Armenian Church
Diocese of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and Ireland
Volume 1, Issue 5
15 August 2015
News
The Feast of Assumption
during recent years, starting from climate
change finishing with financial crises and
ongoing problems in the Middle East. We
have to admit that it is partially because we
as Christians have failed to do our duties;
human sins have closed our eyes and
distorted the harmony of God’s creation.
“With the example of Mary par excellence and with these two virtues of humility and obedience, we can embrace God with the two strong hands he has given each of us as it is He who cleanses us from sins, liberates, protects and saves. We have to strive to open the shades of our hearts and minds with these virtues’’ said Bishop Hovakim while celebrating liturgy on the Feast of Assumption of the Theotokos on Sunday 16th August, at St. Yeghiche Church in London. After the solemn liturgy there was the ceremony of the blessing of the grapes.
On the day of the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-of-God, the blessing of the grapes takes place immediately after the Divine Liturgy. The ceremony is rich in symbolism and emphasizes the important role the Virgin Mary assumed in the revelation of God.
The custom of blessing grapes, the first fruits of the harvest, can be traced back to Old Testament times, when farming was a common vocation. Of the vast variety of produce, grapes had a special place of honour and were considered the "first fruits" because they were the first produce of harvest. continued on page 2...
“With the example of Mary par excellence and with these two virtues of humility and obedience, we can embrace God with the two strong hands he has given each of us as it is He who cleanses us from sins, liberates, protects and saves. We have to strive to open the shades of our hearts and minds with these virtues’’ said Bishop Hovakim while celebrating liturgy on the Feast of Assumption of the Theotokos on Sunday 16th August, at St. Yeghiche Church in London. After the solemn liturgy there was the ceremony of the blessing of the grapes.
On the day of the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-of-God, the blessing of the grapes takes place immediately after the Divine Liturgy. The ceremony is rich in symbolism and emphasizes the important role the Virgin Mary assumed in the revelation of God.
The custom of blessing grapes, the first fruits of the harvest, can be traced back to Old Testament times, when farming was a common vocation. Of the vast variety of produce, grapes had a special place of honour and were considered the "first fruits" because they were the first produce of harvest. continued on page 2...
St. Mary- Սուրբ Աստվածածինը-is an
example of humility and obedience. Do
we need to follow her example or not?
My answer is yes. It is both an invitation
and a must. Humility and obedience are
virtues that embellish human life and
protect humans from the pain of sins such
as pride and greed for power,
indifference and ignorance.
There is this parable: People are travelling by bus in a beautiful landscape, where there are fields and mountains, however the shades of the windows have been pulled down and the people can’t see this beautiful landscape, but instead they are arguing amongst themselves as to who is going to have the front seat. Sin had closed their eyes to see the wider and clearer picture.
Our life is not different from those travelers. If something is wrong with us we can’t blame God. Whatever happens with us and in the world is a matter of choice; the world in general has been subjected to numerous misfortunes
There is this parable: People are travelling by bus in a beautiful landscape, where there are fields and mountains, however the shades of the windows have been pulled down and the people can’t see this beautiful landscape, but instead they are arguing amongst themselves as to who is going to have the front seat. Sin had closed their eyes to see the wider and clearer picture.
Our life is not different from those travelers. If something is wrong with us we can’t blame God. Whatever happens with us and in the world is a matter of choice; the world in general has been subjected to numerous misfortunes
Diocese of the Armenian
Church of the United
Kingdom and the Republic
of Ireland
His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate
Diocesan Office
Tel. 0208 127 8364 primatesoffice@ armenianchurch.co.uk
His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate
Diocesan Office
Tel. 0208 127 8364 primatesoffice@ armenianchurch.co.uk
neighbouring cultures, grapes were
regarded as belonging in a special way to
God since they were the first fruits. It was
He who gave the gift of the whole harvest
Armenian Church News
Armenian Church News
|
Page 2
Page 2
continued from page 1...
Among the Israelites, as among many neighbouring cultures, grapes were regarded as belonging in a special way to God since they were the first fruits. It was He who gave the gift of the whole harvest and to offer Him the first fruits was to acknowledge complete dependence on Him. Special services of thanksgiving were conducted by priests in the temple, a tradition that prevailed to the time of Christ.
With the birth of Jesus, these dedications took on a new meaning. Jesus Christ was the first born—or the first fruit—of Mary and, as such, was offered to God in the temple (Luke 2:25- 30).
Armenian Church doctrine teaches that Mary has a primary place of honour because it was through her and by the Holy Spirit that God became incarnate (took human flesh). She is seen as the image of humanity fully obedient to God and ultimately sanctified by doing God's will. Therefore, on the feast remembering her dormition (falling asleep in Christ) and Assumption (ascending to heaven), we celebrate the blessing of grapes.
Christ gave His blood to us for eternal life, and in remembrance we bless the grapes, the fruits of the earth.
It is traditional to use seedless grapes to emphasize that this fruit came into being without seed, just as Christ became man without any human agent.
Among the Israelites, as among many neighbouring cultures, grapes were regarded as belonging in a special way to God since they were the first fruits. It was He who gave the gift of the whole harvest and to offer Him the first fruits was to acknowledge complete dependence on Him. Special services of thanksgiving were conducted by priests in the temple, a tradition that prevailed to the time of Christ.
With the birth of Jesus, these dedications took on a new meaning. Jesus Christ was the first born—or the first fruit—of Mary and, as such, was offered to God in the temple (Luke 2:25- 30).
Armenian Church doctrine teaches that Mary has a primary place of honour because it was through her and by the Holy Spirit that God became incarnate (took human flesh). She is seen as the image of humanity fully obedient to God and ultimately sanctified by doing God's will. Therefore, on the feast remembering her dormition (falling asleep in Christ) and Assumption (ascending to heaven), we celebrate the blessing of grapes.
Christ gave His blood to us for eternal life, and in remembrance we bless the grapes, the fruits of the earth.
It is traditional to use seedless grapes to emphasize that this fruit came into being without seed, just as Christ became man without any human agent.
Celebration of the Assumption in St. Sarkis Church
and Food Bazaar
On Sunday 16th August 2015, the Assumption of
Mary the Holy Mother of God was celebrated in all
Armenian Churches all over the world. St. Sarkis
Church in London was full to capacity as the faithful
gathered for the Divine Liturgy. Fr. Shnork
Bagdassarian was the celebrant. At the end of the
Liturgy, the seedless grapes that were prepared on
Saturday were brought to the altar to be blessed
after which they were distributed to all present.
Following the Liturgy in St. Sarkis, the Parish Council had prepared a Food Bazaar. All the proceeds, from the Church collection and the Food Bazaar are to be given to the Dublin Parish Council towards the cost of 7,000 – 8,000 euros for a Khachkar to be erected in Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin.
Following the Liturgy in St. Sarkis, the Parish Council had prepared a Food Bazaar. All the proceeds, from the Church collection and the Food Bazaar are to be given to the Dublin Parish Council towards the cost of 7,000 – 8,000 euros for a Khachkar to be erected in Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin.
Page 3
Armenian Church News
Bible Study
‘’St. Mary through her life and witness
was an example of humility and
obedience. She heard the voice of God
through the messenger, was obedient
to her vocation and carried out her
mission with humility. She became not
only a vessel for the word of God, but
also took care of Him, followed Jesus
patiently both in times of joy but also
of agony,’’ said Bishop Manukyan
during the Bible study session in
Gulbenkian Hall at St. Sarkis Church
on the evening of 13th August, 2015.
‘’St. Mary’s example of humility and obedience is a message to men and women alike’’ said Rev. Fr. Shnork Bagdassarian commenting on the speech of the Bishop.
The Very Rev. Fr. Garegin Hambardzumyan talked about the unique role of St. Mary, the Theotokos (Greek: Θεοτόκος) as intercessor reminding us of the story of the first miracle at the wedding at Cana in Galilee.
‘’St. Mary’s example of humility and obedience is a message to men and women alike’’ said Rev. Fr. Shnork Bagdassarian commenting on the speech of the Bishop.
The Very Rev. Fr. Garegin Hambardzumyan talked about the unique role of St. Mary, the Theotokos (Greek: Θεοτόκος) as intercessor reminding us of the story of the first miracle at the wedding at Cana in Galilee.
The Bible study that was attended by
faithful of different ages of the Armenian
Church was facilitated by His Grace Bishop
Hovakim Manukyan. The participants
reflected on the Biblical passages referring
to St. Mary and the role of women in the
New Testament. Mrs. Lusine Hanson,
parishioner of St. Sarkis Church made a
contribution to the session by giving a
presentation on the particular topic of the
role of women in the New Testament. She
brought numerous examples of how Jesus
changed the social status of women as well
as reminded us that the first eyewitnesses
of our Lord’s resurrection were women.
In anticipation of the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary the participants also reflected on the particular role of women in the Armenian Church. During the discussion the young women especially commented on the important role of Orthodox women in the activities of the Church. The question was discussed also from a historical and cultural perspective.
In anticipation of the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary the participants also reflected on the particular role of women in the Armenian Church. During the discussion the young women especially commented on the important role of Orthodox women in the activities of the Church. The question was discussed also from a historical and cultural perspective.
St. Sarkis Parish Movie Night:
On Friday 14th August, St Sarkis Parish Council had their monthly Movie night continuing the screening of ‘The Bible’. There will be two more screenings to finish the series, the dates of which will be announced. Yesterday's screening covered the wars between the Philistines and the Jews, the story of Samson and Delilah, the fall of Saul and the rise of David as King. The events are very realistically documented leaving the viewer with a sense of actually having been there. As usual, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn and soft drinks were offered at a minimum donation of £5.00.
On Friday 14th August, St Sarkis Parish Council had their monthly Movie night continuing the screening of ‘The Bible’. There will be two more screenings to finish the series, the dates of which will be announced. Yesterday's screening covered the wars between the Philistines and the Jews, the story of Samson and Delilah, the fall of Saul and the rise of David as King. The events are very realistically documented leaving the viewer with a sense of actually having been there. As usual, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn and soft drinks were offered at a minimum donation of £5.00.
Page 4 Armenian Church News
Visiting Clergy
Very Rev. Fr. Garegin Hambardzumyan
The Diocese of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and Ireland is always blessed to host students and visiting clergymen from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, who apart from their studies help the clergy of the Diocese in serving our people.
It was a joy for the Diocese to host the Very Rev. Fr. Garegin Hambardzumyan who visited the UK for his PhD graduation. Fr. Garegin studied firstly at Sheffield University and later at Oxford University.
During his recent stay he celebrated liturgies in the Holy Trinity Church in Manchester and at St. Sarkis Church, London. He also contributed to the Bible study sessions and assisted the Primate in the liturgy celebrated in Birmingham.
The Diocese of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and Ireland is always blessed to host students and visiting clergymen from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, who apart from their studies help the clergy of the Diocese in serving our people.
It was a joy for the Diocese to host the Very Rev. Fr. Garegin Hambardzumyan who visited the UK for his PhD graduation. Fr. Garegin studied firstly at Sheffield University and later at Oxford University.
During his recent stay he celebrated liturgies in the Holy Trinity Church in Manchester and at St. Sarkis Church, London. He also contributed to the Bible study sessions and assisted the Primate in the liturgy celebrated in Birmingham.
Rev. Fr. Movses Sargsyan
With the blessings of His Holiness KAREKIN II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, Rev. Fr. Movses Sargsyan, member of the brotherhood of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and Deputy Chief of the Armenian Chaplaincy in the Armed Forces, arrived in London on 15th August 2015.
He will stay until November and will assist the diocesan clergy in celebrating at St. Yeghiche Church as well as assisting the Primate’s Office. Fr. Movses studied at the Kevorkian Theological Academy, and in 2014 attended a ‘’Chaplain Captain Career’’ course in the United States.
With the blessings of His Holiness KAREKIN II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, Rev. Fr. Movses Sargsyan, member of the brotherhood of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and Deputy Chief of the Armenian Chaplaincy in the Armed Forces, arrived in London on 15th August 2015.
He will stay until November and will assist the diocesan clergy in celebrating at St. Yeghiche Church as well as assisting the Primate’s Office. Fr. Movses studied at the Kevorkian Theological Academy, and in 2014 attended a ‘’Chaplain Captain Career’’ course in the United States.
Page 5 Armenian Church News
Pilgrimage to Holy Etchmiadzin
There are a growing number of people who
are interested in participating in the
pilgrimage organized on the occasion of
the historic blessing of the Holy Muron,
which will take place in the Mother See of
Holy Etchmiadzin, in Armenia on 27th
September 2015.
The programme is on our website and it has been circulated by e-newsletter. However, those people who are not joining this particular pilgrimage group but will be in Armenia on 26-28th September, are welcome to join our group and attend the Holy Muron blessing ceremony and festive events related to it.
If so, we need to know as soon as possible as seats are limited. Please send your names to the Primate’s Office to ensure that seats have been reserved for you and so ensure your participation.
Furthermore, we would like to inform you that the blessing of the Holy Muron takes place once every seven years. The Holy Muron is blessed by the Catholicos of All Armenians with the participation of 12 Archbishops and Bishops assisted by Vardapets and deacons.
During the blessing of Holy Muron important historical relics will be used such as the right hand of St. Gregory the Illuminator and The Holy Lance (Armenian: Geghard-Գեղարդ) that are preserved only in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
The ceremony will be attended by the faithful of the Armenian Church, and international and ecumenical guests from all over the world.
The programme is on our website and it has been circulated by e-newsletter. However, those people who are not joining this particular pilgrimage group but will be in Armenia on 26-28th September, are welcome to join our group and attend the Holy Muron blessing ceremony and festive events related to it.
If so, we need to know as soon as possible as seats are limited. Please send your names to the Primate’s Office to ensure that seats have been reserved for you and so ensure your participation.
Furthermore, we would like to inform you that the blessing of the Holy Muron takes place once every seven years. The Holy Muron is blessed by the Catholicos of All Armenians with the participation of 12 Archbishops and Bishops assisted by Vardapets and deacons.
During the blessing of Holy Muron important historical relics will be used such as the right hand of St. Gregory the Illuminator and The Holy Lance (Armenian: Geghard-Գեղարդ) that are preserved only in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
The ceremony will be attended by the faithful of the Armenian Church, and international and ecumenical guests from all over the world.
“The blessing of
the Holy Muron
takes place
once every
seven years”
Programme
Blessing of the Holy Muron 26-29th September 2015 Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
26th September 2015
18:00 Ecumenical Meeting 19:30 Ecumenical Prayer 20:30 Dinner (at the Refectory of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin)
27th September 2015
11:00 Holy Mass (Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin)
17:00 Blessing of the Muron (Open Altar)
20:00 Official Dinner
28th September 2015
10:00 Visit to Genocide Memorial (Tsitsernakaberd) 12:00 Prayer in memory of Late Catholicos Karekin I
12:20 Opening of Karekin I Centre
13:30 Consecration of Cross Stone (Khachkar)
14:00 Lunch
18:30 Concert at the Opera House
20:00 Dinner
29th September 2015
16:00 Distribution of the Holy Muron
Blessing of the Holy Muron 26-29th September 2015 Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
26th September 2015
18:00 Ecumenical Meeting 19:30 Ecumenical Prayer 20:30 Dinner (at the Refectory of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin)
27th September 2015
11:00 Holy Mass (Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin)
17:00 Blessing of the Muron (Open Altar)
20:00 Official Dinner
28th September 2015
10:00 Visit to Genocide Memorial (Tsitsernakaberd) 12:00 Prayer in memory of Late Catholicos Karekin I
12:20 Opening of Karekin I Centre
13:30 Consecration of Cross Stone (Khachkar)
14:00 Lunch
18:30 Concert at the Opera House
20:00 Dinner
29th September 2015
16:00 Distribution of the Holy Muron
There will also be the inauguration of the
new research centre named after the late
Catholicos of All Armenians and known
scholar and ecumenist KAREKIN I.
Please see the updated program on our website.
Please see the updated program on our website.
Page 6
Armenian Church News
Commemorating the Holy Martyrs of the
Armenian Street Festival
Armenian Genocide at Westminster Abbey
Ecumenical Service Commemorating the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide
at Westminster Abbey: 28th October, 2015
Our faithful are welcome to attend this special event. The service has been organised at the initiative and under the auspices of HE Dr. Armen Sarkissian, Ambassador of Armenia to the Court of St. James’s, by kind permission of the Dean and the Chapter of Westminster. The service will be presided over by His Holiness KAREKIN II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians and the Right
Our faithful are welcome to attend this special event. The service has been organised at the initiative and under the auspices of HE Dr. Armen Sarkissian, Ambassador of Armenia to the Court of St. James’s, by kind permission of the Dean and the Chapter of Westminster. The service will be presided over by His Holiness KAREKIN II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians and the Right
Reverend Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Joint letters have been sent to Armenian organizations and to individuals. Given the importance of this occasion, we kindly ask you to inform us of your participation no later than by Tuesday, 15th September 2015. You can e-mail the requested information to the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia at: armembassyuk@mfa.am.
Joint letters have been sent to Armenian organizations and to individuals. Given the importance of this occasion, we kindly ask you to inform us of your participation no later than by Tuesday, 15th September 2015. You can e-mail the requested information to the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia at: armembassyuk@mfa.am.
Announcements
Gift Shop:
The Primate’s office has an online gift shop. You can do your online shopping by visiting: http://armeniangiftshop.org/gb/
Donations:
The work of the Armenian Church in the UK and Ireland and particularly that of the Primate’s Office is possible only because of the generous donations of our faithful. Any contribution is appreciated and important for the mission of our Church. Those who are interested in contributing to our mission can send their donations to the ACT-UK account: Armenian Church Trust UK Lloyds Bank, Acc No 20573160, sort code 30-94-65. Please also remember the Armenian Church Trust UK in your Wills.
The Primate’s office has an online gift shop. You can do your online shopping by visiting: http://armeniangiftshop.org/gb/
Donations:
The work of the Armenian Church in the UK and Ireland and particularly that of the Primate’s Office is possible only because of the generous donations of our faithful. Any contribution is appreciated and important for the mission of our Church. Those who are interested in contributing to our mission can send their donations to the ACT-UK account: Armenian Church Trust UK Lloyds Bank, Acc No 20573160, sort code 30-94-65. Please also remember the Armenian Church Trust UK in your Wills.
Page 7
A r m Ae nr mi a en n Ci ahnu rCch hu Nr cehw Ns e w s
Armenian Church News
Armenian Church News
Worship services in the Armenian Churches
Services are held in the Armenian Churches every Sunday starting at 11:00 am. For further details, please contact the parish nearest to you:
Services are held in the Armenian Churches every Sunday starting at 11:00 am. For further details, please contact the parish nearest to you:
Holy Trinity Armenian Church
229 Upper Brook Street Manchester, M13 0FY
Tel: 0161 273 1074 www.armenianchurchmanchester.org/
229 Upper Brook Street Manchester, M13 0FY
Tel: 0161 273 1074 www.armenianchurchmanchester.org/
St. Sarkis Church
Iverna Gardens Kensington, London, W8 6TP Tel: 020 7937 0152 http://www.stsarkisparish.co.uk
Iverna Gardens Kensington, London, W8 6TP Tel: 020 7937 0152 http://www.stsarkisparish.co.uk
St. Yeghiche Cathedral
13b Cranley Gardens Kensington, London SW7 3BB Tel: 020 7373 8133 http://www.styeghiche.org.uk/
13b Cranley Gardens Kensington, London SW7 3BB Tel: 020 7373 8133 http://www.styeghiche.org.uk/
Mission Parishes of our Diocese:
Cardiff - Tel: + 44 771 279 2304, +44 2920779248. john@jagproperties.co.uk
Dublin - Tel: +44 2891 863559. http://www.armenians.ie/
Birmingham – Tel: +44 121 675 1469. St John’s Church, Stratford Road, Birmingham, B11 4EA
Oxford Campus Ministry
Oxford - Tel: +44 7810 490242. armenian.society@studentsclub.ox.ac.uk
Cardiff - Tel: + 44 771 279 2304, +44 2920779248. john@jagproperties.co.uk
Dublin - Tel: +44 2891 863559. http://www.armenians.ie/
Birmingham – Tel: +44 121 675 1469. St John’s Church, Stratford Road, Birmingham, B11 4EA
Oxford Campus Ministry
Oxford - Tel: +44 7810 490242. armenian.society@studentsclub.ox.ac.uk
We invite those who have questions or wish to gain deeper understanding
of the faith, moral discernment, teachings and traditions of the Armenian
Church to contact the Office of the Diocese of the Armenian Church in
United Kingdom and Ireland:
The Primate’s Office c/o Armenian House 25 Cheniston Gardens London, W8 6TG
or email: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk
The Primate’s Office c/o Armenian House 25 Cheniston Gardens London, W8 6TG
or email: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk
Diocese of the Armenian
Church of the United
Kingdom and the Republic
of Ireland
His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate
Diocesan Office
Tel. 0208 127 8364 primatesoffice@ armenianchurch.co.uk
His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate
Diocesan Office
Tel. 0208 127 8364 primatesoffice@ armenianchurch.co.uk
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