E-NEWSLETTER Armenian Church of Great Britain and Ireland 19 February 2011, Issue 11, Vol 2

E-NEWSLETTER

HH - J:RJIK

Armenian Church of Great Britain and Ireland

V. Revd Dr. Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate

19 February 2011, Issue 11, Vol 2

ARMENIAN CHURCH OF GB AND IRELAND

THE PRIMATE’S OFFICE

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THE SPEAKER OF THE ARMENIAN PARLIAMENT IN LONDON

By the invitation of His Excellency Gagik Kirakossyan, Charge d’affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia, the Primate of the Armenian Church of GB and Ireland, Very Revd Dr. Vahan Hovhanessian, joined the Charge d’affaires and the embassy staff in welcoming the Rt Hon Hovik Abrahamyan, the Speaker of the Armenian Parliament, to the Embassy building on Sunday, 13 March in the evening. At the invitation of both Speakers of the British Parliament, the Rt Hon John Bercow MP and the Lord Speaker Baroness Hayman, the Speaker of the Armenian Parliament, the Rt Hon Hovik Abrahamyan MP visited London on a working visit from 12th to 15th March 2011. He held meetings with the two Speakers of the British Parliament in their respective Offices, with Mr Robert Walters MP Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (of which Armenia is Member), the Representatives of the Armenian and Caucasus Desk at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Members of the House of Commons Select Committee of Foreign Affairs and some Members of the British- Armenian All-Party Parliamentary Group (BAAPPG), including the Members of the Parliamentary Delegation who will visit Armenia and Karabagh on 17th April 2011. At Mr Abrahamyan's request, a meeting was also held at Hye Doon on Sunday 13th March with Representatives of the 41 Armenian Organisations registered in the UK, of which 32 Organisations were represented. The meeting was followed by a Reception. All meetings have been organised by the British- Armenian All-Party Parliamentary Group (BAAPPG) under the auspices of the Armenian Embassy in London. Meanwhile, the same day, Sunday, in the morning, the official delegation made two stops visiting the Armenian Churches in London. The first stop was at St. Yeghiche Church where the delegation got to see the beautiful cathedral and witness a glimpse of the lecture series being offered by Revd Dr. Nerses Nersesian, Pastor. The second stop was at St. Sarkis Church, where the liturgy had just ended. There, they were greeted by the Primate and Dr. Hratch Tchilingirian, Chairman of the Board of the St. Sarkis Church Trust. Fr. Vahan, accompanied by Dr. Tchilingirian, invited the delegation inside the church and gave them a brief introduction to the history of the church.

The Primate explaining to the delegation the history of the St. Sarkis Church in London

PRIMATE VISITS HAYASHEN On Sunday, February, the Primate was the guest speaker at the “Centre for Armenian Information and Advice” (CAIA) Hayashen. Fr. Vahan’s lecture, titled “Ten Important Events in the History of the Armenian Church” was offered as session 3 of the ongoing: “Introduction to Armenian History, Culture & Heritage Course.” Using a digital projector Fr. Vahan elaborated on 10 important events in the 20-century history of the Armenian Church. He spent 4-5 minutes introducing each one of these events and elaborating on their consequences, such as the split between the Greek Orthodox and Armenian Churches and the transfer of the Catholicosate to Sis in Cilicia. The lecture was followed by a period of Q&A. Over 30 people were present at the lecture which proceeded lunch served at 1:30. For further information about upcoming and ongoing programmes and services by the CAIA please visit their website:REVEREND DR. NERSES NERSESSIAN PASTOR OF ST. YEGHICHE CHURCH:

The Very Revd Dr. Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate, has appointed the Revd Dr Nerses Nersessian, as the pastor of the St. Yeghiche Church in London. Fr. Nersessian is very well known to the Armenian community in the UK and around the world as an established scholar and a dedicated priest of the Armenian Church. For several decades, Fr. Nersessian has already been serving the Armenian Church in the UK in various capacities. As the pastor of the St. Yeghiche Church, Fr. Nersessian will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and preside over all the sacraments celebrated in St. Yeghiche Church. In his capacity as the pastor of the Church, Fr. Nersessian will also preside over the St. Yeghiche Church Committee meetings, which is the body that plans and supervises church events and activities in St. Yeghiche. Fr. Nersessian will announce his office hours and contact info for the faithful who want to reach him during the week for pastoral needs. Congratulations to the St. Yeghiche Church committee and faithful and to Revd Dr. Nersessian. God bless all.

Revd Dr. Nerses Nersessian

ACYF MEMBERSHIP:

The ACYF executive committee has received an invitation to attend the annual general meeting of the International Armenian Church Youth Organisation in Etchmiadzin with His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of all Armenians, presiding. In order for the ACYF to join and conform to the International Armenian Church Youth Organisation requirements, the ACYF is required to establish an official membership list. Therefore, the ACYF requires for members to fill in a membership form. These membership forms will be sent out shortly to individuals on our mailing list. For those that are not on the list, should you wish to become a member of the ACYF please email to us your details to ACYF@armenianchurch.co.uk.

WORSHIP AND LITURGICAL SERVICES PROGRAMME

The Primate’s Office is happy to announce the publication of the book “Lenten Vigils.” The book includes the Classical Armenian text of an abbreviated version of the traditional Rest and Peace services of the Armenian Church and their English translation. The book, which was published by the “Worship and Liturgical Services” (WLS) programme of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and Ireland, includes an introduction by the Primate as well as the music notation and English transliteration (phonetic) of some of the popular hymns of these services. The booklets will be made available for the worshippers in the Armenian Church in the UK during the services. Personal copies of the booklet can be purchased for £10 (plus shipment) by contacting the Primate’s Office: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk The WLS programme is currently working on the preparation and publication of the Badarak books which will include the text of the Badarak in Classical Armenian, as well as English translation and transliteration. The book will also incorporate commentary on the Badarak, including practical instructions such as when to stand, sit, bow and kneel.

HOLY WEEK CALENDAR OF CHURCH SERVICES Sunday: 17April, PalmSunday-?a[kaxard(St.SarkisandSt.Yeghiche)

Badarak: 11:00AM - No Hokehankisd

Thursday: 21 April, Washing of Feet/Betrayal - Otnloua\ ;u >auaroum (St. Sarkis) Badarak 11:00 am - No Hokehankisd Washing of Feet - 4:30pm Betrayal Vigil (Khavaroom) - 8:00pm

Friday: 22 April, Burial Service - Ja[man Karg (St. Sarkis) Burial Service 4:30pm Procession 5:00pm

Saturday: 23 April, Eve of the Resurrection - Yragalo\z (St. Sarkis and St. Yeghiche) Evening Service and Scripture Readings 5:30pm Badarak 6:00pm

Sunday: 24 April, Feast of the Resurrection - Sourb |aroujiun - Xatik (St. Sarkis and St. Yeghiche) Morning Service 10:00am Badarak 11:00am

PLEASE NOTE: 1. Hokehangisd requests on Palm Sunday and Easter will be honoured the Sunday following Easter, 1st May. 2. In order to sign up for the service of the “Washing of the feet”, parents and grandparents of those wishing to have

their feet washed are encouraged to contact the Primate’s Office: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk, Phone: 020 8127 8364, Fax: 0872 111 5548 to sign the names of their sons or grandsons, ages 13 and older, for participation in the service. The number of the participants will be limited to 12, representing the twelve Apostles.

3. Those wishing to donate toward the palm branches of Palm Sunday, Holy Friday flowers of the tomb of Christ, or flowers for Easter, are kindly required to contact the offices of St. Sarkis and St. Yeghiche Churches.

PRIMATE’S CALL FOR HELPING THE VICTIMS OF THE EARTHQUAKE IN JAPAN The Rt. Revd Dr. Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate, has issued a call to Armenians in Great Britain and Ireland to remember the victims of the Tohoku-Pacific Ocean Earthquake in Japan, which took place on 11th March 2011, and those suffering in the aftermath. Within just a few days of the disastrous calamity, the situation has been escalating with the death toll rising by the hour. The Primate’s Office is calling upon individuals to make financial contributions toward the Armenian Church support of the victims of the earthquake in Japan. Checks made payable to the "Armenian Church Trust UK" may be sent to the Primate’s Office (25 Cheniston Gardens, Kensington, London W8 6TG). All proceeds collected will go to the relief efforts, to be distributed through the Embassy of Japan in the UK. While material help is desperately needed, please continue praying to God that the Lord may have mercy on the earthquake victims, and to protect the people of Japan from further calamity. A requiem service will be offered in the Armenians Churches of the UK this Sunday, 20th March, for the souls of the victims of the earthquake in Japan." A special second plate collection will take place in both churches in London for the victims of the earthquake.

NO “OTHER” - 2011CENSUS QUESTIONNAIRE The Primate’s Office has received information from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) about a census to be carried out on 27 March 2011 to find out about the make-up of local neighbourhoods in the UK. Although Armenians settled the UK for over 140 years, the British authorities still are unable to give out the number of Armenians living in the UK. An official from the ONS estimated the number of Armenians in the UK to be 18,000 to 20,000 Armenians. The 2011- Census household questionnaire should have been delivered to your household within the past week. If it has not been delivered yet, you can request a copy by going to the website: http://www.census.gov.uk. The Primate urges all Armenians living in the UK to answer the 2011-Census questionnaire and register their ethnic and linguistic identity as “Armenian.” Do not answer any of these questions as “other” without indicating “Armenian” next to it.

PILGRIMAGE TO HISTORIC ST. DAVID’S – DEADLINE APPROACHING The pilgrimage planned by the Mission Parish Council (MPC) of the Armenian Church in Cardiff, Wales, to the historic, 6th-century, St. David’s Cathedral in Pembrokshire, Wales, is scheduled for Friday-Saturday, 29-30 April. There will be a celebration of Badarak and Hokehankist for the souls of the martyrs of the 1915 Genocide. Present at the services will be the Archbishop of Wales as well as the Dean of the Cathedral.

The Primate’s Office has arranged a package for £120.00 which covers the following: Friday afternoon, 29th April - Departure to Cardiff by train Friday evening – lodging in Ibis Hotel in Cardiff Friday evening – Dinner and a programme courtesy of the Cardiff MPC

Saturday early morning, 30th April, joining pilgrims from all over the UK for a continental breakfast Saturday morning - departure on a coach to St. David’s Saturday, 11:30am – celebrating Badarak and hokehangist for the martyrs at the historic St. David’s Cathedral Saturday afternoon – Visiting the historic cathedral and its library with a special exhibition of Armenian documents Saturday afternoon – return to Cardiff by coach Saturday evening – return to London by train

To reserve your place in the pilgrimage, the Primate’s Office must receive your cheque for the amount of £120 the latest by 1st April, 2011. Space is very limited. First come, first served. For further information please contact the Primate’s Office at 0208 127 8364, or e-mail: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk.

REUNION RECEPTION – PILGRIMAGE 2011: The Primate’s Office is happy to confirm Wednesday, 30th March, at 7:00pm as the day of the “Pilgrimage Reunion.” All pilgrims who joined the Primate in the first pilgrimage of the Armenian Church of the UK and Ireland to the Holy Land are cordially invited, with their family members and friends, to a wine-reception at the Nevart Gulbenkian Hall. The evening will include a PowerPoint presentation and a video documentary revisiting the highlights of the pilgrimage. The Primate will be present to lead a discussion of the pilgrimage and its importance as well as hearing suggestions for planning future pilgrimages. But that is not all. There are several surprises awaiting the pilgrims who will be able to join us at the reunion. Meanwhile, if you were a pilgrim and would like to suggest an idea for the reunion please contact the Primate’s Office at: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk. You were not a pilgrim? That is alright! There is always next year. Meanwhile, you can still join us at the reception and enjoy the programme and the discussion led by the Primate. Please be there at 7:00pm sharp, and bring a friend. For further information please contact the Primate’s Office at 020 8127 8364 or e-mail: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk. Admission free and all are welcome!

PRIMATE IN THE ARMENIAN CATHOLIC MONASTERY OF BZOMMAR

On Thursday, 10th March, the Very Revd Dr. Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate, together with the other members of the joint committee (Etchmiadzin-Antelias) for the Armenian Church Liturgy, visited the historic monastery of the Armenian Catholic Patriarchal Monastic Congregation of Bzommar in Lebanon. The monastery is about 30 minutes from the capital city, Beirut. The committee was greeted by the Very Rev. Fr. Nareg Louisian of the Bzommar Armenian Catholic community who gave the guest a tour of the main cathedral, library, historic section with the chapel and the winery. At the end of the visit the committee members enjoyed the hospitality of the monks with a cup of Armenian coffee and a glass of the delicious red wine produced in the monastic winery using the grapes raised in the monastic farms.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS

(According to the Armenian Church Lectionary)

Monday 21/3

15th day of Great Lent

Colossians 2:8-3:4

Tuesday 22/3

16th day of Great Lent

Hebrews 11:1-31

Wednesday 23/3

17th day of Great Lent

Exodus 2:23-3:15 Joel 2:21-32

Thursday 24/3

18th day of Great Lent

Isaiah 45:17-26 Ephesians 3:14-4:13

Friday 25/3

19th day of Great Lent

Deuteronomy 8:11-9:10 Job 12:1-13:6 Isaiah 42:1-8

Saturday 26/3

Commemoration of Sts. John, Bishop of Jerusalem, John of Odzun, John of Vorodn, and Gregory of Datev

Proverbs 20:6-22 Baruch 4:21-24 2 Corinthians 4:1-11 John 9:39-10:10

Sunday 27/3

Third Sunday of Great Lent.

Isaiah 56:1-57:21 Ephesians 4:17-5:14 Luke 16:1-31

20th day of Great Lent.

Talk by His Grace Nathan Hovhannysian

His Grace Bishop Nathan Hovhannysian will be the guest speaker this Wednesday, 23rd March at 7:00pm, in Hye Doon, London. He is currently the General Director of the publishing house of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. His Grace will discuss the various aspects of his new ministry elaborating on the history of the publishing house and its current projects. The talk will take place in the second floor of the Hye Doon and will be followed by a reception. All are welcome.

INTENSIVE SUMMER COURSE OF ARMENIAN LANGUAGE:

The Primate’s Office has been informed that the Department of Asian and Mediterranean Studies of the University of Venice in collaboration with the Cultural Association “Padus-Araxes” will be offering its popular summer course of Armenian Language, to take place 1-18 August. Tuition fee € 700. Deadline for registration is 31st March. For information please fax +39 041 241 4448, or e- mail: Daniela@padus-araxes.com. You can learn more about the language course by visiting the following website: http://padus-araxes.com/summercourse/index.htm

BIBLE STUDY SESSIONS:

The Bible Study groups continue meeting during the week according to the following schedule: The study group in Armenian meets on Tuesdays at 7:00pm, while the study group in English meeting on Wednesdays at 7:30pm. Both groups meet in the Nevart Gulbenkian Hall. These sessions are perfect opportunities for people who have not yet read the Bible. You do not have to be a theologian, a regular church-goer or even a believer to join our Bible Study. You don’t even need to own a Bible. We will provide you with a copy. All are welcome. This Wednesday, in leu of the Bible Study session, a talk will be offered by His Grace Bishop Nathan Hovhannysian regarding the publishing house of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The talks is scheduled at 7:00pm in Hye Doon. All are welcome.

THE WASHING OF THE FEET SERVICE:

This year the inspiring service of the Washing of the Feet, which is part of the annual Holy week services is scheduled on April 21st, at 4:30pm. In order to better organize the service and help our children enjoy the service, the Primate’s Office is requesting that the parents who want to have their son’s feet washed to contact he Primate’s Office in advance. Please note that your son’s or grandson’s name needs to be registered in advance so they can attend a rehearsal with Fr. Vahan prior to the date of the service. To register your son or for further information please contact he Primate’s Office at 020 8127 8364 or e-mail: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk

E-NEWSLETTER – E-MAIL:

If someone you know wishes to receive the E-Newsletter, or if you want us to send the E-Newsletter to a relative or a friend, kindly forward the person’s e-mail to: information@armenianchurch.co.uk.

Meanwhile, we are building up our e-list with special attention to Armenians living in the Wales region and in Birmingham. If you know of someone who lives or studies in these areas, or anywhere else in GB and Ireland, please forward the person’s e-mail address to: information@armenianchurch.co.uk.

ARMENIAN CHURCH OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND

The Primate’s Office: 25 Cheniston Gardens, Kensington, London W8 6TG, UK Website: Armenianchurch.co.uk • E-mail: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk Phone: 020 8127 8364 • Fax: 087 2111 5548