E-NEWSLETTER...............Է-ԹԵՐԹԻԿ ≠≠ The official online publication of the Primate’s Office of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Great Britain and Ireland Issue 38 (Volume 4), 18.September 2013 CATHOLICOS CONSECRATES LARGEST CHURCH IN DIASPORA HH Karekin II with HH Kirill Patriarch of Russia, Abp Yezras, Primate and Abp Aram Ateshian, Patriarchate of Turkey On Tuesday, September 17, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, consecrated the newly built Cathedral of the Armenian Diocese of New Nakhichevan and Russia assisted by 12 Armenian Archbishops and Bishops from around the world. The magnificent Cathedral with its Cultural Complex is centrally situated at the heart of Moscow and covers 1.32 acres of space. The complex includes the Diocesan Cathedral and the Holy Cross Church; the administrative and other educational and cultural buildings. The exterior of the cathedral walls are embellished with reliefs depicting the Lord and the Apostles, and frescoes in the interior depicting the saints of the Armenian Church. HE President Serzh Sargsyan and the First Lady of Armenia as well as the President of the Nagorno Karabakh, and other official and church representatives and benefactors were present at the consecration. Present also was HH Kirill Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, who gave his blessings. Our Primate, HG Bp Vahan Hovhanessian, participated in the ceremonies and consecrated one of the 16 pillars of the Cathedral. On this occasion, HH the Catholicos announced the elevation of the Primate, Bp Yezras to the honorary rank of Archbishop.A festive programme of celebration, concert and banquet followed. Congratulations to all and God bless. PROCESSION OF THE CROSS IN LONDON Last Sunday, 15 September, on the occasion of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, both St Yeghiche and St Sarkis Armenian Churches in London concluded their Sunday Badarak services with the special service of the Procession of the Cross. Following the Apostle James (first century), Queen Helena in Jerusalem (fourth century) and Emperor Heracliuos and his Christian coalition army (seventh century) in exalting and venerating the cross at different stages in the history of the church, Armenians around the world do the same every year on the occasion of the Feast of the Cross, decorate big crosses with Basil and carrying them around the church in a procession singing the hymn “We venerate your Cross, O Lord” and blessing the four corners of the earth, by stoping at four points in the procession facing four different directions. The processon in St Sarkis Church was led by Bp Vahan Hohvanessian, Primate, who offered the homily, assisted by Fr. Shnork Bagdasarian, Pastor, who was the celebrant of the Badarak. In St Yeghiche Church, Fr Garegin Hambardzumyan, the celebratnt of the day, led the procession. May the Lord protect our people and church under the shadow of His victorious cross in peace. ACYF GENERAL MEETING AND NEW EXECUTIVES Last Wednesday evening, 11 September,HG Bp Vahan Hovhanessian, presided over a general meeting of the members of the Armenian Church Youth Fellowship (ACYF). Present at the meeting were members of the Executive Committees of the ACYF in London and Manchester, as well as general members. The Primate opened the meeting with a prayer and a word of welcome to all. He then invited the executive committee members of London first then Manchester to present their reports, going over past events and discussing a few of their chapter’s forthcoming events. Those present then discussed lengthily few of the forthcoming programmes of the ACYF including the popular annual Christmas Carol Evening, the Summer Service Programmes and the Basket Delivery ministry. Among other subjects discussed also were membership in the ACYF and amendments and developments to the ACYF constitution. Those present from London, then, elected their new Executive Committee members who are for the year 2013-2014: Alexander Adamov, Anush Gharabaghtsyan, Anaïs Heghoyan, Krikor Sabounjian and Stepan Yeghiazarian. Congratulations to the newly elected members and thanks to the outgoing ones. Contact the ACYF via e-mail or Facebook. ACYF in Armenian Monastery San Lazzaro. Venice SECOND OPERA GALA EVENING: ST YEGHICHE CHURCH As part of the worldwide celebration of the cultural month inOctober this year, the Armenian Church Trust of the United Kingdom (ACT UK) cordially invites our faithful andfriends to an Opera Gala Evening on Sunday, 27th October 2013, at 7:00pm in the magnificent Cathedral ofSt. Yeghiche Armenian Church in South Kensington. This year’s programme will include works by composers Verdi, Mascagni, Puccini, Bizet,Dvořák, Rachmaninov and many more. Most of the performers are graduates of the Royal College of Music,including Anaïs Heghoyan, Artur Bobikyan, Jassy Husk, Suzanne Shakespeare, Paula Sides, AlexTsilogiannis and Ross Ramgobin with Jonathan Gale accompanying on the piano. If you would like to sponsor part of this event or would like to advertise in our programme please contact the Primate’s Office. Tickets are £22 in advance or £25 at the door; £10 for students and free for under 12’s. Tickets are available by calling 07931 377 539 or 07931 377 537.Please make your cheques payable to: The Armenian Church Trust UK. Finally click here for a highlightedpreview from last year’s inspiring first Opera Gala performance at the Royal College of Music. . BADARAK AT THE ARMENIAN CHURCH IN BIRMINGHAM The Armenian Church Council in Birmingham is ready to welcome our faithful to the October celebration of the Divine Liturgy (Badarak). On Saturday, 5 October, the V Revd Fr Garegin Hambardzumyan will be celebrating Badarak at St John’s Church in Birmingham(St John’s Road, Sparkhill, B11 4RG), at 2:00pm. Following the traditional celebration of Badarak, Fr Garegin will offer talk. The Church Council in Birmingham, under the chairmanship of Mr Varuzh Davtyan, has been very active striving to schedule Badarak celebrations at least once a month. Click here to watch a brief video of one of the previous Badarak celebrations in Birmingham. For more info about Armenians in Birmingham please contact Church Council chairman Varuzh Davtyan, or visit their Facebook page. BADARAK AT THE ARMENIAN CHURCH IN DUBLIN, IRELAND The Armenian Church Council in Dublin cordially invites our faithful to an episcopal Badarak celebration in Dublin, Ireland on Sunday, 29 September. HG Bp Vahan Hovhanessian will celebrate Badarak at the Taney Parish Church, starting at 2:30pm SHARP. Following Badarak the faithful are invited to a lunch reception, courtesy of the Parish Council, followed by a Council meeting with the Primate. If you live in the Dublin metropolitan area, or if you are visiting the area,and would like to attend the church services, please click here for detailed directions and access info to the Parish.We look forward to welcoming our faithful and friends at the Badarak on Sunday, the 29th September. For more information please contact Ayda Lundon or Paul Manook of the Armenian Church Parish Council in Dublin. IN LOVING MEMORY OF JORIK KEVORK KAZARIANS A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday 29th September, 2013 at 3:00 pm in St Sarkis Church, Iverna Gardens, Kensington, London W8 in loving memory of beloved husband and father the late Jorik Kevork Kazarians (1931 – 2013). A Memorial Reception will follow in the Shannon Suite, Copthorne Tara Hotel, Scarsdale Place, Kensington, London W8 5SR. Condolences to the Kazarians family members. May the Lord rest the soul of Jorik Kevork Kazarians in peace. Աստուածհոգինլուսաւորէ: ANNOUNCEMENTS:  ANNUAL RETREAT: The Primate’s Office is planning an Advent retreat for our parishioners in London, Manchester, Dublin, Cardiff and Birmingham, sometimes in late October or early November. The retreat will focus on one of the essential aspects of the Church mission and ministry. The retreat will roughly cost £200 per person, which covers breakfast, lunch dinner, and discussion material, as well as access to the facilities of the retreat centre. If interested please e-mail the Primate’s Office to help us have a rough estimate of how many rooms to reserve in the retreat house.This will include two nights at a retreat house within an hour or so from London.  BIBLE STUDY: There will be NO BIBLE STUDYsession this Thursday. We will resume on Thursday, 17 October at 7:30pm. BLESSING OF A NEW CHALICE Last Sunday, at the conclusion of the Badarak celebrating the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, His Grace Bp Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate, assisted by the Revd Fr Shnork Bagdasarian, Pastor, and the altar servers of the St Sarkis Church, blessed a beautiful silver chalice donated by Mr and Mrs Armenag and Hasmig Topalian. The Chalice was purchased and donated last year during the annual Pilgrimage to the Holy Land organized by the Primate’s Office, when the Topalians had joined the 2012 Pilgrimage led by the Primate. Inspired by the pilgrimage and the holy shrines visited during the pilgrimage, and aware of the dire need here in the UK for a chalice to be used at the three Mission Parishes of our Church, the Topalians graciously decided to donate the chalice in support of the Mission Parish Outreach ministry (MPO) of the Primate’s Office. On Sunday, 15 September, the chalice was first washed by water and wine according to the beautiful Armenian Church traditions, and then blessed. The blessing took place on the same day Aline Topalian, the daughter of Armen and Karine and the granddaughter of Armenag and Hasmig Topalian was baptised. Thank you and congratulations to the Topalian family and to all. ARMENIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION The Armenian Community and Church Council of Great Britain (ACCC), invites you to the celebration of the 22nd Independence Day celebration of Armenia. The celebration will take place on Saturday, 21st September 2013 at Greenford Hall (Ruislip road, Greenford, Middlesex, UB6 9QN), starting at 7:30pm. The programme will include the film presentation on “Who are the Armenians and what is their contribution to World Cultures?” and a wide variety show with local talents. Admission is free. For more information please click here. The Republic of Armenia declared its sovereignty from the Soviet Union on 23 August, 1990. In the wake of the August Coup, a referendum was held on the question of secession. Following an overwhelming vote in favor, full independence was declared on September 21, 1991. Armenia was admitted to the United Nations on 2 March 1992, at the 82nd Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly in Manhattan, New York. The Primate’s Office c/oHyeDoon, 25 Cheniston Gardens, London W8 6TG www.armenianchurch.co.uk information@armenianchurch.co.uk

E-NEWSLETTER...............Է-ԹԵՐԹԻԿ

≠≠

E-NEWSLETTER...............Է-ԹԵՐԹԻԿ

≠≠

The official online publication of the Primate’s Office of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Great Britain and Ireland Issue 38 (Volume 4), 18.September 2013

CATHOLICOS CONSECRATES LARGEST CHURCH IN DIASPORA

HH Karekin II with HH Kirill Patriarch of Russia, Abp Yezras, Primate and Abp Aram Ateshian, Patriarchate of Turkey

On Tuesday, September 17, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians,

consecrated the newly built Cathedral of the Armenian Diocese of New Nakhichevan and Russia assisted by

12 Armenian Archbishops and Bishops from around the world. The magnificent Cathedral with its

Cultural Complex is centrally situated at the heart of Moscow and covers 1.32 acres of space. The complex

includes the Diocesan Cathedral and the Holy Cross Church; the administrative and other educational and

cultural buildings. The exterior of the cathedral walls are embellished with reliefs depicting the Lord and

the Apostles, and frescoes in the interior depicting the saints of the Armenian Church. HE President Serzh

Sargsyan and the First Lady of Armenia as well as the President of the Nagorno Karabakh, and other official

and church representatives and benefactors were present at the consecration. Present also was HH Kirill

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, who gave his blessings. Our Primate, HG Bp Vahan Hovhanessian,

participated in the ceremonies and consecrated one of the 16 pillars of the Cathedral. On this occasion,

HH the Catholicos announced the elevation of the Primate, Bp Yezras to the honorary rank of

Archbishop.A festive programme of celebration, concert and banquet followed. Congratulations to all and God bless.

PROCESSION OF THE CROSS IN LONDON

Last Sunday, 15 September, on the occasion of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, both St Yeghiche and St Sarkis Armenian Churches in London concluded their Sunday Badarak services with the special service of the Procession of the Cross. Following the Apostle James (first century), Queen Helena in Jerusalem (fourth century) and Emperor Heracliuos and his Christian coalition army (seventh century) in exalting and venerating the cross at different stages in the history of the church, Armenians around the world do the same every year on the occasion of the Feast of the Cross, decorate big crosses with Basil and carrying them around the church in a procession singing the hymn “We venerate your Cross, O Lord” and blessing the four corners of the earth, by stoping at four points in the procession facing four different directions. The processon in St Sarkis Church was led by Bp Vahan Hohvanessian, Primate, who offered the homily, assisted by Fr. Shnork Bagdasarian, Pastor, who was the celebrant of the Badarak. In St Yeghiche Church, Fr Garegin Hambardzumyan, the celebratnt of the day, led the procession. May the Lord protect our people and church under the shadow of His victorious cross in peace.

ACYF GENERAL MEETING AND NEW EXECUTIVES

Last Wednesday evening, 11 September,HG Bp Vahan Hovhanessian, presided over a general meeting of the members of the Armenian Church Youth Fellowship (ACYF). Present at the meeting were members of the Executive Committees of the ACYF in London and Manchester, as well as general members. The Primate opened the meeting with a prayer and a word of welcome to all. He then invited the executive committee members of London first then Manchester to present their reports, going over past events and discussing a few of their chapter’s forthcoming events. Those present then discussed lengthily few of the forthcoming programmes of the ACYF including the popular annual Christmas Carol Evening, the Summer Service Programmes and the Basket Delivery ministry. Among other subjects discussed also were membership in the ACYF and amendments and developments to the ACYF constitution. Those present from London, then, elected their new Executive Committee members who are for the year 2013-2014: Alexander Adamov, Anush Gharabaghtsyan, Anaïs Heghoyan, Krikor Sabounjian and Stepan Yeghiazarian. Congratulations to the newly elected members and thanks to the outgoing ones. Contact the ACYF via e-mail or Facebook.

ACYF in Armenian Monastery San Lazzaro. Venice

SECOND OPERA GALA EVENING: ST YEGHICHE CHURCH

As part of the worldwide celebration of the cultural month inOctober this year, the Armenian Church Trust of the United Kingdom (ACT UK) cordially invites our faithful andfriends to an Opera Gala Evening on Sunday, 27th October 2013, at 7:00pm in the magnificent Cathedral ofSt. Yeghiche Armenian Church in South Kensington. This year’s programme will include works by composers Verdi, Mascagni, Puccini, Bizet,Dvořák, Rachmaninov and many more. Most of the performers are graduates of the Royal College of Music,including Anaïs Heghoyan, Artur Bobikyan, Jassy Husk, Suzanne Shakespeare, Paula Sides, AlexTsilogiannis and Ross Ramgobin with Jonathan Gale accompanying on the piano. If you would like to sponsor part of this event or would like to advertise in our programme please contact the Primate’s Office. Tickets are £22 in advance or £25 at the door; £10 for students and free for under 12’s. Tickets are available by calling 07931 377 539 or 07931 377 537.Please make your cheques payable to: The Armenian Church Trust UK. Finally click here for a highlightedpreview from last year’s inspiring first Opera Gala performance at the Royal College of Music.

.

BADARAK AT THE ARMENIAN CHURCH IN BIRMINGHAM

The Armenian Church Council in Birmingham is ready to welcome our faithful to the October celebration of the Divine Liturgy (Badarak). On Saturday, 5 October, the V Revd Fr Garegin Hambardzumyan will be celebrating Badarak at St John’s Church in Birmingham(St John’s Road, Sparkhill, B11 4RG), at 2:00pm. Following the traditional celebration of Badarak, Fr Garegin will offer talk. The Church Council in Birmingham, under the chairmanship of Mr Varuzh Davtyan, has been very active striving to schedule Badarak celebrations at least once a month. Click here to watch a brief video of one of the previous Badarak celebrations in Birmingham. For more info about Armenians in Birmingham please contact Church Council chairman Varuzh Davtyan, or visit their Facebook page.

BADARAK AT THE ARMENIAN CHURCH IN DUBLIN, IRELAND

The Armenian Church Council in Dublin cordially invites our faithful to an episcopal Badarak celebration in Dublin, Ireland on Sunday, 29 September. HG Bp Vahan Hovhanessian will celebrate Badarak at the Taney Parish Church, starting at 2:30pm SHARP. Following Badarak the faithful are invited to a lunch reception, courtesy of the Parish Council, followed by a Council meeting with the Primate. If you live in the Dublin metropolitan area, or if you are visiting the area,and would like to attend the church services, please click here for detailed directions and access info to the Parish.We look forward to welcoming our faithful and friends at the Badarak on Sunday, the 29th September. For more information please contact Ayda Lundon or Paul Manook of the Armenian Church Parish Council in Dublin.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF JORIK KEVORK KAZARIANS

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday 29th September, 2013 at 3:00 pm in St Sarkis Church, Iverna Gardens, Kensington, London W8 in loving memory of beloved husband and father the late Jorik Kevork Kazarians (1931 – 2013). A Memorial Reception will follow in the Shannon Suite, Copthorne Tara Hotel, Scarsdale Place, Kensington, London W8 5SR. Condolences to the Kazarians family members. May the Lord rest the soul of Jorik Kevork Kazarians in peace. Աստուածհոգինլուսաւորէ:

ANNOUNCEMENTS:  ANNUAL RETREAT: The Primate’s Office is planning an Advent retreat for our parishioners in London, Manchester, Dublin, Cardiff and

Birmingham, sometimes in late October or early November. The retreat will focus on one of the essential aspects of the Church mission and ministry. The retreat will roughly cost £200 per person, which covers breakfast, lunch dinner, and discussion material, as well as access to the facilities of the retreat centre. If interested please e-mail the Primate’s Office to help us have a rough estimate of how many rooms to reserve in the retreat house.This will include two nights at a retreat house within an hour or so from London.

 BIBLE STUDY: There will be NO BIBLE STUDYsession this Thursday. We will resume on Thursday, 17 October at 7:30pm.

BLESSING OF A NEW CHALICE

Last Sunday, at the conclusion of the Badarak celebrating the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, His Grace Bp Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate, assisted by the Revd Fr Shnork Bagdasarian, Pastor, and the altar servers of the St Sarkis Church, blessed a beautiful silver chalice donated by Mr and Mrs Armenag and Hasmig Topalian. The Chalice was purchased and donated last year during the annual Pilgrimage to the Holy Land organized by the Primate’s Office, when the Topalians had joined the 2012 Pilgrimage led by the Primate. Inspired by the pilgrimage and the holy shrines visited during the pilgrimage, and aware of the dire need here in the UK for a chalice to be used at the three Mission Parishes of our Church, the Topalians graciously decided to donate the chalice in support of the Mission Parish Outreach ministry (MPO) of the Primate’s Office. On Sunday, 15 September, the chalice was first washed by water and wine according to the beautiful Armenian Church traditions, and then blessed. The blessing took place on the same day Aline Topalian, the daughter of Armen and Karine and the granddaughter of Armenag and Hasmig Topalian was baptised. Thank you and congratulations to the Topalian family and to all.

ARMENIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

The Armenian Community and Church Council of Great Britain (ACCC), invites you to the celebration of the 22nd Independence Day celebration of Armenia. The celebration will take place on Saturday, 21st September 2013 at Greenford Hall (Ruislip road, Greenford, Middlesex, UB6 9QN), starting at 7:30pm. The programme will include the film presentation on “Who are the Armenians and what is their contribution to World Cultures?” and a wide variety show with local talents. Admission is free. For more information please click here. The Republic of Armenia declared its sovereignty from the Soviet Union on 23 August, 1990. In the wake of the August Coup, a referendum was held on the question of secession. Following an overwhelming vote in favor, full independence was declared on September 21, 1991. Armenia was admitted to the United Nations on 2 March 1992, at the 82nd Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly in Manhattan, New York.

The Primate’s Office c/oHyeDoon, 25 Cheniston Gardens, London W8 6TG www.armenianchurch.co.uk information@armenianchurch.co.uk

CATHOLICOS CONSECRATES LARGEST CHURCH IN DIASPORA

HH Karekin II with HH Kirill Patriarch of Russia, Abp Yezras, Primate and Abp Aram Ateshian, Patriarchate of Turkey

On Tuesday, September 17, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians,

consecrated the newly built Cathedral of the Armenian Diocese of New Nakhichevan and Russia assisted by

12 Armenian Archbishops and Bishops from around the world. The magnificent Cathedral with its

Cultural Complex is centrally situated at the heart of Moscow and covers 1.32 acres of space. The complex

includes the Diocesan Cathedral and the Holy Cross Church; the administrative and other educational and

cultural buildings. The exterior of the cathedral walls are embellished with reliefs depicting the Lord and

the Apostles, and frescoes in the interior depicting the saints of the Armenian Church. HE President Serzh

Sargsyan and the First Lady of Armenia as well as the President of the Nagorno Karabakh, and other official

and church representatives and benefactors were present at the consecration. Present also was HH Kirill

Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, who gave his blessings. Our Primate, HG Bp Vahan Hovhanessian,

participated in the ceremonies and consecrated one of the 16 pillars of the Cathedral. On this occasion,

HH the Catholicos announced the elevation of the Primate, Bp Yezras to the honorary rank of

Archbishop.A festive programme of celebration, concert and banquet followed. Congratulations to all and God bless.

PROCESSION OF THE CROSS IN LONDON

Last Sunday, 15 September, on the occasion of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, both St Yeghiche and St Sarkis Armenian Churches in London concluded their Sunday Badarak services with the special service of the Procession of the Cross. Following the Apostle James (first century), Queen Helena in Jerusalem (fourth century) and Emperor Heracliuos and his Christian coalition army (seventh century) in exalting and venerating the cross at different stages in the history of the church, Armenians around the world do the same every year on the occasion of the Feast of the Cross, decorate big crosses with Basil and carrying them around the church in a procession singing the hymn “We venerate your Cross, O Lord” and blessing the four corners of the earth, by stoping at four points in the procession facing four different directions. The processon in St Sarkis Church was led by Bp Vahan Hohvanessian, Primate, who offered the homily, assisted by Fr. Shnork Bagdasarian, Pastor, who was the celebrant of the Badarak. In St Yeghiche Church, Fr Garegin Hambardzumyan, the celebratnt of the day, led the procession. May the Lord protect our people and church under the shadow of His victorious cross in peace.

ACYF GENERAL MEETING AND NEW EXECUTIVES

Last Wednesday evening, 11 September,HG Bp Vahan Hovhanessian, presided over a general meeting of the members of the Armenian Church Youth Fellowship (ACYF). Present at the meeting were members of the Executive Committees of the ACYF in London and Manchester, as well as general members. The Primate opened the meeting with a prayer and a word of welcome to all. He then invited the executive committee members of London first then Manchester to present their reports, going over past events and discussing a few of their chapter’s forthcoming events. Those present then discussed lengthily few of the forthcoming programmes of the ACYF including the popular annual Christmas Carol Evening, the Summer Service Programmes and the Basket Delivery ministry. Among other subjects discussed also were membership in the ACYF and amendments and developments to the ACYF constitution. Those present from London, then, elected their new Executive Committee members who are for the year 2013-2014: Alexander Adamov, Anush Gharabaghtsyan, Anaïs Heghoyan, Krikor Sabounjian and Stepan Yeghiazarian. Congratulations to the newly elected members and thanks to the outgoing ones. Contact the ACYF via e-mail or Facebook.

ACYF in Armenian Monastery San Lazzaro. Venice

SECOND OPERA GALA EVENING: ST YEGHICHE CHURCH

As part of the worldwide celebration of the cultural month inOctober this year, the Armenian Church Trust of the United Kingdom (ACT UK) cordially invites our faithful andfriends to an Opera Gala Evening on Sunday, 27th October 2013, at 7:00pm in the magnificent Cathedral ofSt. Yeghiche Armenian Church in South Kensington. This year’s programme will include works by composers Verdi, Mascagni, Puccini, Bizet,Dvořák, Rachmaninov and many more. Most of the performers are graduates of the Royal College of Music,including Anaïs Heghoyan, Artur Bobikyan, Jassy Husk, Suzanne Shakespeare, Paula Sides, AlexTsilogiannis and Ross Ramgobin with Jonathan Gale accompanying on the piano. If you would like to sponsor part of this event or would like to advertise in our programme please contact the Primate’s Office. Tickets are £22 in advance or £25 at the door; £10 for students and free for under 12’s. Tickets are available by calling 07931 377 539 or 07931 377 537.Please make your cheques payable to: The Armenian Church Trust UK. Finally click here for a highlightedpreview from last year’s inspiring first Opera Gala performance at the Royal College of Music.

.

BADARAK AT THE ARMENIAN CHURCH IN BIRMINGHAM

The Armenian Church Council in Birmingham is ready to welcome our faithful to the October celebration of the Divine Liturgy (Badarak). On Saturday, 5 October, the V Revd Fr Garegin Hambardzumyan will be celebrating Badarak at St John’s Church in Birmingham(St John’s Road, Sparkhill, B11 4RG), at 2:00pm. Following the traditional celebration of Badarak, Fr Garegin will offer talk. The Church Council in Birmingham, under the chairmanship of Mr Varuzh Davtyan, has been very active striving to schedule Badarak celebrations at least once a month. Click here to watch a brief video of one of the previous Badarak celebrations in Birmingham. For more info about Armenians in Birmingham please contact Church Council chairman Varuzh Davtyan, or visit their Facebook page.

BADARAK AT THE ARMENIAN CHURCH IN DUBLIN, IRELAND

The Armenian Church Council in Dublin cordially invites our faithful to an episcopal Badarak celebration in Dublin, Ireland on Sunday, 29 September. HG Bp Vahan Hovhanessian will celebrate Badarak at the Taney Parish Church, starting at 2:30pm SHARP. Following Badarak the faithful are invited to a lunch reception, courtesy of the Parish Council, followed by a Council meeting with the Primate. If you live in the Dublin metropolitan area, or if you are visiting the area,and would like to attend the church services, please click here for detailed directions and access info to the Parish.We look forward to welcoming our faithful and friends at the Badarak on Sunday, the 29th September. For more information please contact Ayda Lundon or Paul Manook of the Armenian Church Parish Council in Dublin.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF JORIK KEVORK KAZARIANS

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday 29th September, 2013 at 3:00 pm in St Sarkis Church, Iverna Gardens, Kensington, London W8 in loving memory of beloved husband and father the late Jorik Kevork Kazarians (1931 – 2013). A Memorial Reception will follow in the Shannon Suite, Copthorne Tara Hotel, Scarsdale Place, Kensington, London W8 5SR. Condolences to the Kazarians family members. May the Lord rest the soul of Jorik Kevork Kazarians in peace. Աստուածհոգինլուսաւորէ:

ANNOUNCEMENTS:  ANNUAL RETREAT: The Primate’s Office is planning an Advent retreat for our parishioners in London, Manchester, Dublin, Cardiff and

Birmingham, sometimes in late October or early November. The retreat will focus on one of the essential aspects of the Church mission and ministry. The retreat will roughly cost £200 per person, which covers breakfast, lunch dinner, and discussion material, as well as access to the facilities of the retreat centre. If interested please e-mail the Primate’s Office to help us have a rough estimate of how many rooms to reserve in the retreat house.This will include two nights at a retreat house within an hour or so from London.

 BIBLE STUDY: There will be NO BIBLE STUDYsession this Thursday. We will resume on Thursday, 17 October at 7:30pm.

BLESSING OF A NEW CHALICE

Last Sunday, at the conclusion of the Badarak celebrating the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, His Grace Bp Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate, assisted by the Revd Fr Shnork Bagdasarian, Pastor, and the altar servers of the St Sarkis Church, blessed a beautiful silver chalice donated by Mr and Mrs Armenag and Hasmig Topalian. The Chalice was purchased and donated last year during the annual Pilgrimage to the Holy Land organized by the Primate’s Office, when the Topalians had joined the 2012 Pilgrimage led by the Primate. Inspired by the pilgrimage and the holy shrines visited during the pilgrimage, and aware of the dire need here in the UK for a chalice to be used at the three Mission Parishes of our Church, the Topalians graciously decided to donate the chalice in support of the Mission Parish Outreach ministry (MPO) of the Primate’s Office. On Sunday, 15 September, the chalice was first washed by water and wine according to the beautiful Armenian Church traditions, and then blessed. The blessing took place on the same day Aline Topalian, the daughter of Armen and Karine and the granddaughter of Armenag and Hasmig Topalian was baptised. Thank you and congratulations to the Topalian family and to all.

ARMENIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

The Armenian Community and Church Council of Great Britain (ACCC), invites you to the celebration of the 22nd Independence Day celebration of Armenia. The celebration will take place on Saturday, 21st September 2013 at Greenford Hall (Ruislip road, Greenford, Middlesex, UB6 9QN), starting at 7:30pm. The programme will include the film presentation on “Who are the Armenians and what is their contribution to World Cultures?” and a wide variety show with local talents. Admission is free. For more information please click here. The Republic of Armenia declared its sovereignty from the Soviet Union on 23 August, 1990. In the wake of the August Coup, a referendum was held on the question of secession. Following an overwhelming vote in favor, full independence was declared on September 21, 1991. Armenia was admitted to the United Nations on 2 March 1992, at the 82nd Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly in Manhattan, New York.

The Primate’s Office c/oHyeDoon, 25 Cheniston Gardens, London W8 6TG www.armenianchurch.co.uk information@armenianchurch.co.uk