E-NEWSLETTER...............Է-ԹԵՐԹԻԿ The official online publication of the Primate’s Office of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Great Britain and Ireland Issue 32 (Volume 4), 10August 2013 BIRMINGHAM CHURCH COUNCIL MEETS WITH THE PRIMATE His Grace Bp Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate and Pontifical Legate, was on a pastoral visit to Birmingham last Sunday, 4 August, 2013. Following church services, His Grace offered a lecture titled “The Biblical Origins of the Armenian Badarak” which accompanied a PowerPoint presentation. Following the lecture a light reception was organized by the Armenian Church Parish Council. His Grace then presided over a regular meeting with the members of the Armenian Church Council in Birmingham. The agenda of the meeting included a discussion of the purchase of a property for the Armenian Church in Birmingham, the finalisation of a summer picnic for the Armenian community in Birmingham, the Sunday School programme established by the Church Council almost two years ago, the appointment of a clergy (deacon and/or priest) to pastor the Armenian community in Birmingham. The Council treasurer presented a report of the financial operations of the Church. All present then discussed the Council’s application for a Charity status. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Varuzh Davtyan, Council Chairman. The Primate thanked all for their constructive role in building up and strengthening the Armenian community in Birmingham. HELP OUR ACYF – ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT The members of the Armenian Church Youth Fellowship (ACYF) are making their list and “checking it twice” of Armenians who are elderly and will not be able to attend the Badarak of the Feast of the Assumption of Mary and the Blessing of the Grapes ceremonies, as well as those who are sick and shut-in. On the Monday and the week following the Feast of the Assumption on Sunday, 18 August, 2013, ACYF members will distribute gift boxes to the people on the list which will include blessed grapes, choreg, a chocolate box and a book of prayers concerning the Virgin Mary. Please help the ACYF complete their list. If you live alone, or you know of someone who does, please contact the ACYF at: ACYF@armenianchurch.co.uk, or call the Primate’sOffice: 0208 127 8364, to convey the name of the persons, their detailed addresses and clear delivery instructions as well as their preferred delivery time. The church, once again thanks to the ACYF, will be able to reach to those in our community who otherwise will not be able to attend the church services and the blessing ceremony of the grapes on this important feast day in our church caleendar. Please support this and other ACYF programmes by donating to: The Armenian Church Trust Fund, indicating ACYF on the back of the cheque, and mail your cheque to: the Primate’s Office, c/o Hye Don, 25 Cheniston Gardens, Kensington, London W8 6TG. Thank you. THE ANNUAL FAST OF THE ASSUMPTION OF MARY This Monday begins the week-long fasting period for the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, which will be celebrated next Sunday, 18 August, 2013. According to the Armenian Church traditions, the faithful are called to fast for one week prior to the Major Feasts of the Armenian Church. Fasting in this case comprises focus on prayer, works of charity and dietary discipline including abstinence from meat and dairy products. The Assumption of Mary commemorates the assumption of the body of the Virgin Mary, after her death, to Heaven by our Lord Jesus Christ. On this occasion the members of the Armenian Church Youth Fellowship (ACYF) are preparing gift boxes to distribute to the elderly and those who cannot come to the Church service (see below). Meanwhile, the Primate’s Office is publishing a prayer book dedicated the Virgin Mary, which will be included in the ACYF Gift Box to the elderly. A free copy of the Booklet can be obtained by contacting the Primate’s Office. Finally, the St Sarkis Parish Council is organising a picnic on this occasion on the grounds of the St Sarkis Church in Iverna Gardens, Kensington, London W8 6TP (see below). Click here for the Picnic Flyer. HG Bp Vahan, Primate, will be celebrating the Assumption Badarak in St Sarkis. PRIMATE PRESIDES OVER REGULAR CLERGY MEETING On Thursday, 8 August, 2013, HG Bp Vahan Hovhanessian presided over a regular meeting of the clergy of the Armenian Church in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. The clergy and deacons gathered at the meeting discussed several subjects related to the ministry and mission of the Armenian Church in the UK and Ireland. Following the opening prayer, HG Bp Vahan updated those present about the various ministries and programmes of the Armenian Church in the UK and Ireland, as well as the recent developments in the Diocese of France, including the resignation of H.E. Abp NorvanZakarian, Primate. Those present discussed the Deacons’ Training Programme, and the candidacy of several participants of the Programme for the subdeaconal ordination. The assembled clergy discussed also the traditional Sunday morning services, being offered at the St Yeghiche, St Sarkis and Holy Trinity Churches. News and challenges were shared and discussed by clergy and deacons from the various parishes. The final item on the agenda was the preparation of an annual clergy retreat. At the conclusion of the meeting, Bp Vahan commended the clergy and deacons for their crucial and leading role in the church ministry. FIRST PILGRIMAGE TO HISTORIC ARMENIAN CHURCHES People from the various parishes in the UK and Ireland have signed up to join the first pilgrimage of our Diocese to the historic Armenian cities in Eastern Turkey. As announced earlier, the pilgrimage, under the auspices of HG Bp Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate, will take place 3 -13 October 2013, led by Mr ArmenAroyan. In addition to the various historic Armenian cities and villages, the pilgrims will also spend two days in Istanbul, They will have an audience with Abp Aram Ateshian, the Locum Tenens of the Armenian Patriarchate in Turkey. Please note that the remainder amount of the cost of the pilgrimage, which is £2000 for those sharing a room and £2250 for a single room, is due in full on Monday morning, 26 August 2013.Kindly post your cheque payable to “The Armenian Church Trust UK” to: The Primate’s Office, c/o Hye Doon, 25 Cheniston Gardens, Kensington, London W8 6TG. Finally, an orientation session has been set on Friday 13 September, 2013 at 7:00pm in Nevart Gulbenkian Hall to meet with the Primate and discuss the details of the itinerary and the pilgrimage, including flights, transportation, and lodging. For more information please contact the Primate’s Office at” 0208 127 8374. BIBLE STUDY GROUP HONOURS ALTAR SERVERS Those attending our regular and weekly Bible study and discussion sessions, were pleasantly surprised last Thursday, 1 August, when HG Bp Vahan announced that Tamara Stephen has brought food with her for a light reception in honour of the members of the altar servers. “Last Sunday none of the senior deacons were in Church,” said Tamara, “and I and many of the worshippers were very impressed by how the young altar servers led the service assisting FrShnork in the celebration of the Badarak. It made us all feel proud of them and our church.” At the end of the Bible study session, Bp Vahan blessed the table and invited all to enjoy the food and drinks in a beautiful fellowship, where everybody approached the young altar servers who attend the Bible Study session regularly to thank and congratulate them for their services. During the past three years, eight young men gave ben involved in the Deacns’ Training Programme. Seven of these are already ordained Acolytes (Tubeers) of the Armenian Church. Thank you Tamara and God bless our Altar servers and members of the choir. Preparing Easter ACYF Basket of the Virgin Mary Blessing of Grapes Etchmiadzin ACYF MEMBERS LEAVE FOR THE ANNUAL SERVICE PROJECT IN VENICE Last Monday, 5 August,HG Bp Vahan led an orientation session for the members of the ACYF participating in the second annual ACYF Service Project. The group discussed with His Grace the details of the itinerary of the Service Project at the Armenian Monastery of San Lazzaro in Venice, Italy, including the flight and lodging, as well as the service to be rendered by the group at the Armenian Monastery in San Lazzaro, and the rest of the programme. The participants met at Gatwick airport on Thursday afternoon, for a group prayer prior to their flight to Venice to launch the second annual ACYF Service Project. Click here for a video clip of the “2012 ACYF Service Project”. ST SARKIS PARISH COUNCIL CONTRIBUTION TO THE PRIMATE’S OFFICE Per the suggestion of the St Sarkis Parish Council chairman, Mr HovhannesHovhannisyan, and the unanimous vote of the members of the St Sarkis Parish council, the Council decided to donate 10%, of it’s annual income for the year 2012 to the Primate’s Office. This decision was adopted in line with the Parish Bylaws received and approved by the Parish Assembly two years ago. Thank You St Saris parishioners for supporting the church ministry led by the Primate and his office. ST SARKIS PARISH PICNIC NEXT SUNDAY The St Sarkis Parish Council is organizing picnic on the Feast of the Assumption. The picnic, on Sunday 18 August, will take place on the grounds of the St Sarkis Church in Iverna Gardens, Kensington, London W8 6TP, between the hours of 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Prior registration for the Picnic is essential. You can register by informing any of the St Sarkis Parish Council members or by contacting the St Sarkis Church office at: 020 7937 0152, or e-mail: stsarkisparish@armenianchurch.co.uk. Donation for picnic is £7 for dues-paying parishioners of St Sarkis, £10 for non-members of St Sarkis Parish, and £65 for pensioners. For more information about the St Sarkis Parish Picnic please click here. ANNOUNCEMENTS:  BIBLE STUDY: The weekly Bible Study group will meet this Thursday at 7:00pm to continue reading St Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians.  THE LONDON OPERA COMPANY is currently seekingBASS chorus members for their forthcoming production of GARINEH. If you are interested call Aris on 07890 339928 or e-mail londonarmenianopera@virginmedia.com. Click here for their online flyer.  Click here to watch the video clip of the 3rd annual Armenian Street Festival. Over 1000 views in less than 2 weeks. . The Primate’s Office c/o Hye Doon, 25 Cheniston Gardens, London W8 6TG www.armenianchurch.co.uk information@armenianchurch.co.uk

E-NEWSLETTER...............Է-ԹԵՐԹԻԿ

The official online publication of the Primate’s Office of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Great Britain and Ireland Issue 32 (Volume 4), 10August 2013

BIRMINGHAM CHURCH COUNCIL MEETS WITH THE PRIMATE

His Grace Bp Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate and Pontifical Legate, was on a pastoral visit to Birmingham last Sunday, 4 August, 2013. Following church services, His Grace offered a lecture titled “The Biblical Origins of the Armenian Badarak” which accompanied a PowerPoint presentation. Following the lecture a light reception was organized by the Armenian Church Parish Council. His Grace then presided over a regular meeting with the members of the Armenian Church Council in Birmingham. The agenda of the meeting included a discussion of the purchase of a property for the Armenian Church in Birmingham, the finalisation of a summer picnic for the Armenian community in Birmingham, the Sunday School programme established by the Church Council almost two years ago, the appointment of a clergy (deacon and/or priest) to pastor the Armenian community in Birmingham. The Council treasurer presented a report of the financial operations of the Church. All present then discussed the Council’s application for a Charity status. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Varuzh Davtyan, Council Chairman. The Primate thanked all for their constructive role in building up and strengthening the Armenian community in Birmingham.

HELP OUR ACYF – ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT

The members of the Armenian Church Youth Fellowship (ACYF) are making their list and “checking it twice” of Armenians who are elderly and will not be able to attend the Badarak of the Feast of the Assumption of Mary and the Blessing of the Grapes ceremonies, as well as those who are sick and shut-in. On the Monday and the week following the Feast of the Assumption on Sunday, 18 August, 2013, ACYF members will distribute gift boxes to the people on the list which will include blessed grapes, choreg, a chocolate box and a book of prayers concerning the Virgin Mary. Please help the ACYF complete their list. If you live alone, or you know of someone who does, please contact the ACYF at: ACYF@armenianchurch.co.uk, or call the Primate’sOffice: 0208 127 8364, to convey the name of the persons, their detailed addresses and clear delivery instructions as well as their preferred delivery time. The church, once again thanks to the ACYF, will be able to reach to those in our community who otherwise will not be able to attend the church services and the blessing ceremony of the grapes on this important feast day in our church caleendar. Please support this and other ACYF programmes by donating to: The Armenian Church Trust Fund, indicating ACYF on the back of the cheque, and mail your cheque to: the Primate’s Office, c/o Hye Don, 25 Cheniston Gardens, Kensington, London W8 6TG. Thank you.

THE ANNUAL FAST OF THE ASSUMPTION OF MARY

This Monday begins the week-long fasting period for the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, which will be celebrated next Sunday, 18 August, 2013. According to the Armenian Church traditions, the faithful are called to fast for one week prior to the Major Feasts of the Armenian Church. Fasting in this case comprises focus on prayer, works of charity and dietary discipline including abstinence from meat and dairy products. The Assumption of Mary commemorates the assumption of the body of the Virgin Mary, after her death, to Heaven by our Lord Jesus Christ. On this occasion the members of the Armenian Church Youth Fellowship (ACYF) are preparing gift boxes to distribute to the elderly and those who cannot come to the Church service (see below). Meanwhile, the Primate’s Office is publishing a prayer book dedicated the Virgin Mary, which will be included in the ACYF Gift Box to the elderly. A free copy of the Booklet can be obtained by contacting the Primate’s Office. Finally, the St Sarkis Parish Council is organising a picnic on this occasion on the grounds of the St Sarkis Church in Iverna Gardens, Kensington, London W8 6TP (see below). Click here for the Picnic Flyer. HG Bp Vahan, Primate, will be celebrating the Assumption Badarak in St Sarkis.

PRIMATE PRESIDES OVER REGULAR CLERGY MEETING

On Thursday, 8 August, 2013, HG Bp Vahan Hovhanessian presided over a regular meeting of the clergy of the Armenian Church in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. The clergy and deacons gathered at the meeting discussed several subjects related to the ministry and mission of the Armenian Church in the UK and Ireland. Following the opening prayer, HG Bp Vahan updated those present about the various ministries and programmes of the Armenian Church in the UK and Ireland, as well as the recent developments in the Diocese of France, including the resignation of H.E. Abp NorvanZakarian, Primate. Those present discussed the Deacons’ Training Programme, and the candidacy of several participants of the Programme for the subdeaconal ordination. The assembled clergy discussed also the traditional Sunday morning services, being offered at the St Yeghiche, St Sarkis and Holy Trinity Churches. News and challenges were shared and discussed by clergy and deacons from the various parishes. The final item on the agenda was the preparation of an annual clergy retreat. At the conclusion of the meeting, Bp Vahan commended the clergy and deacons for their crucial and leading role in the church ministry.

FIRST PILGRIMAGE TO HISTORIC ARMENIAN CHURCHES

People from the various parishes in the UK and Ireland have signed up to join the first pilgrimage of our Diocese to the historic Armenian cities in Eastern Turkey. As announced earlier, the pilgrimage, under the auspices of HG Bp Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate, will take place 3 -13 October 2013, led by Mr ArmenAroyan. In addition to the various historic Armenian cities and villages, the pilgrims will also spend two days in Istanbul, They will have an audience with Abp Aram Ateshian, the Locum Tenens of the Armenian Patriarchate in Turkey. Please note that the remainder amount of the cost of the pilgrimage, which is £2000 for those sharing a room and £2250 for a single room, is due in full on Monday morning, 26 August 2013.Kindly post your cheque payable to “The Armenian Church Trust UK” to: The Primate’s Office, c/o Hye Doon, 25 Cheniston Gardens, Kensington, London W8 6TG. Finally, an orientation session has been set on Friday 13 September, 2013 at 7:00pm in Nevart Gulbenkian Hall to meet with the Primate and discuss the details of the itinerary and the pilgrimage, including flights, transportation, and lodging. For more information please contact the Primate’s Office at” 0208 127 8374.

BIBLE STUDY GROUP HONOURS ALTAR SERVERS

Those attending our regular and weekly Bible study and discussion sessions, were pleasantly surprised last Thursday, 1 August, when HG Bp Vahan announced that Tamara Stephen has brought food with her for a light reception in honour of the members of the altar servers. “Last Sunday none of the senior deacons were in Church,” said Tamara, “and I and many of the worshippers were very impressed by how the young altar servers led the service assisting FrShnork in the celebration of the Badarak. It made us all feel proud of them and our church.” At the end of the Bible study session, Bp Vahan blessed the table and invited all to enjoy the food and drinks in a beautiful fellowship, where everybody approached the young altar servers who attend the Bible Study session regularly to thank and congratulate them for their services. During the past three years, eight young men gave ben involved in the Deacns’ Training Programme. Seven of these are already ordained Acolytes (Tubeers) of the Armenian Church. Thank you Tamara and God bless our Altar servers and members of the choir.

Preparing Easter ACYF Basket of the Virgin Mary

Blessing of Grapes Etchmiadzin

ACYF MEMBERS LEAVE FOR THE ANNUAL SERVICE PROJECT IN VENICE

Last Monday, 5 August,HG Bp Vahan led an orientation session for the members of the ACYF participating in the second annual ACYF Service Project. The group discussed with His Grace the details of the itinerary of the Service Project at the Armenian Monastery of San Lazzaro in Venice, Italy, including the flight and lodging, as well as the service to be rendered by the group at the Armenian Monastery in San Lazzaro, and the rest of the programme. The participants met at Gatwick airport on Thursday afternoon, for a group prayer prior to their flight to Venice to launch the second annual ACYF Service Project. Click here for a video clip of the “2012 ACYF Service Project”.

ST SARKIS PARISH COUNCIL CONTRIBUTION TO THE PRIMATE’S OFFICE

Per the suggestion of the St Sarkis Parish Council chairman, Mr HovhannesHovhannisyan, and the unanimous vote of the members of the St Sarkis Parish council, the Council decided to donate 10%, of it’s annual income for the year 2012 to the Primate’s Office. This decision was adopted in line with the Parish Bylaws received and approved by the Parish Assembly two years ago. Thank You St Saris parishioners for supporting the church ministry led by the Primate and his office.

ST SARKIS PARISH PICNIC NEXT SUNDAY

The St Sarkis Parish Council is organizing picnic on the Feast of the Assumption. The picnic, on Sunday 18 August, will take place on the grounds of the St Sarkis Church in Iverna Gardens, Kensington, London W8 6TP, between the hours of 5:00pm to 8:00pm. Prior registration for the Picnic is essential. You can register by informing any of the St Sarkis Parish Council members or by contacting the St Sarkis Church office at: 020 7937 0152, or e-mail: stsarkisparish@armenianchurch.co.uk. Donation for picnic is £7 for dues-paying parishioners of St Sarkis, £10 for non-members of St Sarkis Parish, and £65 for pensioners. For more information about the St Sarkis Parish Picnic please click here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

 BIBLE STUDY: The weekly Bible Study group will meet this Thursday at 7:00pm to continue reading St Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians.

 THE LONDON OPERA COMPANY is currently seekingBASS chorus members for their forthcoming production of GARINEH. If you are interested call Aris on 07890 339928 or e-mail londonarmenianopera@virginmedia.com. Click here for their online flyer.

 Click here to watch the video clip of the 3rd annual Armenian Street Festival. Over 1000 views in less than 2 weeks. .

The Primate’s Office c/o Hye Doon, 25 Cheniston Gardens, London W8 6TG www.armenianchurch.co.uk information@armenianchurch.co.uk