Diocese of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and Ireland Volume 2, Issue 3 22 January 2016

Armenian Church News

Visit to Oxford and Divine Liturgy at

Pembroke College

In this issue:

Divine Liturgy in Oxford

Ecumenical Prayer Service

AGBU YP Event

Film: Unspoken Nobel Prize Speeches

Feast of St. Vartan

exhibition at the Bodleian Library, Armenia: Masterpieces from an Enduring Culture, celebrating 2,500 years of Armenian History. The tours were led by Theo Maarten van Lint, Calouste Gulbenkian Professor of Armenian Studies, co-curator of the exhibition and co-author of the exhibition catalogue. All three sessions were fully booked in advance and were exceptionally well-received by the visitors.

In the afternoon the guests gathered in the stunning chapel of Pembroke College to enjoy the Liturgical Service. This was followed by an hour of fellowship

Continuing what has become an annual tradition, on Saturday, 16th January 2016 the Armenian Church in the UK and Oxford University Armenian Society organised the fourth celebration of the Armenian Divine Liturgy at Pembroke College, University of Oxford. The Liturgy was celebrated by his Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan and Yekmalyan's choral setting was sung by the Oxford Armenian Choir, a non-professional group of students and locals who love and appreciate the traditions of Armenian sacred and folk music.

The cold sunny day started with free guided tours of the highly praised

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

 

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Armenian Church News 

At the Mary Hyde Eccles room, with home-made refreshments provided by the Oxford Armenian community.

These events in Oxford attracted around hundred attendees from London, Cardiff, Cambridge and other corners of the UK, guests from homeland Armenia as well as from France, Australia and Ireland, and were overall a huge success.

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Armenian Church News

Ecumenical Prayer at the Guild Church of St Dunstan-in-the-West

“I come from Armenia and represent the Armenian Church. One of the most prominent leaders of my Church at the beginning of the 20th century depicts and compares the One and Universal Church of Christ to a bouquet of flowers, where each flower has its unique colour, shade and scent, all tied together with Christ’s bond of love. Our mutual faith in Christ – truly, our love for the Lord – is what unites us. This example of unity is what all Christians are called to demonstrate” said the Primate in his sermon during the Ecumenical prayer service held at the Guild Church of St Dunstan-in-the-West organised on the occasion of the ‘Week of Prayer for Christian Unity’, on 20th January.

He explained the understanding of Church unity from the perspective of the Armenian Church. Commenting on St. John (17:11-23), Bishop Hovakim also spoke about the importance of unity of

Christians to protect their brothers and sisters in the Middle East, who unite the Christians through their martyrdom.

Bishop Hovakim attended the service upon the invitation of the Right Revd Jonathan, the Bishop of Fulham. The‘Week of Prayer for Christian Unity’ is an international Christian Ecumenical observance kept annually between the 18th and 25th January. This tradition was formed in the Catholic Church at the beginning of the 20th century. It is usually observed in the Northern hemisphere during January celebrating the Feasts of St. Paul and St. Peter. The text of the prayers used in this service for 2016 were provided by the Churches of Latvia and the theme is that all Christians are “called to proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord”.

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Armenian Church News

AGBU Young Professionals New Year’s Brunch at Massis Restaurant

On Sunday, 17th January the AGBU Young Professionals London Chapter organised a wonderful New Year’s brunch at the Massis Lebanese Restaurant in Sheldon Square, Paddington owned by Sarkis Kouyoumjian. This event focused at fundraising for Syria Relief, with the aim of helping the Syrian Armenians through very difficult times with food, healthcare, displacement issues etc. Please visit: http://www.agbu.org/syriarelief/ for more information.

More than 70 young Armenians gathered around the buffet brunch enjoying

a Lebanese/Armenian feast from the early afternoon to the early evening. The Primate Bishop Hovakim Manukyan and other clergy were present and the brunch began with a jovial speech and prayer by His Grace. The Chairman of AGBU London Branch, Jirair Kevorkian, was also present supporting the event.

The AGBU YP committee members are Lilit Nagapetyan, Angélina Seropyan, Anaïs Heghoyan, Aurélie Tcharbatchian, Andre Yeghiazarian, Teni Shaheian, Ariana Kosyan, Elizabeth Torosyan and Erebouni Torosyan.

“This event focused on fundraising for Syrian Relief, with the aim of helping Syrian Armenians through very difficult times”

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Armenian Church News

The Unspoken Nobel Prize Speeches

A film by Artur Bakhtamyan

Literature has always played a significant role in Armenian history. Our past is decorated with great poets and authors alike. However, due to the unfortunate events our nation has suffered, many have failed to receive due credit and recognition.

Journalist Artur Bakhtamyan’s film ‘The Unspoken Nobel Prize Speeches’ is dedicated to some of our greatest writers and their works. Rupen Sevag, Krikor Zohrab, Daniel Varoujan and Siamanto were literary geniuses whose writings have stood the test of time, but who did not survive the atrocities of 1915. The film features an interpretation of the four martyred intellectuals’ acceptance speeches had they been present to receive the Nobel Prize for literature that they deserved. The speeches are based on the biographical facts of the authors and their specific intellect and works, which combined, successfully mirror the voices of these legendary writers.

The international premiere of this film was hosted by Hamazkayin UK and featured an appearance from the director Artur Bakhtamyan, who explained the concept and background of the film. The film featured the aforementioned speeches in addition to extensive footage filmed in Eastern Turkey. The scenic shots in accompaniment with the eloquent rhetoric were a painful reminder of the great losses suffered after the genocide - from our beautiful homelands to the artistic talents of our ancestors.

“The film is dedicated to some of our greatest writers...whose writings have stood the test of time, but who did not survive the atrocities of 1915”

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Armenian Church News

 Following the screening and a few congratulatory words from His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, the opportunity arose for Mr. Bakhtamyan to take questions from the audience, which led to active discussions about our history, language and the experiences of the team filming in contemporary Turkey.

Special thanks must be given to Hamazkayin UK for providing the Armenian community of London the opportunity to view this stunning film, and to Mr. Artur Bakhtamyan and his team for producing a beautiful homage to the unsung heroes of literature.

Their legacies live on through their stanzas. (Ike Stepanian)

 

AREV Children’s Club

Arev Children’s Club is now five years old. Conceived and directed by Shakeh Major Tchilingirian at St Sarkis Church in 2010, these monthly gatherings introduce Armenian folk songs, dances, classical music (Komitas, Khatchaturian, Ganachian, Babjanian), visual arts (Saryan, Gorky, Minas, Aivazovsky), storytelling (Tumanian, Aghayan, Nouneh Sarkissian, etc.) and classical epic stories to children ages 5-11 through fun and interactive sessions. A glimpse of the last five years is given in a short clip found at https://youtu.be/chtXGeLL4Pc. Parents who are willing to commit one-hour a month to join the club and register their children, please contact Shakeh on 07968446223 or email: iShakeh@gmail.com. Parents’ participation and commitment is essential.

   

 

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Armenian Church News

The Feast of St. Vartan and his Companions

Thursday, 4th February 2016

The Feast of St. Vartan the Captain and his 1036 Companions marks their martyrdom 1565 years ago in the battle of Avarayr, fighting for the freedom of conscience and religion for the Armenian nation. It was to be the first testimony of many to follow that the Armenians were a people who freely chose Christ, remained steadfast in their Christian faith, and would not betray that faith for any reason. “Vartanants” as it is commonly called, is one of the most sacred feasts of the Armenian people.

In the Armenian Church, the Feast day of St. Vartan the Captain and Companions is also celebrated as the Name Day of His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II. To mark the occasion, at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a Pontifical Prayer (Հայրապետական մաղթանք) is offered in churches. It is also the name day of those named after St. Vartan and his 1036 warriors. On this day you can congratulate all those who have names such as Vartan, Yeghishé, Hmayak, Hamazasp, Vazgen, Karekin, Derenik, Khoren, Tatev and Tatevik, Lusiné, Anahit, Satenik.

There will be a Divine Liturgy on the occasion of this feast, on Thursday, 4th February at 6:30pm in St. Yeghiche Church.

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Armenian Church News

Upcoming Events

DIOCESAN PROGRAMMES
Forthcoming Events in January and February

Bible Studies

Every Thursday, at St. Sarkis Church Gulbenkian Hall led by the Primate and the clergy of the Diocese
Next dates: January 28th; February 4th, 11th, 18th
Bible Studies are an important part of the church’s ministry as they provide opportunities for the faithful and those who are interested and curious to have a deeper understanding of Christianity and to ask questions about their faith, beliefs and concerns. During Bible studies we make observations (what do passages in the Bible say?), provide interpretation (what do they mean?) and ask how applicable these passages are to our lives today. Open to everyone.

Deacons’ Training

Deacons’ training takes place every Sunday at 5:00pm in the Vicarage, St. Sarkis Church. For more details please contact the Diocesan Office.

Feast of St. Sarkis

Saturday, 23rd January, in St. Sarkis Church at 6:30pm

Evensong and a special blessing on the occasion of the Feast of St. Sarkis followed by the Blessing of the Youth, followed by a reception in Gulbenkian Hall during which salty cookies will be offered. It is the name day of those whose name is Sarkis or Martyros.

Feast of St. Sarkis, Divine Liturgy

Sunday, 24th January, 11:00am in St. Sarkis Church

Followed by Madagh in the Gulbenkian Hall. ALL ARE WELCOME.

Dublin Parish

Divine Liturgy

Sunday, 24th January, in Dublin

Kensington Council of Churches

Ecumenical Prayer for Christian Unity

Monday, 25th January, in St. Sarkis Church at 7.15pm

Ecumenical Prayer Service

Divine Liturgy on the Feast of St. Vartan and his Companions

Thursday, 4th February, in St. Yeghiche Church at 6:30pm

Eve of Great Lent

Sunday, 7th February, Eve of the Great Lent or Great Barekendan- Բուն Բարեկենդան

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Armenian Church News

The Armenian Church defines the period of Great Lent as a time of abstinence and repentance for the faithful. Each Sunday during this period is named after an event in the Holy Bible that contains the message of the day. According to the calendar, the days prior to weekly fasts, as well as Great Lent, (with the exception of the fast preceding Holy Nativity) are called Barekendan. The word Barekendan means “good living” or “good life”, as we are called to live cheerfully, joyfully, and to be happy on these days preceding fasting periods.

On these days of Barekendan, the angel’s words addressed to the prophet Elijah are fulfilled: “Arise and eat, otherwise the journey will be too great for you” (1 Kings 19:7). The Armenian Church thus allows her faithful to organise games, festivals, carnivals and large, plentiful meals before the feast. During the period of the Great Lent curtains in churches are drawn in commemoration of the expulsion of Adam from Eden and the doors of heaven were closed before him.

Every Friday evening during Great Lent there will be services in St. Sarkis and St. Yeghiche Churches. St. Sarkis will continue its tradition of Friday night evening Lenten vigil services followed by a Lenten fellowship meal.

Eve of Tiarnendaraj (The Lord’s Presentation to the Temple)

Saturday, 13th February, in St. Sarkis Church at 5:30pm

There will be blessing of the newly married couples at St. Sarkis Church at 5:30 pm and a bonfire.

Divine Liturgies at St. Yeghiche and St. Sarkis Churches are at 11:00am and Manchester Holy Trinity Church at 11:30am.

The Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of the Lord’s Presentation to the Temple. Tiarnendaraj, or Candlemas as it is known in the West, symbolises the presentation of the 40 day-old Christ Child to the Temple in Jerusalem. In the tradition of the Church, Evening Services (Nakhatonak) are conducted on the night preceding the Feast Day. At the conclusion of the service, the priest lights a candle from the Holy Altar, and distributes the flame to all present. With great care, the faithful take the lit candles home to their families.

The morning of the Feast Day, Divine Liturgy is celebrated in Armenian Churches throughout the world. The hymn offered during the Liturgy commemorating Tiarnendaraj glorifies Simeon’s articulation of “a Light to lighten the Gentiles”. The hymn praising Simeon also lauds the Mystery of the Incarnation.

Many additional customs have been inherited from the past, including the blessing of the four corners of the world in the Andastan Service, the blessing of newlywed couples, as well as offering prayers for the crops and fertility of the fields.

Tiarnendaraj – The Lord’s Presentation to the Temple

Sunday, 14th February

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Armenian Church News Armenian Church News

  Prayer intentions for January

Let us follow Church leaders and pray so that Christ our Lord may empower the souls of people with heavenly grace, faith, hope and love, in order to build a safe, peaceful and prosperous world and those from diverse religious traditions and all people of good will may work together for peace.

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 organisations 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.

Armenian Church News

Worship Services in the Armenian Churches

Services are held in the Armenian Churches in London every Sunday starting at 11:00 am. In Manchester, there is a service on the 1st Sunday of the month. 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/

St. Sarkis Church

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/

 

Other 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 - 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
The Armenian Vicarage
Iverna Gardens
London, W8 6TP
or email: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk

PLEASE NOTE OUR CHANGE OF POSTAL ADDRESS

 

Editorial Committee:

His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate

Garen Arevian
Lena Boghossian
Hovik Hovhannisyan Aznive Simon
Gagik Stepan-Sarkissian Sossi Yerissian