Diocese of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and Ireland Volume 2, Issue 3 22 January 2016
Armenian Church News
Visit to Oxford and Divine Liturgy
at
Pembroke College
In this
issue:
Divine
Liturgy in Oxford
Ecumenical
Prayer Service
AGBU YP
Event
Film:
Unspoken Nobel Prize Speeches
Feast of
St. Vartan
exhibition at the Bodleian Library, Armenia:
Masterpieces from an Enduring Culture, celebrating 2,500 years of Armenian
History. The tours were led by Theo Maarten van Lint, Calouste Gulbenkian
Professor of Armenian Studies, co-curator of the exhibition and co-author of
the exhibition catalogue. All three sessions were fully booked in advance and
were exceptionally well-received by the visitors.
In the afternoon the guests gathered in the
stunning chapel of Pembroke College to enjoy the Liturgical Service. This was
followed by an hour of fellowship
Continuing what has become an annual
tradition, on Saturday, 16th January 2016 the Armenian Church in the UK and Oxford
University Armenian Society organised the fourth celebration of the Armenian
Divine Liturgy at Pembroke College, University of Oxford. The Liturgy was
celebrated by his Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan and Yekmalyan's choral setting
was sung by the Oxford Armenian Choir, a non-professional group of students and
locals who love and appreciate the traditions of Armenian sacred and folk
music.
The cold sunny day started with free guided
tours of the highly praised
Diocese of the Armenian Church of
the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland
His Grace Bishop Hovakim
Manukyan, Primate
Diocesan Office
Tel. 0208
127 8364 primatesoffice@ armenianchurch.co.uk
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Armenian
Church News
At the Mary Hyde Eccles room, with home-made
refreshments provided by the Oxford Armenian community.
These events in Oxford attracted around
hundred attendees from London, Cardiff, Cambridge and other corners of the UK,
guests from homeland Armenia as well as from France, Australia and Ireland, and
were overall a huge success.
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Armenian
Church News
Ecumenical
Prayer at the Guild Church of St Dunstan-in-the-West
“I come from Armenia and represent the Armenian
Church. One of the most prominent leaders of my Church at the beginning of the
20th century depicts and compares the One and Universal Church of Christ to a
bouquet of flowers, where each flower has its unique colour, shade and scent,
all tied together with Christ’s bond of love. Our mutual faith in Christ –
truly, our love for the Lord – is what unites us. This example of unity is what
all Christians are called to demonstrate” said the Primate in his sermon during
the Ecumenical prayer service held at the Guild Church of St
Dunstan-in-the-West organised on the occasion of the ‘Week of Prayer for
Christian Unity’, on 20th January.
He explained the understanding of Church
unity from the perspective of the Armenian Church. Commenting on St. John
(17:11-23), Bishop Hovakim also spoke about the importance of unity of
Christians to protect their brothers and
sisters in the Middle East, who unite the Christians through their martyrdom.
Bishop Hovakim attended the service upon the
invitation of the Right Revd Jonathan, the Bishop of Fulham. The‘Week of Prayer
for Christian Unity’ is an international Christian Ecumenical observance kept
annually between the 18th and 25th January. This tradition was formed in the Catholic Church at
the beginning of the 20th century. It is usually observed in the Northern hemisphere
during January celebrating the Feasts of St. Paul and St. Peter. The text of
the prayers used in this service for 2016 were provided by the Churches of
Latvia and the theme is that all Christians are “called to proclaim the mighty
acts of the Lord”.
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Armenian
Church News
AGBU Young Professionals
New Year’s Brunch at Massis Restaurant
On Sunday, 17th January the
AGBU Young Professionals London Chapter organised a wonderful New Year’s brunch
at the Massis Lebanese Restaurant in Sheldon Square, Paddington owned by Sarkis
Kouyoumjian. This event focused at fundraising for Syria Relief, with the aim
of helping the Syrian Armenians through very difficult times with food,
healthcare, displacement issues etc. Please visit: http://www.agbu.org/syriarelief/
for more information.
More than 70 young Armenians gathered around
the buffet brunch enjoying
a Lebanese/Armenian feast from the early
afternoon to the early evening. The Primate Bishop Hovakim Manukyan and other
clergy were present and the brunch began with a jovial speech and prayer by His
Grace. The Chairman of AGBU London Branch, Jirair Kevorkian, was also present
supporting the event.
The AGBU YP committee members are Lilit
Nagapetyan, Angélina Seropyan, Anaïs Heghoyan, Aurélie Tcharbatchian, Andre
Yeghiazarian, Teni Shaheian, Ariana Kosyan, Elizabeth Torosyan and Erebouni
Torosyan.
“This event focused on
fundraising for Syrian Relief, with the aim of helping Syrian Armenians through
very difficult times”
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Armenian
Church News
The Unspoken Nobel Prize
Speeches
A film by Artur
Bakhtamyan
Literature has always played a significant role in
Armenian history. Our past is decorated with great poets and authors alike.
However, due to the unfortunate events our nation has suffered, many have
failed to receive due credit and recognition.
Journalist Artur Bakhtamyan’s film ‘The
Unspoken Nobel Prize Speeches’ is dedicated to some of our greatest writers and
their works. Rupen Sevag, Krikor Zohrab, Daniel Varoujan and Siamanto were
literary geniuses whose writings have stood the test of time, but who did not
survive the atrocities of 1915. The film features an interpretation of the four
martyred intellectuals’ acceptance speeches had they been present to receive
the Nobel Prize for literature that they deserved. The speeches are based on
the biographical facts of the authors and their specific intellect and works,
which combined, successfully mirror the voices of these legendary writers.
The international premiere of this film was
hosted by Hamazkayin UK and featured an appearance from the director Artur
Bakhtamyan, who explained the concept and background of the film. The film
featured the aforementioned speeches in addition to extensive footage filmed in
Eastern Turkey. The scenic shots in accompaniment with the eloquent rhetoric
were a painful reminder of the great losses suffered after the genocide - from
our beautiful homelands to the artistic talents of our ancestors.
“The film is
dedicated to some of our greatest writers...whose writings have stood the test
of time, but who did not survive the atrocities of 1915”
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Armenian
Church News
Following the screening and a few
congratulatory words from His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, the opportunity
arose for Mr. Bakhtamyan to take questions from the audience, which led to
active discussions about our history, language and the experiences of the team
filming in contemporary Turkey.
Special thanks must be given to Hamazkayin UK
for providing the Armenian community of London the opportunity to view this
stunning film, and to Mr. Artur Bakhtamyan and his team for producing a
beautiful homage to the unsung heroes of literature.
Their legacies live on through their stanzas.
(Ike Stepanian)
AREV
Children’s Club
Arev Children’s Club is
now five years old. Conceived and directed by Shakeh Major Tchilingirian at St
Sarkis Church in 2010, these monthly gatherings introduce Armenian folk songs,
dances, classical music (Komitas, Khatchaturian, Ganachian, Babjanian), visual
arts (Saryan, Gorky, Minas, Aivazovsky), storytelling (Tumanian, Aghayan,
Nouneh Sarkissian, etc.) and classical epic stories to children ages 5-11
through fun and interactive sessions. A glimpse of the last five years is given
in a short clip found at https://youtu.be/chtXGeLL4Pc. Parents who are willing
to commit one-hour a month to join the club and register their children, please
contact Shakeh on 07968446223 or email: iShakeh@gmail.com. Parents’
participation and commitment is essential.
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Armenian
Church News
The Feast of St. Vartan
and his Companions
Thursday, 4th February 2016
The Feast of St. Vartan the Captain and his
1036 Companions marks their martyrdom 1565 years ago in the battle of Avarayr,
fighting for the freedom of conscience and religion for the Armenian nation. It
was to be the first testimony of many to follow that the Armenians were a
people who freely chose Christ, remained steadfast in their Christian faith,
and would not betray that faith for any reason. “Vartanants” as it is commonly
called, is one of the most sacred feasts of the Armenian people.
In the Armenian Church, the Feast day of St.
Vartan the Captain and Companions is also celebrated as the Name Day of His
Holiness Catholicos Karekin II. To mark the occasion, at the conclusion of the
Divine Liturgy, a Pontifical Prayer (Հայրապետական
մաղթանք) is offered in churches. It is also the name day of those named after
St. Vartan and his 1036 warriors. On this day you can congratulate all those
who have names such as Vartan, Yeghishé, Hmayak, Hamazasp, Vazgen, Karekin,
Derenik, Khoren, Tatev and Tatevik, Lusiné, Anahit, Satenik.
There will be a Divine Liturgy on the
occasion of this feast, on Thursday, 4th February at 6:30pm in St. Yeghiche
Church.
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Armenian
Church News
Upcoming
Events
DIOCESAN PROGRAMMES
Forthcoming
Events in January and February
Bible Studies
Every Thursday, at St. Sarkis
Church Gulbenkian Hall led by the Primate and the clergy of the Diocese
Next dates: January 28th; February 4th, 11th, 18th
Bible Studies are an important part of the church’s ministry as they
provide opportunities for the faithful and those who are interested and curious
to have a deeper understanding of Christianity and to ask questions about their
faith, beliefs and concerns. During Bible studies we make observations (what do
passages in the Bible say?), provide interpretation (what do they mean?) and
ask how applicable these passages are to our lives today. Open to everyone.
Deacons’
Training
Deacons’ training takes place every Sunday at 5:00pm in the Vicarage, St.
Sarkis Church. For more details please contact the Diocesan Office.
Feast of St.
Sarkis
Saturday, 23rd January, in
St. Sarkis Church at 6:30pm
Evensong and a special blessing on the
occasion of the Feast of St. Sarkis followed by the Blessing of the Youth,
followed by a reception in Gulbenkian Hall during which salty cookies will be
offered. It is the name day of those whose name is Sarkis or Martyros.
Feast of St.
Sarkis, Divine Liturgy
Sunday, 24th January,
11:00am in St. Sarkis Church
Followed by Madagh in the Gulbenkian
Hall. ALL ARE WELCOME.
Dublin Parish
Divine Liturgy
Sunday, 24th January, in
Dublin
Kensington Council of Churches
Ecumenical
Prayer for Christian Unity
Monday, 25th January, in
St. Sarkis Church at 7.15pm
Ecumenical Prayer Service
Divine Liturgy
on the Feast of St. Vartan and his Companions
Thursday, 4th February,
in St. Yeghiche Church at 6:30pm
Eve of Great
Lent
Sunday, 7th February,
Eve of the Great Lent or Great Barekendan- Բուն Բարեկենդան
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Armenian
Church News
The Armenian Church defines the period of
Great Lent as a time of abstinence and repentance for the faithful. Each Sunday
during this period is named after an event in the Holy Bible that contains the
message of the day. According to the calendar, the days prior to weekly fasts,
as well as Great Lent, (with the exception of the fast preceding Holy Nativity)
are called Barekendan. The word Barekendan means “good living” or “good life”,
as we are called to live cheerfully, joyfully, and to be happy on these days
preceding fasting periods.
On these days of Barekendan, the angel’s
words addressed to the prophet Elijah are fulfilled: “Arise and eat, otherwise
the journey will be too great for you” (1 Kings 19:7). The Armenian Church thus
allows her faithful to organise games, festivals, carnivals and large,
plentiful meals before the feast. During the period of the Great Lent curtains
in churches are drawn in commemoration of the expulsion of Adam from Eden and
the doors of heaven were closed before him.
Every Friday evening during
Great Lent there will be services in St. Sarkis and St. Yeghiche Churches. St.
Sarkis will continue its tradition of Friday night evening Lenten vigil
services followed by a Lenten fellowship meal.
Eve of
Tiarnendaraj (The Lord’s Presentation to the Temple)
Saturday, 13th February,
in St. Sarkis Church at 5:30pm
There will be blessing of the newly
married couples at St. Sarkis Church at 5:30 pm and a bonfire.
Divine
Liturgies at St. Yeghiche and St. Sarkis Churches are at 11:00am and Manchester
Holy Trinity Church at 11:30am.
The Armenian Church celebrates the Feast
of the Lord’s Presentation to the Temple. Tiarnendaraj, or Candlemas as it is
known in the West, symbolises the presentation of the 40 day-old Christ Child
to the Temple in Jerusalem. In the tradition of the Church, Evening Services
(Nakhatonak) are conducted on the night preceding the Feast Day. At the
conclusion of the service, the priest lights a candle from the Holy Altar, and
distributes the flame to all present. With great care, the faithful take the
lit candles home to their families.
The morning of the Feast Day, Divine
Liturgy is celebrated in Armenian Churches throughout the world. The hymn
offered during the Liturgy commemorating Tiarnendaraj glorifies Simeon’s
articulation of “a Light to lighten the Gentiles”. The hymn praising Simeon also
lauds the Mystery of the Incarnation.
Many additional customs have been
inherited from the past, including the blessing of the four corners of the
world in the Andastan Service, the blessing of newlywed couples, as well as
offering prayers for the crops and fertility of the fields.
Tiarnendaraj –
The Lord’s Presentation to the Temple
Sunday, 14th February
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Armenian
Church News Armenian Church News
Prayer intentions
for January
Let us follow Church leaders and pray so that
Christ our Lord may empower the souls of people with heavenly grace, faith,
hope and love, in order to build a safe, peaceful and prosperous world and
those from diverse religious traditions and all people of good will may work
together for peace.
Editorial:
The main objective of the diocesan
e-newsletter is to serve and reach out to Armenians throughout the United
Kingdom and Ireland. The community members and organisations are welcome to
send their announcements for the e- newsletter, including information not only
about public events but also about important family events such as christening,
matrimony or passing away.
Armenian
Church News
Worship
Services in the Armenian Churches
Services are held in the Armenian
Churches in London every Sunday starting at 11:00 am. In Manchester, there is a
service on the 1st
Sunday of the month. For further details, please contact the parish
nearest to you:
Holy Trinity
Armenian Church
229 Upper Brook Street Manchester, M13
0FY
Tel: 0161 273 1074 www.armenianchurchmanchester.org/
St. Sarkis
Church
Iverna Gardens Kensington, London, W8 6TP
Tel: 020 7937 0152 http://www.stsarkisparish.co.uk
St. Yeghiche
Cathedral
13b Cranley Gardens Kensington, London
SW7 3BB Tel: 020 7373 8133 http://www.styeghiche.org.uk/
Other Parishes
of our Diocese:
Cardiff - Tel: + 44 771 279 2304, +44 2920779248. john@jagproperties.co.uk
Dublin
- Tel: +44 2891 863559. http://www.armenians.ie/
Birmingham
– Tel: +44 121 675 1469. St John’s Church, Stratford Road, Birmingham, B11
4EA Oxford - Tel: +44 7810 490242. armenian.society@studentsclub.ox.ac.uk
We invite those who have questions or
wish to gain deeper understanding of the faith, moral discernment, teachings
and traditions of the Armenian Church to contact the Office of the Diocese of
the Armenian Church in United Kingdom and Ireland:
The Primate’s Office
The Armenian
Vicarage
Iverna Gardens
London, W8 6TP
or email: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk
PLEASE NOTE OUR CHANGE OF POSTAL ADDRESS
Editorial Committee:
His Grace Bishop Hovakim
Manukyan, Primate
Garen Arevian
Lena
Boghossian
Hovik Hovhannisyan Aznive Simon
Gagik Stepan-Sarkissian Sossi
Yerissian
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