Church Newsletter - Volume 1, Issue 7 22 September 2015
Diocese of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and Ireland
Armenian Church News
Primate Celebrates Badarak at St. Sarkis Church
as a union between man and woman.
The stronger our families are, the
stronger and more coherent will be our
society, the Church, the country and the
community. It is the way of the cross
and an imitation of Jesus Christ. It also
implies sacrifices from both sides” said
the Primate in his Sermon, when
celebrating the Divine Liturgy at St.
Sarkis Church on 20th September, 2015.
During the liturgy, along with the congregation the representatives of the Carmelite community in London were present, led by Rev. Fr. Bob Davis. His Grace thanked them wholeheartedly for the welcome and hospitality extended to him during last July and August.
During the liturgy new vestments for the priests were blessed by the Primate, which were donated to St. Sarkis by the Parish of Cardiff.
At the end of the liturgy the Primate presided over a special prayer ceremony (Հանրապետական մաղթանք) on the occasion of the Independence of the Republic of Armenia. Taking this opportunity the Primate and Diocesan Office congratulated wholeheartedly the Armenian people on the occasion of the Independence of the Republic of Armenia.
During the liturgy, along with the congregation the representatives of the Carmelite community in London were present, led by Rev. Fr. Bob Davis. His Grace thanked them wholeheartedly for the welcome and hospitality extended to him during last July and August.
During the liturgy new vestments for the priests were blessed by the Primate, which were donated to St. Sarkis by the Parish of Cardiff.
At the end of the liturgy the Primate presided over a special prayer ceremony (Հանրապետական մաղթանք) on the occasion of the Independence of the Republic of Armenia. Taking this opportunity the Primate and Diocesan Office congratulated wholeheartedly the Armenian people on the occasion of the Independence of the Republic of Armenia.
Sunday, 20th September, 2015
“For this reason man shall leave his father and mother, and the two shall become one flesh; so they are no longer two, but one flesh. (Mark 10:7-8).”
“Today the Gospel teaches us about family values. In Armenian Christian tradition the family is considered to be a smaller Church. St. John Chrysostom and other Church fathers consider the family as “house Church in the kingdom of God or a smaller Church”. In spite of the difficulties and challenges of modernity we are called to preserve our family values, which are a gift from GodDiocese of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and the Republic of IDiocesan Office
“For this reason man shall leave his father and mother, and the two shall become one flesh; so they are no longer two, but one flesh. (Mark 10:7-8).”
“Today the Gospel teaches us about family values. In Armenian Christian tradition the family is considered to be a smaller Church. St. John Chrysostom and other Church fathers consider the family as “house Church in the kingdom of God or a smaller Church”. In spite of the difficulties and challenges of modernity we are called to preserve our family values, which are a gift from GodDiocese of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and the Republic of IDiocesan Office
Celebration of the lives of the newly-sainted Armenian Martyrs of 1915
Westminster Abbey
It is with profound joy for us to announce once again that a special service will be held to celebrate the lives of the newly-sainted Armenian Martyrs of 1915, at Westminster Abbey at 7.00 pm on Wednesday, 28th October 2015.
The faithful of the Armenian Diocese in the United Kingdom and Ireland are welcome to join the service with their prayerful presence. This prayer will also symbolize the victory of life, righteousness and fraternity over death, injustice and enmity. It is also a unique event to give tribute and respect the memories of our Anglican sisters and brothers who helped Armenian refugees by giving them shelter in their Churches in the late 19th century, the beginning of the 20th century and during the aftermath of WWI.
The ecumenical prayer will be led by the leaders of the Armenian and Anglican Churches. You will hear the Armenian songs “Deep Mystery” and “Holy Holy” (Խորհուրդ Խորին եւ Սուրբ Սուրբ) in the Historic Cathedral of Westminster Abbey, performed by internationally known Armenian and British singers and choirs. There will be prayers and intercessions, readings from the Gospels and speeches in both Armenian and English.
We will exchange the sign of peace (համբոյր Սրբութեան) as we do in the Divine Liturgy and ask for the intercession of the new saints for justice and peace in the world, for dialogue and understanding among all nations and religions, especially in the Middle East and in our region.
For the first time, after the historic canonization of the Armenian Martyrs which took place in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin on 23rd April, 2015, we will venerate our martyrs in UK and Ireland.
We anticipate the active participation of our believers along with their family members and friends. As we have time ahead to organize our participation, we request that all wear the FORGET ME NOT pin. Those who do not have one, please contact the Diocesan Office. Please inform us if you would like participate by emailing the Armenian Embassy in the UK: armembassyuk@mfa.am
It is with profound joy for us to announce once again that a special service will be held to celebrate the lives of the newly-sainted Armenian Martyrs of 1915, at Westminster Abbey at 7.00 pm on Wednesday, 28th October 2015.
The faithful of the Armenian Diocese in the United Kingdom and Ireland are welcome to join the service with their prayerful presence. This prayer will also symbolize the victory of life, righteousness and fraternity over death, injustice and enmity. It is also a unique event to give tribute and respect the memories of our Anglican sisters and brothers who helped Armenian refugees by giving them shelter in their Churches in the late 19th century, the beginning of the 20th century and during the aftermath of WWI.
The ecumenical prayer will be led by the leaders of the Armenian and Anglican Churches. You will hear the Armenian songs “Deep Mystery” and “Holy Holy” (Խորհուրդ Խորին եւ Սուրբ Սուրբ) in the Historic Cathedral of Westminster Abbey, performed by internationally known Armenian and British singers and choirs. There will be prayers and intercessions, readings from the Gospels and speeches in both Armenian and English.
We will exchange the sign of peace (համբոյր Սրբութեան) as we do in the Divine Liturgy and ask for the intercession of the new saints for justice and peace in the world, for dialogue and understanding among all nations and religions, especially in the Middle East and in our region.
For the first time, after the historic canonization of the Armenian Martyrs which took place in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin on 23rd April, 2015, we will venerate our martyrs in UK and Ireland.
We anticipate the active participation of our believers along with their family members and friends. As we have time ahead to organize our participation, we request that all wear the FORGET ME NOT pin. Those who do not have one, please contact the Diocesan Office. Please inform us if you would like participate by emailing the Armenian Embassy in the UK: armembassyuk@mfa.am
Page 3 Armenian Church News
neighbouring villages as Aramou,
Yacoubieh, Ghenemieh, etc.
In the early 20th century, Mousa Dagh’s Armenian villages drew attention due to their organized life both nationally and culturally.
The Turkish army attempted to conquer Mousa Dagh and exterminate the Armenian population in the Summer of 2015. Armenians organized resistance on the mountain. After struggling for forty days, Mousadaghians were rescued by French battleships, as they detected by chance the red-cross-flag on the top of the mountain. The French transported the surrounded villagers to Port Saaid in Egypt. Mousadaghians stayed there for four years, where they built a temporary city. Then, in 1919, after the decline of the Ottoman Empire, they returned to their homeland which was invaded by the Allies.
Austrian author Franz Werfel’s epic novel "The Forty Days of Mousa Dagh” shows how a small number of Armenians went up the mountains and courageously fought against thousands of Turkish soldiers, during Mousa Dagh’s historical and glorious battle. An unbelievable battle took place indeed in Mousa Dagh, during the most atrocious exterminations of Armenians in 1915, in all parts of the Ottoman Empire.
Unfortunately in 1939 the Armenians had to flee again from Mousa Dagh. Most of them settled in Lebanon, in the village Anjar. Galust Gyulbenkian was among those who helped the Armenians to settle in that village. In
In the early 20th century, Mousa Dagh’s Armenian villages drew attention due to their organized life both nationally and culturally.
The Turkish army attempted to conquer Mousa Dagh and exterminate the Armenian population in the Summer of 2015. Armenians organized resistance on the mountain. After struggling for forty days, Mousadaghians were rescued by French battleships, as they detected by chance the red-cross-flag on the top of the mountain. The French transported the surrounded villagers to Port Saaid in Egypt. Mousadaghians stayed there for four years, where they built a temporary city. Then, in 1919, after the decline of the Ottoman Empire, they returned to their homeland which was invaded by the Allies.
Austrian author Franz Werfel’s epic novel "The Forty Days of Mousa Dagh” shows how a small number of Armenians went up the mountains and courageously fought against thousands of Turkish soldiers, during Mousa Dagh’s historical and glorious battle. An unbelievable battle took place indeed in Mousa Dagh, during the most atrocious exterminations of Armenians in 1915, in all parts of the Ottoman Empire.
Unfortunately in 1939 the Armenians had to flee again from Mousa Dagh. Most of them settled in Lebanon, in the village Anjar. Galust Gyulbenkian was among those who helped the Armenians to settle in that village. In
The Primate and the clergy of the
diocese congratulate the Armenians
on the occasion of the 100th
anniversary of victory in Mousa Dagh.
It was celebrated on 20th September in
Armenia.
Mousa Dagh is situated on the Mediterranean coastline, 18km to the west of Antioch. Mousa Dagh’s Armenian villages such as Yoghun- Olouk, Kheder beg (Idder), Bitias, Hadji Habibli, Vakef, Keboussik and smaller villages like upper Azzer, lower Azzer, Tchavlik, Magharadjek, Soultoumou and Amadj have been on the coastline for centuries, but it is hard to determine the exact date of their existence.
It is clear that northern Assyria was among the first regions where Armenians were settled in the 3rd century B.C. The number of Armenian emigrants settled in that region increased in the 1st century B.C., during the reign of Dikran the Great, who occupied the region down to Palestine.
The Armenian community was in constant change during the following centuries, its number always varying depending on the circumstances governing the region. But the number of Armenian emigrants increased from the 11th century onwards, during the Seldjouk-Tatarian invasions into Armenian lands and administratively well-organized communities were born. After the fall of the Cilician Kingdom, the local community was weakened and regained its vivacity only after the 17th century, in Mousa Dagh, Kessab and in certain
Mousa Dagh is situated on the Mediterranean coastline, 18km to the west of Antioch. Mousa Dagh’s Armenian villages such as Yoghun- Olouk, Kheder beg (Idder), Bitias, Hadji Habibli, Vakef, Keboussik and smaller villages like upper Azzer, lower Azzer, Tchavlik, Magharadjek, Soultoumou and Amadj have been on the coastline for centuries, but it is hard to determine the exact date of their existence.
It is clear that northern Assyria was among the first regions where Armenians were settled in the 3rd century B.C. The number of Armenian emigrants settled in that region increased in the 1st century B.C., during the reign of Dikran the Great, who occupied the region down to Palestine.
The Armenian community was in constant change during the following centuries, its number always varying depending on the circumstances governing the region. But the number of Armenian emigrants increased from the 11th century onwards, during the Seldjouk-Tatarian invasions into Armenian lands and administratively well-organized communities were born. After the fall of the Cilician Kingdom, the local community was weakened and regained its vivacity only after the 17th century, in Mousa Dagh, Kessab and in certain
Our History – Mousa Dagh: 40 days of self-defence
Page 4
Armenian Church News
Armenian Church Newscontinued from page 3
1946-47 some of the Armenians migrated to Armenia and
became the target of the repression by Stalin and were exiled
to Siberia.
On 16th September, 1976, a monument symbolizing the victory of the Armenian people was inaugurated in Armenia. The Architect was Rafael Israelyan. Every year, on the following Sunday after the feast of Holy Cross, the Armenians commemorate the day of liberation and victory of Mousa Dagh. On that day they prepare HARISA - special food that Armenians used to eat during the defense. This year there were 100 pots of Harisa.
Descendants of this heroic people live now in Armenia, Lebanon, the United States, Canada, France
On 16th September, 1976, a monument symbolizing the victory of the Armenian people was inaugurated in Armenia. The Architect was Rafael Israelyan. Every year, on the following Sunday after the feast of Holy Cross, the Armenians commemorate the day of liberation and victory of Mousa Dagh. On that day they prepare HARISA - special food that Armenians used to eat during the defense. This year there were 100 pots of Harisa.
Descendants of this heroic people live now in Armenia, Lebanon, the United States, Canada, France
Page 5
Armenian Church News
The Blessing of the Holy Muron
From the time of the first Catholicos of
All Armenians, St. Gregory the
Illuminator, the right to bless the Holy
Chrism (or Muron) has been reserved
solely for the consecrated head of the
Church, the Catholicos of All
Armenians.
The ingredients for the Holy Chrism symbolize the perfection of virtues whose fullness and sacramental unity is our Lord Jesus Christ.
The main element which makes up the foundation of the Holy Chrism is pure virgin olive oil, to which are added balsam and 40 kinds of fragrant incense, flowers, sweet aromatic plants, roots and floral extracts, as well as different oil and leaf extracts.
The ingredients for the Holy Chrism each have their designated and precise
The ingredients for the Holy Chrism symbolize the perfection of virtues whose fullness and sacramental unity is our Lord Jesus Christ.
The main element which makes up the foundation of the Holy Chrism is pure virgin olive oil, to which are added balsam and 40 kinds of fragrant incense, flowers, sweet aromatic plants, roots and floral extracts, as well as different oil and leaf extracts.
The ingredients for the Holy Chrism each have their designated and precise
quantities and measurements, the
majority of which are brought to
Armenia from countries in the East.
The chosen amounts are crushed, ground and mixed with the olive oil, white wine, rose water, and other floral essences by the members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin, with their offerings of prayers and incense. Before it is cooked, the Catholicos of All Armenians blesses all of the ingredients for the Holy Chrism.
So as to protect the sweet scents of the combined ingredients, the lid of the cauldron is sealed with uncooked dough, and the entire assemblage is boiled in water in yet another larger cauldron.
With prayers and hymns, the cauldron containing the mixture is heated and steamed for three days and nights. This is all conducted in an atmosphere of
The chosen amounts are crushed, ground and mixed with the olive oil, white wine, rose water, and other floral essences by the members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin, with their offerings of prayers and incense. Before it is cooked, the Catholicos of All Armenians blesses all of the ingredients for the Holy Chrism.
So as to protect the sweet scents of the combined ingredients, the lid of the cauldron is sealed with uncooked dough, and the entire assemblage is boiled in water in yet another larger cauldron.
With prayers and hymns, the cauldron containing the mixture is heated and steamed for three days and nights. This is all conducted in an atmosphere of
Page 6
Armenian Church News
continued from page 5
Forty days prior to the blessing of the
Holy Chrism, the covered cauldron is
placed on the Main Altar of the Mother
Cathedral, so it can receive the prayers,
psalms and hymns of everyday life.
Upon the day of the blessing, the Bishops of the Church take up to the Altar the Armenian Church’s traditional holy relics: the Geghart - the lance that pierced the side of Christ, the relic from the life-giving Cross of Christ, and the Holy right hand of St. Gregory the Illuminator, with which the newly blessed Chrism is sanctified, and with which the gathered faithful masses are blessed.
Hymns dedicated to the blessing of the Holy Chrism are sung.
The ranks of Bishops next read from the Holy Bible, the daily readings, and lections dedicated to God: "Our Lord and our God - Hear the pleas of your servants and send your mercy to the fruit of the olive tree, which you gave for our benefit and the salvation of your people. And grant that within us dwell the graces of your Holy and beneficent Spirit, for the workings and fullness of your holy sacraments and rituals, which we are conducting for your Glory. O God who loves mankind, send your Holy Spirit to your earthly Holy See and to this oil which is before us, so it may be sanctified and used in your name, and the name of Your Only Begotten Son."
Upon completion of the readings, the caldron is unsealed, and the Catholicos
Upon the day of the blessing, the Bishops of the Church take up to the Altar the Armenian Church’s traditional holy relics: the Geghart - the lance that pierced the side of Christ, the relic from the life-giving Cross of Christ, and the Holy right hand of St. Gregory the Illuminator, with which the newly blessed Chrism is sanctified, and with which the gathered faithful masses are blessed.
Hymns dedicated to the blessing of the Holy Chrism are sung.
The ranks of Bishops next read from the Holy Bible, the daily readings, and lections dedicated to God: "Our Lord and our God - Hear the pleas of your servants and send your mercy to the fruit of the olive tree, which you gave for our benefit and the salvation of your people. And grant that within us dwell the graces of your Holy and beneficent Spirit, for the workings and fullness of your holy sacraments and rituals, which we are conducting for your Glory. O God who loves mankind, send your Holy Spirit to your earthly Holy See and to this oil which is before us, so it may be sanctified and used in your name, and the name of Your Only Begotten Son."
Upon completion of the readings, the caldron is unsealed, and the Catholicos
of All Armenians adds the Holy
Chrism from the previous ceremony;
old adding to the new, continuing the
unbroken chain of Holy Chrism from
the time of St. Gregory the
Illuminator. The mixture is then
blessed and stirred with the
traditional holy relics, with prayers,
blessings and hymns sung with each
one in succession. Upon completion of
the ceremony the faithful come
forward to kiss and to touch the
cauldron with a cloth.
The grace bestowing sweet-scented oil is received by all the dioceses and churches from the Pontificate of All Armenians. From ancient times, this has served to preserve the authority of the Catholicosate of All Armenians, as an exceptional covenant with the Armenian faithful. The Holy Chrism is used during the Sacrament of Baptism and Chrismation, Ordination of Clergy, Consecration of Bishops, Final Rites of Clergymen, Blessing of the Water Service, and Consecration of new Churches.
The grace bestowing sweet-scented oil is received by all the dioceses and churches from the Pontificate of All Armenians. From ancient times, this has served to preserve the authority of the Catholicosate of All Armenians, as an exceptional covenant with the Armenian faithful. The Holy Chrism is used during the Sacrament of Baptism and Chrismation, Ordination of Clergy, Consecration of Bishops, Final Rites of Clergymen, Blessing of the Water Service, and Consecration of new Churches.
Page 7
Armenian Church News
Upcoming Events
This year St. Yeghiche Armenian Church will be the centre stage for a
community-wide celebration of Armenian Independence Day.
The Armenian Heritage and Cultural Committee under the auspices of the Diocese of the Armenian Church in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland and the Armenian Community Council of United Kingdom will celebrate the Independence Day of the Republic of Armenia on Saturday 26th September 2015 at 7:30pm at St. Yeghiche Armenian Church, Cranley Gardens, Kensington, London SW7 3BB.
This year the celebration will be a concert featuring the renowned opera singer specially invited from Armenia - Barseg Tumanyan.
27th September, 2015
The Primate and faithful of the diocese will participate in the special Muron
Blessing ceremony in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
4th October, 2015
The Primate will celebrate in Holy Trinity Church in Manchester.
14th October, 2015
There will be a special youth fellowship and gathering as well as meeting with the Primate in the grounds of St. Sarkis Church.
17-18th October, 2015
The Primate will visit the parish in Dublin and celebrate Divine Liturgy. 28th October, 2015
Ecumenical prayer celebrating the newly-sainted martyrs of the Armenian Genocide, Westminster Abbey at 7:00pm.
community-wide celebration of Armenian Independence Day.
The Armenian Heritage and Cultural Committee under the auspices of the Diocese of the Armenian Church in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland and the Armenian Community Council of United Kingdom will celebrate the Independence Day of the Republic of Armenia on Saturday 26th September 2015 at 7:30pm at St. Yeghiche Armenian Church, Cranley Gardens, Kensington, London SW7 3BB.
This year the celebration will be a concert featuring the renowned opera singer specially invited from Armenia - Barseg Tumanyan.
27th September, 2015
The Primate and faithful of the diocese will participate in the special Muron
Blessing ceremony in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
4th October, 2015
The Primate will celebrate in Holy Trinity Church in Manchester.
14th October, 2015
There will be a special youth fellowship and gathering as well as meeting with the Primate in the grounds of St. Sarkis Church.
17-18th October, 2015
The Primate will visit the parish in Dublin and celebrate Divine Liturgy. 28th October, 2015
Ecumenical prayer celebrating the newly-sainted martyrs of the Armenian Genocide, Westminster Abbey at 7:00pm.
Editorial:
The main objective of the diocesan e-newsletter is to serve and reach out to Armenians throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. The community members and organizations are welcome to send their announcements for the e-newsletter, including information not only about public events but also about important family events such as christening, matrimony or passing away.
The main objective of the diocesan e-newsletter is to serve and reach out to Armenians throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. The community members and organizations are welcome to send their announcements for the e-newsletter, including information not only about public events but also about important family events such as christening, matrimony or passing away.
Prayer intentions:
September and October
We pray and ask you to remember in your prayers our brethren and sisters in the Middle East, particularly in Syria and Iraq. We ask the mercy of God for those suffering because of wars and for those who have become refugees. Please, also remember in your prayers that peace and stability may prevail on the borders of Armenia and Kharabakh.
September and October
We pray and ask you to remember in your prayers our brethren and sisters in the Middle East, particularly in Syria and Iraq. We ask the mercy of God for those suffering because of wars and for those who have become refugees. Please, also remember in your prayers that peace and stability may prevail on the borders of Armenia and Kharabakh.
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:
Armenian Church News
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/
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/
Mission Parish of 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/
Mission Parish of 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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