Monday, 6 July 2015

Volume 1, Issue 1 3 July 2015 Armenian Church News

Diocese of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and Ireland

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New Primate Arrives and Gets to Work
His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manoukian, the new Primate of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and Ireland, arrived on 27th June to assume his new ministry.
His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians appointed Bishop Hovakim to his new position based on the consent of the representatives of the parishes in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
“With the blessing of His Holiness and the support of the community, I am looking forward to working with our faithful,” said Bishop Hovakim upon his arrival.
His Grace Bishop Hovakim was the founding Primate of the Diocese of Artik in northern Armenia and head
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Diocese of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland
His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate
Primate's Office
Tel. 0208 127 8364 primatesoffice@ armenianchurch.co.uk
of the Ecumenical Relations Department of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
His Grace has already had a busy first week in London. On Sunday, 28th June he presided over the Divine Liturgy at St. Yeghiche Church and get acquainted with the congregation and the pastor the Rev. Fr. Aren Shahinian. In the
afternoon, Bishop Hovakim continued his informal discussions and meetings with community leaders at the Homenetmen garden party. On 2nd July, the Primate presided over the event commemorating the centenary of the twenty Hunchak Martyrs, organized by the Social Democratic Hunchakian Party of Great Britain.
Primate’s Inauguration, 12th July
His Grace Bishop Hovakim will be formally installed as the Primate of the Armenian Church at a solemn ceremony (Hrashapar) following the celebration of the Divine Liturgy on the
Fest of Transfiguration on Sunday, 12th July at St. Yeghiche Church. The faithful of the parishes, dignitaries, ecumenical guests and representatives of community organisations
will be take part. All Armenians in the UK are invited to take part in this special ceremony and greet the new Primate.
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Armenian Church News
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I am looking forward to working with our faithful.”
Meeting with the Elders Club
Bishop Hovakim visited Hayashen, the Centre for Armenian Information and Advice, and met with members of the Elders Club during their weekly gathering organised by the Hayashen Director Mr. Misak Ohanian, who welcomed the Primate to the Centre. His Grace conversed with the participants and acquainting himself with the activities of the centre.
Anglican & Eastern Churches Association head
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The Primate met with the Rev. Canon Dr. William Taylor, Chairman of the Anglican & Eastern Churches Association on 30th June. A number of
issues related to AnglicalArmenian church relations and the wider Eastern Churches were discussed.
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AREV Celebrates 5th Anniversary
AREV Children’s Play Group at St. Sarkis Church celebrated its 5th anniversary on 28th June 2015. Conceived and founded by Shakeh Major Tchilingirian, the play group for preSchool to 11 years old children is an exciting hour of fun through Armenian songs, dance, storytelling and
introduction to artists and composers. "Parents’ participation is essential during the activities," said AREV director Shakeh Major Tchilingirian. She commended the parents for making the commitment to bring their children to an "Armenian world" at St. Sarkis Church once a
month on a Sunday morning. Congratulations to the AREV children and their committed parents; and special thanks to Shakeh Major Tchilingirian for her initiative and continued dedication to brining Armenian cultural and spiritual heritage to children.
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Forthcoming Events
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The Feast of Transfiguration
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Referred to
as
Paytsarakerputiun, the Feast of the Transfiguration is one of the five principal feasts of the Armenian Church, so named because of Christ's luminous appearance. In Armenia it is also known as Vardavar (Վարդավա ռ) (the Festival of Roses) after the old pagan feast, which it replaced. During the celebrations of Vardavar in Armenia, people from various social groups drench each other with water.
The feast marks Christ's appearance with a resplendent countenance to three of His disciples, Peter, John, and James, on the holy mountain of Galilee, also known as Mount Tabor.
The Bible tells us that when Jesus was considering going to Jerusalem, he spoke with his disciples of the torture that was in store for Him and of the end of His life on earth. Jesus wanted His disciples to be prepared for the coming events.
His disciples, however, did not believe that Jesus could possibly face such tribulations and Peter adamantly said none of Jesus' predictions would come true, and Jesus
admonished his disciples. About a week later, Jesus had his miraculous Transfiguration.
He went up Tabor Mountain with three of His disciples—Simon Peter, James, and John Zebedee—to pray as the other tired disciples remained at the bottom of the mountain. It was there that Jesus began to assume a new appearance. The three disciples were amazed when they saw His new radiant being.
Though it was night time, the disciples saw light coming from the sun in the sky. Among the light they saw two other men—said to be Moses and Elijah—speaking to Jesus about His remaining time left on earth and the sacrifice He would soon make.
Then a cloud came upon the group. The voice of God was heard, saying the same phrase He said when Jesus was baptized, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to Him!" (Luke 9:35).
After the Transfiguration, Jesus asked His disciples not to talk about it until His coming Resurrection.
This scene can be found in four different places in
the New Testament: Matthew 17:18; Mark 9:117; Luke 9:2936; and Peter II 1:1718.
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“Don’t be afraid.” Matthew 17:7.
Get up,”
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Jesus said.
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Armenian Church News
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Armenian Street Festival
The 5th annual Armenian Street Festival will take place on the grounds of St Sarkis Church (Iverna Gardens). During this unique event the faithful of the Armenian Church and other dignitaries will gather to enjoy the riches of the Armenian culture, particularly the music and food. It is also a unique opportunity to celebrate our unity in faith and dedication to our cultural and national heritage.
The Festival will open at
12:00 with the ceremony of Andastan (Blessing of the Four Corners of the World) and end at 6:00 pm.
On 30th June, His Grace presided over the meeting of the Street Festival Committee, which was chaired by Dikran Bedrossian.
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Pilgrimage: Blessing of Holy Muron
Diocese of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland
His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate
Primate's Office
Tel. 0208 127 8364 primatesoffice@ armenianchurch.co.uk
On this special centenary year in the life of the Armenian nation, the solemn ceremony of the blessings of the Holy Muron (Chrism) will take place at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in Armenia on 27th September 2015. The blessing of the Holy Muron takes place once in seven years.
The Primate’s Office is organising a pilgrimage to Holy Etchmiadzin on this special occasion as an opportunity to the faithful to take part in this unique ceremony.
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For further information regarding our pilgrimage to Armenia please contact the primate's office via phone call on 0208 127 8364 or email: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk
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