Armenian Church E-Newsletter, Issue 8, Volume 3

24 FEBRUARY 2012 ISSUE 8, VOLUME 3

E-NEWSLETTER H- J:RJIK A WEEKLY ONLINE PUBLICATION OF THE PRIMATE’S OFFICE OF THE DIOCESE OF THE ARMENIAN CHURCH OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

Bishop Meets with Executive Committee

On Thursday, 23rd February, His Grace Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate, presided over a meeting of the Executive Committee (EC) of the Managing Board of the Armenian Church Trust UK (ACT-UK). The Primate reported to the EC updates about the Primate’s Office activities concerning ACT-UK. Committee members then discussed a tentative budget for the Church activities and programmes for the year 2012 and also the various options of investing the funds available. Attending the meeting was Mrs. A. Violetta Barzankian-Kaydan, representing the Primate’s Office.

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Join Us for Ascension In Jerusalem! 2012 Annual Pilgrimage

Once again the Primate’s Office is organizing a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, this time to participate in the traditional celebration of the Feast of the Ascension which takes place outdoors in a large tent. The pilgrims will also get to visit the Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem and shrines and sites of interest to Armenian pilgrims. The tenetative schedule is: Departure from Heathrow, London, Friday night, 17 May, 22:00 and return Saturday, 26 May, arriving Heathrow at 20:00pm. Participants will receive booklets explaining the historic sites to be visited and a Bible Study reference to help in the Bible Study sessions at the biblical sites. If interested to join please contact the Primate’s Office ASAP: 0208 127 8364, primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk.

Check out the Holy Etchmiadzin Website:

www.armenianchurch.org

The Primate’s Office c/o Hye Doon (Armenian House) 25 Cheniston Gardens Kensington, 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

24 FEBRUARY 2012

ISSUE 8 VOLUME 3

... AND MADAGH

Revd Father Hambartsumyan Celebrates Badarak in Birmingham Mission Parish

On Sunday, 19 February, the Mission Parish Council (MPC) of the Armenian Church in Birmingham welcomed the Revd Fr. Garegin Hambartsumyan as the guest celebrant of the Badarak for that Sunday. Badarak was celebrated at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church. Accompanying Fr. Garegin were Deacon Artur Bobikyan from the Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Manchester, to assist with the choir’s part and altar server Hovik Hovhannisyan, from St. Sarkis Church in London, to assist with the deacons’ part. Fr. Garegin, a member of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadizn who is pursuing his Ph.D. in Theology at Sheffield University, celebrated the Boon Barékéndan (Poon Parégéntan) Badarak and reflected in his sermon on the meaning of Great Lent, fasting and prayer. Following church services Fr. Garegin blessed the table of foods and drinks prepared by the MPC and joined the faithful in an Agape meal.

Ամենայն Հայոց Կաթողիկոսն ընդունեց Մեծ

Բրիտանիայի եւ Հյուսիսային Իռլանդիայի Միացյալ

Թագավորության նորանշանակ դեսպաններին

Փետրվարի 21-ին, Մայր Աթոռ Սուրբ Էջմիածնում, Ն.Ս.Օ.Տ.Տ. Գարեգին Բ Ծայրագույն Պատրիարք եւ Ամենայն Հայոց Կաթողիկոսն ընդունեց Մեծ Բրիտանիայի եւ Հյուսիսային Իռլանդիայի Միացյալ Թագավորության նորանշանակ դեսպաններ Քեթրին Ջեյն Լիչին եւ Ջոնաթան Ջեյմս Էյվզին: Շնորհավորելով դեսպաններին նշանակման առիթով` Վեհափառ Հայրապետն իր օրհնությունն ու բարեմաղթանքներն ուղղեց նրանց: Նորին Սրբությունը վստահություն հայտնեց, որ նախորդ դեսպանների պաշտոնավարման շրջանում ձեւավորված սերտ կապերը դեսպանատան եւ Մայր Աթոռի միջեւ կշարունակվեն: Հանդիպմանը մասնավոր անդրադարձ կատարվեց Մեծ Բրիտանիայի հայկական համայնքին եւ հայոց թեմի գործունեությանը: Հայոց Հայրապետը դեսպաններին ներկայացրեց նաեւ Հայաստանյայց Առաքելական Եկեղեցու առջեւ ծառացած արդի մարտահրավերները, ինչպես նաեւ Մայր Աթոռի գործունեությունը կրթական եւ սոցիալական ոլորտներում:

Garegin

On 21 February, His Holiness Karekin II, received, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, There Excellencies Jonathan James Aves and Catherine Jane Leach, the United Kingdom’s newly appointed ambassadors to Armenia.

HAVE YOU VISITED OUR DIOCESAN WEBSITE RECENTLY?

www.armenianchurch.co.uk

24 FEBRUARY 2012 ISSUE 8, VOLUME 3

SUNDAYS OF THE GREAT LENT – “EXPULSION”

Great Lent, the annual season of spiritual self-examination and penance, in the Armenian Church is seen as a spiritual journey of

renewal that starts with Poon Parégéntan Sunday and ends with Holy Week, culminating in the feast of the resurrection of Christ,

Easter Sunday. Our spiritual mother, the Armenian Church, guides us through this annual journey of prayer, meditation, fasting

and almsgiving, by designating six theological stations for our journey, in the themes of the six Sundays in Great Lent. Each

theme calls upon the faithful to reflect upon one of the various aspects of Lent and of ways of enhancing our spiritual life and

turning away from bad habits and practices that we might have become accustomed to. With Poon Parégéntan, the Church

reminds us that God created us to live happily and in prosperity. Pari Gyank, “Good Living,” is what God created us for! The

first Sunday of Lent, however, comes to remind us of the reality that our life today is nowhere as happy and prosperous as God

intended it for us to be. There is death, sickness, poverty, hatred, jealousy and natural disasters. That is why the Fathers of our

Church designated “Expulsion” as the theme of the first Sunday in Lent; the first station of our annual spiritual journey. The term

is based on the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden because of their disobedience to God. The Church reminds

us that we are in this fallen state because we, beginning with Adam and Eve, chose to reject God’s will, and as such, subjected

ourselves to a world where God has voluntarily and temporarily stepped out of the picture to allow us, out of love, to enjoy our

freedom. We are on this earth, because we have been expelled from the blessed state of living in the presence of God and

according to His will. With this theme in mind, the church calls upon us to spend the second week of Lent reflecting on our

sinfulness and the consequence of disobeying God. Have we personally made decisions or choices knowingly that they are

SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST

against God’s will? Do we live a lifestyle that is not in agreement with the gospel of Jesus Christ? Do we make an effort to know

AND/OR CALL-OUTS

what God’s will for us is? Through the remaining Sundays of Great Lent the Church will help us reflect upon how we can regain that blessed state of eternal life, joy and peace. May the Lord accept our prayers and fasting during this blessed season.

SURPRISE GUESTS AT THE SECOND ANNUAL ARMENIAN STREET FESTIVAL The Primate’s Office has received confirmation of the visit of several celebrities and politicians to the Second Armenian Street Festival. Join us Sunday, 29th July, 2012, as we celebrate the second Armenian Street Festival in the UK. Since its inception last year, the Armenian Street Festival was planned by the Primate’s Office as an all-Armenian festival and the emphasis has been put on inviting as many Armenian organisations and groups to be part of the planning and producing of the event as possible. Last year’s Festival attracted many celebrities and dignitaries including the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and over two thousand people. The Festival generated an income of over £6,000 after expenses. As always volunteers are needed to help with the various aspects of the Festival. If interested please contact the Primate’s Office by phone: 0208 127 8364 or E-MAIL. The Festival will include Armenian food, song, music, dance, church concert, stalls, children’s games and more.

FIRST ARMENIAN CHURCH ANNUAL ASSEMBLY

Mark your calendar the new date for the first Annual Assembly of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and Ireland, which will take place on Sunday, 11th March, 2012 in the St. Yeghiche Armenian Church in South Kensington, London, at 2:00pm, following the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. During the Assembly the following will be presented and discussed: the Primate’s Report; the report of the Armenian Church Youth Fellowship (ACYF); the activities and financial report of the Primate’s Office; and a proposed list of activities and budget for the year 2012. All are invited to participate in the Assembly. This is in an effort to engage our people in every aspect of the Armenian Church operation and administration. The Armenian Church has always been the heart and soul of the Armenian people. For further information, please contact the Primate’s Office at: 0208 127 8364, or e-mail: primtesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk

CHECK OUT THE ARMENIAN CHURCH TRUST – UK WEBSITE (ACT-UK)

WWW.ARMENIANCHURCHTRUST.ORG.UK

24 February 2012

ISSUE 8, VOLUME 3

SCRIPTURE READINGS

According to the Armenian Church Lectionary

Sunday – 26 February

Artaqsman Kiraki

Expulsion Sunday

Isaiah 33:2-22 Romans 12:1-13:10 Matthew 5:17-48

Monday – 27 February

Eighth Day of Great Lent

1 Samuel 1:1-23 Proverbs 1:1-33 Jeremiah 1:1-10

Tuesday – 28 February

1 Samuel 1:23-2:26 Proverbs 2:1-3:10 Jeremiah 1:11-2:3

Wednesday – 29 February

Exodus 1:1-2:10 Joel 1:14-20

Thursday – 1 March

1 Samuel 3:21-4:18 Proverbs 3:11-4:14 Jeremiah 2:31-3:16

Friday – 2 March

Deuteronomy 7:11-8:1 Job 9:1-10:2 Isaiah 40:9-17

Saturday – 3 March

Proverbs 11:2-11 Isaiah 61:3-7 2 Timothy 4:1-8 John 10:11-16

Starting this Friday, 24th February

Join us this Friday, 24 February, for the first of six consecuetive Fridays during Great Lent, as we pray the traditional Peace and Rest services. These inspiring services will be offered at St. Sarkis Church, Kensington, London every Friday at 6:35pm. Service booklets have been prepared which contain the prayers, petitions, hymns and psalmodies of the services in Classical Armenian and English. This will hopefully make participation in the service easier and more inspiring especially for our youth and those who do not understand Classical Armenian very well. Indeed, the prayers and hymns of these services are some of the most inspiring prayers of the Armenian Church. Every Friday during Lent, after church services, a Lenten dinner will be served in the Nevart Gulbenkian Hall. The menu will include home- made food, according to the Armenian traditional recipes, with wine, soft drinks, coffee/tea and dessert. Each Friday one of the church organisations in London will prepare the dinner. A donation of £10 will help defray the cost of the preparation of the dinner and support the various church programmes. Free parking available from 18:30 onward. Join us! Click Here for more info.

William Shakespeare has had a strong influence in Armenia; poets, playwrights, actors and audiences have all lived and worked within his generous shade. Many great actors and directors have emerged from Armenia to go on to international success. For the first time in London, the Gabriel Sundukyan Academic Theatrical Group from Armenia, will be performing Shakespeare’s “King John” in the Globe on the 16th and 17th of May, 2012. Click Here for more info!

The Bible Study groups have resumed their weekly study and discussion sessions in the Nevart Gulbenkian Hall of the St. Sarkis Church according to the following schedule: Tuesdays at 18:30-20:00 in Armenian, and Thursdays at 19:00-20:30 in English, 23rd February. You do not have to be a biblical scholar or a church-goer to attend our Bible Study sessions. All are welcome, including new friends.

The Church altar curtain remains drawn during the holy season of Great Lent, as an expression of voluntarily depriving ourselves from the privilege of partaking in the Holy Communion. By doing so, the Church reminds us of the consequence of our sin: alienation from God and separation from God’s presence. Consequently, no communion is distributed in Armenian Churches to the public during Lenten.

Armenian Church E-Newsletter, Issue 7, Volume 3

18 FEBRUARY 2012 ISSUE 7, VOLUME 3

E-NEWSLETTER H- J:RJIK A WEEKLY ONLINE PUBLICATION OF THE PRIMATE’S OFFICE OF THE DIOCESE OF THE ARMENIAN CHURCH OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

Meeting With the Archbishop of Westminster

Last Thursday, 9th February, His Eminence Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster of the Roman Catholic Church received His Grace Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church in the UK and Ireland, in the Bishop’s House in London. The two hierarchs discussed the centuries-old joint relationships between the two sister churches, including the Pontifical visit of Pope John Paul II of blessed memory to Armenia, to visit the late Catholicos of all Armenians, then ailing, Karekin I. His Grace shared with Abp. Nichols some of the forthcoming plans and programmes for organizing the Diocese of the Armenian Church in the UK and Ireland. The two hierarchs committed to each other to working together for the benefit of the faithful of the two churches and for the glory of God. Attending the meeting were Fr. Marcus Stock, General Secretary of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of England and Wales and Dr. Hary Hagopian, Ecumenical Consultant to the Armenian Primate.

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Great Lent Begins This Monday

This Sunday, 19th February, is Poon Parégentan (Boon Barekendan), the Sunday that precedes the forty-day period of Fasting known as “Great Lent,” Médz Bahk. Monday, 20th February, is thus the first day of Great Lent, the annual season for Christians around the world to turn consciously away from worldly matters, and make the effort through prayer, fasting, and self-examination, to prepare for the Holy Week and Easter Sunday. Click Here to read the Primate’s reflections.

Check out the Holy Etchmiadzin Website:

www.armenianchurch.org

The Primate’s Office c/o Hye Doon (Armenian House) 25 Cheniston Gardens Kensington, 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

The Primate visits Abp. Vincent Nichols

18 FEBRUARY 2012

ISSUE 7 VOLUME 3

... AND MADAGH

Armenian Clergy Meet In

Holy Etchmiadzin

Under the auspices of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, a meeting of Armenian clergy took place in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin on the Feast of St. Leontus the Priest, Tuesday, 15 February. Participating in the meeting were approximately 200 Armenian priests from dioceses in Armenia and the diaspora. Representing the Diocese of the Armenian Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland was the Revd Fr. Shnork Bagdassarian, pastor of the St. Sarkis Church in London.

The theme of the meeting was “The Priest As the Principal Actor in the Church’s Social Ministry.” The day started with a Sunrise service in the morning, following which the meeting began in the main auditorium of the Gevorkian Seminary. The meeting opened with remarks by His Grace Bishop Mikael Ajapahyan, Primate of the Diocese of Shirak, who on behalf of the clergy gathered, thanked His Holiness for his presence and participation in the meeting. Paper presentations were followed by discussions and the adoption of a concluding statement.

Քահանայից հավաք Մայր Աթոռ Սուրբ Էջմիածնում Հավաքի արդյունքում ընդունվեց հայտարարություն

Փետրվարի 15-ին, Մայր Աթոռ Սուրբ Էջմիածնում, նախագահությամբ Ն.Ս.Օ.Տ.Տ. Գարեգին Բ Ծայրագույն Պատրիարք եւ Ամենայն Հայոց Կաթողիկոսի, տեղի ունեցավ Ս. Ղեւոնդյանց քահանայից տոնի առիթով գումարվող քահանայից ավանդական ամենամյա հավաքը: Քահանայից ժողովին մասնակցում էին շուրջ երկու հարյուր երեսուն եկեղեցականներ, ովքեր իրենց ծառայությունն են բերում Մայր Աթոռի կառույցներում, վանքերում, Հայաստանի ու Արցախի թեմերում, ինչպես նաեւ ներկայացուցիչներ Սփյուռքի հայոց թեմերից: Մեծն Բրիդանիոյ եւ Իռլանտիայի թեմը մներկայացուց՝ Արժ. Տ. Շնորք Քհնյ. Պաղտասարեան: Ժողովի քննարկման նյութն էր` «Քահանան եկեղեցական-սոցիալական աշխատանքի հիմնական դերակատար»: Առավոտյան հոգեւորականաց դասը Մայր Տաճարում մասնակցեց Արեւագալի ժամերգության, որից հետո ժողովն սկսեց իր աշխատանքը Գեւորգյան հոգեւոր ճեմարանի հանդիսությունների դահլիճում: Ժողովը բացվեց հավաքի կազմակերպիչ, Շիրակի թեմի առաջնորդ Տ. Միքայել եպիսկոպոս Աջապահյանի խոսքով, ով քահանայից դասի անունից շնորհակալություն հայտնեց Վեհափառ Հայրապետին Մայր Աթոռում համախմբվելու, Նորին Սրբության օրհնությունն ու հայրական պատգամները ստանալու հնարավորության համար, ապա շնորհավորեց հոգեւ- որականներին տոնի

առիթով` մաղթելով նրանց ընթանալ Ղեւոնդյանց ոգով` արձանագրելով նոր- անոր հաջողություն- ներ ու ձեռքբե- րումներ հովվական ասպարեզում:

|au;l;ale karjal fos

HAVE YOU VISITED OUR DIOCESAN WEBSITE RECENTLY?

www.armenianchurch.co.uk

Monday is the first day of Great Lent 2012 Have you planned your daily prayer schedule and fasting discipline?

18 FEBRUARY 2012 ISSUE 7, VOLUME 3

‘BOLIS’ SCREENS FOR INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCE An evening of dialogue and discussion in memory of Hrant Dink featured the special screening of “Bolis,” a film by Eric Nazarian, at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) on January 27. Hosted by the Armenian Studies program at the University, over 200 British, Turkish, Armenian and international students, faculty and invited guests were captivated by the powerful film and panel discussion that followed. “This event is part of ongoing efforts to bring Turkish and Armenian students and audiences together for dialogue on the complexities of Turkish-Armenian relations,” said Dr. Hratch Tchilingirian (University of Cambridge), one of the organisers of the evening, along with Dr. Krikor Moskofian, director of Armenian Studies at SOAS. Eric Nazarian introduced the film and explained that the initial inspiration for the project was instilled by news of Hrant Dink’s murder on January 19, 2007 in Istanbul. “I felt the need to make a film that explores the rich cultural and musical contributions of Armenians to the history of Istanbul and in some way honor Hrant’s memory and legacy as a bridge builder between Armenians, the Diaspora and Turks,” said Nazarian. “Bolis” examines the pain of the genocide through the act of storytelling between an Armenian oud musician and a Turkish antique store owner. After the screening, a panel of distinguished speakers presented an analysis of the film against the background of current Turkish-Armenian tensions over the issue of the Genocide and the unresolved murder of Hrant Dink. The panel, moderated by Dr. Susan Pattie of the Armenian Institute, included scholar and author Dr. Kerem Oktem (Oxford University), archival historian Ara Sarafian and well-known columnist Koray Duzgoren. A lively question and answer session followed with the filmmaker and the speakers.

SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST AND/OR CALL-OUTS

SECOND ANNUAL ARMENIAN STREET FESTIVAL Join us Sunday, 29th July, 2012, for the Second Annual Armenian Street Festival in the UK. Since its inception last year, the Armenian Street Festival was planned by the Primate’s Office as an all- Armenian festival and the emphasis has been put on inviting as many Armenian organisations and groups to be part of the planning and producing of the event as possible. Last year’s Festival attracted many celebrities and dignitaries including the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and over two thousand people. The Festival generated an income of over £6,000 after expenses. As always volunteers are needed to help with the various aspects of the Festival. If interested please contact the Primate’s Office by phone: 0208 127 8364 or E-MAIL. The Festival will include Armenian food, song, music, dance, church concert, stalls, children’s games and more.

FIRST ARMENIAN CHURCH ANNUAL ASSEMBLY

Mark your calendar the new date for the first Annual Assembly of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and Ireland, which will take place on Sunday, 11th March, 2012 in the St. Yeghiche Armenian Church in South Kensington, London, at 2:00pm, following the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. During the Assembly the following will be presented and discussed: the Primate’s Report; the report of the Armenian Church Youth Fellowship (ACYF); the activities and financial report of the Primate’s Office; and a proposed list of activities and budget for the year 2012. All are invited to participate in the Assembly. This is an effort to engage our people in every aspect of the Armenian Church operation and administration. The Armenian Church has always been the heart and soul of the Armenian people. For further information, please contact the Primate’s Office at: 0208 127 8364, or e-mail: primtesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk

CHECK OUT THE ARMENIAN CHURCH TRUST – UK WEBSITE (ACT-UK)

WWW.ARMENIANCHURCHTRUST.ORG.UK

18 February 2012

ISSUE 7, VOLUME 3

SCRIPTURE READINGS

According to the Armenian Church Lectionary

Sunday – 19 February

Poon Parégéntan

Isaiah 58:1-14 Romans 13:11-14:23 Matthew 6:1-21

Monday – 20 February

First Day of Great Lent

Isaiah 1:16-20

Tuesday – 21 February

Ezekiel 18:20-23

Wednesday – 22 February

Exodus 1:1-2:10 Joel 1:14-20

Thursday – 23 February

Romans 6:3-14

Friday – 24 February

Deuteronomy 6:4-7:10 Job 6:2-7:13 Isaiah 40:1-8

Saturday – 25 February

Sunday of Expulsion

Artaqsman Kiraki

Wisdom of Solomon 8:19-9:5 Isaiah 62:6-9 Romans 8:28-39 Matthew 10:16-22

During Great Lent, the traditional Peace and Rest services will be offered at St. Sarkis Church every Friday at 6:35pm. Service booklets have been prepared which contain the prayers, petitions and hymns of the services in Armenian and English. This will hopefully make participation in the service easier and more inspiring. The prayers and hymns of these services are some of the most inspiring prayers of the Armenian Church. Free parking available from 18:30 onward. Join us!

Every Friday, at the conclusion of the Lenten vigils, a Lenten dinner will be served in the Nevart Gulbenkian Hall. The dinner menu will include home made fasting food, prepared according to the Armenian traditional recipes, with wine, soft drinks, coffee/tea and dessert. Each Friday one of the church organisations in London will prepare the dinner. A donation of £10 will help defray the cost of the preparation of the dinner and support the various church programmes.

The Bible Study groups will resume their study and discussion sessions in the Nevart Gulbenkian Hall of the St. Sarkis Church next week according to the following schedule:

Tuesdays at 18:30-20:00 in Armenian, 21st February

Thursdays at 19:00-20:30 in English, 23rd February You do not have to be a biblical scholar or a regular church-goer to attend our Bible Study sessions. All are welcome, including new friends.

During the holy season of Great Lent, the church draws the altar curtain close, as an expression of voluntarily depriving ourselves from the privilege of partaking in the Holy Communion. By doing so, the Church reminds us of the consequence of our sin: alienation from God and separation from God’s presence. Consequently, no communion is distributed in Armenian Churches to the public during Lenten Sundays. Also, traditionally, weddings and baptisms are not celebrated during this season. The first Badarak where the distribution of the Holy Communion is resumed will be on Palm Sunday, 1st April, 2012.

CLICK HERE to read a document that The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia has requested to be widely circulated: “KHOJALU IS A SPECULATIVE POLITICAL CAPITAL FOR OFFICIAL BAKU.”

Armenian Church E-Newsletter, Issue 49, Volume 2

E-NEWSLETTER

HH - J:RJIK

AArmenian Church of The United Kingdom and The Republic of Ireland

110th December 2011, Issue 49, Volume 2

The Right Revd Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate

AARMENIAN CHURCH OF UK & IRELAND

THE PRIMATE’S OFFICE

25 Cheniston Gardens Kensington London W8 6TG Tel: 020 8127 8364 Fax: 0872 111 5548

E-mail:

primatesoffice@ armenianchurch.co.uk

Website:

www.armenianchurch.co.uk

ARMENIAN CHURCH TRUST

www.armenianchurchtrust.org.uk actuk@armenianchurch.co.uk

ARMENIAN CHURCH YOUTH

FELLOWSHIP (ACYF)

E-mail:

ACYF@

armenianchurch.co.uk

Facebook:

Click Here

Twitter:

http://twitter.com/#!/ACYFUK. CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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BADARAK AND CELEBRATION IN MANCHESTER

On Sunday, 4th December, the Right Reverend Dr. Vahan Hovhanessian, Bishop of the Armenian Church

of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, celebrated his first Badarak as Bishop in the sanctuary of Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Manchester. Participating in the Badarak were Revd Fr. Garegin Hambarstumyan, deacons, altar servers and members of the Holy Trinity Choir as well as members of the Primate’s Deacons’ Training Programme. In his sermon, H.G. Bishop Hovhanessian, reflected on the Scripture reading of the day: Luke 13:6- 9. “The Eternal God has created us with a purpose, giving each of us an eternal soul. It is God's will that we know Him and throughout the years of our lives develop a deep and genuine relationship with Him. According to the Holy Bible, it is exactly for this reason that God created man in His own image and likeness.” In that sense, added Bishop Hovhanessian, “it is expected from each and every one of us to produce “fruits” of faith based on our relationship with God and our commitment to Christ and His gospel.” Not only as individuals are we likened to a fruit-bearing tree, but also as a community and a nation. Our forefathers understood this and lived their lives, shaping the Armenian identity based on the teachings of the Gospel. “Today in the United Kingdom and Ireland,” added Bishop Hovhanessian, “we are all one big tree. Our roots are in Manchester where the first Armenian Church was erected 141 years ago, and the fruitful branches are the St. Sarkis and St. Yeghiche Churches in London and the Mission Parish Communities in Birmingham, Cardiff and Dublin. We need to work together, feeding and supporting each other and being fed and supported by each other.” His Grace concluded his sermon calling on the Armenians of Manchester to take an active role in revitalizing the Armenian Church in Manchester and all over the UK and Ireland. Following the sermon and requiem, Mr. Hagop Yeramian, chairman of the Board of Wardens, officially welcomed the Primate and introduced Mr. Tatto Couligian, chairman of the Holy Trinity Church Trust, who in turn welcomed the Primate and all the guests and thanked His Grace for visiting Manchester and celebrating the Badarak. To the surprise of the Primate and all present the children of the Holy Trinity Church Saturday School then were escorted to the chancel to offer a brief programme of Armenian and English hymns and carols. Bishop Vahan in turn thanked all and pointing to the very well prepared children’s “concert” added, “Thank God we are already enjoying the fruits of your labor in the vineyard of the Lord here in Manchester. God bless you all.

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH TRUST IN MANCHESTER

DONATES £5,000 TO THE ARMENIAN CHURCH TRUST UK

Following Church services, the faithful packing the Holy Trinity Church were invited to a lunch-reception in the Church hall. In addition to the delicious meal cooked by

the Holy Trinity Women’s Guild, the programme included brief speeches by Church leaders and a brief video documentary highlighting Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian’s ministry and programmes. At the end of the luncheon, Mr. Tatto Couligian announced to all present that the Holy Trinity Church Trust, in appreciation of Bishop Vahan’s ministry and the successful achievements during the past year or so, is happy to donate £5000 toward the “Armenian Church Trust UK” to support the new and inspiring programmes designed and promoted by the Primate’s Office. The Primate graciously accepted the gift and thanked Mr. Couligian, the Manchester Church Trust, the Board of Wardens and the faithful of the Holy Trinity Church for their continuous support of the Primate’s programmes and the diocesan activities.

JOIN OUR CHURCH CHOIRS AND THE YOUTH THIS SUNDAY! FOR AN EVENING OF CHRISTMAS CAROLS IN ARMENIAN AND ENGLISH

This Saturday, several of the Diocesan organisations and programmes are joining efforts in presenting the second ACYF Annual Christmas Carols Evensong, which will be

celebrated at St. Yeghiche Church, 17th December, at 7:30pm. Members of the ACYF will serve as the greeters and ushers, as well as readers of the various petitions of the service. Members of the choirs of the St. Yeghiche, St. Sarkis and Holy Trinity Churches will lead the congregation in singing the beautiful Christmas and Advent Carols in Armenian and English, and sing Armenian hymns. Altar servers, members of the Bishop’s Deacon’s Training Programme, will participate by chanting and reciting the psalmodies and litanies of the Evensong. Even the children, members of the Diocesan AREV prgroamme for children’s Christian education will take part in the Evensong. They will be presenting the Nativity scene, while the rest of us will be singing Silent Night in Armenian and English! The evening will include processions, candle lighting, readings of passages from the Holy Scripture, and singing of traditional Advent Armenian Hymns and Christmas Carols in Armenian and English, under the direction of Maestro Aris Nadirian. Participating in the programme will be also several professional musicians and singers including pianist Artur Bobikian and Anais Heghoyan and Sipan Hakopian. While choir members will lead in the singing of the carols, as in the previous year, the faithful gathered in the church will be encouraged to join in the singing. Booklets, including the text of the service and the lyrics of the carols, in Armenian and English, will be distributed to those attending the service. So, mark your calendar, invite a friend or two and join your family members and friends at the second annual Armenian Church Christmas Carol Service, scheduled to commence at 7:30pm, Saturday, 17 December, 2011. All are welcome. No admission fees. This will be an inspiring way of celebrating the holy season of Advent, the anticipation, expectation and preparations for the miracle of miracles: the Birth of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. If you have any questions regarding the event please contact the ACYF at: acyf@armenianchurch.co.uk. You can also browse the only flyer by visiting the official diocesan website at: www.armenianchurch.co.uk, or Click Here.

ST. SARKIS CHURCH LADIES COMMITTEE BAZAAR

The Ladies Committee of the St. Sarkis Church in Kensington, London, is happy to invite the Armenian community in London and their friends and guests to their annual winter Bazaar. Delicious Armenian food will be served in the Nevart Gulbenkian Hall of the Church after Badarak and church services. Christmas gift items will also be on display. This annual Bazaar is prepared by the St. Sarkis Church Ladies Committee, together with the Hayastan All Armenian Fund Committee. So, bring family and friends this Sunday for fellowship, food and fun... Armenian style.

SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE ARMENIAN CHURCH MISSION PARISH

The Mission Parish Council (MPC) of the Armenian Church in Birmingham has recently announced the scheduling of the celebration of the Divine Liturgy (Badarak) by His Grace Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian on Saturday, 17 th December, 2011.

The Badarak will be celebrated at the St. Peter RC Church, 208 High Street Bloxwich WS3 3LA. The church is on High Street: From M6 junction 10 follow the signposts for Walsall A454, then take A34 Green lane, carry on straight on Summerfield Road. To access the car park turn right onto High Street, turn left into Pinfold, continue onto Field Road and turn left into Harrison Street. Following the celebration of Badarak, His Grace Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian will be presiding over the second Annual Assembly of the Armenian Church community in Birmingham. Please make every effort to join us at the Badarak and the assembly if you live in Birmingham or its surrounding. For further information please contact the MOC chairman at: silva_petros2002@yahoo.co.

THE BISHOP WANTS TO VISIT YOU!

The Primate’s Office is happy to reiterate a wish by His Grace Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, announced during his first Badarak in the UK as Bishop, that he wants to visit each and every Armenian and Armenian household in the UK and

Ireland. Please help our Bishop’s wish come true! The Bishop is eager to know the Armenian community personally and to hear their ideas, suggestions, concerns and complaints and how they perceive the role of the Armenian Church in the UK-Ireland Armenian community. The Bishop’s visit can be anytime during the day, afternoon or evening, weekdays or weekends. If time is of essence to you, then the visit can be as brief as 15 minutes or so. No need for any prior preparations. Please contact the Primate’s Office and schedule the Bishop’s visit to you and your household. You can reach the Primate’s Office by phone: 020 8127 8364, or e-mail: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk/ Kindly arrange the date in advance since the Primate’s calendar gets even busier during the festive season of Advent and Christmas.

DR. HARRY HAGOPIAN JOINS THE PRIMATE’S OFFICE

The Primate’s Office announced earlier this week that Dr Harry Hagopian has been appointed “Ecumenical Consultant” to the Primate, effective January 2012. He will

assist the Rt Revd Vahan Hovhannisian directly in strengthening further the relations of the Armenian Church with Lambeth Palace and the Churches of England & Ireland, the Roman Catholic Church, as well as other churches and ecumenical organisations. Dr Hagopian is a native of Jerusalem who pursued his studies in France, England & Scotland and holds a Doctorate in Public International Law as well as an LL.M in Alternative Dispute (Conflict) Resolution. Over the years, he has dealt extensively with ecumenical issues and was Assistant General Secretary of the Middle East Council of Churches, Executive Director of the Jerusalem Inter-Church Committee as well as Middle East Consultant to Pax Christi International. He also works as Middle East and inter-faith advisor to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales, is an Ekklesia Associate and Fellow at Sorbonne III University. From an Armenian prism, Harry was also ecumenical consultant to His Beatitude Patriarch Torkom II in Jerusalem during the period 1995-2001 when he was involved with the second-track political negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians over the future of Jerusalem. He later became the ecumenical, legal & political consultant of HG Bishop Nathan Hovhannisian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Great Britain, in London from 2002 till early 2010 as well as consultant to the Campaign for Recognition of the Armenian Genocide (CRAG) till 2007. He is author of The Armenian Church in the Holy Land as well as a regular and much sought after public speaker and writer on ecumenical, Armenian and MENA-related political issues. The editorial committee of the E-Newsletter welcomes Dr. Harry Hagopian to the Primate’s Office and wishes him all the success in strengthening the ministries and programmes of the Armenian Church here in the UK and Ireland for the glory of God and the prosperity of the Armenian people.

UK-IRELAND ARMENIAN COMMUNITY MASTER CALENDAR

Based on the feedback the editorial committee of the E-Newsletter has been receiving from our friends and faithful, and from the website, the Primate’s Office decided to maintain a UK-Ireland calendar of the Armenian activities including

lectures, concerts, dances and programmes of all Armenian Churches, organisations and institutions. Letters have been mailed to all Armenian organisations and church councils inviting them to send their monthly information to the E- Newsletter address: information@armenianchurch.co.uk. The events will be posted on the official website calendar of the Church (Click Here): and published once a month in the E-Newsletter. If interested, please send the following information to us: Name of your organisation, name of the event, its date, location, contact information and price (if appropriate), and a link to the event website (if available). Due to limited space in the E-Newsletter, we will not be able to post any additional information.

CARDIFF ARMENIAN CHURCH MPC TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS BADARAK

The Cardiff Mission Parish Council (MPC) is happy to announce the scheduling of the celebration of the Armenian Christmas Badarak on Saturday 14th January 11:00am, at the Ararat Baptist Church, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 1EQ.

Following Badarak, which will be celebrated by His Grace Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate, the MPC will have its annual Christmas Dinner which will continue until 18.00 hrs. Alice Kanekanian, from the Armenian Mission Parish of Cardiff, has organised some carols to be sung by the children. The ladies of Cardiff MPC are preparing their usual delicacies for this occasion. Also planned are Musical performances, Games and an appearance by Father Christmas to hand out presents to the children. All are welcome. For further information about the event and to join the Primate in the Badarak celebration and the programme to follow please contact the Armenian Church Mission Parish Council in Cardiff (MPC) by e-mailing John: john@jagproperties.co.uk.

SHAKESPEARE IN ARMENIAN AT LONDON’S GLOBE

For the first time in history, the Gabriel Sundukyan National Academic Theatre from Armenia will be performing in Shakespear’s Globe in London. The group will perform Shakespear’s “King John” in London’s Globe on Wednesday 16

May at 2:30pm and on Thursday 17 May at 7:30pm. This was arranged mainly thanks to the efforts of Mr. Kevork Malikyan and the personal involvement of the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in the UK. The Primate’s Office is working on coordinating group tickets with transportation for the Thursday show (17 May at 7:30pm). In next week’s issue of the E-Newsletter we will announce the details of the tickets and arrangements. If you are interested to join us in the Globe that evening please let us know by contacting the Primate’s Office: 020 8127 8364, or e-mail: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk. The Gabriel Sundukyan National Academic Theatre was founded in Armenia in 1992 and is named after the founder of the Armenian school of realistic drama. Well known actors and directors such as Vahram Papazian and Hrachia Ghaplanyan were stars of the Sundukyan Theatre. For further info please Click Here.

LIST OF DONOURS TO THE BISHOP’S RECEPTION - THANK YOU!

The Primate, and the volunteer staff of the Primate’s Office would like to thank all individuals and organisations as well as church council who donated toward the reception on the occasion of the first Badarak of His Grace Bishop Vahan Hovhanessian, as Bishop. The volunteer staff of the Primate’s Office have done their best to record all donours and finalise this list. We apologise in advance for any possible errors in the list. If your name has been missed out or is misspelled, kindly contact the Primate’s Office to correct our list. Thank you.

ARMENIAN CHURCH COUNCILS:

Holy Trinity Church Trust, Manchester Mission Parish council, Cardiff Mission Parish council, Dublin St. Sarkis Church Trust, London

ARMENIAN ORGANISATIONS:

Anahit Association Armenian General Benevolent Union Armenian Relief Society of Great Britain Armenian Youth Football Association Centre for Armenian Information & Advice The Tekeyan Trust, London

INDIVIDUAL DONOURS:

His Grace Bishop Doye Agama A. Violetta Barzankian-Kaydan Albert Dertatevasian Anahid Association

Ani Kouyoumjian Anonymous Antony Abadjian Ara Krikorian Armen and Karine Topalian Armen Dartevasian Armenag and Hasmig Topalian Bagrad and Seda Nazarian Christopher and Anoushka Kurkjian Deacon Frank Kabarajian

Diana Katsouris Dr. Anoush Simelofian Major Edward Albazi Flora Abadjian Garo Boyadjian

Hagop and Sylvie Yeramian Harry Hagopian

Whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

The Holy Bible 2 Corinthians (9:6-9).

Hratch and Shakeh Tchilingirian John and Christina Kurkjian Lucy Barsamian Lucy Dabagian

Lusine Barsamian Miss A. Krikorian Mr. and Mrs. G. L. Souzou Mr. Bagramian Rick and Chris Dabagian Robert Istepanian Robert Istepanian and Helen Kachikian Seroj and Odette Bazil Shahe and Zvart Gulian Shahe Ouzounian Stepan and Rita Ovenessoff Suzanne Barsamian Tatto Couligian Vahe Aghagabian Vartan and Rosette Ouzounian

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS

(According to the Armenian Church Lectionary)

The Armenian Church on

Youtube

Thanks to the volunteer efforts of Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, several video clips of various church programmes and activities in the UK and the Republic of Ireland can now be browsed online through Youtube. A special channel in Youtube has been designated for the Armenian Church. You can browse the Youtube page for the Armenian Church in the UK, by Clicking Here: http://www.youtube.com/u ser/ArmenianDioceseOfUK

a

ARMENIAN CHRISTMAS AND NATIVITY SERVICES: The Primate’s Office announced the following schedule for the Church services on

the occasion of the Feast of the Birth and Baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ:

St. Sarkis and St. Yeghiche Churches in London:

Thursday, 5th January: Eve of the Nativity 5:30-6:00 Evening service and Scripture Readings 6:00-7:30 Badarak (Divine Liturgy)

Friday, 6th January: Feast of the Nativity and Divine Revelation 11:00-11:30 Badarak (Divine Liturgy)

Holy Trinity Church in Manchester:

Friday, 6th January: Feast of the Nativity and Divine Revelation 11:15-12:30 Badarak (Divine Liturgy)

CHRISTMAS CD BY OUR OWN DEACON ARTUR

Deacon Artur Bobikyan, deacon of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Manchester has released a new

CD for Christmas under the title “My Keys to Christmas.” The CD includes an anthology of traditional and contemporary Christmas carols and hymns performed by Deacon Artur on the Piano and presented in a new revision with Artur’s own musical interpretation. Copies of the CD can be purchased online or by sending a cheque for the amount of £15 payable to the “Armenian Church TrustUK” and mailing the cheques to the Primate’s Office, c/o Hye Doon, 25 Cheniston Gardens, Kensington, London W8 6TG, UK, or by donating online through the following link: Click Here. Congratulations Deacon Artur!

PRIMATE’S OFFICE NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT

Please help us continue publishing the E-Newsletter & offering the various educational, cultural & social programmes planned and funded by the Primate’s Office by financially supporting the Armenian Church Trust UK. C L I C K H E R E

BIBLE STUDY GROUPS - UPDATE

For over a year now, the Continuing Education Ministry (CEM) of the Primate’s Office has been offering two Bible Study groups, which regularly meet at Nevart Gulbenkain Hall to read, discuss and interpret the Bible according to the Armenian Church traditions. During the past year we finished reading the Gospel of Mark and are almost done with the Book of Acts. Because of the forthcoming season of Christmas, with its family gatherings and celebration, the Primate’s Office decided to suspend the Bible Study meetings until the end of the year. The two groups will resume their study sessions in January 2012. There will be no Bible Study session this Friday, 16th December. Happy New Year!

ARMENIAN CHURCH OF UK AND IRELAND

The Primate’s Office: 25 Cheniston Gardens, Kensington, London W8 6TG, UK Website: www.armenianchurch.co.uk • E-mail: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk Phone: 020 8127 8364 • Fax: 087 2111 5548

Church News

E-NEWSLETTER HH - J:RJIK AArmenian Church of the United Kingdom and Ireland VV. Revd Dr. Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate

229nd October 2011, Issue 43, Vol 2

ARMENIAN CHURCH OF UK & IRELAND

THE PRIMATE’S OFFICE

25 Cheniston Gardens Kensington London W8 6TG Tel: 020 8127 8364 Fax: 0872 111 5548

E-mail:

primatesoffice@ armenianchurch.co.uk

Website:

www.armenianchurch.co.uk

ARMENIAN CHURCH TRUST

www.armenianchurchtrust.org.uk actuk@armenianchurch.co.uk

ARMENIAN CHURCH YOUTH

FELLOWSHIP (ACYF)

E-mail:

ACYF@

armenianchurch.co.uk

Facebook:

Click Here

Twitter:

http://twitter.com/#!/ACYFUK. CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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FAREWELL TO HAYR SOORP’S CAFÉ

OOver forty young Armenian men and women gathered

at the Armenian Vicarage and St. Sarkis Chruchyard on Sunday afternoon, 23rd October, to participate in what has been announced as the “final Hayr Soorp’s Café” (HSC). At 3:30 with over 20 people already in the Vicarage, Fr. Vahan started the afternoon welcoming all and inviting them to enjoy the fellowship and food donated by some of the participants. At around 4:30 the group gathered around a big table

setup in the churchyard to participate in the general discussion , the theme of which was “Bishop in the Armenian Church Tradition.” Fr. Vahan led the discussion, first by highlighting the biblical definition of the function and ministry of the bishop (based on the New Testament Greek word episcopos) followed by an exploration of the Armenian Church’s teachings regarding the duties, responsibilities and authorities of a bishop. Fr. Vahan highlighted the central dogma in the Armenian Church that a bishop “is the shepherd of the community, in the sense that he is the guardian and protector of the faith of the community under his jurisdiction—defined by the Armenian Church canons as diocese.” The Primate’s presentation triggered many questions that led to a very stimulating discussion. Following the discussion, the group assembled in the St. Sarkis Church for an evensong in Armenian and English. The participants were divided into two groups: one seated on the right side of the church and the other one on the left side of the church. The two groups were invited to join the clergy in chanting the verses of the psalms during the service. Volunteers from the groups read the scripture passages and recited the list of petitions, to which all replied with the appropriate responsory published in the service booklet. The group then walked to the Nevart Gulbenkian Hall for a light dinner, tea, coffee & pudding. Throughout the

afternoon and evening, beer, wine, soft drinks and appetizers were made available to the participants. This was declared as the final Hayr Soorp’s Café since, God willing, the Primate will be ordained bishop next weekend, and will no longer be addressed as “Hayr Soorp.” His title changes to Srpazan Hayr. Those present at the dinner suggested some alternatives such as “Srpazan Srjaran.” Stay tuned for further updates.

/

ORDINATION RECEPTION: SEATING LIMITED - - - NO TICKETS AT DOORS The Primate’ Office continues receiving e-mails, phone calls,

letters of congratulations and reservations cheques for the reception to take place on 20th November, celebrating his ordination as bishop. Announcements were sent to all Armenian organisation, asking the chairmen to promote the event within their organisations. Reservations have been received for one half of the capacity of the reception hall. As announced in earlier E-Newsletters, the Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate, will be celebrating his first Badarak in the United Kingdom as Bishop in the St. Yeghiche Church on 20th November 2011, following his ordination to the holy episcopate which will take place in the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin on the 6th of November 2011. Please mark your calendar and join us at the celebration of our Primate’s first Badarak as Bishop, and at the reception to follow. Please confirm your seats at the reception ASAP.

There will be no tickets for sale on the day at the doors. Below are some of the details:

FIRST BADARAK IN UK: will be celebrated by Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian, following his return from Holy Etchmiadzin, at St. Yeghiche Church on Sunday, 20th November 2011. All Armenian Churches in the UK will participate in the celebration. Badarak is scheduled to commence at 10:30AM. There will be no Hokehankisd service on that Sunday. No invitations will be issued on this occasion. All are welcome.

RECEPTION: A reception is scheduled to take place in Shannon Hall at the Copthorne Tara Hotel in Kensington, London. Seating is limited. Seats can be reserved by sending a donation of £20 per person, payable to “The Armenian Church Trust” to the Primate’s Office, 25 Cheniston Gardens, Kensington, London W8 6TG.

DONATIONS: are welcome to help defray the cost of the reception.

BOOKLET: A booklet will be published on the occasion of the ordination and first episcopal Badarak of the Primate. Among many things, the booklet will include a list of the donours to the reception, the good wishes and greetings for the Primate as well as the list of donors to support the event. Send your greetings to primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk.

PRIMATE’S ADVISORY COUNCIL MET LAST SUNDAY

The Primate’s Advisory Council (PAC) met for the second time last Sunday, 23rd October, with the Primate presiding, at the Nevart Gulbenkian Hall of the St. Sarkis Church in Kensington, London. The agenda of the meeting, which started at

13:30 at the conclusion of the celebration of the Divine Liturgy (Badarak), included the following subjects: UK Church leaders’ participation in the ordination services in Holy Etchmiadzin, representing the Armenian Church of the UK in Etchmiadzin, the first Badarak to be celebrated by the Primate as Bishop on 20th November in St. Yeghiche Church, reception celebrating the Primate’s ordination as Bishop in Shannon Hall, Copthorne Tara Hotel, the details of the history and challenges facing the finalization of the diocesan bylaws. The Council discussed also various questions and issues raised by the members of the various Armenian Church councils, Mission Parish Councils, and Church Trusts. PAC is an advisory council appointed by the Primate, of the chairmen of all Armenian Church councils and trusts in the UK and Ireland, to advise the Primate in all matters relating to the ministry and administration of the Armenian Church in the UK and Ireland. Present at the meeting were representatives from the St. Sarkis Pastoral Committee, the Holy Trinity Board of Wardens, the St. Sarkis Church Trust, the Holy Trinity Armenian Church Trust and the Mission Parish Councils of Birmingham, Cardiff and Dublin. The creation of the PAC is yet another effort by the Primate to bring the Armenian community together as one body, unified under the umbrella of the Church. The inaugural and first meeting of the PAC took place on 11th September 2011. In that meeting the members present unanimously decided to formalize the group into an advisory council to meet regularly and discuss the various aspects of the mission and administration of the church.

AREV CHILDREN PLAY GROUP AREV Children's Play Group for Pre-School to 7 years old children at St. Sarkis Church, Gulbenkian Hall, meets evefry last Sunday of the month at 11:30 am; programme in the Nevart Gulbenkian Hall; 12:30-12:45 children and parents attend church service (Badarak). AREV Children’s Play Group is fun and games through Armenian songs, storytelling and exciting activities. Parents’ participation is essential. The play group meets the last Sunday of the month. The next dates is 27 November, which will feature Children's storybook author Nouneh Sarkissian, who has written a dozen children's books and will read one of her latest stories to the children. For more information please call Shakeh Major Tchilingirian 07968 446223 or send an email to parish@stsarkislondon.org.

SOCIETY OF WESTERN ARMENIAN SPEAKERS

Almost a year or so ago, the Information Centre of the Primate’s Office of the Armenian Church of the UK and Ireland, published an article in the E-Newsletter reflecting upon the alarming decision by the UNESCO in February of 2010, by

which the Western Armenian dialect was joined to UNESCO’s online Atlas of World Languages in Danger. UNESCO ranked Western Armenian with the “definitely” status within the list’s degrees of endangerment. Out of the five-tier spectrum that ranges from “vulnerable” to “extinct,” the classification “definitely endangered” refers to a language which its people’s children no longer learn as their mother tongue at home. At the conclusion of the reflection, the Primate issued a call to all Armenians and Armenian organisations to work together on creating opportunities and fora as well as funding to promote the usage of Western Armenian among our people here in the UK and Ireland. We are happy to inform our readers that the Armenian Programme of the School of Oriental and African Studies of the University of London has seriously responded to this situation by creating the “Society of Western Armenian Speakers.” The Society meets on monthly basis to promote the Western Armenian dialect through its various programmes. The next session of the Society will be on Sunday, 30 October at 5:00-7:00 PM in Russell Square: College Buildings, Room: G3. For further information please contact Professor Krikor Moskofian km48@soas.ac.uk, or Tel: 020 7898 4333.

Sponsor: in association with the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation ARMENIAN CHURCH PRISON MINISTRY

The Primate’s Office recently announced the launching of a new ministry to reach out and comfort those among the Armenians who are incarcerated (in prison). We will contact the authorities involved and coordinate an Armenian priest’s visit to the prison to meet, pray with and comfort the incarcerated individual. For further information please contact the Primate’s Office at: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk, or call: 020 8127 8364.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS IN ARMENIAN AND ENGLISH WITH THE ACYF

The Armenian Church Youth Fellowship (ACYF) is happy to announce the second annual “Christmas Carol Evening” to be celebrated at St. Yeghiche Church on

Saturday, 17th December, 2011. The evening, to be presided over by the Very Revd Dr. Vahan Hovhanessian, Primate, will include processions, readings of passages from the Holy Scripture, and carol singing by members of the St. Yeghiche and St. Sarkis (London) and Holy Trinity (Manchester) Church Choirs. While choir members will lead in the singing of the carols, as in the previous year, the faithful gathered will be encouraged to join in the singing. Booklets, including the text of the service and the lyrics of the carols, in Armenian and English, will be distributed to those attending the service. Participating in the service will be the members of the ACYF as well as several professional Armenian singers who will sing pieces from traditional Armenian Nativity or classical/European Advent solo songs. So, mark your calendar, tell your friends to join you and your family members at the second annual Armenian Church Christmas Carol Service, scheduled to commence at 7:30pm, Saturday, 17 December, 2011. All are welcome. No admission fees. Join us in celebrating the holy season of Advent, the anticipation, expectation and preparations for the miracle of miracles: the Birth of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Also, if you are a member of an Armenian organisation in London, please inform your executive committee NOT to schedule an event on the same Saturday evening, so we can all enjoy all the Armenian events of the season. Finally, come prepared to sing along.

YOUNG ARMENIANS DISCUSSING THEIR CHRISTIAN IDENTITY IN BRITAIN... JOIN US

Like minded group of young Armenian men and women, who feel comfortable discussing their mutual Armenian identity and Christian faith, of ages 21-40, plan to meet regularly to explore the Christian faith of our ancestors and the relevance

of the message of the gospel in their lives today. The group will be meeting in the houses of the participants in a casual, welcoming and friendly atmosphere to discuss and learn more about our faith, ask any question they feel like asking and make any comment they want to make without feeling intimidated. Subjects to be discussed will include the teaching of the Armenian Church vs. our contemporary social life and moral challenges. The relevance of the Armenian Church, the pillar of our ethnic and national identity as Armenians, in our life today; our commitment to and involvement in, the life of the church; or the lack of them! ALL are welcome. The initiators and coordinators of the group whole heartedly welcome ALL Armenian young men and women and their friends to join them in these casual get-togethers. Armenians who are Christians, doubting, non-believers, atheists, pagans, who think the church is corrupt, who believe in the scientifically- non-proven and very-much-challenged hypothesis of evolution, who do not participate in the church life, who date or are married to non-Armenians and non-Christians are all welcome. The group hopes to launch its regular gatherings in November. If interested to be part of its regular meetings please write to yeridasart@yahoo.co.uk

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS

(According to the Armenian Church Lectionary)

Sunday 30/10

Isaiah 22:15-24 Ephesians 1:1-14 Luke 8:17-21

Monday 31/10

Wisdom 5:1-8 Amos 3:12-15 Ephesians 3:1-10 John 10:11-16

Tuesday 1/11

Proverbs 8:12-21 Nahum 2:1-7 1 Timothy 5:17-21 Luke 9:23-27

Wednesday 2/11

Fasting day

Ephesians 1:15-2:3 Luke 8:22-25

Thursday 3/11

Wisdom 6:22-25 Zechariah 12:6-10 Hebrews 13:7-9 Matthew 4:23-25

Friday 4/11

Fasting day

Ephesians 2:4-22 Luke 8:40-48

Saturday 5/11

Genesis 18:33-19:2 Job 38:4-7 Isaiah 6:1-7 Ezekiel 1:1-20 Hebrews 1:6-14 Matthew 18:10-14

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“ANOUSH OPERA” TO BE PERFORMED IN SPRING 2011 Calling All Armenians!

The “London Armenian Opera” is currently auditioning alto, tenor and bass singers to join its enthusiastic chorus. Orchestral musicians are also invited to apply. This is a unique opportunity to contribute towards what promises to be a very colourful, entertaining and unforgettable performance. Care to join? Then contact Aris on 07890 339928 or Arisnadirian@aol.com. Aris is the choir director of the St. Yeghiche Church in Cranley Gardens, London.

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HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE–DONATE TO THE CHURCH ONLINE

One way of being an effective partner in the ministry of the Armenian Church in the UK and Ireland, is to help financially support the various programmes and activities launched and promoted by the Primate’s Office (e.g. Bible Study, youth ministry, educational lectures and courses, deacons’ training, pilgrimages, festival, ... etc). You can do so online by clicking on the following link: Click Here. Thank you!

THE PRIMATE’S SCHEDULE

The Primate is grateful and wishes to thank all those who send him invitations to preside over or participate in various events in the community. However, may we

ask you please to try and inform the Primate’s Office about your organisation’s event in advance so the Primate can arrange his schedule accordingly. Inviting the Primate two days before the event, does not leave him much time to rearrange his calendar. Recently such invitations were received, which the Primate, to his dismay, had to decline out of respect and courtesy to the other organisations who had invited him months in advance on the same date. Such situations leave those in the community attending the event confused about the absence of the Primate, since usually no announcement is made by the organisation to explain the reason for the Primate’s absence. Needless to say, such situations may be used by some, unfortunately, to fabricate false and unsubstantiated rumors. So, please, help us all celebrate our events, by organizing our calendars together and in advance.

ARMENIAN CHURCH OUTREACH ONLINE  You can read all the news and updates concerning the Armenian Church in the UK, Ireland

and worldwide and learn about past and forthcoming events in the Armenian Church at the official website of the Armenian Church in UK and Ireland: www.armenianchurch.co.uk.

 If you are not on our Church mailing list and wish to receive our popular weekly E-Newsletter, kindly forward your e-mail address, or the e-mail of a person who wishes to receive our E-Newsletter to: information@armenianchurch.co.uk.

HELP US

Continue publishing the E-Newsletter & offering the various educational, cultural & social programmes & activities planned and funded by the Primate’s Office by financially supporting the Armenian Church Trust UK. CLICK HERE

BIBLE STUDY GROUPS

The Continuing Education Ministry (CEM) of the Primate’s Office is happy to announce that the Bible Study groups resumed their meetings at Nevart Gulbenlkain Hall: the Armenian group meets on Tuesdays, at 6:30 while the English Study group meets on Fridays at 6:45PM. (No session on 4 November).

ARMENIAN CHURCH OF UK AND IRELAND

The Primate’s Office: 25 Cheniston Gardens, Kensington, London W8 6TG, UK Website: www.armenianchurch.co.uk • E-mail: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk Phone: 020 8127 8364 • Fax: 087 2111 5548

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