The official online publication of the Primate’s Office of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Great Britain and Ireland Issue 36 (Volume 4), 7 .September 2013

E-NEWSLETTER...............Է-ԹԵՐԹԻԿ ≠≠

PRIMATE LECTURES ON NAREGATSI.IN MANCHESTER

This past Sunday, 1 September 2013, His Grace Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate, was the celebrant at the Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Manchester. Following the distribution of the Holy Communion and the delivery of the sermon, which reflected on the Biblical reading of the day (Matthew 8:23-28) focusing on the role of the Church as the ship and the vessels that carries us safely against the stormy waves of temptations, troubles and difficulties in this fallen world, the Primate was invited to a lunch courtesy of the Women’s Guild of the Holy Trinity Church. At the end of the lunch His grace offered a talk on the theology and spirituality of St Gregory of Narek, with the aid of a digital projection. Focusing on St Gregory’s masterpiece, the Book of Lamentation, His Grace highlighted key theological themes in the writings of the Saint, reading and translating paragraphs from the Book of Lamentation. Following the lecture and the Question and Answer period that followed, His Grace met with the executive committee members of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church Youth Fellowship (ACYF), to hear a report about their past activities and discuss a few of their forthcoming events and activities. Thank you Manchester for continuing the ministry of our forefathers for almost a century and a half!

ALTAR SERVERS REFLECT ON THEIR PARTNERSHIP IN ALTAR

A group ofDeacons together with participants of the Deacons’ Training Programmejoined the Primate and the Very RevdFr Garegin Hambardzumyan on Friday-Saturday, 30-31 August, for a weekend retreat in the St Cuthman’s Retreat Centre in Horsham.The participants prayed together; read and discussed the Holy Scripture together; sang, practiced and learned several new hymns together; participated in the inspiring late-night traditional Armenian Peace Service and the early morning Matins; watched a video documentary on following our Lord; shared meals and had some time on their own and with each other to reflect upon their life journey as Armenian Christians. The serene and beautiful grounds and facilities of the St Cuthman’s Retreat Centre as well as the simply decorated yet cozy chapel added to the inspiring experience of all. The theme of the retreat was: “Partners with Christ in the Altar (1 Corinthians 10:16-18): Serving Christ through the Armenian Church.” Through the Bible Study sessions, video discussions, and group conversations, the participants discussed their role as partners with Christ in the Altar of the Armenian Church. It was indeed a truly-renewing experience. Click here to browse some of the photos of the Retreat.

Breaking into small Group discussions

COUNCIL OF THE ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES (COOC)

Bishops, priests and deacons representing the various Oriental Orthodox Churches in the UK, including the Armenian, British Orthodox, Coptic, Indian and Syrian Churches, met last Tuesday,3 September for the regular meeting of the Council of the Oriental Orthodox Church in Great Britain and Ireland (COOC), in Hye Doon, London. Among the various subjects discussed in the meeting, chaired by HG Bp Vahan Hovhanessian, President of COOC,was “Orthodox Education Day” which will take place on Saturday 2 November at St Sarkis Church, with the Theme: “Sources of Orthodox Faith Besides the Holy Bible.” Other subjects discussed included the Pan-Orthodox Liturgy and Festival; the visit of the Catholicos of the Indian Church to London, the Nayrouz service at St Margaret’s Church, Westminster, the situation of Christians in Syria, Egypt and Iraq and the looming threat of war against Syria, the COOC website and others . Those present exchanged updates and news from their local dioceses and churches as well.

OPERA GALA EVENING AT ST YEGHICHE ARMENIAN CHURCH

As part of the worldwide celebration of the cultural month in October, the Armenian Church Trust of the United Kingdom (ACTUK) cordially invites our faithful and friends to an Opera Gala Evening on Sunday, 27 October 2013, at 7:00 pm in the magnificent cathedral of St. Yeghiche Armenian Church in South Kensington, London. This year’s programme will include works by composers Verdi, Mascagni, Puccini, Bizet, Dvořák, Rossini and many more. Graduates of the Royal College of Music, including Jonathan Gale, Anaïs Heghoyan, Jassy Husk, Suzanne Shakespeare, Paula Sides, Alex Tsilogiannis, and others will perform in addition to our own Deacon Artur Bobikyan. Tickets are £22 in advance or £25 at the door;£25 Students, and 12’s free. Tickets are available by calling 07931 377 539 or 07931 377 537. Please make your cheques payable to: The Armenian Church Trust UK. Click here for an electronic version of the flyer, click here for a preview from last year’s first Opera Gala performance at the Royal College of Music.

THE FAST OF KHACHVERATS - EXALTATION OF THE CROSS

The month of September ushers in the season of the Holy Cross in the liturgical calendar of the Armenian Church. During the months of September and October, the Armenian Church celebrates several feasts associated with the Holy Cross emphasizing the importance of what this symbol stands for in our life as Christians. The first and most important of these feasts is the one celebrated on the Sunday nearest to 14th September, which is known as the Feast of the “Exaltation of the Cross” (Khachverats). This feast, which this year will be celebrated next Sunday, 15th September, is one of the five major annual feasts of the Armenian Church. It commemorates the discovery and public raising and display of the cross of the Lord as a symbol of our victory, as followers of Christ, over sin and death. As in all the Five Major feasts of the Armenian Church, the Feast of the Exaltation is preceded with one week of Fasting which starts this Monday, 9 September. Traditionally during Fast, Armenians abstain from eating meat, chicken and dairy products.

GREETINGS FROM MANCHESTER

“The last time we enjoyed our beloved Bishop’s presence in Manchester, was on the 15th of February when, on the occasion of Տեառնընդառաջ (Feast of the Presentation of Christ to the Temple) the ACYF had organiseda bonfire party following the short church service presided over by His Grace the Bishop.This was a very well attended gathering and a very enjoyable time for all present.Six months after that visit (too long) we had the good fortune of another visit by His Grace on Sunday 1st September. TheEpiscopal Badarak was a delight, with minor variations, not experienced by many of the congregation, making it even more interesting, and giving more spiritual satisfaction to all present.It was also delightful to see the new vestments of the Bishop, beautiful and very tasteful.After the church service we had our lunch in the basement hall of the church where the well-known intimate and warm atmosphere of Manchester was definitely enhanced by His Grace’s presence.After lunch the Bishop gave a lecture on St Gregory of Nareg as this year is dedicated to this most important saint and Armenian.Thank you for coming Bishop Vahan, but we hope that your next visit to Manchester will take place in less than six-month time. The Armenian community of the UK and Ireland is lucky to have you as our Primate.”

- Tatto.Couligian,.Chairman Holy Trinity Church Trust, Manchester

PLEASE NOTE: NEW ORIENTATION DATE FOR PILGRIMAGE

Due to scheduling conflict, the Primate’sOffice had to reschedule the orientation session of the pilgrimage to the historic Armenian cities and villages in Eastern Turkey to this Tuesday, 10 September at 7:00pm in Hype Doon (25 Cheniston Gardens, London W8 6TG). Please note also that UK &USA passport holders need to obtain a Turkish visa from the Consulate online. Click herefor the official website of the Turkish Consulate. During the orientation Bp Vahan will go over key aspects of the pilgrimage as well as its itinerary. The orientation will be an opportunity for pilgrims to meet each other and with the Primate and discuss the details of the itinerary and the pilgrimage, and answer the pilgrims’ enquiries. For more information please contact the Primate’s Office at: 0208 127 8374.

FLIGHT OVER THE CITY: YEREVAN STATE PUPPET THEATRE IN CARDIFF

The Armenian Church Parish Council in Cardiff, Wales, is happy to inform our readers about the forthcoming performance by the Yerevan State Puppet Theatre: “Flight Over the City” which will be performed on Saturday 14 September, 2013 at 13:30 and 18:30 in Richard Burton Theatre of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff, Wales. Admission price: £6. Click on the appropriate time to purchase the 13:30 or 18:30 performance.

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WESTERN ARMENIAN COURSES

The Programme of Armenian Studiesis delighted to announce the start of the new academic year 2013-2014, beginning from first week of October. We are offering three levels of Western Armenian. The course consists of one two-hour lessons each week, organised into three terms of ten weeks each. Elementary: Tuesdays (6-8pm) starting from 1st of October; Intermediate: Wednesdays (7.30-9.30pm) starting from 2nd of October; Advanced: Tuesdays (8-10pm) starting from 1st October. Tuition fees: £165 per term. Venue: Hye Doon For more details please contact DrKrikorMoskofian moskofiank@gmail.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS:  ACYF GENERAL MEETING: on Wednesday, 11 September 2013 at 7:00pm in the Gulbenkian Hall. A reception will follow. Admission

is free. Facebook: clicking here, E-mail:ACYF@armenianchurch.co.uk.  BADARAK IN DUBLIN:Join the Primate to celebrate Badarak with the Armenian community in Dublin, Ireland, Sunday, 29 September.  K. Tahta Armenian Sunday School is happy to announce:

K. Tahta Armenian Community Sunday School Coffee Morning;&K. Tahta Armenian Community Sunday School Information  BIBLE STUDY: There will be no Bible Study session this Thursday. We will resume on Thursday, 17 October at 7:30pm

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