ARMENIAN CHURCH OF UK & IRELAND THE PRIMATE’S OFFICE

E-NEWSLETTER

HH - J:RJIK

AArmenian Church of the United Kingdom and Ireland

VV. Revd Dr. Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate

66th August2011, Issue 31, Vol 2

ARMENIAN CHURCH OF UK & IRELAND

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UNDERSTANDING, PROTECTING AND PROMOTING THE CHRISTIAN FAITH OF OUR FOREFATHERS

This Saturday, 6th August, the Armenian Church commemorates the Ecumenical Council of Ephesus which took place in AD 431. This is one of three Ecumenical Councils, i.e. assemblies of the leaders of the churches worldwide, which the Armenian Church endorses. The decisions of the Council of Ephesus, like those of the Council of Nicea (325) and the Council of Constantinople (381) are accepted by the Armenian Church as normative and part of the canonical and doctrinal corpus that defines Christianity as understood, lived and preached by the Armenian Church. Although unable to attend the Council of Ephesus, due to local and political reasons, the Catholicos of the Armenian Church at that time, Sahak Brtev, send a message agreeing with the decision of the Council. According to church historians 200 holy fathers of the universal Church were gathered at this Council in Ephesus.

The Council was convened at the “Church of Mary” in Ephesus (Asia Minor), by the suggestion of Nestorius, the Patriarch of Constantinople to defend his doctrine and clarify a dispute over his teachings which emphasized the separation between Christ's human and divine natures. This wrong teaching had brought him into conflict with other church leaders. In the end, and after lengthy discussions, the teachings of Nestorius were condemned by the Council as heretical and the Church agreed on confirming the perfect nature of Christ which encompasses His divinity and humanity.

Throughout the centuries, the church had to face ongoing changed in the political, economical and cultural contexts in which the Church preached the Christian faith to her children. Accordingly, the main priority has always been to preserve and protect the truth about the Christian faith & make it understandable and accessible to the next generation so they can fully experience & live this life-changing gospel & in their turn pass it on to the next generation. By celebrating the Council of Ephesus, the Armenian Church emphasizes the importance of preserving and protecting the truth and the orthodoxy of the Christian faith against new and confusing currents, teachings and practices. The church also calls upon us to work together on promoting this truth about the Christian faith as lived and taught by Armenians for centuries. It is therefore, the duty of every Armenian individual and community to make sure that we have the capabilities to receive and understand the truth about the Christian faith as our forefathers did and made it the pillar of our people‟s identity, and to adapt our life to live according to these teachings.

In a society and culture where Christianity and the church has been continuously under attack by political currents and ideologies, the media, certain misled scientists with a hidden agenda and those whose immoral lifestyle is drastically challenged by the noble and sacred values of Christianity, we as Armenians in the UK have the imperative today more than ever to make sure that our Church and community have the resources, facilities, programmes and funding to protect the faith of our forefathers and promote Armenian Christianity, not only as a foundational pillar of our people‟s identity but also as a way of living that has shaped our history, redeemed our people from the ashes of wars, persecutions and genocides and granted peace and harmony to those of us who try our best to immerse ourselves in the Word of Christ, and in the holy and sacred traditions of the gospel and to receive the heavenly peace that comes only through fellowship with Christ and His Church.

Holy Fathers of the Council of Ephesus

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ARMENIAN MUSIC GALA: ROYAL FESTIVAL HALL – 1ST SEPTEMBER 2011 One of the most prestigious concert halls of London - Royal Festival Hall is chosen to present White Illusions by the renowned composer and producer Karen Grigoryan. The concert will be performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra and consist of 20 of the greatest experimental classical works of White Illusions and Aram Ilyich Khachaturian‟s Violin Concerto; Suite from Spartacus. The orchestra is conducted by Marius Stravinsky, Artistic Director of the Karelia Philharmonic Orchestra (KPO). Karen Grigoryan‟s reputation as a composer has gained him international recognition recently, with his inclusion in the 20 Best Armenian Musicians of the Year (2011). In this concert he is joined by Juice, a uniquely versatile Armenian vocalist who has been awarded a reward for the „Future of Russian Pop Music‟ by Vladimir Putin. She has released her debut album Kix in 2010. This gala is an exceptional opportunity to gain an insight into the work of one of today‟s foremost Armenian contemporary classical composers, performed by one of London‟s premiere orchestras. http://youtu.be/_0gQFe22PnU. (Philharmonia Orchestra, Marius Stravinsky conductor, Artur Bobikyan organ, Juice Vocal, Karen Shahgeldyan violin, Nelly Manukyan flute, Vardan Gaboyan guitar, Ben Asatryan cello, and Areg Mirzoyan piano..) The concert is under the auspices of the Very Revd Dr. Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate of the Armenian Church of the UK and Ireland. For tickets, please visit the following WEBSITE.

KEVORK MALIKYAN AT ST. YEGHICHE CHURCH:

As part of his personal crusade to raise funds among Armenians of the UK and Ireland to support the rebuilding of the St. Giragos Cathedral in Dikranagerd (Diarbakir), acttor Kevork Malikyan will be to sitting outside the entrances of the

Sr. Yeghiche Church, this Sunday, 7th August, with a bucket collecting money from the faithful for the Cathedral in DIkranagerd, Historic Armenia (currently in Turkey). One of the main starts of the stage performance of the ongoing comedy show “Yes, Prime Minister”, Mr. Malikyan, himself a deacon of the Armenian Church, will be spending the forthcoming thre Sundays visiting the St. Yeghiche and St. Sarkis Churches. Mr. Malikyan hopes to beable to make it to Manchester on the first Sunday of September to visit the Armenian community in Manchester as well. Meanwhile, those who will not be able to be at the churches indicated above on the corresponding dates, and wish to make donations to support the fundraising efforts, can make their donations to the “Armenian Church Trust of the UK” and mail it to the Primate’s Office: 25 Cheniston Gardens, Kensington, London W8 6TG. Please support the cause and be generous.

AN ARMENIAN REPRESENTING UK IN AN INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIAD

Henrik Stepanyan, from Birmingham, will be representing the UK in an international tournament called "World Youth U16 chess Olympiad." The Olympiad will be conducted under the auspices of Federation Internationale Des Echecs (FIDE). Teams participating in the Olympiad will represent countries with players born in 1994 and later. The Olympiad will take place in Turkey (Sanliurfa), from 23rd October to 1st November. Last year’s conference attracted players representing 22 countries including Armenia and Russia. Henrik represents England, having been chosen from a team of players after winning six different junior tournaments all year. Based on his record, the English Chess Federation has chosen Henrik as the player to represent England in the world youth u16 chess Olympiads. Henrik Stepanyan is a member of the Birmingham Armenian Church Mission Parish and is actively involved in the life of the Armenian Church community with his parents and sister. Congratulations to you and your family, Henrik, and may God bless you. Astoua/ 7rfnh!

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THE FAST OF THE ASSUMPTION OF MARY

This Sunday, 7th August, is the Parégéntan of the Feast of the Assumption of Mary (Verapokhumn Asdvadzadzni).

According to the Armenian Church traditions, Monday, 8th August, is the first day of a six-day fasting period in

preparation of this fourth of the five major feasts of the Armenian Church calendar. It is also worth mentioning that

Armenians traditionally abstained from eating grapes until the Sunday of this feast, when grapes are brought to the local

churches to be blessed as an expression of thanksgiving to God for all His gifts, which in itself is an ancient biblical

tradition. The faithful are encouraged to donate grapes to the St. Sarkis and St. Yeghiche Churches in London or the

Holy Trinity Church in Manchester and also to help pack them in bags on Saturday, 13th August. For further information

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please contact Tamara, Chairman of the St. Yeghiche Church Committee, by clicking HERE.

C.E.M. SUMMER COURSE– EXPLORING THE HYMNS AND PRAYERS OF OUR BADARAK

The Continuing Education Ministry of the Primate’s Office is happy to announce the offering of the four-session summer course titled “Exploring the Hymns and Prayers of Our Badarak,” by the Very Revd Dr. Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate, at

the Nevart Gulbenkian Hall. The course will meet on Fridays, the 19th & 26th of August and the 2nd & 9th of September. Each session, beginning at 6:00pm, will last for two hours with a 10-minute break in the middle of the session. The course will explain and elaborate on the various biblical themes which our Church Fathers have incorporated in the hymns and prayers of the Badarak, translating them into English, and demonstrating how these hymns and prayers help build up and develop the overall theology of the Badarak. No knowledge of Armenian is required or necessary to participate in the course. All are welcome. Admission is free. To sign up for the course please contact the Primate’s Office by phone: 020 8127 8364, or via e-mail: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk.

BAPTISMS

ST. SARKIS PARISH: LARA, daughter of Andrew and Sosi Bartram, was baptised and confirmed at St Sarkis Armenian Church on 9 July 2011.

SAMUEL HOLLAND was baptised and confirmed at St Sarkis Armenian Church on 9 July 2011.

PHOENIX SAMUEL, son of Samuel and Anastasia Holland, was baptised and confirmed at St Sarkis Armenian Church on 9 July 2011.

RAPHAEL MASIS, son of Mardit and Audrey Matian, was baptised and confirmed at St Sarkis Armenian Church on 16 July 2011.

HOVAN, son of Vartan and Ana Sarkissian, was baptised and confirmed at St Sarkis Armenian Church on 17 July 2011.

ANAHIT and GABRIEL, children of Vonnie Alexander, was baptised and confirmed at St Sarkis Armenian Church on 17 July 2011.

AIDA, daughter of Avetik and Ani Mnatsakanyan, was baptised and confirmed at St Sarkis Armenian Church on 17 July 2011.

VARDGES, son of Artur and Mane Asatryan, was baptised and confirmed at St Sarkis Armenian Church on 17 July 2011. Congratulations to all

WEDDINGS

ST. YEGHICHE PARISH: JOHN HALPERN, son of Anthony and Margaret Halpern and TALINE HAYTAYAN, daughter of Jirayr and Annie Haytayan, were married at St Sarkis Armenian Church on 31 July 2011.

ST. YEGHICHE PARISH: Robert James Wood & Sylvia Tamara Palamoudian, were married on 2nd July 2011 at St Yeghiche Church. The best man was Mark Kenny

[These names were removed on request of the bride] -  were married on 17th July at St Yeghiche Church. The best man was Robbie Rickard Congratulations to all

FUNERALS:

ST. YEGHICHE PARISH: VAHAN ARMEN GRIGORIAN, born in Tehran, Iran in 1943, died on 2 July 2011. The funeral service took place at Gunnersbury Cemetery Chapel on 12 July 2011. Buried at the same cemetery.

STEPHAN ZAVEN WOSKIAN, born in syria in 1945, died on 5 July 2011. The funeral service took place at Mortlake Crematorium.

ST. SARKIS PARISH: BENJAMIN THADDEUS, born in Baghdad, Iraq in 1924, died on 10 June 2011. The funeral service took place at St Sarkis Armenian Church. Buried at Gunnersbury Cemetery.

May the Lord Rest their souls in peace

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS

(According to the Armenian Church Lectionary)

Sunday 7/8

Parégentan of the Assumption of Mary

Isaiah 7:1-9 1 Corinthians 13:11-14:5 Mark 2:1-12

Monday 8/8

Day 1 - Fast of the Assumption of Mary

1 Corinthians 14:18-25 Mark 2:13-20

Tuesday 9/8

Day 2 - Fast of the Assumption of Mary

1 Corinthians 14:26-40 Mark 2:23-3:5

Wednesday 10/8

Day 3 - Fast of the Assumption of Mary

1 Corinthians 15:20-33 Mark 3:6-12

Thursday 11/8

Day 4 - Fast of the Assumption of Mary

1 Corinthians 15:34-49 Mark 3:20-30

Friday 12/8

Day 5 - Fast of the Assumption of Mary

1 Corinthians 15:50-57 Mark 3:31-4:8

Saturday 13/8

Day 6 - Fast of the Assumption of Mary

Proverbs 3:19-26 Ezekiel 40:3-10 1 Peter 2:1-10 Matthew 16:13-19

a

ASAZOUA?Q!

«Au;li diurin h ka[nii founte czan;le4 qan \;to\ ka[nii /a5e armathn fan;le!0!

The Assumption of the Holy Mother – Soorp Asdvadzadzin

This feast, which is one of the important feasts of our church, will be celebrated on Sunday, August 14th 2011throughout Armenian churches by donating and distributing grapes in the church. Your attendance would be most welcome and your kind donation of grapes or money in lieu of grapes is gratefully accepted. May the Holy Mother bestow on you her many blessings!

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Bible Study Groups

There will be no Bible Study sessions during the month of August. Neither the Armenian study group (which meets on Tuesdays) nor the English study group (which meets on Wednesdays) will be meeting during August. The two groups will resume their study sessions during the first week of the month of September. Our Bible Study groups meet in a casual setting to read the Word of God and try to understand its meaning as received by the Armenian Church for centuries, and as it applies to our daily living. All are welcome. For further information please contact the Primate’s Office at: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk.

Feast of Assumption of our Holy Mother

The Primate’s Office “Sourp Astouadzatsin”

The Very Revd Dr. Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate, can be reached at the Primate’s

Office (25 Cheniston Gardens, Kensington, London W8 6TG) by phone: 020 8127

8364, or via e-mail: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk. Appointments can be

made by contacting the Primate’s Office. Please note that messages left on

th

the office at St. Sarkis Church (Vicarage) are not accessed by the Primate

August 14 2011

nor by his staff. Also, due to the unavailability of any funding or budget for the Primate’s Office, the office is managed by part-time volunteers, who try their best to process messages left on the answering service, as soon as it is humanly possible.

This feast is one of the important feasts of our church and is

ARMENIAN CHURCH OF UK AND IRELAND

celebrated throughout Armenian churches by donating and

The Primate‟s Office: 25 Cheniston Gardens, Kensington, London W8 6TG, UK distributing grapes in the church.

Website: www.armenianchurch.co.uk • E-mail: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk Phone: 020 8127 8364 • Fax: 087 2111 5548

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