Armenian Church E-Newsletter, Issue 37

7 SEPTEMBER 2012

ISSUE 37 VOLUME 3

E-NEWSLETTER H- J:RJIK A WEEKLY ONLINE PUBLICATION OF THE PRIMATE’S OFFICE OF THE DIOCESE OF THE

ARMENIAN CHURCH OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND

HIS HOLINESS STARTS A PONTIFICAL VISIT TO NICE, FRANCE

ON FRIDAY, 7TH SEPTEMBER, 2012, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians arrived in Nice, France, starting his second pontifical visit to the Armenian Church and faithful in that city. Welcoming His Holiness at the Nice Airport were His Eminence Archbishop Norvan Zakarian, Primate of the Diocese of France, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of America, His

Grace Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate of the Armenian Church of Great Britain and Ireland, His Excellency Viguen Tchitetchian, Ambassador of Armenia in France and other diplomats and dignitaries. The same afternoon, His Holiness was the guest of Mr. Christian Estrosi, the Mayor of Nice, who hosted a public reception in honour of the Catholicos, where hundreds of Armenians and local government leaders had gathered to welcome the Catholicos and receive his blessings. Mr. Estrosi welcomed His Holiness and thanked him for his visit to Nice, and assured him of the continuous support of the people and government of Nice toward the Armenian Church and people. Referring to the Genocide, he reiterated his comments made earlier that Turkey should not be allowed in the European Union unless it acknowledges the Armenian Genocide. His Holiness in turn thanked the Mayor for the warm welcome and kind words, and for Nice’s long history of supporting the Armenian people and its causes. Following the two speeches, His Holiness mingled with the crowd gathered and blessed them and had an opportunity to meet and talk with them. The visit of His Holiness will continue during the weekend. A sold-out banquet is scheduled for Saturday, 8 September. During the visit, His Holiness will meet with leaders of the Armenian community and the local government and will celebrate Badarak (Divine Liturgy) in the historic and magnificent Basilica of Notre Dame de Nice. Assisting him in the celebration of the Liturgy will be Archbishop Hovnan of USA and Bishop Vahan of UK.

We at the Primate’s Office would love to hear from you. Please send your comments, feedback and observations to: The Primate’s Office, c/o Hye Doon, 25 Cheniston Gardens, London W8 6TG

The Primate’s Office

c/o Hye Doon 25 Cheniston Gardens Kensington London, W8 6TG

Church Website

armenianchurch.co.uk

E-mail

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armenianchurch.co.uk

Telephone

0208 127 8364

7 September 2012

Issue 37, Volume 3

FOUR ORDAINED TUBIRS FOR THE ARMENIAN CHURCH

On Saturday, 1st September, 2012, eight altar servers joined His Grace Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate, on a train journey from London to Manchester in preparation for the ordination of four young men to the Order of Tubir in the Armenian Church. Accompanying the group were Fr. William Taylor, the Anglican Vicar of St John's church in Notting Hill and Fr. Garegin Hambartzumyan of the brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin. The group was received by members of the Holy Trinity Wardens at the train station, and escorted by cars to the Holy Trinity Vicarage. During the train journey the four candidates had opportunities to converse with the three clergy about ordination and altar service. However, the preparation programme officially started with a prayer at the Vicarage of the Holy Trinity Church in Manchester, followed by a talk by Fr. William about “Consecrated Life in the Church.” After a period of questions and answers and following a group dinner at a nearby restaurant, the group returned to the Vicarage for the ordination rehearsal in the Church. The rehearsal was led by the Primate assisted by Fr. Garegin and Deacon Artur from the Armenian Church in Manchester. Present at the rehearsal was also Mr. Hagop Yeramian, chairman of the Board of Wardens of the church in Manchester. By the end of the rehearsal and the preparation of the material needed for the ordination it was almost midnight, time to say the final prayer in anticipation of the blessed day of the ordination ahead. Already by 8:00AM the church was open again with the altar servers assisting Deacon Artur to prepare the church for the Badarak and ordination. The celebrant of the day was Bishop Vahan. In his sermon the Bishop reflected on the role of altar servers in the church and elaborated on why he chose Manchester to be the location of his first ordination service, being the first Armenian Church built in GB, in Europe and the Western Hemisphere. Following his sermon and hokehankisd, the ordination service started with a procession to the gates of the Church, where Fr. Garegin, acting as the sponsor, started the service by chanting a petition inviting all gathered to pray for the candidates who were about to be ordained. Following the opening prayer, the four candidates were initiated into the church service by having a lock of their hair cut. Then they were granted the four Minor Orders of the Armenian Church at four spots in the centre isle of the Church as the procession returned from the gates to the chancel, with the candidates kneeling all the way to the railing of the chancel. At the end of the service, the Bishop laid his hands on them, blessing and congratulating them. The newly ordained then joined the lunch and a programme in the church hall, courtesy of the Manchester Church. Congratulations Tubirs Hovik, Nairi, Arman and Alex. May the Lord keep you firm in your service of His Church.

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO SUPPORT THE ARMENIAN CHURCH TRUST – UK

(ACT-UK) WWW.ARMENIANCHURCHTRUST.ORG.UK

7 September 2012 Issue 37 Volume 3

CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF THE FIRST ARMENIAN CHURCH IN LONDON

The Armenian Church in the UK and St. Sarkis Church Trust & Parish, under the auspices of His Grace Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate of the Armenian Church in Great Britain and Ireland and Pontifical Legate, will be celebrating the 90th Anniversary of St. Sarkis Church, the first Armenian Church in London, with a series of educational, cultural and social events. Some 17 events have been organised between September and January to celebrate this historic milestone with the parishioners of St. Sarkis and the wider Armenian community. His Grace Bishop Vahan will be the speaker at the opening event on 16 September. His Grace will speak about "The Bible and the Armenian Church", followed by discussion. Light lunch will be served in the Nvart Gulbenkian Hall following the Divine Liturgy and before the discussion. For the online version of the entire 90th Anniversary programme, please visit www.armenianchurch.co.uk. To contact the 90th Anniversary Organising Committee or for further information, please send an email to: 90th@stsarkislondon.org.

ACYF ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION:

“ARMENIAN IDENTITY IN THE 21ST CENTURY EUROPE” The ACYF is happy to announce the organisation of the first Round Table Discussion, which will take place on Tuesday 2nd October 2012 at 7:00pm in Gulbenkian Hall, St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Iverna Gardens, London W8 6TP. The theme of the round table discussion is: “Armenian Identity in 21st Century Europe.” Those participating in the discussion are encouraged to share their personal understanding of the meaning of being Armenian today and the various challenges facing young Armenians in London, UK and all over Europe. What does it mean to be Armenian? Is it essential to speak the Armenian language? How important is the knowledge of Armenian history and culture to the identity of a person? Does the Armenian Church play a role in your understanding of the Armenian identity in Great Britain? Do issues related to the Armenian people in general, such as the Genocide, the Nagorno Karabagh conflict, and the socio-economic issues in Armenia have impact on defining a person’s Armenian identity? In order to prepare for the discussion, the ACYF has issued a brief questionnaire, which can be answered on the Facebook Event Page. Young Armenian men and women are also encouraged to send their views by video clips to: ACYFLondon@yahoo.co.uk, which may be shared during the round-table discussion.

IN MEMORY OF THE VICTIMS OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

The Chiltern-Armenian Society (CAS), in cooperation with the Armenian Church of Great Britain and Ireland, the Rector of St Mary’s and All Saints Church and the Armenian Embassy in UK will hold a “Eucharist Joint-Service in memory of the Victims of the Armenian genocide” on Sunday 23RD SEPTEMBER 2012, 10.30 am at St Mary’s and All Saints Church Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire HP9 2JW. (Windsor End Old Town Beaconsfield). Reverend Jeremy Brooks, Rector of St Mary’s and All Saints Church will be the celebrant and His Grace Bishop Vahan Hovanessian will preside and deliver the Sermon and the Blessing. In addition to the regular hymns sung by the St Mary’s Choir, Hymns will also be sung by Anais Heghoyan (Mezzo Soprano) and Nikita Bazil (Soprano). This memorable and special occasion will be followed by a gathering in the adjacent Fitzwilliam Hall , where coffee, biscuits and Armenian Brandy will be served. Local and Armenian Dignitaries will attend. All are welcome to attend.

Transport: Car ( parking behind the Church ) . Public transport : British Rail to Beaconsfield. If sufficient number of bookings will be received, then a Buffet-Luncheon will be organised at Leigh House (Chinese restaurant near the Church ) at £18.00 per person (refreshments and drinks not included). For further details and bookings for Lunch, please call: CAS at 01494 816 757.

7 September 2012 Issue 37 Volume 3

BAPTISMS  LUCA ENGELBRECHT, son of Cornelius Engelbrecht and Diana Osepyan was baptised on 25th August, 2012 at St.

Sarkis Church. The Godfather was Vigen Muradiantz.

Congratulations to all!

There were no baptisms at St. Yeghiche Church this month.

WEDDINGS

There were no Weddings at either St. Sarkis or St. Yeghiche Churches this month.

FUNERALS  HAKE THADDEUS, born in Shiraz, Iran on 12th February, 1918 was deceased on 24th July, 2012. The funeral service was

held at St Yeghiche Church on 6th August, 2012 followed by cremation at Mortlake Crematorium.

 IDA ODABASHIAN, born in Cyprus on 24th May, 1929 was deceased on 15th August, 2012. The funeral service was held on 31st August, 2012 at St. Andrews Church, N.10, followed by internment in New Southgate Cemetery.

May the Lord rest the souls of the deceased in peace and grant consolation to their family members and friends.

There were no funerals at St. Sarkis Church this month.

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MORE PICTURES FROM THE BADARAK AND ORDINATION OF HOVIK, NAIRI, ARMAN AND ALEX TO THE ORDER OF TUBIR

“Exhibition East and West” Chelsea Gallery: 3-9 September 2012

For further information click here

Are you interested to support the ministry of the Armenian Church by joining the Church choirs or altar servers? Please write to the Primate’s Office: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk

7 September 2012

Issue 37 Volume 3

Scripture Readings According to the Armenian Church Lectionary

Sunday – 9 September Isaiah 13:1-11 2 Corinthians 7:4-16 Mark 7:31-37

Monday – 10 September 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 Mark 8:1-9

Tuesday – 11 September 2 Corinthians 8:16-24 Mark 8:10-21

Wednesday – 12 September 2 Corinthians 9:1-9 Mark 8:22-26

Thursday – 13 September 2 Corinthians 9:1-9 Mark 8:22-26

Friday – 14 September 2 Corinthians 10:7-17 Mark 9:37-49

Saturday – 15 September Proverbs 3:9-17 Isaiah 66:12-16 1 Timothy 3:14-16

John 10:22-42

READING THE BOOK OF REVELATION – BIBLE STUDY

The weekly Bible Study sessions will resume on Thursday 13th September at 7:00pm, in Gulbenkian Hall. His Grace Bishop Vahan will offer an introduction to the Book of Revelation, which will usher in the reading and study of this mysterious and final book of the Bible. All are welcome to join. You do not have to be a theologian or a Bible Thumper to join our casual and inspiring study sessions. For more information please contact he Primate’s Office or e-mail: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk.

CHESS & BACKGAMMON CLUB: ST. SARKIS PARISH COUNCIL

The St Sarkis Parish Council is pleased to announce that a monthly Chess & Backgammon Club will be starting in October. If playing chess and backgammon is your favourite past time, and you would like to play against other fellow Armenians, then please join us. Details of the 1st date will be announced soon, so watch this space.

PRIMATE TO LECTURE AT LAMBETH PALACE

THE ANGLICAN AND EASTERN CHURCHES ASSOCIATION in conjunction with the Nikean Club, will be sponsoring this year’s Annual Constantinople Lecture. The guest lecturer will be His Grace Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate. The title of the lecture is: “The New Testament Apocrypha and the Armenian Church Canon of the Bible.” The lecture is scheduled on Thursday 22nd November 2012. And will take place at Lambeth Palace, London SE1 7JU, by special permission of His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury. The evening will start at 5:30 with Evensong followed by Bishop Vahan’s lecture and 7:00pm Buffet supper, carriages at 9:00pm. Tickets for the event, including buffet supper, are £23 per person. For tickets please write to The General Secretary, Anglican and Eastern Churches Association, c/o The Old Deanery, Dean’s Court, London EC4V 5AA, or e-mail: janet.laws@btopenworld.com. Closing date for booking tickets is: Friday, 9th November 2012. Places are limited and will be allocated to AECA & Nikaean members first. For further information, Click Here.

CLASSES IN WESTERN ARMENIAN

COURSES IN WESTERN ARMENIAN will be offered for beginners, intermediates and advanced students in Hye Doon by Professor Krikor Moskofian of the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS, University of London). Courses will start the first week in October. For further information or to register please click here, or e-mail: moskofiank@hotmail.co.uk

SAHAK-MESROP CHOIR OF MARSEILLE IN LONDON

EXHIBITION INTRODUCTION:

All three artists originate from East and are currently based in the West, bringing up their own culture and unique individualities to Western Europe. This is why the Organizer has chosen "East at West" title for this particular Exhibition.

ARTIST'S INTRODUCTION: Hrayr Karapetyan is a Fine Artist based in London, GB. He have had numerous art exhibitions in many countries both in East and the West. Including: “ Piece Exhibition” / Berlin, Germany / “36th Bienal

The Primate’s Office c/o Hye Doon 25 Cheniston Gardens Kensington, London W8 6TG