Armenian Church News

Volume 2, Issue 26 17 September 2016

Diocese of the Armenian Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland

Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross

In this issue:

Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Historic Visit: Kurdish

Mayors visit St. Sarkis

Meeting of Oriental Orthodox Churches

ACYF Meeting

Armenian On 11th September on the Feast of Holy Cross, His Grace Bishop Hovakim Paralympians Manukyan celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Yeghiche Armenian Church, and celebrate with Rev. Fr. Shnork Bagdassarian at St. Sarkis Church in London. Brazilian Armenians

Cultural Exchange The Feast of the Holy Cross is one of the five major or dominical feasts of the th between Armenia Armenian Church. It is based on the historical facts that took place in the 7 and Brazil century, when the Cross of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was liberated

from Persian captivity. While recognising the historical importance of the Feast, the Armenian Church fathers do emphasize the meaning of the Holy Cross as an expression of God’s ultimate and sacrificial love towards humanity. As it indicates in the biblical passage of the day “for God so loved the world that he Diocese of the Armenian gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but Church of the United Kingdom and the Republic have eternal life” (John 3:16). of Ireland

His Grace Bishop Hovakim “It is a profession of love that Jesus expressed for us, and now is the time to Manukyan, Primate answer to this love” said the Primate in his sermon. “Jesus made a sacrifice and

Diocesan Office gave his life for us. Do we understand this and do we reflect deeply on the Tel. 0208 127 8364 meaning of the cross? Sometimes it is very difficult for human beings to give primatesoffice@ armenianchurch.co.uk their lives even for those who they know. But Jesus did it. He did not know us

Armenian Church News

and did not know the generations that were and will be. He did it believing and teaching us that someone must take the lead to bring justice, peace, love and integrity. When we wear the cross on our necks, we need to think about the price that He gave and think also that the cross is not jewellery but our ID as Christians. However, the Christian love is not death love, rather it is life-giving love and life-giving sacrifice - as Armenian Church fathers have stated the Christian cross is a ‘blossomed cross’.

Our people were able to meet challenges throughout the centuries and survive until today despite persecution, because they believed in the mystery of the cross. If we want to continue and make it as Armenian Christians today, we have to follow to this example; Christian love always entails sacrifice. If we are able to

understand this meaning of the cross, the chances are that we will continue to preserve both our identity and spirituality especially in diaspora communities” said the Primate reflecting on the Biblical passage. He concluded his remarks

inviting the faithful to speak about this sacrificial love especially to younger generations who are reluctant to attend Church and sacrifice their Sundays at least five times a year.

Kurdish Mayors Pay Historic Visit to St. Sarkis Report by Nora Vosbigian

On Sunday, 11 September, 2016 (Sourp Khach Day), the co-mayors of Bitlis (Paghesh) and Mutki (Modgan) paid a courtesy visit to St. Sarkis Armenian Church in Kensington, London. Huseyin Olan (Bitlis) and Ozcan Birlik (Mutki) met with the Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic

church in Great Britain, Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, to discuss improving contacts between the Armenian diaspora and Kurdish communities in south-eastern Turkey. The meeting included Ali Gul Ozbek, the Mayor of

Haringey, as well as Ara Sarafian of the Gomidas Institute. The co-mayor's visit was arranged by Sourp Aghperig monastery in Mutki-Sassoon the Gomidas Institute and the Kurdish region. The co-mayor of Mutki would like it community in London. protected as a matter of priority

Both Olan and Birlik are longstanding champions of better Kurdish-Armenian relations and are well aware of the history of Armenians. Over the years

they have met with Armenians in their cities, supported exhibitions on Ottoman Armenians, and even a conference on the Armenian Genocide. The city of Bitlis even renamed a street 2

Armenian Church News

Left to right: Ara Sarafian (Gomidas Institute), Ali Gul

Ozbek (Haringey, Mayor), Bishop Hovakim Manukyan (Primate of Armenian Churches in the United Kingdom & Ireland ), Huseyin Olan (co- mayor of Bitlis) and Ozcan Birlik (co-mayor of Mutki)

after William Saroyan. These are all practical steps aimed at rehabilitating the

memory of Armenians and paving the way to a better future.

During the meeting, Bishop Manukyan told the co-mayors about the history of Armenians in the United Kingdom, and the importance of Turkey's recognition of the Armenian Genocide. He also stressed the need to come to a peaceful and

truthful resolution of such issues.

On the occasion of their visit to St. Sarkis, the co-mayors issued a formal statement acknowledging the Armenian Genocide and inviting Armenians to re-engage with their ancestral lands in Turkey, including Bitlis and Mutki (see below).

The following day, the co-mayors participated at a public forum at the House of

Lords, under the patronage of Lord Hylton, entitled, "Armenians, Kurds and Turks: Towards A Peaceful Resolution of a Painful Past." The event was sponsored by the Gomidas Institute and the Centre for Kurdish Progress.

Statement Dated 11th September 2016 by Hüseyin Olan (co-mayor of Bitlis) and Özcan Birlik (co-mayor of Mutki)

“Today we are visiting our Armenian brothers and sisters at St. Sarkis Armenian

Church in London. It is good to see this fine church and members of its congregation in one of the great capitals of the world. There used to be many such Armenian communities in the Ottoman Empire, within the borders of modern Turkey. They lived on their ancestral lands alongside other communities, until 1915, when they were subjected to the first genocide of the modern era. Over a million Armenians were killed by their own government.

Armenian Church News

Modern Turkey still bears the scars of those days, including in Bitlis and Mutki, where we come from. The Turkish Republic still denies what happened to Armenians.

We can never reverse the terrible legacy of 1915 but, as the mayors of Bitlis and Mutki, we can express our sorrow and extend our hands of friendship to all Armenians. We want to build new bridges with you, to replace those that were

destroyed in the past. The future is in our hands and we can still imagine better days ahead. We hope to see you again in Bitlis and Mutki.”

Ecumenical Meeting of Oriental Orthodox

Church Leaders

On 13th September, Bishop Hovakim Manukyan attended a meeting of the Bishops of the Coptic and Syriac Orthodox Churches, at the residence of the Syriac Orthodox Bishop in London.

They discussed the question of re-starting the work of the Council of Oriental Orthodox Churches. The Oriental Orthodox Churches comprise the

Armenian Apostolic, the Coptic Orthodox, the Syriac Orthodox, the Ethiopian Orthodox, the Indian Malankara Orthodox and the Eritrean Orthodox Churches. These churches celebrate the unity of our faith and are in full communion with one another. They have good relations on a global level.

The heads of the Oriental Orthodox Churches have met on many different occasions, the last meeting having taken place in the Holy See of Etchmiadzin on 23rd April 2015, before the Canonisation Service of the Holy Martyrs of the

Armenian Genocide. 4

Armenian Church News

Armenian Church Youth Fellowship Meeting

On Saturday, 10th September a group of young people met with the Primate, His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, at the Armenian Vicarage to discuss future events for ACYF London. Their agenda is to include spiritual and Christian education, social and cultural programmes and working toward the objectives of the Armenian Church Youth Fellowship. At present they have 10 young men and women participating in events but are in constant need of more helpers. This meeting consisted of some of the former ACYF and new members who committed themselves for 5 years to work hard for the youth in

the Church. Though it was emphasized that the Armenian Church Youth Fellowship should be comprised by Church goers, any Armenian is welcome to join the initiative, as the Church is the community itself and ACYF is a forum where the youth can get acquainted with the Armenian Church and their cultural heritage. Please look out for our announcements in the Primate's

weekly e-newsletter. Some of our future events include: Games Club, Celebrating the Feast of Holy Translators and St. George, our annual Christmas carols concert and our annual Christmas basket delivery for our housebound

elderly.

To be in touch with us or to help support us in any way please contact us on: [email protected] [email protected]

Facebook: ACYF Armenian Church Youth Fellowship 5

Armenian Church News

Armenian Paralympians Celebrate with Brazilian Armenian Community

Rio 2016 started on Wednesday, 7th The Paralympic Games of September, with an incredible opening ceremony. On Sunday, 11th September, the Armenian delegation to The Paralympic Games of Rio 2016 met with around 20 members of the

Armenian community of Sao Paolo and Rio de Janeiro.

The Armenian delegation were represented by the following members: Hakob Abrahamyan – President of the International

Paralympic committee of Armenia and Chef de Mission Raffi Tanielian – British Armenian; Benefactor of the International Paralympic Committee of Armenia and Paralympic Attaché to the Team. Dr. Hrant Achjiyan - Head of the Medical Team. Artak Nersisyan - Coach (Power Lifting) Aytsemik Minasyan – Coach (Swimming)

Greta Vardanyan - Athlete (Power Lifting, 55 kg Category) Margarita Hovakimyan - Athlete (Swimming)

The event was organized by Raffi Tanielian and Andre Kissajikian (Armenian community leader, Sao Paolo, Brazil). 6

Armenian Church News

Also present was Srpazan Nareg Berberian, Primate to the Diocese of Brazil from the Mother See of Holy Echmidzin. His Grace addressed the community members

and athletes, conveying the sense of pride towards the athletes and their endeavours.

Raffi Tanielian, in his address said: “These athletes and coaches are true Armenian heroes. They face discrimination and hardship their entire lives and yet represent their country with pride and honour.”

Greta Vardanyan finished a commendable 5th place overall in her category,

ahead of competitors from countries with significantly more resources including Ukraine, Turkey and Great Britain. On the day of competition, she was supported by around 20 Brazilian Armenians from Rio de Janeiro.

Armenian Church News

Book Exchange at the Brazilian Ministry of Culture

On 8th September 2016, Hakob Abrahamyan, (President of the International Paralympic Committee of Armenia, pictured left), together with Raffi Tanielian, (Benefactor to the International Paralympic Committee of Armenia) met with The Brazilian Ministry of Culture representatives, Mrs Alessandra Moraes (Head of the Legal Deposits Division) and Mrs Claudia

Barbosa (Head of the Exchange Sector) at the Fundacao Biblioteca Nacional (National Library) to present a gift of books by Brazilian authors that had been translated into the Armenian language. The books presented included works

by the Brazilian authors Paolo Coelho and Alberto Mussa.

Messrs. Abrahamyan and Tanielian presented the books as a gift from the Armenian Paralympic Delegation in Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Paralympic Games to the People of Brazil as a gesture of friendship and goodwill.

Armenian Church News

House Blessing – an Armenian Tradition

Bishop Hovakim Manukyan had the pleasure of visiting two families this week for the traditional blessing of the house. Sylva Yeghiazarian and family welcomed him into their home (below), as did Tato Couligian and family. We thank them for their commitment and years of service to the church. If you would like a member of the clergy to visit your home for the blessing, please contact the Primate’s Office.

A Message from the Primates Office: It was a joyous experience for all of us to be involved with ASF 2016. We thank you all volunteers and donors who help us to implement it and carry out our mission and activities. This includes our daily routine work in the office, producing the weekly e-newsletter, maintaining the website, preparing audio and video materials, doing charity work, fostering ecumenical relations and implementing other projects such as mission parish outreach programmes, pilgrimages and day trips organised by Primate’s Office Ladies Committee, workshops, and youth ministry, all for the benefit of the UK Armenian community. These projects would not be possible without your kind donations. Your donations are highly appreciated and greatly essential to continue our mission. For more details, please, see the ACT UK website http://www.armenianchurchtrust.org.uk/ or visit our website armeniandiocese.org.uk. For specific questions please contact the Primates Office at: [email protected] Armenian Church Trust UK Account 205 73160 Sort Code 30 94 65 Please remember us in your wills. Thank you.

Armenian Church News

Upcoming Events

DIOCESAN PROGRAMMES Forthcoming Events in September and October 2016

Fundraising Dinner Saturday, 12th November at the Tara Copthorne Hotel The Primate’s Office Ladies Committee have planned a fundraiser in aid of restoration of the Tomb of our Lord Jesus Christ at the Holy Sepulchre Church in Jerusalem. For more information, please contact the Primate’s Office.

Bible Studies Every Thursday, at St. Sarkis Church Gulbenkian Hall led by the Primate and the clergy of the Diocese Next dates: September 22nd, 29th 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.

Every first Thursday of each month, there will be a lecture series regarding ethical matters and the Armenian Church such as baptism, marriage, mixed- marriages, cremation, the differences between churches, etc.

Deacons Training Programme Every Saturday evening in St. Sarkis Church

Divine Liturgy Sunday, 18th September Liturgy at 11:00am with guest clergy Fr. Torgom Tonoyan in St. Yeghiche

celebrating Badarak and preaching, with the blessings of the Primate. Fr. Torgom is from the Brotherhood of Cilicia, and is currently studying in Cardiff.

Feast of Holy Translators and Blessing of Students in St. Yeghiche Church Sunday, 9th October Liturgy at 11:00am St. Yeghiche and St. Sarkis Liturgy at 11:15 am at Holy Trinity in Manchester The Holy Translators are St. Mesrop Mashtots and St. Sahav Partev, who translated the scriptures into Armenian in the 5th century and laid the foundations of Armenian literature. St. Yeghiche was also one of the Holy Translators and disciple of St. Sahak, and for this reason, a special blessing of students will be held in St. Yeghiche Church, followed by a social gathering at the Armenian Vicarage at 3pm, hosted by Bishop Hovakim. All students are welcome.

Armenian Church News

Lectures by Dr. Tom Samuelian Week of 20-26th November (exact dates and times to be confirmed) Dr. Samuelian, Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at the American University of Armenia will be delivering two lectures, entitled:

 "Narek: Doctor of the Universal Church" - a talk about the significance of the Pope's designation for Christianity and for the Armenian church and

people  "The Global Threat of Impunity for Genocide" - a talk about why impunity for the Armenian and other genocides poses a real and present danger to humanity.

Pilgrimage to Holy Land January 2017

Prayer Intentions for

September:

September is the beginning of schools and universities. We pray

that opportunities for education may increase for all young people and may they have successes in their studies

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.

Armenian Church News

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 1st Sunday of the month. For further details, please contact the parish nearest to you:

Holy Trinity Armenian Church St. Sarkis Church St. Yeghiche Cathedral 229 Upper Brook Street Iverna Gardens 13b Cranley Gardens Manchester, M13 0FY Kensington, London, W8 6TP Kensington, London SW7 3BB Tel: 0161 273 1074 Tel: 020 7937 0152 Tel: 020 7373 8133 www.armenianchurchmanchester.org/ http://www.stsarkisparish.co.uk http://www.styeghiche.org.uk/ 1st SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

Other Parishes of our Diocese:

Cardiff - Tel: + 44 771 279 2304, +44 2920779248. [email protected]

Dublin - Tel: +44 2891 863559. http://www.armenians.ie/

Birmingham – Tel: +44 121 675 1469. St John’s Church, Stratford Road, Birmingham, B11 4EA

Oxford - Tel: +44 7810 490242. [email protected]

Editorial Committee:

His Grace Bishop Hovakim We invite those who have questions or wish to gain deeper understanding Manukyan, Primate of the faith, moral discernment, teachings and traditions of the Armenian Church to contact the Office of the Diocese of the Armenian Church in Garen Arevian United Kingdom and Ireland: Lena Boghossian Hovik Hovhannisyan The Primate’s Office Aznive Simon c/o The Armenian Vicarage Gagik Stepan-Sarkissian Iverna Gardens Sossi Yerissian London, W8 6TP or email: [email protected]