Armenian Church News. Bishop Hovakim visits Dublin Parish. Diocese of the Armenian Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland

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1 Volume 2, Issue May 2016 Diocese of the Armenian Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland Bishop Hovakim visits Dublin Parish In this issue: Dublin Parish Ecumenical: Armenian and Syrian Churches Concert: 25 th Anniversary of Artsakh Independence Concert in Oxford for Syrian Relief Spirituality: Pentecost Diocese of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate Diocesan Office Tel armenianchurch.co.uk On Sunday, 8 th May, His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan visited the Armenian Mission Parish in Dublin and celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Christ Church in Taney Parish, a local Anglican community who graciously provide their church for the Armenian community both for worship and to hold the Armenian Sunday School. The liturgy was on the day of the feast of Second Tsakhazard (Second Palm Sunday). It is an Armenian feast which symbolises the entrance of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to the heavenly kingdom after His ascension. Three members of the Dublin Parish were baptised, confirmed and received their first communion at end of the Divine Liturgy. At the end there was an Agape lunch organised by the Parish Council. The community members socialised and congratulated the newly baptised members of the Church. In the evening the Primate held a meeting with members of the Parish Council, discussing the Diocesan Bylaws and other questions related to the life of the Parish. In the evening the Primate visited some of the families.

2 This was the fifth visit to Dublin Parish by the Primate since October This six year-old parish has progressed both in spirituality and organisation. The members of parish consist predominately of Armenians from Armenia, Iraq and Syria. 2

3 Ecumenical Life Building Bridges: Armenian and Syrian Churches On 10th May, His Grace Bishop Hovakim paid a fraternal visit to His Eminence Archbishop Mar Athanasius, Primate of the Syriac Orthodox Diocese of the UK, who organised a lunch in honour of His Grace Bishop Armash Nalbandyan, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Damascus and Rev. Dr. Haroutune George Selimian, President of the Armenian Protestant Community in Syria who are currently visiting the UK. The clergy of the Syriac Archdiocese and members of the community were present. The relations between Armenian Apostolic and Syriac Orthodox Churches are historical. Today the two Churches, who share the same faith and are in full communion work closely both on international and national levels. One of the objectives of this fraternal cooperation is to protect human rights and do advocacy work especially in regions of conflict. In Syria both Armenians and Syriac Christians suffer equally and share the same concerns with the people of other traditions and faiths. Ecumenical Life Raising Awareness about Syria On 10th May, His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan visited the House of Commons along with His Grace Bishop Armash Nalbandyan and Rev. Dr. Haroutune George Selimian who were received by Baroness Joyce Anelay, Prime Minister's Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in 3

4 Conflict, Minister of State of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and a member of the House of Lords. The meeting was organised by His Grace Bishop Angelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church. The participants spoke about the situation in Syria. They expressed concerns about the increase of religious extremism and fundamentalism which is spreading across Syria and is threatening the whole region. They stressed the importance of the presence of foreign diplomats in Syria to open up the political dialogue which will lead to a peaceful end to the bloodshed and the brutal war in Syria. Also, the need to increase the humanitarian aid was highlighted by the visitors as well as the urgency of having balanced educational programmes in place after the conflict is over. Community Life Concert Dedicated to 25 th Anniversary of the Independence of Artsakh Saturday, 7th May was an inspiring evening for the Armenians in London who celebrated the victory of the 9th May with a special concert of classical and folk Armenian music dedicated to the 25th Anniversary of Independence of Artsakh at the Navasartian Centre. Pieces composed Gomidas Vardapet, Gusan Haykazuni, as well as based on the poems of well-known Armenian poets Hovhanness Shiraz, Avetiq Isakyan were performed by guest singer Kevork Hadjian. The evening ended with the patriotic song of Sartarabad (words by Barouyr Sevag, music by E. Hovannesian), when the audience joined the singer with applauds and imposing singing. The evening was opened with the blessings of the Primate who introduced Mr. Hadjian as a well-known singer, friend and also a deacon who continuously supports the mission of the Church with his dedicated services. The event was organised by the Armenian Heritage and Cultural Committee of ACC UK with the support of His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate of the Armenian Churches of the United Kingdom and Ireland. 4

5 Parish Life Concert in Oxford for Syrian Relief On Saturday, 7th May, Oxford Armenian Choir organised a charity concert to support the Syria Relief Fund and the #IamArtsakh Twitter fundraising campaign initiated by the Armenian students at Oxford, Cambridge and UCL. The harmonically challenging beautiful melodies of the Armenian Church Hymns (Sharakans) were presented a capella by the choir at Pembroke College Chapel, which was full to its capacity. The choir sang a range of Sharakans from the 10th century to modern times and the programme included pieces by Nerses Shnorhali, Komitas and Yekmalyan. Theo Maarten van Lint, Calouste Gulbenkian Professor of Armenian Studies at Oxford University, gave an insightful introduction to the history of Sharakans and their meaning in Armenian Church services. Rev. Vram Khazarian the visiting pastor of St Yeghiche Church in London also spoke about the symbolism of these hymns. Among the honourable guests at the concert were Bishop Armash Nalbandian, Primate of Damascus, and Rev. Haroutune Selimian, President of the Armenian Evangelicals in Syria, who at the end of the concert spoke to the audience about the struggle of the people in Syria, including the ethnic minority of Armenians, who face war, displacement and poverty, and asked everyone to pray for peace and love. After the concert the guests were invited to a wine reception in the Mary Hyde Eccles room at Pembroke College. The choir's performance was highly praised, and around 600 was raised to be split between the two funds. 5

6 Spirituality Pentecost History of the Feast On 15th May the Armenian Church celebrates Pentecost (Հոգեգալուստ). The word Pentecost derives from the Greek word Πεντηκοστή, which means 50 days. In the Armenian it is called sometimes Hinunk (հինունք). Hinunk (50) is the name that is generally ascribed to the liturgical season starting from Easter Monday until the day of Pentecost or the Descent of the Holy Ghost on the Apostles. Each day in this period is considered a dominical day in honour of Christ s Resurrection and the last day in honour of the Descent of the Holy Ghost. The usual Wednesday and Friday fasts are not observed during this period. The feast of Pentecost is also practised in the Jewish tradition. On the 50 th day after Passover they celebrate the Jewish Pentecost which symbolises the obtaining of the Ten Commandments by Moses on the Mountain of Sinai. The Christian feast of the Descending of the Holy Ghost coincides with the Jewish feast of Pentecost. Biblical Evidence about the Feast Jesus Christ promised His disciples that He would send the Holy Ghost during the Last Supper (John 14:26, 16:7). On the day of Ascension, He commanded them to wait until they received the Holy Ghost (Luke 24:49). According to the Acts of the Apostles it happened on the 50 th day after Easter, when they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak foreign languages as the spirit gave them the gift of 6

7 speech (Acts 2:4). There are two occurrences in the Bible when people spoke different languages. The first time it happened was after the construction of the tower of Babel when God confounded the speech of the people (Genesis 11:8 9). The second time was during Pentecost. Whilst the first time it happened so that people would not understand each other, the second time the languages were divided to preach the word of God. There were many people coming to Jerusalem from different parts of the Roman Empire and the Apostles started to speak the language of those people (Acts 2:4-12). It is said that 3000 men and women were baptised on that day (Acts 2:41). XI). On the day of Pentecost, during the Divine Liturgy, the prayer of St. John Chrysostom (V) Church father is read in the Church. In the evening there is a special right of blessings of the four corners of the world called Andastan. Iconography The images of Pentecost in Armenian iconography date back as early as the XVI century (Gospel of Moughni). The images depicting the scene of Pentecost were drawn by many Armenian Medieval painters such as Kirakos Abakhesti (XIV), Rstakes (XIV) and Mgrtich Painter (XV). Pentecost in the Armenian Tradition The Armenian Church celebrates the feast of the Descent of the Holy Ghost the 50 th day after Resurrection Sunday and it always falls on a Sunday. Depending on the day of Holy Resurrection, the feast of Pentecost is movable and it will befall any Sunday from the 10 th May to 16 th June. The variation is 35 days. Before the twelfth century, the Armenians would celebrate only one day. Catholicos St. Nerses the Gracious ( ) made changes in the Armenian lectionary and calendar. The feast is now celebrated for 7 days. St. Nerses wrote special hymns dedicated to Pentecost. There is also a special hymn dedicated to Pentecost written by St. Gregory of Narek (X- 7

8 Breviary New Testament Readings for 15 th May Acts (2:1-21) The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: Aren t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues! Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, What does this mean? Some, however, made fun of them and said, They have had too much wine. Peter Addresses the Crowd Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit 8

9 on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Gospel of John (14:15-24) Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them. Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself to us and not to the world? Jesus replied, Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. Hymn of Pentecost The Dove that was sent came down with great sound from on high, like the flashing of light; armed the inconsumable disciples with fire while they were sitting in the holy Upper Room. The Dove immaterial, inscrutable, that searches the deep counsels of God and taking the same from the Father signals the awesome 9

10 second coming, has been declared consubstantial [with the Father and the Son]. Blessing in the highest to the One who proceeds from the Father, to the Holy Spirit, through whom the Apostles drank the immortal cup and invited the earth to heaven. Life-giving God, man-loving Spirit, you enlightened with fiery tongues those assembled in unity of love; wherefore today we celebrate your holy coming. The holy Apostles rejoiced with your coming, as they called to unity those who were scattered by the confusion of tongues; wherefore today we celebrate your holy coming. Through the spiritual, holy baptism at their hands you adorned the universe with shining and new garments; wherefore today we celebrate your holy coming. The Message of Pentecost The hymn says the holy Apostles rejoiced with your coming, as they called to unity those who were scattered by the confusion of tongues. Pentecost symbolises the unity of the Church in diversity. Christianity was embodied in different cultures yet remains united in one faith and one Church with the grace of the same Holy Ghost. It reminds of the Church that radiates its mission. The Holy Ghost decorates every Christian with variety of gifts and talents which needs to be brought into the service of humanity through the Church. 10

11 BOOK A STALL AT THE ARMENIAN STREET FESTIVAL! On Sunday 17 th July the Armenian Church and its community will be hosting its 7th annual Armenian Street Festival (ASF), taking over the whole of Iverna Gardens by High Street Kensington. ASF is a celebration of our culture, history, identity and faith; bringing the community and their friends together for a fun day filled with music, food and dancing. Our event attracts over 3000 people including the Armenian community, local residents, friends of our community, and representatives of sister Churches in the UK. On the day we will be offering vendors an opportunity to hire one of our stalls in order to sell their products and raise awareness. Over the years our stalls have sold books, artwork, craftwork, charitable merchandise, jewellery and more. We are offering up to 20 vendors the opportunity to hire one of our stalls for only 100 for the whole day. If you would like to learn more, please us: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk or call Our stalls usually get sold quickly so we recommend contacting us as soon as possible to secure a place at ASF. 11

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13 Diocese of Tavush One Community, One School The objectives of creating Sunday Schools on bordering areas are: organise and coordinate spiritual education in Tavush to underline the scientific, moral and spiritual aspects of religious education in the curriculum of the schools to make the region of Tavush a unique centre of education to see strengthen the practising of Christianity When I grow up I will become like Serbazan Little Nelli is a member of the Church Youth Organisation of Noyemberyan City Between we are planning to create around 70 schools in the region of Tavush Each school will cost around 2000 USD Any child living in the bordering region has a right to spiritual education. The borders are in good hands if we have people there living according Christian values Strengthening Christianity on the borders creates a stronger nation 13

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15 Upcoming Events DIOCESAN PROGRAMMES Forthcoming Events in May, June and July 2016 Bible Studies Every Thursday, at St. Sarkis Church Gulbenkian Hall led by the Primate and the clergy of the Diocese Next dates: 19 th May, 26 th May, 2 nd June 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. Birmingham Parish Divine Liturgy at Birmingham Armenian Mission Parish Sunday 15 th May Cardiff Parish Armenian Church Service at Ararat Church Saturday, 21st May at 10.30am Consecration of the Icon of the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide and in Memoriam of the late Mrs. Dickranouhi Darzi Sunday, 22 nd May in St. Sarkis Church during the Divine Liturgy Dedication Service in Memoriam of Mr. B. Kassardjian Sunday, 22 nd May in St. Sarkis Church at 3:00pm Divine Liturgy and Special Memorial Service for Archbishop Gizirian Sunday, 29 th May, in St. Yeghiche Church (PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE) Divine Liturgy and at 3pm a special remembrance service in memory of the late Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian. Pilgrimage to the Holy Land Postponed until January 2017 Pilgrimage to Holy Etchmiadzin th June Visit to Armenia and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, on the occasion of the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis, Bishop of Rome by the invitation of His Holiness KAREKIN II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. Those who want to attend the public events, please contact Karina Gevorgyan on: karinagevorgyan@hotmail.com Tel:

16 Armenian Street Festival Sunday, 17 th July, 12pm-7pm Iverna Gardens, London W8 6TP 'Four Monuments and a Pilgrimage: Wales and the Armenians' by Canon Patrick Thomas Thursday, 2 nd June at 7pm A lecture on the Centenary of the Genocide and 50th anniversary of establishing the Armenian Professorship at Pembroke College, Oxford. Announcement The (ACN) publishes announcements of any Armenian organisation as it is an inclusive channel of communication. The objectives of ACN are to inform the wider public and its constituency members about: a. Activities of the Primate b. Organisations under the auspices of the Primate; ACT UK, ACYF, Ladies Committee c. Worldwide Armenian Church d. Parishes e. Upcoming events in the community The announcements about the community events are published upon the request of a particular organisation. The articles cannot be longer than 150 words. ACN do not raise funds on behalf of any other organisation except for the Armenian Church (ACT UK, ACYF, ASF, Primate s Office s Ladies Committee, St. Yeghiche, St. Sarkis, Holy Trinity, Dublin, Cardiff, Birmingham, Oxford). Any article, flyer or information that may contain appeals do not represent the Primate s or ACN official position. Prayer Intentions for May: We pray for justice and peace in the world and particularly for the heroic people of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). Having remembered the Holy Martyrs of 1915, we pray for the truth to prevail, and an end to denial, so that genocide may no longer occur in our modern world. 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. 16

17 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 Committee: His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate Garen Arevian Lena Boghossian 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 c/o The Armenian Vicarage Iverna Gardens London, W8 6TP or primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk 17