Armenian Church E-Newsletter - Issue 14, Vol 2

E-NEWSLETTER

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AArmenian Church of Great Britain and Ireland

VV. Revd Dr. Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate

110 April 2011, Issue 14, Vol 2

ARMENIAN CHURCH OF GB AND IRELAND

THE PRIMATE’S OFFICE

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ARMENIAN CHURCH YOUTH FELLOWSHIP IN SAN LAZZARO

Fourteen young Armenians joined the Primate, Very Revd Dr. Vahan Hovhanessian, in the first pilgrimage organized by the Armenian Church Youth Fellowship (ACYF) to the Armenian Monastery of the Mekhitarist fathers in San Lazzaro, Venice, 1-3 April. The group’s first formal activity was a dinner with Professor Revd Dr. Levon Zekiyan, Chair of Armenian Language and Literature at the University of Venice, Italy. Following the dinner the group listened to the first talk of the pilgrimage titled, “The History of the Armenians in Venice,” presented by Revd Dr Zekiyan. Saturday morning, following a brief prayer and breakfast, the group headed to the S. Zaccaria vaporetto station for the boat ride to the Mekhitarist island of San Lazzaro. There the group was greeted by the Abbot, the Most Revd Yeghia Kilaghbian. Following a brief introduction, the group was escorted to the cloistered monastic complex by a monk, Fr. Hamazasp, the newest ordained priest of the brotherhood. There the group gathered in one

of the conference rooms where Fr. Vahan offered a Bible Study session on Matthew 6, focusing on the meaning of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, which are the 3 main components of Great Lent, the present liturgical season of the Armenian Church. The study was followed a lively discussion among the group of young Armenian pilgrims regarding the beautiful Armenians traditions and practices woven around these sacred teachings of the Bible. The group then was invited to formally meet with the Abbot. Gathered around the Primate and the Abbot, the 14 young Armenians were welcomed by

the Abbot who asked about their names and backgrounds and highlighted the importance of being aware and proud of our Armenian Christian heritage and identity. He thanked them for their efforts to understand and learn about their heritage and history. The inspiring and active discussion was interrupted by the bell-rings reminding all that it was time for the noon prayer. The group joined the monks in their daily and traditional noon prayer service. Following the prayer in the beautiful cathedral, the 14 young pilgrims were invited to enjoy their lunch in the monastic gardens, overseeing the beautiful Venetian Canal, courtesy of the Mekhitarian brotherhood. That afternoon Fr. Hamazasp led the group in an extensive and enlightening tour of the various facilities and treasurers of the monastery including their precious and ancient Armenian manuscripts. On Sunday the group participated in Badarak in the Monastery and attended a talk by Professor Zekiyan at Collegio Armeno about the Armenian language intensive course in Venice. For more information about the ACYF & its upcoming events please e-mail: ACYF@armenianchurch.co.uk

A group of young Armenians after Bible Study in the Mekhitarist Monastery in San Lazzaro, Venice

Mekhitarist monk, Fr. Hamazasp, leading the group in a tour of the monastic complex

THE PILGRIMS REVISIT THE HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE

Over sixty people were gathered in the Gulbenkian Hall of the St. Sarkis Church to participate in the reunion of the first pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The reception took place last Wednesday, 30th March at 7:00pm. The reunion started with welcoming remarks of the Primate who lead the first pilgrimage of the

Armenian Church of GB and Ireland to the Holy Land, 14-23 January. Following his remarks, Fr. Vahan invited Narek Sarkissian to present a video documentary of 20 minutes which highlighted some of the various shrines and places visited by the pilgrims. Following Narek it was Subdeacon Richard Cherkerzian’s turn to present a slide show of hundreds of pictures taken at the various places visited by the pilgrims. At the conclusion of the presentations Fr. Vahan answered the questions of those present most of who were enquiring about the date and the details of the next pilgrimage to the Holy Land. At the end of the discussion Fr. Vahan thanked all for participating in the reunion and also those who had prepared food for the fellowship hour

that followed. Special thanks to Mrs. Sissi and all those who contributed to the impressive table of Lenten food for the reception which followed. Each pilgrim was invited to the podium to receive a complementary mug personalized with pictures from the pilgrimage and a booklet including a map of the Holy Land and pictures with descriptions of the various Christian shrines in the Holy Land. Stay tuned for the announcement concerning next year’s pilgrimage to the Holy Land. For enquiries and further information please contact the Primate’s Office at: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk/ You can browse the hundreds of pictures taken by the pilgrims by visiting the site: www.snapfish.com and login using the e-mail address: pilgrimage@armenianchurch.co.uk, and the password “Jerusalem”.

THE PRIMATE NOMINATED TO EUROPEAN COUNCIL OF RELIGION LEADERS

Very Revd Dr. Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate, has been confirmed as a member of the European Council of Religious Leaders. The primate was nominated to this post thanks to a strong recommendation by His Holiness Cyril, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. In a letter by His Grace Gunnar Stalsett, moderator of the European Council of religious Leaders, the Primate was informed of the confirmation of his membership and asked to join in the Council’s next regular meeting. The European Council of Religious Leaders is one of five regional Inter-Religious Councils (IRCs) within the Religions for Peace network. The European Council of Religious Leaders brings together senior religious leaders from Europe’s historical religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam together with Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs and Zoroastrians. The Council was founded in Oslo in 2002. The Council has received project support from The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Religions for Peace is a network of national and regional Inter-Religious Councils connected through an international World Council and Secretariat, based in New York. The global organisation brings together 70 national and 5 regional IRCs.

ACYF MEMBERSHIP:

The ACYF executive committee has received an invitation to attend the annual general meeting of the International Armenian Church Youth Organisation in Etchmiadzin under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of all Armenians. In order for the ACYF to join and conform to the International Armenian Church Youth Organisation requirements, the ACYF is required to establish an official membership list. Therefore, the ACYF requires for members to fill in a membership form. These membership forms were sent out to individuals who are already on our mailing list. For those that are not on the list, should you wish to become a member of the ACYF please email to us your details to ACYF@armenianchurch.co.uk.

RECEPTION FOR REVD DR. HAIDOSTIAN, PRESIDENT, THIS MONDAY

Join us at a reception this Monday, 11th April, as we welcome the Revd Dr. Paul Ara Haidostian, President of Haigazian University in Beirut, Lebanon. The reception, an event of the Continuing Education Ministry (CEM), will take place at Gulbenkian Hall of St. Sarkis Church, Monday 11th April at 7:00PM. Professor Haidostian will talk about the history, challenges and future programmes of the Haigazian University. Rev. Dr. Paul Ara Haidostian, born in 1961, Beirut, Lebanon, is the President of Haigazian University in Beirut, Lebanon since 2002. Dr. Haidostian has served on the faculty of the Near East School of Theology (NEST) in Beirut, teaching Pastoral Theology. President Haidostian holds a BA degree from Haigazian University, a Master of Divinity from the NEST, and a Master of Theology and Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary. Dr. Haidostian is actively involved in the leadership of numerous international, regional and local educational, ecclesial and ecumenical bodies and institutions. A reception will follow the talk and it subsequent discussion. Admission is free and all are welcome. For further information about the talk and the reception please contact he Primates’ Office at: priomatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk

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ACYF - HOLY FRIDAY REFLECTION NIGHT

Following the Holy Burial Services at St. Sarkis Church, on Friday 22nd April, which is scheduled to begin at 4:30 pm, there will be a special programme in the Gulbenkian Hall of the St. Sarkis Church. The programme will be a reflection on the mystery of the sacrifice and death of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The programme, offered by the Armenian Church Youth Fellowship (ACYF), will include light dinner served immediately after church services. Following dinner, a brief introduction by the Primate will elaborate on the biblical teachings concerning the death of our Lord as the eternal sacrifice to redeem God’s creation. Fr. Vahan will offer translations of some of the Armenian hymns sung during the Burial Service on Holy Friday which elaborate on the Armenian Church’s understanding of the theology of the passion and death of Christ. Following the introduction, the ACYF will offer a video presentation of the film “The Passion of the Christ” (2004) by Mel Gibson. A general discussion will follow. All are welcome and admission is free. For further information contact the ACYF at: acyf@armenianchurch.co.uk.

HOLY WEEK SERVICES IN LONDON AND MANCHESTER Sunday: 17April, PalmSunday-?a[kaxard(St.Sarkis&St.Yeghiche,London;andHolyTrinity,Manchester)

Badarak: 11:00AM - No Hokehankisd

Thursday: 21 April, Washing of Feet/Betrayal - Otnloua\ ;u >auaroum (St. Sarkis) Badarak 11:00 am - No Hokehankisd Washing of Feet - 4:30pm Betrayal Vigil (Khavaroom) - 8:00pm

Friday: 22 April, Burial Service - Ja[man Karg (St. Sarkis) Burial Service 4:30pm Procession 5:00pm

Saturday: 23 April, Eve of the Resurrection - Yragalo\z (St. Sarkis and St. Yeghiche) Evening Service and Scripture Readings 5:30pm Badarak 6:00pm

Sunday: 24 April, Feast of the Resurrection - Sourb |aroujiun - Xatik (St. Sarkis & St. Yeghiche, London; and Holy Trinity, Manchester)

Morning Service 10:00am Badarak 11:00am

PLEASE NOTE: 1. Hokehangisd requests on Palm Sunday and Easter will be honoured the Sunday following Easter, 1st May. 2. In order to sign up for the service of the “Washing of the feet”, parents and grandparents of those wishing to have

their feet washed are encouraged to contact the Primate’s Office: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk, Phone: 020 8127 8364, Fax: 0872 111 5548 to sign the names of their sons or grandsons, ages 13 and older, for participation in the service. The number of the participants will be limited to 12, representing the twelve Apostles.

3. Those wishing to donate toward the palm branches of Palm Sunday, Holy Friday flowers of the tomb of Christ, or flowers for Easter, are kindly required to contact the offices of St. Sarkis and St. Yeghiche Churches.

BBC RADIO INTERVIEW ON CARDIFF MPC’S PILGRIMAGE TO ST. DAVID’S CATHEDRAL

This Sunday morning, as part of its weekly programme All Things Considered, the BBC-Wales will air an interview of Reverend Roy Jenkins with Reverend Dr. Patrick Thomas, and Mr. John Torosyan, Chairman of the Armenian Church Mission Parish Council (MPC) of Cardiff, Wales. CLICK HERE to read more about the interview to be aired this Sunday. The interview discusses the Armenian community in Cardiff, Wales, and the newly formed Mission Parish Council. The main focus of the interview is the upcoming Armenian Church pilgrimage to St Davids Cathedral in Pembrokeshire, Wales, coordinated by the Cardiff MPC. Another subject tackled in the interview is the Armenian Genocide. The Pilgrimage, to take place on Saturday, 30th April, will be led by the Very Revd Dr. Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate, who will also be the celebrant of the first Badarak to be offered in this sixth-century cathedral on the shores of the Atlantic. For further information

about the pilgrimage contact the Cardiff MPC at: cardiffacmpc@armenianchurch.co.uk or the Primate’s Office at: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk.

ACYF CHAPTER IN MANCHESTER:

A group of Armenian youth and young adults in Manchester have come together to form a chapter of the ACYF in Manchester. The ACYF chapter in Manchester will prepare activities and programmes, and will network with other ACYF chapters in GB, Ireland & around the world, to create a fellowship of Armenians who are proud of their identity and comfortable and proud with their Armenian Christian heritage. If you or someone you know lives in or around Manchester please make an effort to join and support the ACYF. For further information about the formation of the chapter and to join the Manchester ACYF please contact Artur at: bobikemes@yahoo.co.uk

ACYF Christmas Carol Vigils in Manchester

BBC INTERVIEW ON CARDIFF MPC PILGRIMAGE TO ST. DAVID’S CATHEDRAL:

This Sunday morning, as part of its weekly programme “All Things Considered,” the BBC will air an interview of Reverend Roy Jenkins with Reverend Dr. Patrick Thomas, and Mr. John Torosyan, Chairman of the Armenian Church Mission Parish Council (MPC) of Cardiff, Wales. The interview will discuss the Armenian community in Cardiff, Wales and the newly formed Mission Parish Council. The main focus of the interview will be the upcoming Armenian pilgrimage to St Davids Cathedral coordinated by the Cardiff MPC. The Pilgrimage, to take place on Saturday, 30th April, will be led by the Very Revd Dr. Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate, who will also be the celebrant of the first Badarak to be offered in this sixth-century cathedral on the shores of the Atlantic. For further information about the pilgrimage please contact the Cardiff MPC at: or the Primate’s Office at: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk

NARROW BOAT TRIP – MANCHESTER:

The Armenian Ladies Association of the Holy Trinity Church in Manchester is happy to announce the organisation of the “Narrow Boat Trip” which is scheduled for Sunday, 10th July. The boat ride, on the Upper Peak Forest Canal, will include light refreshments and will last 3 hours. Adults 15 children over 5 8, under 5 free. Gather at 12:30pm at Canal Street, Whaley Bridge. For further information contact Penny Evenson 01614 344996

BAZAAR AT ST. SARKIS CHURCH:

The St. Sarkis Pastoral Council is happy to announce the date of the upcoming AREV play group for Pre-School to 11 years old children at St. Sarkis Church, Gulbenkian Hall to be on 17th: Delicious Armenians food and festive savories will be served and gift items displayed after church service on Palm Sunday (17 April) and Eastern Sunday (24 April) in the Nevart Gulbenkian Hall. This annual Bazar is prepared by St. Sarkis Church Ladies Committee, together with Hayastan All Armenian Fund Committee.

At the manuscript depository with Fr. Hamazasp

Bishop Vartan blessing the table before Lunch

On the vaporetto to the Collegio Armeno, Venice

With Revd Prof. Zekiyan

Dinner in Venice courtesy of the ACYF

In the vaporetto heading to San Lazzaro

Setting the table for a San Lazzaro outdoor lunch

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS

(According to the Armenian Church Lectionary)

Monday 11/4

36th day of Great Lent

Daniel 7:2-27 1 Corinthians 12:1-7

Tuesday 12/4

37th day of Great Lent

1 Corfinthians 12:8-27

Wednesday 13/4

38th say of Great Lent

Exodus 4:21-5:3 Zechariah 9:9-16

Thursday 14/4

39th day of Great Lent.

Ezekiel 37:1-4 1 Timothy 3:14-16

Friday 15/4

40th day of Great Lent

Deuteronomy 11:10-25 Job 21:1-34 Isaiah 46:3-47:4

Saturday 16/4

41st day of Great Lent. Remembrance of the Raising of Lazarus

Proverbs 14:27-35 1 Thessalonians 4:12-17 John 11:55-12:11

Sunday 17/4

Palm Sunday Beginning of Holy Week

Song of Solomon 1:1-2:3 Zechariah 9:9-15 Philippians 4:4-7 Matthew 20:29-21:17

FIRST YEAR ANNIVERSARY: This issue of the E-Newsletter marks the first year anniversary of the publication of this weekly publication online of the Armenian Church of Great Britain and Ireland. The first issue was published on 6th April 2010. We will reflect more on this anniversary in the next issue of the E-Newsletter. Thank you to all the volunteers who contribute to this publication. Happy Anniversary!

INTENSIVE SUMMER COURSE OF ARMENIAN LANGUAGE:

The Primate’s Office has been informed that the Department of Asian and Mediterranean Studies of the University of Venice in collaboration with the Cultural Association “Padus-Araxes” will be offering its popular summer course of Armenian Language, to take place 1-18 August. Tuition fee € 700. Deadline for registration is 31st March. For information please fax +39 041 241 4448, or e- mail: Daniela@padus-araxes.com. You can learn more about the language course by visiting the following website: http://padus-araxes.com/summercourse/index.htm

BIBLE STUDY SESSIONS: The Bible Study groups, a programme of the Continuing Education Ministry (CEM), meet during the week according to the following schedule: The group in Armenian meets on Tuesdays at 7:00pm, while the group in English meets on Wednesdays at 7:30pm. Both groups meet in the Nevart Gulbenkian Hall. These sessions are great opportunities for people who have not yet read the Bible or those who want to read it in a group. You do not have to be a theologian or even a believer to join our Bible Study. You don’t even need to own a Bible. We will provide you with a copy. All are welcome. All are welcome and admission is free.

WASHING OF THE FEET SERVICE – HOLY THURSDAY

This year the inspiring service of the Washing of the Feet, which is part of the annual Holy week services, is scheduled on April 21st, at 4:30pm. The service commemorates the Lord’s washing of the feet of the 12 apostles. In order to better organize the service and help our children enjoy the service, the Primate’s Office is requesting that the parents who want to have their son’s feet washed to contact he Primate’s Office in advance. Please note that your son’s or grandson’s name needs to be registered in advance so they can attend a rehearsal with the Primate prior to the date of the service. To register please contact he Primate’s Office at 020 8127 8364 or e-mail: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk

ONLINE MINISTRY: We are happy to inform our readers that the Armenian Church of GB and Ireland has a website that is updated regularly. You can visit the website at: www.armenianchurch.co.uk.

If someone you know wishes to receive the E-Newsletter, or if you want us to send the E-Newsletter to a relative or a friend, kindly forward the person’s e-mail to: information@armenianchurch.co.uk.

Meanwhile, we are building up our e-list with special attention to Armenians living in the Wales region and in Birmingham. If you know of someone who lives or studies in these areas, or anywhere else in GB and Ireland, please forward the person’s e-mail address to: information@armenianchurch.co.uk.

ARMENIAN CHURCH OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND

The Primate’s Office: 25 Cheniston Gardens, Kensington, London W8 6TG, UK Website: www.armenianchurch.co.uk • E-mail: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk Phone: 020 8127 8364 • Fax: 087 2111 5548

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