Joyce Yeremian 401-354-8770 or Esther Kalajian 401-885-9116. April 29 —“History and Future of the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) Conflict" -- Guest Speaker: Anna Astvatsaturian-Turcotte, Author of "Nowhere, A Story of Exile." Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate.  1:30 p.m. St. Sarkis Armenian Church, 38-65 234th Street, Douglaston, NY.  A book signing will take place after the lecture. For more information, please call 718-224-2275. May 3 —NYC Fundraiser for the Women's Support Center of the Tufenkian Foundation. 7-9 p.m. Almayass, 24 E. 21st Street, NY, NY. $45 at the door or with advance purchase (ticket includes 1 complimentary glass of wine and small appetizers). Tickets can be purchased via: https://goo.gl/xSw2th. For more information, contact Vartan Badalian at badalivs93@gmail.com.  May 9-12 —Eastern Prelacy’s National Representative Assembly, hosted by St. Gregory Church, North Andover, Massachusetts. The one-day clergy conference will take place on Wednesday, May 9. The full Assembly will convene on Thursday, May 10, at 11 am and will conclude on Saturday, May 12, at noon. June 24 --Ways to Wellness: A Panel Discussion on Mental Health -- 1:30 p.m. -- St. Sarkis Armenian Church, 38-65 234th Street, Douglaston, NY. For more information, please contact Anahid at anahide@aol.com (Lecture rescheduled from an earlier date). July 1-8, 2018 – Datev Summer Program for youth ages 13-18-- The 32 nd annual St. Gregory of Datev Institute Summer Christian Studies Program will take place at the St. Mary of Providence Center in Elverson, Pennsylvania, sponsored by the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC). For information and registration, contact the AREC office – 212-689-7810 or arec@armenianprelacy.org or click here . September 21, 2018 to January 13, 2019 —“Armenia!” a large exhibition dedicated to the medieval period of Armenian history and culture at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City. The exhibit is the first at the Met dedicated solely to Armenia. Curated by Dr. Helen C. Evans. October 20 —Armenian Friends America, Inc., Sixth Annual HYE KEF 5, featuring world famous Onnik Dinkjian and the All Stars. Double Tree Hotel, Andover, Massachusetts. Details to follow. www.ArmenianFriendsofAmerica.org .

The Armenian Prelacy  Tel: 212-689-7810 ♦ Fax: 212-689-7168 ♦ Email: email@armenianprelacy.org Visit the Catholicosate webpage at  http://www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org/en/