Armenian Church News. Bishop Hovakim visits K. Tahta Sunday School

Transcription

1 Diocese of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and Ireland Volume 2, Issue 9 11 March 2016 Bishop Hovakim visits K. Tahta Sunday School In this issue: Bp Hovakim visits Sunday School Antonia Arslan visits Dublin Parish Ecumenical Meeting hosted by Bishop of Kensington An Exploration of Armenian Identity 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 Jesus said Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matt. 19:14). Christian education of our children is a pastoral obligation and a priority for our Diocese. That is why our Diocesan clergy make regular visits to Saturday and Sunday Schools to teach children Armenian Church hymns, prayers, history and church etiquette. On Sunday, 6 th March 2016 His Grace Bp Hovakim visited the K. Tahta Armenian Community Sunday School accompanied by Fr Shnork. His Grace presided over the morning assembly conducted by Fr Shnork with active participation of the children. The school children sung Sourp Astvads with much confidence then responded to the liturgical petitionary prayers with Ter Voghormia. Mrs Sona Kalenterian read a passage from

2 Page 2 the Gospel of St Matthew about prayer (Matt. 6:5-13). In his address His Grace spoke about the importance of prayer in our lives. Prayer is a communication with God who is our heavenly father, said His Grace and encouraged the children to pray every day, especially in the morning and before going to bed. After the sermon Fr Shnork taught the children a new liturgical hymn from the Armenian Sunrise service (Arevagali Zhamergoutyoun) followed by the Lord s Prayer sung by everyone. Community Life Antonia Arslan visits the Armenian Community in Dublin Antonia Arslan is an Italian writer and academic of Armenian origins. Her first novel, La Masseria Delle Allodole (Rizzoli, 2004) appeared in English as Skylark Farm. Drawing on the history of her own recent ancestors, it tells of the attempts of the members of an Armenian family caught up in the Armenian Genocide to escape to Italy. The book was the winner of numerous awards, among them the Premio Campiello (2004). Skylark Farm remains in its essentials a factual evocation of the bestiality, endurance and occasional heroism that attended the liquidation of Anatolian Armenia (Sunday Telegraph.) On Sunday, 6 th March, Antonia Arslan met members of the Armenian Community at Taney Parish. She also visited the children of St. Hripsime Sunday School.

3 Page 3 On Monday, 7 th March at 6.30pm at the Italian Institute of Culture in Dublin, the film Skylark Farm was screened. Based on Arslan s novel of the same name, the film addressed the Armenian Genocide in Turkey. On Tuesday, 8 th March at 6.30pm Antonia talked about her career, her books and the connection with her Armenian heritage. The evening was introduced by Siobhan Nash-Marshall, a Professor of Philosophy and the Mary T. Clark Chair of Christian Philosophy at Manhattanville College, where she is also chair of the Philosophy Department. The presence of the Armenian Community was evident on the three nights which was great to witness. There was also an interview conducted with Antonia for RTE and this was aired on Wednesday, 9 th March at 6.05pm on RTE Lyric FM. The Director of the Italian Institute Mrs Renata Sperandio thanked the Honorary Consul Mr. Ohan Yergainharsian for his active presence and to Mrs. Ayda Sarafian Lundon for her important help.

4 Page 4 Ecumenical News Bishop of Kensington hosts Ecumenical Meeting Bishops and representatives of Kensington Churches met together on 9 th March at the house of Rt. Rev. Dr. Graham Tomlin, the Bishop of Kensington. This traditional and informal meeting takes place every six months. During the business lunch the Primates spoke about their priorities and exchanged views on different topics. Questions related to the refugees from Syria, as well as UK EU membership. Bishop Manukyan informed those present about the April 24 th commemoration events and invited the Churches to attend the Armenian Street Festival on 17 th July. The Primates of the Greek, Russian and Syriac Orthodox Churches as well as representatives of the Anglican-Eastern Churches Association were present at the lunch.

5 Page 5 Community Life A Personal Exploration of Armenian Identity By Dorothea Bedigian Ալիքը բերում է մեզ միասին, բայց ժամանակը հեռացնում է մեզ միմյանցից Հուշերը մնում են, այրվելով մեր սրտում: The tide brings us together, but time pulls us apart; Memories remain, burning in our heart. The warm welcome by all at St. Sarkis Church is an unsurpassed experience that shall never be forgotten. The Armenian Apostolic Church has been decisive to broadening my Armenian identity, shaped by my paternal grandparents from Bitlis, and my Aintabsi mother. Born and raised in New York City into an evangelical household that stressed strict, literal adherence to their interpretation of the Bible, and pressured to enrol in an evangelical Bible college, by age 19 I departed from my father's fundamentalism, and began to attend, and to sing in the choir at Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church in Washington Heights, northern Manhattan. There I found its chanted liturgy offers a unique opportunity to experience prayer that penetrates directly to the soul, combined with its fragrant incense, a scent that feeds the soul. These links

6 Page 6 The Armenian Apostolic Church has been decisive to broadening my Armenian identity, shaped by my paternal grandparents from Bitlis, and my Aintabsi mother with our ancient tradition offer identification with our culture, providing a sense of safety, comfort, and familiarity. The holy badarak is a token representation of Armenian identity. Introduced to it during a meaningful and emotional time in my life, it aroused strong sentiment, so that the two became interconnected through language and history, and continue to trigger those emotions now, much later in time. The Armenian Apostolic Church is a repository for the continuity of this heritage. Who are we? What makes us who we are as individuals? And as communities? Cultural heritage consists not only of monuments and collected objects, but of adherences to language, lifestyle, family responsibilities, dress, adornment, cuisine, ceremonies, celebratory customs, beliefs, superstitions, rituals, manners and even gait. One of my significant early memories, is harvesting tender wild grape leaves for fermentation and pickling as a family affair in summer. Shared experiences are formed by people who give it definition, not map boundaries alone. There are numerous categories of self-identification: by profession, politics, religion, residence, employment status, economic status, musical taste, sports team preferences. However, it is ethnic identification that takes on extraordinary importance to Armenians, a result of our history of turmoil. Those shared sorrows, and the frustration we feel about the unacknowledged genocide that prolongs the century old crime against our targeted minority population, generates commonality, and a sense of immediacy even in diaspora. It seems imperative to retain our heritage, especially in consideration of the ever-present genocide denial, wherein Turks would like the world to forget, to remain ignorant. We protect our identity as a national group that another nation, or at least its government and military, had tried to exterminate. It should be understood that the land area referred to as Armenia today is different from the one from which most Armenians in the USA had fled. Most were from the Ottoman Empire, the western provinces of our historic homeland. Thus, the Armenia with which we identify and long for, was a country that we had not seen. This resulted, within me, an ever-present, pervasive, nagging urgency to return, to see with my own eyes, to place my feet on the ground where my mother and grandparents had tread. This became an impetus for my choice to experience traditional lifeways, initially selecting to teach at a college in Sudan, and subsequent travels including a landmark 10-week journey with my mother and sister to visit Aintab, to step inside her old house, and to visit the environs of Bitlis and Van/Vaspurakan, the cradle of Armenian civilization.

7 Page 7 My longing to know more about my Armenian identity propelled journeys to Syria as a researcher While in Sudan, it was an unexpected delight to find an active Armenian community in Khartoum; thereafter, I worshipped with them every Sunday. The Iskenderians of Omdurman offered immeasurable hospitality, becoming my adopted family. Sudan came to feel like a second home, to the extent that when I began graduate study, a portion of my dissertation research was done there, followed by more research there sponsored by the National Geographic Society, and another, on my own. Regrettably, several of the regions where I had worked: the Nuba Mountains and Darfur, have become targets of government oppression today. Correspondingly, Armenian identity has also fed my support for, and desire to protect other disenfranchised ethnic groups, especially in the US and Africa. I ve become a supporter of the Underdog, all those viewed as other by their suppressive dominant cultures. A strong desire to retain the Armenian language is a powerful motivator for me to attend church services. I need to hear the holy badarak chanted and the sermon spoken, in Armenian. Our Armenian language serendipitously opened a research path. It was following my translation of an archaeological site report by Zohrab Kassabian about the Urartian sesame oil workshop at Karmir Blur, outside Yerevan, that my dissertation topic was sealed, and my life work determined. Fate, ճակատագիր, was in charge. I learned more about Armenian traditions; churches that had long been padlocked were opened for me.. My longing to know more about my Armenian identity propelled journeys to Syria as a researcher, as well as for personal reasons, to meet part of my family whose names only, were known to me. I was invited into the homes of Armenian families in Aleppo, Qamishli, Al-Malikiyah, Ain al Arab, ar-raqqa, and Deir Zor. At each point, I learned more about Armenian traditions; churches that had long been padlocked were opened for me. Perhaps I am unusual in this desire to look back. Many contemporaries, including cousins, chose to integrate fully into US culture, intermarrying with odars, even insisting at times, that I not speak Armenian! There is concern that our Diasporan communities might become fossilized in time, although unfortunately, the present fragmentation in Syria returned that cause into current events. The likelihood of assimilation of diaspora-born children of Armenian immigrants astride two cultures necessitates planning as to how to keep the hyphenated-armenian community intact and strong. This requires re-visioning, and opening 21 st century outreach opportunities for education and activities, e.g., even within my short research visit in London, St. Sarkis Church sponsored a bus trip on 16 th January to visit the Bodleian Library exhibit Armenia: 2500 years, followed by celebration of the holy badarak at Pembroke College; the lecture series sponsored by the

8 Page 8 Armenian Centre in Acton Town and by the Armenian Institute; concerts and recitals; and unity with other churches, such as we experienced on the celebration of Vartanantz Day on 4 th February at St. Yeghiche Church, and the magnificent and exceptional Theophania Concert on 27 th February at St. Yeghiche Church that brought together choirs and congregations from Armenian, Coptic, Greek, Maronite, Moldovan, Russian, and Syriac Orthodox churches, joined in solidarity. Announcements from the Primate s Office: From April the Arev Group will start functioning at the Nevart Gulbenkian Hall. Some parents have expressed an interest. Parents who are willing to commit one-hour a month to join the club and register their children, please contact Shakeh on or ishakeh@gmail.com. Some people have approached the Primate s Office regarding the pilgrimage to the Holy Land. We would appreciate if you would send s to the Primate s Office confirming your participation. There will be a lunch on Easter Sunday, 27 th March, at the Tara Copthorne Hotel. If you would like to join, please inform the organisers no later than 20 th March. For more information, please refer to the upcoming events section of this newsletter.

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11 Page 11 This sacred & classical Armenian music concert will be feature: four soloists from the Saghmosergu Male Choir from Armenia: Vahe Begoyan, Andranik Malkhasyan, Abel Kyureghyan and Aren Avetyan Aris Nadirian (Musical Director of the London Armenian Opera) Anais Heghoyan (Mezzo and Chairman of the Armenian Church Youth Fellowship) The London Armenian Opera Chorus to sing sacred and classical music from our treasured Armenian composers Saturday 19 th March 2016 The concert will be at the glorious St. Yeghiche Cathedral in Cranley Gardens, London, SW7 3BB and costs 15 a ticket which can be purchased at the door on the day ALL proceeds from this concert will be donated to Syrian Relief Any questions please contact the Primate's Office on: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk

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15 Page 15 Armenian Armenian Church Church News News Pilgrimage to the Holy Land 6 th 14 th June 2016 A unique opportunity to explore the Holy Land and the legacy of the Armenian Church in Jerusalem Armenians have made pilgrimages to the Holy Land since the 5 th century. It is a unique opportunity for every Christian man and woman to have a spiritual journey and retreat. On 9 th June, the pilgrims will participate in the Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the Feast of Ascension of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (Old Julian Calendar). For the Armenian pilgrims it has another added value because apart from visiting Holy Places they will visit the Armenian quarter and St. James Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem to get acquainted with the legacy of the Armenian fathers in Jerusalem. The group will be led by the Primate, Bishop Hovakim Manukyan. Special guides will facilitate the visits. The group will stay five days in Jerusalem at the Christmas Hotel, two nights in Tiberias at the Boutique Hotel and one night in Tel Aviv at the Deborah Hotel. Cost: 1600 (single room) 1350 (shared room) Includes: accommodation, return flights from London Heathrow to Tel Aviv Airport (including airport taxes and fuel charges), Armenian/English speaking guide services, deluxe coach with free WIFI, entrance fees for tourist attractions on itinerary, half board basis (two meals daily), and farewell dinner. For more information, please contact: primatesoffice@armenianchurch.co.uk

16 Page 16 Upcoming Events DIOCESAN PROGRAMMES Forthcoming Events in March Bible Studies Every Thursday, at St. Sarkis Church Gulbenkian Hall led by the Primate and the clergy of the Diocese Next dates: March 17 th 24 th 31 st 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. Great Lent Liturgy of the Hour of Peace (Խաղաղական ժամերգութիւն) or Liturgy of the Hour of Rest (Հանգստեան ժամերգութիւն) St Sarkis Church continues its tradition of Friday night evening Lenten vigil services. The Services start at 6:30 pm. There will be services on March 11 th, 18 th The services are followed by a Lenten fellowship meal at the Nevart Gulbenkian hall, where the faithful have the opportunity to socialise and encounter the clergy. The faithful are welcome to make a small donation during these meals. Each meal is prepared by a London based Armenian organisation such as Primate s Office, ACYF, St Sarkis and St Yeghiche Ladies Committees and the K Tahta Armenian Sunday School. Liturgy of the Hour of Sunrise (Արեւագալի ժամերգութիւն) There will be the Liturgy of the Hour of Sunrise, in the Armenian Churches at St Yeghiche and St Sarkis Churches every Sunday after the Eucharistic service. There will be also Liturgies of the Hour of Sunrise at St Sarkis Church every Wednesday at 10:30 am on March 16 th Armenian Sacred and Classical Music Concert for Syrian Relief Saturday, 19 th March, 7:30 pm, St. Yeghiche Church A concert of Armenian Sacred and Classical Music welcoming in Holy Week. Musical Director Aris Nadirian and Anais Heghoyan will be coordinating this concert. Invited to perform will be soloists from Saghmosergu male ensemble from Armenia and The London Armenian Opera Chorus. Tickets can be purchased at St. Yeghiche Church on the day at 15 and all profits made from the concert will go to Syria Relief.

17 Page 17 Holy Week Celebrations in the Armenian Churches of Holy Trinity in Manchester, St Sarkis and St Yeghiche in London Palm Sunday (Ծաղկազարդ) and Blessing of Children Sunday, 20 th March, 11:00am The Liturgy will be followed by the rite of Opening of Doors (Դռնբացէք) Holy Thursday Thursday, 24 th March, 11:00am Liturgy of Institution of the Eucharist, 4:30pm Washing of Feet ceremony (Ոտնլուայ), 7: 30pm Passion Evening Good Friday Friday, 25 th March, 4:30pm Burial Service of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Easter Eve Saturday, 26 th March, 5:30pm Easter Eve Liturgy Easter Divine Liturgy Sunday, 27 th March, 11:00am Easter Luncheon Sunday, 27 th March, 2:00pm, Copthorne Tara Hotel To celebrate Easter together and to feel the joy of unity at Eastertide 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. Prayer intentions for March As we are in the Middle of Great Lent, which is also a period of good works and charity, we invite the faithful to pray that families in need may receive the necessary moral and material support, especially those living in Syria.

18 Page 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 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