Armenian Church News. Khachkar Consecrated in Christ Church, Dublin A New Cross-Stone Erected on the Centenary of the Armenian Genocide

Transcription

1 Diocese of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and Ireland Volume 1, Issue December 2015 Khachkar Consecrated in Christ Church, Dublin A New Cross-Stone Erected on the Centenary of the Armenian Genocide Manukyan, Primate of Great Britain and Ireland, during a ceremony held in Dublin. In this issue: New Khachkar Memorial Consecrated in Dublin Bishop Hovakim s Speech in Christ Church Cathedral Design and Symbolism of the Dublin Khachkar A Search for Long-Lost Relatives Advent Party Diocese of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate Diocesan Office Tel primatesoffice@ armenianchurch.co.uk On Saturday, 5 th December, a Khachkar monument - dedicated to the Armenian Genocide centennial - was consecrated by Bishop Hovakim The Khachkar is erected in the grounds of Christ Church Cathedral - one of the most iconic places in Ireland. The area dedicated for the Khachkar, entitled the Garden of Peace, will serve as a place to remember and pray for all of the holy martyrs of the Armenian Genocide. The memorial, designed in Ireland by community member Aram Hakhumyan and carved by the young master carver Artak Hambardzumyan in Armenia, is unique in that it displays both Armenian and Irish traditional symbols and ornaments, combined into a single cross-stone. The service was attended by church leaders of different denominations, the Consul of the Armenian Embassy in the United Kingdom (Mr. Hayk Khymchyan) and the Honorary

2 Page 2 uplifting music. Also playing was Mr. Varazdat Khachatryan (a highly praised Dublin based pianist) who also enriched the service by playing Elegy, Capriccio and other pieces. Consul of Armenia in Ireland (Mr. Ohan Yergainharsian), with the faithful of the Armenian Church and Community in Ireland along with their Irish friends. The installation of the Khachkar was organized at the initiative of the Dublin Parish Council and especially by the Chair of the Parish Council Dr. Paul Manook, who spared no efforts to realize the project within a short period of time. Before the Consecration Service there was an Ecumenical Service inside Christ Church Cathedral. Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of the Catholic Church in Dublin and Archbishop Michael Jackson of the Church of Ireland (Anglican) read prayers during the ceremony to those present. Before the end of the service, Mrs. Ayda Lundon thanked all of those who were present, who were involved in the work and all those generous donors without whom this project would not have been possible. After the service inside the Cathedral, everybody proceeded outside to the Garden of Peace where the Khachkar Monument was unveiled by Rev. Brian Anderson, President of the Methodist Church in Ireland and Mr. Hayk Khymchyan. Bishop Hovakim Manukyan then consecrated the Khachkar with prayers which was followed by the laying of flowers. The congregation then proceeded to the Christ Church Crypt where a reception was held, hosted by the Dublin Parish Council along with Bishop Hovakim. During the service, the Armenian Choir in Dublin led by Aydah Arshagian performed pieces from Armenian Badarak Liturgy. Mr. Levon Chilingirian (a well-known violinist based in the UK) enriched the prayer service with the playing of Groung and Armen Yev Ent Hokvout Kum along with other

3 Page 3 The Speech of His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan The Primate of the Diocese of the UK and Ireland On the Occasion of the Blessing of the Armenian Khachkar (cross-stone) in Christ Church, Dublin, On the Occasion of the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide 5 th December 2015, Dublin, Ireland Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Today we will take part in a service which we call the cross-stone blessing prayer. This is a rite which is unique and particular to the Armenian Christian tradition. With the prayers, words and hymns - Armenian sharagans - as well as with Holy Muron, we will bless the cross-stone asking God almighty to impart the grace of His life-giving Holy Spirit upon those present and to sanctify this Khachkar, making it a reminder of our common commitment towards justice and peace in the world. The erection of the Armenian cross-stone at the heart of the Irish capital, in the churchyard of Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin, on the occasion of the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, is an expression of the long lasting and strong relations between our Churches and communities. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, The word cross-stone, Khachkar in Armenian, is a combination of two words. There is much symbolism in it. The first word is the cross. It symbolizes the cross of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The veneration of the cross by Christians shows their citizenship. This is a citizenship which is a way of life, sometimes leading through narrow doors and suffering, yet full of hope of victory, triumph of resurrection and also that of friendship, love and solidarity. The Armenian philosopher of the 5 th century, David the Invincible, in his panegyric on the Holy Cross says the One who was crucified for our sins has shed His sacred blood on it. Although His body was taken from the cross, His divine blood remained on the cross. The blood, the mercy and the healing and reconciling power of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ still remains on the cross, making it sacred and precious for us. This understanding of the cross has had a strong impact on shaping Armenian theology and culture.

4 Page 4 The theology of the cross in the Armenian tradition is also deeply based on the theology of resurrection. The Armenian cross is the Blossomed Cross - Ծաղկեալ Խաչ. We adore the cross, which is blossomed also with the graces of Resurrection, as God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him (Acts 2:24). The other word is the stone. This is the stone from my home country, Armenia. Armenia is often referred to as a country of rocks and stones. Armenians have long been carving crosses on the stones because they have shed much blood on them to preserve their faith and identity. They have made the stones holy because they have shed their blood on them, following in the footsteps of Christ. Any cross-stone erected by Armenians is a reminder of the martyrdom of the Armenian people. Alas, the chronology of the martyrdom of the Armenian people is long. The most painful and devastating was at the beginning of the 20 th century. Armenians were subjected to genocide in their historical homeland, because they wanted to live in peace, exercise their basic human rights and enjoy their God given freedoms. Unfortunately, the rightful aspirations of our people were met by the Ottoman Turks with brutality, forceful deportations, mass killings and massacres between 1915 and But again God showed His glory. Armenians have survived and realized their aspirations in the small part of their historical land as well as in the diaspora. Death cannot bind the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide as today they are saints interceding for us and for justice and peace in the world. On this spiritually uplifting occasion I would like to say thank you to you all on behalf of my Church. We are very thankful to you, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin and you, Archbishop Michael Jackson. I would like to thank the Dean of Christ Church the Very Reverend Dermot Dunne; the Honorary President of Dublin Council of Churches - Fr. Damien McNeice; President of the Methodist Church in Ireland - Rev. Brian Anderson; and Canon Robert Warren the Rector of Taney Parish, Dundrum. The realization of this project could not have happened without your support. This is also the expression of your love towards our people. I

5 Page 5 know that you have very close relations not only with the Armenians here in Ireland, but also on worldwide level as a result of your ecumenical commitments of many years. I would also like to thank the Parish Council of the Armenian Church in Dublin, the Chair of the Parish Council - Dr. Paul Manook, and members the community, and to every single person involved in this historic occasion. May God bless you all. I believe that this cross-stone will remain here forever reminding us of our friendship and also of our mutual commitment to peace, justice and the integrity of humanity. It will remind us that we have a commitment to embrace all those who suffer because of wars, injustice and discrimination, especially our brethren and sisters in the Middle East. The Dublin Khachkar Memorial Design and Symbolism The new Khachkar Memorial in Dublin was designed by Aram Hakhumyan and carved by Artak Hambardzumyan. The main composition consists of the Irish Cross frame with an Armenian Cross standing out of it. At the top left and right on each corner of the Cross there is the Irish shamrock s three leaves, used by St. Patrick to explain the Holy Trinity to the Irish during his mission to bring Christianity to Ireland. At the bottom left and right corners of the Cross there are carvings of grapes. The Armenian Church has chosen grapes as the subject of blessing, as Christ consecrated the wine (made from grapes) and gave it to his disciples (at the Last Supper) as a symbol of his blood. It was also believed that the consecrated grapes turned into wine, and a small part of the already consecrated grapes were stored until the next blessing ceremony as a symbol of wealth and abundance. The bottom part of the Khachkar is carved in traditional Armenian style in the shape of a winged rosette, symbolising the victory of Christ over evil. The rosette is partially covered by the cross in the shape of a hill, symbolising Calvary s hill where Christ was crucified to redeem the world. The very top frieze of the Khachkar is decorated with a fragment of a design from the destroyed Khachkars from Jugha (Julfa) cemetery a medieval-era cemetery near the town of Julfa (known as Jugha in Armenian),

6 Page 6 The top frieze of the Khachkar is decorated with a fragment of a design from the destroyed Khachkars from Jugha cemetery a medieval-era cemetery in Nakhichivan that originally housed around 10,000 funerary monuments in Nakhichivan, an enclave of Azerbaijan, that originally housed around 10,000 funerary monuments. Aram Hakhumyan worked many hours to reconstruct this fragment which is beautifully set within the design. This reminds us of the recent destruction of the old churches, monasteries and cultural heritage centres in Syria, Iraq and elsewhere in the Middle East. The arches on the two sides, at the top of the Khachkar, represent the sacred tree of life (Kenats Tsar) with pomegranates. In this Khachkar, the tree of life symbolises the survival of the Armenian nation after the Genocide. The sides of the Khachkar are filled with ornaments of Armenian/Irish art details. You will find Armenian and Irish Crosses on the sides of the Khachkar as well. Just under the Crosses you will find a pomegranate ornament the symbol of Armenia that represents fertility, abundance and marriage... Be fruitful and multiply as in the book of Genesis. On the reverse side of the Khachkar there are two verses from the Book of Lamentations (3:22-24) which are carved in English and Armenian. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope; because of the Lord s great love we

7 Page 7 In this Khachkar, the tree of life (pomegranate) symbolises the survival of the Armenian nation after the Genocide are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. A separate plaque will be added in the Irish language. This acknowledges the fact that it was because of the Lord s mercies and love that we as Armenians and as a nation survived...and we are thankful. The Khachkar is a donation from the Armenians to the Irish, reflecting the connection between the two nations. Can you help one of our community find their relatives? My name is Grigor Mkrtchyan, I am looking for my grandmother's relatives. In 1915 a part of her family escaped from Kars (Western Armenia) to Tiblisi (Georgia), and after a couple of years they returned to Yerevan, Armenia. Another part of her family escaped to England, in London as far as I know. My grandmother stayed in Armenia with her mother and her brothers. Her mother was named Gayane Hovanesyan, along with her children Knarik (my grandmother), Vard, Paruir, and Vardan. Her father was called Yeprеm Movsesyan, and with the help of my grandmother's stories, I found out that in Kars city there existed a neighbourhood which was called Movsesants Tagamas (as in Movsesants Neighbourhood). I don't know if this information is enough, but it would delight me to find someone from my grandmother's family because this was one of her last wishes. I know that my great grandfather, Yeprem Movsesyan, was a Russian Army Officer during World War I, and that between he was forced to emigrate, because Communism was in power and he was pursued. He contacted his family a couple of times but their contact was lost. During World War II, one of his sons, Paruir Movsesyan-Hovanesyan, got lost (he was a soldier of the USSR). We have information (but it wasn't verified), that he (Paruir) was a prisoner but then he escaped and immigrated to England. I will be looking for more information in my family's archive and I would be grateful if you could tell me where else I could look for help. Thank you in advance, Grigor Mkrtchyan. If you have any information regarding any of the mentioned names, please contact the Primate s Office: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk or

8 Page 78 Massis Restaurant supports the Armenian Church Have a great evening enjoying delicious Armenian and Lebanese food whilst supporting the mission of the Diocese of the Armenian Church in UK and Ireland. Dine with Massis for lunch and dinner with family and friends for birthdays and events. Mention you are Armenian and 20% of your bill will go towards the Armenian Church. Open 7 days a week from 12pm 11pm you can find your Massis Lebanese Bar and Grill Restaurant at: 9 Sheldon Square, Paddington Central, London W2 6HT Phone number: ADVENT PARTY! Dear Armenian friends Our lovely Srpazan and Tania would like to invite you for a special Armenian evening as a pre- Christmas and a pre-new Year s Eve party at Wednesday, 23 rd December, 7:00-10:00pm Jakobs Restaurant, Gloucester Road, London There will be Armenian folk, patriotic and spiritual singing! Community members are also welcome to show their talents! The food is prepared specially for Yisnak/Advent!

9 Page 9 The ACYF London Chapter are delighted to invite you all to our Annual Christmas Carol Service on Monday 21 st December at 7pm in St. Sarkis Church in Kensington, Iverna Gardens, W8 6TP. Following the carol service there will be a festive wine and food reception in the Gulbenkian Hall. All are welcome and we also have a very special guest joining us who will definitely want to meet the children. Please do let us know if your child/children will be attending so we can tell Father Christmas by Saturday, 19 th December! We look forward to welcoming you all there and if you have any question please do contact us at acyf@armenianchurch.co.uk or message us on our Facebook page ACYF London

10 Page 10 London Armenian Opera Davit Bek London Armenian Opera will be performing Armen Tigranian's Opera "Davit Bek" 18th and 19th December 2015 at 7.30pm at the Benjamin Britten Theatre at the Royal College of Music, Prince Consort Road, SW7 2BS. Ticket prices: 35, 25, 15 Concessions (under 16 & disabled) = 20% (Not suitable for children below 8 years of age) To book tickets please contact: or Or londonarmenianopera@virginmedia.com Cheques made payable to London Armenian Opera to: 10 Beacon Way, Rickmansworth, WD3 7PG

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14 Page 14 Upcoming Events DIOCESAN PROGRAMMES Forthcoming Events in December and January Bible Studies Every Thursday, at St. Sarkis Church Gulbenkian Hall led by the Primate and the clergy of the Diocese. 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. Forthcoming dates: December: 17 th Deacons Training Deacons training takes place every Sunday at 5:00pm in the Vicarage, St. Sarkis Church. In November and December rehearsals are taking place for special hymns of the Midday Prayer - Ճաշու շարական, which are sung during the Divine Liturgy. For more details please contact the Diocesan Office. Pembrokeshire Divine Liturgy Saturday, 19 th December, 1:00pm Following the Divine Liturgy in St. David s Cathedral, St. David s, Pembrokeshire, the unveiling ceremony of a full size bronze statue will take place. The statue is a gift from all Armenians to the Church in Wales in gratitude for their recognition of 24 th April as Armenian Genocide Day. Manchester Parish ACYF Manchester Christmas Carol Service Sunday, 20 th December, 5:00pm, Holy Trinity Church Christmas Carols by ACYF Manchester Chapter. For more details, please refer to Zareh Nersessian; zareh.nersessian@gmail.com. ACYF London Christmas Carol Service Monday, 21 st December, 7:00pm at St. Sarkis Church Christmas Carols at St. Sarkis Church by ACYF London Chapter, the faithful are invited to come with their children. Advent Party Wednesday, 23 rd December, 7:00-10:00pm Yisnakan/Advent Party, at Jakobs Restaurant, Gloucester Road, London

15 Page 15 Evening Vespers on the Feast of St. Stephan Saturday, 26 th December, 6:30pm, at St. Sarkis Church Evening Vespers at St. Sarkis Church on the occasion of the Feast of St. Stephan, the first martyr of the Christian Church. AGBU/Tekeyan Cultural Association New Year s Eve Dinner-Dance Thursday, 31st December, 7:30pm 2:00am New Year's Eve Dinner-Dance at the Copthorne Tara Hotel, Kensington, W8 5SY. As before, having seen the New Year in, those wishing to do so may proceed to St. Sarkis Church for a short service by Bp Hovakim and then return to the hotel until 2 am. The flyer contains all necessary information. Early booking will ensure your place. New Year s Eve Service Friday, 1 st January, 12:30am in St. Sarkis Church Prayer for New Year and the Blessing of Pomegranates. For the Eastern nations, Pomegranate is considered to be the king of all fruits. It is not only because of the pleasing taste and medicinal properties, but also the top of the pomegranate is like a crown. There is a view that ancient royal crowns were prototyped from the pomegranate "crown". Pomegranate has been known in the East since the 12 th to the 7 th centuries BC. Cartagena was known for its pomegranates. This is why the ancient Romans called the pomegranate malum punicum Cartagena (Phoenician) apple and malum granatum granular apple. Pomegranate is also full of symbolism in Christianity. Pomegranate symbolizes the diversity of God's grace, the Church. Pomegranate, as a national symbol, has been widely used in Armenian architecture, carpet weaving, arts and crafts and other types of miniature (Gregory Khlatetsu, Taronatsi Toros, Toros Roslin painted, Hagpat and other Gospels). The Church likens the pomegranate to the interpretation of the word of the prophets, which are like a parable, with their thick bark covering the bitter sweetness of the Annunciation, the fruit of immortality, Christ.

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17 Page 17 Prayer Intentions for December: At this joyous period of advent, we invite our faithful to continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in the Middle East. That all may experience the mercy of God who never tires of forgiving, and that families, especially those who suffer, may find in the birth of Jesus Christ a sign of certain hope. 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.

18 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 1 st 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: St. Sarkis Church Iverna Gardens Kensington, London, W8 6TP Tel: St. Yeghiche Cathedral 13b Cranley Gardens Kensington, London SW7 3BB Tel: Other Parishes of our Diocese: Cardiff - Tel: , john@jagproperties.co.uk Dublin - Tel: Birmingham Tel: St John s Church, Stratford Road, Birmingham, B11 4EA Oxford - Tel: armenian.society@studentsclub.ox.ac.uk Editorial Board: His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate Garen Arevian Hovik Hovhannisyan Aznive Simon Gagik Stepan-Sarkissian Sossi Yerissian 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 primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk PLEASE NOTE OUR CHANGE OF POSTAL ADDRESS