Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate

E-NEWSLETTER H - J:RJIK
AArmenian Church of Great Britain and Ireland
FFr. Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate
55 February 2011, Issue 5, Vol 2
ARMENIAN CHURCH OF GB AND IRELAND
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ECUMENICAL SERVICE FOR PEACE AT ST. SARKIS
The St. Sarkis Church Trustees and the St. Sarkis Pastoral Council have the pleasure of inviting you to an Ecumenical Service for Peace. The service, scheduled on Saturday, 19th February at 6:00pm, is on the occasion of the Feast of St. Sarkis, the patron saint of the Church (the Church’s Name Day). The service will be presided over by the Rt. Revd. Dr. Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate of the Armenian Church of the UK and Ireland, and will be attended by Councilor James Husband, the Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea and representatives of sister Churches as well as Armenian community organizations and the faithful. All are welcome.
ST. SARKIS CHURCH NAME DAY – DIVINE LITURGY AND TRADITIONAL MADAGH/HARISSA
Join us on Sunday, 20th February to celebrate the Name Day of St. Sarkis Church, starting with the Divine Liturgy at 11:00 AM and by taking part in the blessing of Madagh following the church service at 12:30 pm. What is Madagh? The Armenian madagh is the old Christian tradition of agape, a meal of love shared by the first Christians. It also refers to Christian charity in general. According to the prayer in the Book of Rituals of the Armenian Church, the madagh is a memorial meal, which is also distributed to the poor. This year we will celebrate St. Sarkis with 'Harissa' (Հարիսա), the traditional Armenian dish (a sort of porridge made of stewed and boned chicken and coarsely ground soaked wheat). The dish has been passed on since ancient times and are offered on memorial or commemoration of significant events in the life of the community. Following the blessing of the madagh by the priest, it is distributed to the congregation and to the poor.
PRIMATE TO CELEBRATE BADARAK IN MANCHESTER The Rt. Revd Dr. Vahan Hovhanessian,
Primate, will be visiting the Armenian community in Manchester, Saturday- Sunday, 5th-6th February. During his visit the Primate will get to meet with the chairman of the Board of the Trustees of the Holy Trinity Church, Mr. Tattoo Couligian, as well as with members of the Board of Trustees and the Council of Wardens. On Sunday morning, 6th February, Fr. Vahan will celebrate Badarak in the Holy Trinity Armenian Church and offer the homily. Following Church services, Father
Vahan will join the Manchester Armenians at the monthly lunch that is prepared on monthly basis. All are welcome. For further information about the Armenian Church in Manchester and its programmes please contact the Church Vicarage in Manchester at: +44 (0)161 273 1074 or visit the following websites: http://www.armenianchurchmanchester.org/ or Holy Trinity Church.
Pilgrimage - Day Five: Free Day... Was it really free?
TThe fifth day of the pilgrimage was the day of the Feast of the Nativity (the Birth and Baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ) according to the Calendar of the Armenian Patriarchate in Jerusalem. Consequently, the agenda on that day was left blank for the pilgrims to enjoy the Feast day and plan their own free time in Jerusalem. As in the previous days, morning began with a delicious breakfast and a very pleasant fellowship around a long table in the Golden Walls Hotel in Jerusalem. After four days of detailed calendar of activities, the pilgrims found themselves asking each other what to do and where to go. Fresh in the minds of all were the sweat memories of the visit to the tomb of Christ, the house of the Virgin Mary, the Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem, the group visit to the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and the private audience with the Patriarch. After breakfast, the pilgrims divided themselves into various smaller groups. Within a few minutes the groups left the hotel to enjoy their free day in sunny Jerusalem where the temperature, on the 18th January, was 18°C!
Pilgrims with His Beatitude the Patriarch of Jerusalem
Climbing to the Dome of the Rock
Church of the Visitation
But was it really a free day? Within a few minutes our group members decided to go back to the Armenian shrine of the Holy Sepluchre, walking through the Via Dolorosa, which is also one of the oldest shopping streets in Jerusalem. Sure enough, within only a few minutes we caught up with another group of pilgrims who were following the same path. Maneuvering our way through the “tourist traps” we decided to revisit some of the stations of the Cross on the Via Dolorosa. After a long walk and several short stops, we found ourselves near station 3, the Armenian Catholic Church, where there was a sign for an Armenian restaurant. At 1:00pm after 3 hours of walking and reflecting and discussing, it was time for lunch. As soon as we walked in, lo and behold, another group of pilgrims, who have followed the same path before us, had decided to rest and grab a bite at the same station. It was so nice to sit under the shadow of the Armenian dome and enjoy the sunny day with delicious Middle Eastern food. By the time our group decided to leave the restaurant, behold a third group of our pilgrims walked into the same restaurant for the same ritual! A few of our members wanted to visit the Jewish Wailing Wall and the Dome of the Rock. After having to go through security check point we were allowed to enter the Wailing Wall area and gaze at the dome of the Rock from a distance.
Next was the Sepulchre. Unlike our previous visit, this time there were no church services. The pilgrims got to take their time to visit the various shrines, including the spot where the cross of the Lord was discovered by Empress Helen. Some wondered around, others stopped by and prayed, others enjoyed the magnificent design, liturgical ornaments and iconography. The final stop was the Church of the Archangels. Where our group met with His Eminence Abp. Sevan Gharibian, the treasurer of the Patriarchate. The main objective of the visit was to see the Archbishop. However, the group also wanted to hand over the donation that the pilgrims had collected for the Armenian Patriarchate. Looking at the magnificent buildings and shrines owned and supervised by the Armenians, and the unfortunate
state of maintenance
that most of them are in, moved the pilgrims spontaneously to donate money to support the Patriarchate and its various shrines. Abp. Gharibian was happy to see the small group of the pilgrims, and urged them not to forget the Armenians of Jerusalem and the inspiring and beautiful shrines built and maintained by the Armenians throughout the centuries. By now it was almost time for dinner, and the group had to start heading back for the final dinner at the hotel. The following day the pilgrims were leaving the hotel early morning for Nazareth. The fellowship hour following dinner gradually evolved into a beautiful Armenian celebration of the Nativity. Many pilgrims gathered around the piano singing traditional Armenian hymns and songs, while others danced or sat back and joined in the singing and enjoyed the remainder of the night. It was a beautiful Christmas
celebration in the land of Christmas!
Walking by the old wall of Jerusalem heading back to the hotel after a very busy “free day”
Celebrating Armenian Christmas in Jerusalem
The narrow and wound path to the Monastery of the Mount of Temptation, with the Jordan Valley in background
Several pilgrims in the cable car ascending to the foot of the summit of the Mount of Temptation
A Bible discussion session in the chapel built on the spot believed to be the place where Satan tempted Christ for the first time, currently part of a Greek Monastery
Descending from the Mount of Temptation
Married couples getting blessed in a Church in Cana, Galilee
Day Six – Journey to Nazareth – Climbing the Mount of Temptations
Tuesday, 19th January, the sixth day of the pilgrimage, was the day of departure from Jerusalem. The final two nights of the pilgrimage was scheduled to be in Nazareth. The pilgrims journey was first to Jericho. The main objective was visiting the Mount of Temptation. This is where traditions confirm that Jesus ascended to retreat and fast for forty days, and at the end of the 40 days was tempted by Satan. The route from Jerusalem to Jericho leads by the Dead Sea and Masada. The pilgrims got to see the mountain and the caves where the scrolls, known as the “Dead Sea Scrolls,” were discovered. Next stop was a Cable Car (Teleferic) station. This system was installed to help pilgrims climb the high mountain known as the Mount of Temptation.
The cable car journey is 1330 meters long. The pilgrims got to see the magnificent view of the Jordan Valley below, with the Nebo mountain in Jordan in the background. However, the cable car takes the pilgrims only to the foot of the lofty summit of the mountain. It took the pilgrims, those who could climb an almost 45° slope, approximately 20 minutes to climb the narrow and wound path from the cable car station to the summit of the mount, about 360 meters above sea level. Finally, the pilgrims where at the gate of the monastery, built on the spot traditionally recognized as the the place where Jesus was tempted by Satan. Originally a Greek Orthodox monastery was built in the 6th century over the cave where Christ stayed. This was another of the shrines to have been identified by Queen Helena in her pilgrimage of 326 AD. Following a breath-taking walk on the passage on the top of the summit that grants access to the Monastery, the pilgrims got to enter the Monastery and walk around the various rooms and chapels built int eh monastic complex, including cells built for monks and anchorites. Finally, the group gathered in the room which is
traditionally identified as the place where Satan tempted Christ for the first time. It was in the chapel that the group decided to have its next Bible Study session and discussion. Two pilgrims volunteered to read the passages about the temptation of Christ as documented in the Gospels. After a brief elaboration on the text and context
of the event narrated in the passage, Fr. Vahan led the group in an engaging discussion. The discussion would have continued for another hour or so, had the guide not reminded the pilgrims that it is time to start descending from the Monastery to the cable car station and from there to the bus station so the pilgrims can make it to the next shrine before it gets dark and the shrine is closed. So, after a brief prayer and several photo sessions, the pilgrims started descending the summit of the mount down to the cable car station, where they met with those pilgrims who could not climb the steep summit. Despite their efforts, however, it was already too late for the pilgrims! Seven busload of Nigerian pilgrims have arrived the shrine and were preparing to descend. This meant another half hour or so of waiting in the station. This, however, gave the pilgrims the time desperately needed to sit in the cafeteria, on a cliff facing the Jordan Valley, and relax a bit, enjoying some
refreshments until it was their turn to take the cable car down to the station where the bus was waiting for them. Soon all where in the bus on their way to Cana, to the city where according to the Gospel of John our Lord performed the first of His miracle at a wedding celebration. A Franciscan cathedral is built on the ruins of a synagogue believed to be the place where the Lord blessed marriage and converted water into wine. This was a golden
opportunity for several of the married couples in the group to be blessed by Fr. Vahan. It was a very moving moment to see several married couples joining hands one more time and being blessed in the
actual spot where the Lord blessed marriage. Among the pilgrims to be blessed was also a couple, Armen and Karine, who had just been engaged a week or so before the pilgrimage. The short and beautiful blessing ceremony ended with the singing of the Lord’s Prayer, Hayr Mér. Fr. Vahan then wished all a happy, healthy and prosperous life. It was an inspiring ending for an exciting and a spiritually fulfilling day!
UPDATES FROM THE MISSION PARISH COUNCIL OF THE ARMENIAN CHURCH IN CARDIFF The Mission Parish Council (MPC) of the Armenian Church in Cardiff, Wales, is happy to announce updates about upcoming events and administrative information of interest to our
readers. The Cardiff MPC cordially announces the organisation of a pilgrimage to the historic, 6th-century, St. David’s Cathedral in Pembrokshire, Wales. The pilgrimage is scheduled for Saturday, 30th April. There will be a celebration of the Badarak as well as a 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 Cardiff MPC is coordinating bus rides from Cardiff to the Cathedral. It takes a little less than three hours bus-ride from Cardiff to St. David’s. Those wishing to join the pilgrimage from London are suggested to travel from London to Cardiff the night before and spend the night in Cardiff. The Cardiff MPC is planning an evening event. We will announce the details of the event as well as the cost of the pilgrimage in the subsequent issues of the E-Newsletter.
The MPC of the Armenian Church is happy to announce the establishment of a bank account in Cardiff to support its various activities (Badaraks, cultural programmes, Genocide commemorations, and pilgrimages). Those wishing to support the newly established Armenian Church Mission Parish Council in Cardiff can make their donations to the following bank account: Armenian Church Council Wales; Account number: 63876543; Sort Code: 20-18-15. Cheques can be mailed to: Unit K8, Capital Business Park, Wentloog, Cardiff CF3 2PU. For further information about the Cardiff MPC please visit their website: http://www.cardiffarmenianchurch.org/ or send an e-mail to cardiffacmpc@armenianchurch.co.uk.
Cloistered Garden, St. David’s
GIFT DISPLAY’S NEW ARRIVALS: “JESUS, THE SON” Recently the Primate’s Office received a new shipment of the English translation of the valuable book “Jesus, The Son,” by Nersess Shnorhali (1102-1173). The book, translated by M. Kudian and published in 1986, remains one of the very few available in English that explores the Armenian spirituality of the Medeival years. Copies of the book can be purchased from the gift display available at St Yeghiche Church. PLEASE NOTE: The display was removed from the Nevart Gulbenkian Hall temporarily. We hope to reinstall it back soon. For further information about this book, and any other item available at the gift display, or to purchase a copy please contact he Primate’s Office at:
primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk, or call : 020 8127 8364.
YOUNG ARMENIANS’ TRIP TO SAN LAZZARO, VENICE – NEW DEADLINE
Due to the unexpected demand and interest in the trip to the Armenian Monastery of San Lazzaro, organized by the Armenian Church Youth Fellowship (ACYF), the executive committee decided to change the deadline to Tuesday, 9 February. Initially, the group has guaranteed lodging for a maximum number of 15 participants. Unfortunately, because of the popularity of the location, it is becoming very difficult to guarantee lodging places for late participants. The trip is scheduled for the 1st through the 3rd of April, 2011. The young men and women participating in the trip will get to tour the historic, religious and touristic sites of the island. They will spend the Saturday at the beautiful facilities and cloistered gardens of the Armenian Mekhitharist Monastery of San Lazzaro, exploring the history of the Armenian people and the monastic community itself in Venice, as well as the essential role the monastic community played in preserving and promoting Armenian scholarship and research in the fields of Armenian literature, history, philosophy and religion. The full amount of the trip (£400) must be received at the Primate’s Office no later than February 9. The cost amount includes round-trip airfare with British Airways, lodging, three day vaporetto (boat) pass, as well as transportation from airport to the hotel. Cheques must be made payable to the Armenian Church Trust to the following address: Primate’s Office, 25 Cheniston Gardens, Kensington, London W8 6TG. For further information about the trip or to sign up, kindly e-mail: ACYF@armenianchurch.co.uk.
HOUSE BLESSING – NEW YEAR’S AND NATIVITY During the blessed season of Nativity, our clergy will be very happy to stop by and bless your house, as is the custom among Armenians. You do not need to prepare anything, just the traditional glass of water, some salt and a piece of bread, all of which are blessed as symbols of life. These visitations are also a golden opportunity for the clergy to get to meet the Armenian community and for the people to get to know their clergy. To coordinate a house blessing, please contact the St. Yeghiche Church (tel. 01923 773 277 or E-mail: tamara.stephan@ntlworld.com), or St. Sarkis Church (Tel. 02079 370 152, E-mail: office@stsarkislondon.org), or The Holy Trinity Church in Manchester (Tel. 01612 731 074) or Cardiff MPC (cardiffacmpc@armenianchurch.co.uk), or the Primate’s Office (Tel. 02081 278 364, E-mail:
primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk)
DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS
(According to the Armenian Church Lectionary)
Monday 7/2
Proverbs 29:2-7 2 Maccabees 6:18-7:42 Hebrews 11:32-40 Matthew 5:17-20
Tuesday 8/2
Hosea 10:12, Amos 5:10-14, Micah 7:7-9, Joel 2:12-13, Obadiah 1:21, Jonah 4:2, Nahum 1:7-9. Habakkuk 1:2- 3, Zephaniah 1:7-8, Haggai 2:10, Zechariah 7:9-10, Malachi 1:6, Romans 11:2-5, Luke 13:31-35
Wednesday 9/2
1 Corinthians 7:25-35 Matthew 19:13-26
Thursday 10/2
Proverbs 11:30-12:4 Hosea 14:6-9 2 Corinthians 4:6-14 Luke 12:2-10.
Friday 11/2
1 Corinthians 11:1-16 Mark 1:35-45
Saturday 12/2
Wisdom 1:1-7 Jeremiah 16:16-21 1 Corinthians 12:28-13:10 Luke 9:1-6
Sunday 13/2
Isaiah 61:10-62:9 2 Timothy 2:15-26 John 6:15-21
Let Us Promote Our Own Armenian Traditions
Several passages in the Bible narrate the story in the Old Testament of God speaking to His people collectively. In all instances where the people gather in an assembly to listen to God, those gathered remain standing while God talks. To remain standing while listening to someone talk or teach is a sign of respect and admiration. There is no doubt that the men and women of the covenant in the Old Testament would have heard God’s voice very clearly had they continued doing their daily chores and duties. However, stopping everything for a brief time and standing while listening to God’s instructions, was a way to demonstrate their Worship of God and to remind each other that they are at the presence of God. It is because of such biblical instances that the early church promoted the practice of inviting the worshippers to remain standing while the Gospel is being chanted. After all, the Gospel contains the teachings of Christ. Through the recitation of the words of the Gospel during Badarak, Christ speaks to us directly. Therefore, Armenian worshippers remain standing in the Church while the Gospel is being chanted from the altar. There are other instances during the liturgy that Armenians remain standing as a sign of worship and adoration of God. For example, when the main Eucharistic prayer is being recited by the celebrant or when he turns to the congregation revealing a portion of the Holy Communion and identifying it as the Lord. So the next time you are in Badarak (hopefully every Sunday), do not worry about when to stand or when to sit. Remember, standing or sitting is not a divine commandment. It is a human practice and gesture to show our collective worship and respect of God. And if you happen to be early enough in Church to hear the Gospel chanted from the altar, as every Christian must, why not be the first one in the congregation to stand up, and demonstrate your love, worship and admiration of God.
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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 next Bible Study session in Armenian will meet this Tuesday, 8th February, at 7:00pm in Nevart Gulbenkian Hall. There will be no Bible Study session in English this and the following Wednesday. The Bible Study group will resume it session on Wednesday, 23rd February at 7:30 pm. The group has just finished reading the Gospel of Matthew. When it resumes its study sessions on the 23rd the group will start reading the Book of Acts. This is a perfect opportunity for people who have not yet experienced the Bible Study programme to join us. You do not have to be a theologian, 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.
ARE YOU IN BIRMINGHAM? The Primate’s Office is coordinating a visit to the Armenian community in Birmingham. If you or someone you know lives in Birmingham, please forward your e-mail address to the Primate’s Office at primatesoffice@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
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