Armenian Church News

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1 Volume 2, Issue June 2016 Armenian Church News Diocese of the Armenian Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland Celebrating the 90 th Birthday of Her Majesty The Queen In this issue: The Queen s Birthday Armenian Street Festival Planning Orthodox and Pentecostal Church Meeting Celebration of Oriental Orthodoxy KCC AGM In Memoriam: Siamanto Karapetian Feast of the Discovery of St. Mary s Box Invitation to ACYO Meeting 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 Her Majesty The Queen s 90 th birthday was officially celebrated in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea at St. Luke s Church in Chelsea on Thursday, 9 th June. Many dignitaries attended the Church, including Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea - Councillor Mrs Elizabeth Rutherford, and others. His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan also attended the service accompanied by Fr. Shnork, Pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Church. Towards the end of the service Fr. Shnork offered a special prayer on behalf of His Grace Bishop Hovakim. Bishop Hovakim also wrote to Her Majesty to congratulate her on her birthday, and convey our best wishes on behalf of the Armenian Community of the United Kingdom and Ireland.

2 The Armenian Street Festival Thousands of Armenians and non-armenians are expected to attend our upcoming Armenian Street Festival which will be taking place on Sunday, 17 th July 2016 around St. Sarkis Church, just off High Street Kensington. The committee is working tirelessly to put on the greatest festival to date with an exciting programme of entertainment including; dancing from the London-based Akthamar Dance Group, singing by the Gomitas choir of the Tekeyan Trust, duduk (ծիրանափող) playing by Gevorg Karapetyan and finally a surprise celebrity guest who is sure to get the crowd into a frenzy! The day will include speeches and lots of fun activities for our young guests. There will of course be lots of Armenian home-cooked food for our festival goers to enjoy as well as stalls selling art, jewellery, books and more! The festival will open with a traditional rite of blessing the four corners of the world presided over by our Primate and leaders of our sister Churches. Keep up to date with all the latest info below: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: 2

3 Ecumenical Life Meeting of Orthodox and Pentecostal Church Leaders at the Coptic Orthodox Church Centre On 6 th June, as part of a Churches Together in England (CTE) initiative, The Coptic Orthodox Church Centre in the United Kingdom hosted an unprecedented meeting of Orthodox and Pentecostal Church leaders. The fraternal meeting, which aimed to build relationships, as well as discuss the issues of the persecuted Church and mission, was facilitated by His Grace Bishop Angaelos (General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom), Bishop Dr. Eric Brown (Pentecostal President of CTE, and Bishop of the New Testament Church of God), and The Very Revd Archpriest Maxim Nikolsky of the Russian Orthodox Church. Representatives of Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches were present at the meeting. The Armenian Church was represented by Rev. Shnork Bagdassarian, Pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Church. Ecumenical Life An Evening Celebrating Oriental Orthodoxy On Sunday, 12 th June, St. Mary of Zion Ethiopian Orthodox Church Parish in London organised a spiritual, social and fund-raising event entitled An Evening Celebrating Oriental Orthodoxy. Amongst the participants there were representatives from the Armenian, Coptic, Syrian, Endian Malabar 3

4 and Eritrean Orthodox Churches. The Church choir and members of the young acolytes sung some liturgical hymns from the Ethiopian Orthodox Liturgy. Rev. Fathers Vram Ghazaryan and Shnork Bagdassarian represented the Armenian Apostolic Church. In his address Fr. Shnork thanked the clergy and the congregation of St. Mary of Zion Ethiopian Orthodox Church Parish for their hospitality and on behalf of all Oriental Orthodox Churches in the UK wished them success in their fund-raising efforts. Ecumenical Life Kensington Council of Churches AGM The Kensington Council of Churches Annual General Meeting took place in St. Mary Abbots Vicarage Garden on 7th June 2016, at 7 pm. A. Violetta Barzankian-Kaydan attended the meeting on behalf of St. Sarkis Church and was re-elected to the Executive Council for the fourth year. The Retiring Chairman, the Revd James Mather, on reporting on the past year's activities expressed his thanks to those of all who had attended the Unity Service at St. Sarkis in January this year. He said that all were inspired and impressed by the Service and also by the reception that followed and the lovely food they were offered at no expense to the KCC. There was a round of applause, gratefully received by Violetta. The Unity Service takes place once a year, in different churches in the borough. With the blessings of the Primate, His Grace Bishop Hovakim, she also invited the members of KCC to attend the next Annual Armenian Street Festival on 17th July. At the conclusion of the AGM all present shared a light supper. 4

5 Community Life In Memoriam: Siamanto Karapetian On 27 th May, one of the most prominent members of our community, Siamanto Karapetian, passed away at age 77. The funeral took place on 11 th June, The editorial team of ACN shares the grief and send their condolences to the Karapetian family, praying for his loving memory. Siamanto Karapetian Born on 20 th July 1939, in Tehran, to parents Hambarzoum and Lousik Karapetian, Siamanto Karapetian was educated to a high degree in Iran, where he also spent an active youth and adulthood in the Armenian sporting and cultural associations of Tehran, namely Ararat. He married Elba Ghahramanian in 1964 and was blessed with two children, Emil and Carolyn. Siamanto Karapetian was a construction engineer and a businessman and in 1981, he moved to London with his family, and continued in the same profession, until recently, when he retired. In 1985 when the Armenian Scouting Association of England joined Homenetmen, a worldwide Scouting and Sports organisation, and became a subsidiary of the same, Siamanto Karapetian was elected in the first Executive Committee of Homenetmen London Chapter, and became its Executive Chair. He was instrumental and played an important role in the organisation and staging of the Homenetmen Worldwide Jamboree, which took place in London, in August As a result of his hard work and efforts, during his time as the Chairman of Homenetmen London, in 1987 he was elected as a member of the executive committee of Homenetmen Worldwide, taking the role of European 5

6 representatives. With his great efforts and dedication, Siamanto Karapetian established the Armenian Community Centre (ACC) in 1988, which the community utilised and enjoyed for many years. In the same year, proceeding the tragic earthquake in Armenia, with his efforts, the ACC was transformed into an earthquake relief process centre, and even before the fund raising had begun in earnest, Siamanto donated 20 portacabins to Armenia, to help with the relief operation in Spitak. At the same time, he also helped establish the AID ARMENIA charity fundraising organization, to enable fundraising and distribution of aid to Armenia. With his dedication and efforts, in 1989 a group of orphans from the earthquake were able to visit London, where they were placed with families in London and enjoyed a few weeks of rest and respite from their troubled and destroyed life. He secured God Parents for these children, taking a few under his own wing, for whom he cared for until adulthood. On 20 th February 1989, he was awarded the most prestigious medal, Grigor Lusavorich Shqanshan by the Late Catholicos, Vazken I. In the 35 years Siamanto lived in London, he was an active member of the Armenian community. In the 1980 s he was a member of the Armenian Community and Church Council of Great Britain and always kept very close ties with his motherland, Armenia. Siamanto Karapetian s sudden death on 27 th May 2016, has caused untold anguish and sadness to his wife of 52 years, to his children and grandchildren, as well as family and friends. His happy, charitable and selfless memories will live on in all those who had the pleasure and honour of knowing and working with him. May God Bless His Soul. Gospel Readings: Matthew 13:24-30 The Parable of the Weeds Jesus told them another parable: The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. The owner s servants came to him and said, Sir, didn t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from? An enemy did this, he replied. The servants asked him, Do you want us to go and pull them up? No, he answered, because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn. 6

7 Spirituality The Feast of the Discovery of St. Mary s Box On 19 th June the Armenian Church celebrates the feast of discovery of the box of St. Mary, Mother of God, in Armenian Գիւտ Տփոյ According to tradition, while en route to Jerusalem on a pilgrimage, two Greek princes came across a chest that once belonged to St. Mary. In Galilee, they saw a large crowd gathered in front of a Jewish woman s house. They inquired and found that the sick are being healed due to the inexplicable power of the chest. The princes brought the box to Constantinople and presented it to the Patriarch, who placed it in the Church of St. Mary. The Patriarch then established the Feast of the Discovery of St. Mary s Box The Armenian Church celebrates this feast upon the order of the Catholicos Simeon from Yerevan, who accepted this tradition from the Greek Orthodox Church in the late 18th century. Invitation to Attend Armenian Church Youth Organisation (ACYO) Meeting For centuries, the ancient Armenians celebrated the New Year, Navasard, on 11 th August (Navasard Areg by their calendar). It was the first day of the ancient Armenian calendar, and during it, Armenians rich and poor gathered together for a festival commemorating Hayk's victory and establishing the first kingdom of Armenia in 2492 BC. Navasard lasted from 11 th August until 9 th September. It was also customary to organise Armenian sports and games 7

8 on that day. Members of the Armenian Church Youth Organisation (ACYO) will meet on 11 th August, at 7:30pm, at Gulbenkian Hall, Iverna Gardens, W8 6TP to identify new talented leaders and discuss upcoming activities. This was the first decision of the initiative group who met with the Primate on Sunday, 12 th June. The committee would be happy to invite all of you to be part of the Armenian Church Youth Organisation (ACYO). We are looking for enthusiastic, bright Armenians to join us. We are open to everyone no matter if you have just arrived in the UK or were born here, if you are Parskahye or Erevantsi - your opinion and thoughts are important to us and moreover your presence is appreciated. The meeting will follow up by the Armenian Games contest which will take place on Sunday afternoon, 14th August, on the Feast of Assumption of St. Mary (Asdvadzazin). Announcement The Armenian Church News (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. 8

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13 Upcoming Events DIOCESAN PROGRAMMES Forthcoming Events in June, July and August 2016 Bible Studies Every Thursday, at St. Sarkis Church Gulbenkian Hall led by the Primate and the clergy of the Diocese Next dates: 16 th, 23 rd, 30 th 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. Deacons Training Programme Every Saturday evening at St. Sarkis Church starting from 24 th July, 2016 Divine Liturgy in Birmingham Sunday, 19 th June, 1:30pm Divine Liturgy at the Mission Parish of Birmingham (St John s Church, Stratford Road, Birmingham, B11 4EA) Monthly Meeting of Priests Monday, 20 th June, 7 pm St. Sarkis, Vicarage ASF Planning Committee Meeting Tuesday, 21 st June, 7 pm St. Sarkis, Vicarage Pilgrimage to Holy Etchmiadzin 24-26th 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. Feast of Transfiguration of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Sunday, 3 rd July Divine Liturgy - 11:00am St. Yeghiche and St. Sarkis, 11:15 am Holy Trinity Manchester The Feast of Transfiguration is known as Baydzaragerbootiun in Armenian. It is one of the five principal feasts of the Armenian Church. In Armenia it is also known as Vartavar (the Festival of Roses) after the old pagan feast, which it replaced. The feast has New Testament roots and is based on the accounts of Synoptic Gospels such as Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:11-7; Luke 9: In the Armenian calendar, the feast takes place on the 14th Sunday after Easter 98 13

14 days later so it is movable within an interval of 35 days, from 28 th June to 1 st August. The Orthodox and Catholic churches observe the feast of Transfiguration on a fixed day, 6 th August. Armenian Street Festival Sunday, 17 th July, 12:00 pm-6:00 pm Iverna Gardens, W8 6TP Celebrating the 1 st of Navasart, Armenian New Year and Youth Gathering Thursday, 11 th August, 7 pm Gulbenkian Hall, W8 6TP Visit to Stratford upon Avon, Home of William Shakespeare Friday, 12 th August The visit will include visit to Shakespeare s birthplace, Hall s Croft, Ann Hathaway s Cottage. For details, please contact Jeanine Gulvanesian or Karina Gevorgian, s: karinagevorgyan@hotmail.com or jgulvanessian@btinternet.com. Feast of Assumption of St. Mary (Astvadzazdin) and Blessing of Grapes Sunday, 14 th August Liturgy at 11:00am St. Yeghiche and St. Sarkis, 11:15 am at Holy Trinity in Manchester Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy and Life-Giving Cross Sunday, 11 th September Liturgy at 11:00am St. Yeghiche and St. Sarkis, 11:15 am at Holy Trinity in Manchester Feast of Holy Translators Sunday, 9 th October Liturgy at 11:00am St. Yeghiche and St. Sarkis, 11:15 am at Holy Trinity in Manchester Pilgrimage to Holy Land January

15 Prayer Intentions for June: We invite the faithful to pray for the volunteers who give their time and energy to help the Communities and Churches in their works and duties 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. 15

16 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 16