Armenian Church E-Newsletter - Issue 38

15 SEPTEMBER 2012

ISSUE 38 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

THE EXALTATION OF THE CROSS

ACCORDING TO THE ARMENIAN CHURCH LITURGICAL CALENDAR, the Sunday closest to the 14th of September is designated for the commemoration of the Exaltation of the Cross, the fifth and final annual Major Feast of the Armenian Church. The Feast commemorates the elevation of the actual cross of the Lord in three occasions, for veneration to emphasize its new meaning in Christianity as a vehicle of our salvation. By dying on the cross, our Lord offered Himself as the eternal sacrifice for our sins, redeeming us from the shackles of our own sins, and freeing us from captivity to death. According to Church traditions, the Cross of the Lord was first elevated by St. James the Apostle, celebrating Christ’s victory by the cross and singing, “We bow before thy cross, O Christ”, a phrase used until today in the Armenian hymns. The second elevation of the cross was by Queen Helena, the mother of the Emperor Constantine, who in 326AD traveled to Jerusalem for a pilgrimage and succeeded in finding the actual cross of the Lord. Tradition has it that the Cross was covered by aromatic basil, which is why the Armenian Church blesses basil and uses it to decorate the crosses on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. The third event, which serves as the historical base for this Feast happened in the 7th century, when the Persians had seized the True Cross of Jesus after conquering Jerusalem. Leading a coalition of forces, including Armenians, Emperor Heraclius liberated the true cross, passing it through Armenia en route to Jerusalem, when the cross was repeatedly raised up and venerated. On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, a special procession of the cross is formed and the service of the Blessing of the Fields (Antasdan) is conducted, to bless the four corners of the church as a symbol for all the world. His Grace Bp. Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate, will offer the homily and preside over the procession and the service of Antasdan, following the celebration of the Divine Liturgy (Badarak).

HELP OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN SYRIA:

Help us raise funds to support our brothers and sisters in Syria, by sending your donation to: The Armenian Church Trust and posting it to: The Primate’s Office, 25 Cheniston Gardens, London W8 6TG. E-Mail: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.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

primatesoffice@

armenianchurch.co.uk

Telephone

0208 127 8364

15 September 2012

Issue 38, Volume 3

COMMITTEE MEETS TO PREPARE FOR 90TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Under the chairmanship of Dr. Hratch Tchilingirian, Hon. President of the St, Sarkis Church Trust and the Chairman of the St. Sarkis Parish Assembly, the committee for the celebration of the 90th anniversary of the consecration of the St. Sarkis Church met in Gulbenkian Hall on Wednesday, 12th September, 2012, to discuss a long list of programmes and lectures as part of the year-long celebration. Presiding at the meeting was His Grace Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate of the Armenian Church in Great Britain and Ireland, and Pontifical Legate, under whose auspices the anniversary celebrations will take place. 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. The committee discussed and finalised the details of several of the events scheduled in the months of September and October. An online version of the entire 90th Anniversary Programme is available online and can be browsed by visiting www.armenianchurch.co.uk, or CLICK HERE. The anniversary celebrations will be launched this Sunday, on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross at the Gulbenkian Hall with a light lunch at the end of Badarak followed by a talk by His Grace Bishop Vahan who will speak about “The Bible and the Armenian Church”, followed by discussion. To contact the 90th Anniversary Organising Committee or for further information, please send an email to: 90th@stsarkislondon.org.

UNSEALING THE MYSTERIES OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION

Last Thursday, at 7:00pm, the Continuing Education Ministry of the Primate’s Office resumed the weekly Bible Study sessions in English, led by His Grace Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate. As announced earlier, the group has decided to start reading the Book of Revelation. Prior to the group reading of the Book, Vahan Srpazan offered an introduction to the book, which included highlights of its literary genre, theology, outline and contents. Following the informative introduction, and as in the past, members of the group volunteered to read verses from Chapter One of the Book. A discussion and a question and answer period followed the reading of each paragraph or two. The group will continue reading and studying the Book of Revelation on a weekly basis every Thursday evening at 7:00pm in Nevart Gulbenkian Hall. You are welcome to join us even if you missed the first session. Printed copies of the handout, including Bishop Vahan’s introductory remarks will be available for those joining the group next week. So, mark your calendars and join us next Thursday, 20th September at 7:00pm in Nevart Gulbenkian Hall for the second session of our discussion of the mystifying Book of Revelation. You do not have to be a regular church-goer or even a practicing Christian to be qualified to join our group. Come and bring a friend with you.

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

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

15 September 2012 Issue 38 Volume 3

ANOUSH OPERA – REPEAT PERFORMANCE IN OCTOBER 2012

The London Armenian Opera has announced the repeat performance of Anoush Opera scheduled on the 27 and 28 of October 2012, at The Tabernacle, Powis Square, London W11 2AY. The Company urges people to buy their tickets in advance and secure their seats by calling 01923 773277, or e-mail: LondonArmenianOpera@virginmedia.com. You can read more about the Opera by browsing the FLYER posted on our Church Website

Pope Benedict XVI to consecrate Armenian monument in Lebanon

During his visit to Lebanon on Sept. 14 to 16 His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI will attend the Memorial in the Armenian Monastery of Bzommar. There His Holiness will consecrate the monument of Hagop Meghapart, set up in connection with the 500th anniversary of the Armenian typography. The Pope will also meet with high ranking Armenian Church clergymen serving in Lebanon.

“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.

THE CHILTREN-ARMENIAN SOCIETY PRAYS FOR 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 Hovhanessian 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.

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

15 September 2012

Issue 38 Volume 3

Scripture Readings According to the Armenian Church Lectionary

Sunday – 16 September EXALTATION OF THE CROSS

Isaiah 49:13-23 Galatians 6:14-18 John 3:13-21

Monday – 17 September Isaiah 65:22-25 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 John 3:22-36

Tuesday – 18 September Baruch 4:36-5:9 Hebrews 3:1-6 John 2:12-22

Wednesday – 19 September Zephaniah 3:14-18 Hebrews 9:11-15 Matthew 16:13-19

Thursday – 20 September Isaiah 2:1-6

Hebrews 12:18-27 Matthew 21:12-17

Friday – 21 September Zechariah 14:5-11 Philippians 2:5-11 John 19:16-22

Saturday – 22 September Isaiah 51:4-11 1 Timothy 6:13-16 John 7:37-52

CHURCH BENEFACTOR WELCOMES CHUKA UMUNNA

THE DIRECTOR OF CLAY OVEN COMPANY, and a faithful benefactor of the Armenian Church in Great Britain and Ireland, Dr. Levon Gulian, welcomed to their business headquarters Labour MP, Chuka Umunna, who was curious to learn the secrets of the company’s success despite the tough economic climate, said the Ealing Gazette. Dr. Gulian “called on Shadow Business Secretary Chuka Umunna to support industry in Britain” when Mr. Umunna visited Clay OvensCompanylastweek. Clickheretoreadthearticle.

“BIBLE AND THE ARMENIAN CHURCH”

THIS SUNDAY, 16th September 2012, as part of the series of lectures and events scheduled to commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the Consecration of St. Sarkis Church, His Grace Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate and Pontifical Legate, will offer a presentation titled “The Bible and the Armenian Church.” The presentation will follow light lunch served in the Nevart Gulbenkian Hall at the end of the Badarak and the procession of the Cross. This event is organized with St. Sarkis Church Parish Council and the Armenian Institute.

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

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