Ջահակիր APRIL 2020

ST. JOHN ARMENIAN CHURCH NEWSLETTER

In this issue: Christian Stewardship SEE PG. 16 April 24 SEE PG. 17 Ecumenical Relationship SEE PG. 21

1 Table of Contents (Click to navigate)

Pastor’s Message 3-4

Parish Council Message 5

St. John Outreach Ministry Endures Through Pandemic 6

Sunday School Continues Remotely Despite Disruption 7

Service in Action: ACYOA takes a mission trip to Atlanta 8

St. John Youth Events 9

ACYOA Seniors Chapter Connection 9

Bishop Daniel Urges All to Return to Christ 10

Women’s Guild 11

Men’s Society 11

The Komitas Choir Sings Our Praises 12

St. John Music Guild 2020 Concert Series CANCELLED 13

Featured Photos 13

Remembering the Day of the Armenian Der Hayr 14

Celebration of St. Vartanants 14

Lenten Services Continued despite the stay-at-home orders 15

Christian Stewardship: A way of life 16

Armenian Genocide Continues Today 16

April 24, 1915 – April 24, 2020 (Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow) 17

Lights of Life from the Mount (reflection) 18

The relation between the Orthodox and the Armenian Church (1165 – 1174) 21-23

Bible Trivia 24

Mission Statement Pastor & Editor-in-Chief Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian The mission of Torchbearer is to Rev. Fr. Armash Bagdasarian Assistant Pastor inform every Armenian about the Ar- Navasart M. Mardoyan Editor menian Church and her spiritual mis- Vardan Sargsyan Graphic Designer sion. The Torchbearer is an extension Ara Belian Contributor of the mission of St. John’s Armenian Church. The Torchbearer will provide Arsen Terjimanian Contributor knowledge and information about the Contributor Denise Karakashian Armenian Apostolic and Orthodox Dn. Rubic Mayilian Contributor Church, her history, theology, sacra- Dr. Gary Zamanigian Contributor ments, services, hymns, mission, the Jenny Morris Contributor understanding of the Bible and Holy Lena Montgomery Contributor Tradition. Linda Jevahirian Contributor Lisa Mardigian Contributor MESSAGE

Pastor’s Message The Empty Tomb

With hearts and faces full of radiant joy, dear brothers and sisters, we once again celebrate the Divine Resurrection-the miracle of miracles of our Christian faith, and the greatest event in all of history. The Resurrection of our Lord is simultaneously a historical event and an extraordinary miracle. As an event, it occurred in history, certified by men in the same way as other historical events. As a miracle, it remains be- yond time and space, and for man, beyond his comprehension. It is explicitly a miracle, and therefore, nat- urally inexplicable. For this reason, the Armenian Church does not seek to explain our Lord`s Resurrection; the Armenian Church merely proclaims it in faith. Such metaphysical acts of God cannot be scientifically researched by man. Rather, they must be venerated in faith by all. The Apostles, as eyewitnesses of the Resurrection, presented themselves to the world, not as interpreters of how Christ rose from the dead, but as preachers of the fact that He did rise! With this belief the Apostles ended their lives, often with martyrdom. St. Peter and St. John say in the Book of Acts, Chapter 4, “For we cannot keep from telling what we have seen and heard.” The Resurrection can be demonstrated to be a historical fact. As a miracle, it cannot be explained – it is incomprehensible. As an event of history, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the basis and foundation of all the Church`s preaching over the centuries. The Armenian Church is also a living testimony to the authen- ticity of Christ`s resurrection. How else could the Church have come into existence? In the first letter of St. John, Chapter 1, it says “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched – this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. St. Paul goes even deeper into the mystery when he writes in First Corinthians, “And if Christ did not rise, our preaching means nothing, and your faith means nothing.” Thus, we see that the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is inseparably linked with the Christian message and its proclamation. The preaching of the Holy Apostles was not founded upon myths, nor upon philosophical ideologies, but upon unquestionable historical facts. In the second letter of St. Peter, he says, “We did not follow any untruths when we told you about the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of His majesty.” The Resurrection of Christ, as something that occurred within the limits of time and space, is not only witnessed by the existence of the Church, but also by the tremendous influence that the Church has exerted upon the secular world for nearly two thousand years. In The Book of Acts, Chapter One, we read, “After his suffering he presented himself to them in convinc- ing ways that he was alive, such as appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking about the Kingdom of God.” After his resurrection Jesus spoke to the Apostles for forty days and nights, appeared to them, allowed them to touch Him, ate with them, walked with them, and taught them. His disciples felt His presence so vibrantly that their hearts were enlivened! St. John Chrysostom writes, “A great proof of the Resurrection of Christ is the great power He manifested after His death. His resurrection convinced the Apostles to abandon their country, their home, their friends, their relatives, their wives, children and parents, and to take little thought of the danger to their own lives. All these are the achievements, not of a dead man who remained in his grave, but of a resurrected God.” The Resurrection of Christ as a miracle, is not only an historical event, but something which we live every day. In more recent times, as in the time of the Apostles, numerous people preferred to die rather than to deny their Lord`s Resurrection. The Gospel’s proclamation that Christ rose, affirms the faith of the Apostles, the martyrs, and the righteous. It justifies ALL their struggles, even the blood which they shed for the mysteries of the faith. The Apostles knew that their Lord had risen.

3 MESSAGE

We, children of the Armenian Church, have also been witnesses since time immemorial of the Resur- rection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Our emphasis of his Resurrection is evident in the fact that our crosses, whether on our necklace, on our altars, on our domes, or held in the hands of our priest’s, bear the symbol of the Resurrection of our Lord from the dead, with its radiance and beauty. The Armenian people have passed through history and have given everything they had in defense of their deep-rooted Christian faith. The Battle of Avarayr is proof of this steadfast devotion. Our prayers, our sharagans, our architecture, our man- uscripts and our unshakeable faith, even throughout the period of the Armenian Genocide, has sustained us AND propelled us to never forget or abandon our risen Lord! The Armenian Apostolic and Orthodox Church has gloriously proclaimed throughout our history and does so on this day too…. “Christ is risen from the dead, Blessed is the Resurrection of Christ! Krisdos Haryav i Merelots, Orhnial e Harutyunn Krisdosi!”

Prayerfully, Rev. Fr. Armash Bagdasarian Assistant Pastor

“He has risen; he is not here!” – MARK 16:2-6

4 MESSAGE

Parish Council Message Journey of Service

Over six years ago, I began my journey as a member of St. John Armenian Church Parish Council. To be voted in by your peers at the Parish Assembly was an honor and to this day, it still is. To have an opportunity to serve your church as a member of the Parish Council and to be able to give back to it, is something I hope that everyone has an opportunity to do. Throughout these six years, my love for St. John Armenian Church and the people of the Church has grown exponentially. I learned so much about how the church is run day-to-day and what it takes financially to keep it going. Until you take this role, in my opinion, you really do not know. The achievements of goals that were set by the Parish Council and the relationships that were forged with the employees, members of the Parish Council, Auxiliary Organizations and our Clergy is what I will always cherish. It has been such a rewarding experience and I have many people to thank for that. Being a member of St. John Armenian Church is an honor. It is a blessing to have our Sanctuary, our campus and our parishioners who give their love, sweat, and tears to make our church a home. Generations have come and gone between our two locations on Oakman Boulevard and Northwestern Highway and I thank those past and present parishioners who have given us the opportunity to pray and socialize at St. John Armenian Church. I was raised in our church. It started with the sacrament of baptism by Hayr Paren Avedekian (now Archbishop Paren); Sunday School beginning with Kindergarten and all the way through Church School graduation; a member of ACYOA Juniors and Seniors; an Acolyte; member of Men’s Society and a member of Parish Council. Because of my years of activity at St. John Church, in addition to my family, the church has been an integral and important part of my childhood and adulthood. It has helped mold me into the man I am today. I have my family to thank for the love I hold for my church. I have seen my parents’ and grandparents’ endless love and dedication to their Church. As a child, waiting for them to return home from their Choir or Women’s Guild or Men’s Society or Parish Council meetings, I did not understand why they were not home on certain evenings of the week and why they continued to do it. Now I know why. We all work tirelessly for our church so that the future generations can worship, love, appreciate and enjoy our Church. To those who have interest in being an instrumental part of St. John Armenian Church, I ask you to do so. No matter what it is. If it should be on Parish Council, I hope that it is as rewarding for you as it has been for me.

Sincerely, Christopher Korkoian

5 CHURCH NEWS

St. John Outreach Ministry Endures Through Pandemic

By Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian cal (including Holy Week) services. Bible Study, Catechism, Pastor & Editor-in-Chief connections with our ACYOA Srs. and Jrs., Little Saints, or- ganizational meeting and most recently, the re-engagement During these difficult and challenging days, the pastors of our Church School have all been done via modern tech- and parish council of St. John have completely changed the nology platforms. way we implement our ministries. Over the past few weeks St. John is committed to continue all of its ministries un- we have begun our “Seerov Jash” (meal with love) to those til this Pandemic passes. Perhaps we can find the blessing in who are amongst the most vulnerable and most in need of disguise and some of these technologies will continue when a hot meal. We continue to “live-stream” all of our liturgi- we begin a “new normal” life moving ahead.

Liturgical services livestreamed over facebook with the help of high school junior Jack Hale behind the camera.

Armenian young adults from all across the country reflect on the coronoavirus during ACYOA's weekly "Diving Deep" discussions. 6 CHURCH NEWS

Sunday School Continues Remotely Despite Disruption

Musical Program

Twice a month, children of all ages attend and sing hymns under the di- rection of Mrs. Paulette Apkarian and piano accompaniment by Nicolas Sara- fian. Students learn music and words while singing with their peers.

Thanksgiving Baskets

This year fifteen baskets were delivered Sunday school students performing at the 2019 Christmas program to families affiliated with our church, the AGBU school and the community By Lena Montgomery A special message from Father Aren to at large. Families are referred for as- Contributor parents and caregivers: sistance and baskets are prepared and delivered confidentially. St. John Armenian Church’s Sunday • Your child’s Christian Education School’s staff are moving forward by is important to us. We are asking Thanksgiving Dinner connecting with their classroom stu- families to commit to allowing their dents remotely. Our plan includes the children to join with teachers re- Our annual Thanksgiving dinner was following: motely for one hour a week. another success this November, 2019. • We want children/students to con- The monetary donations from the • Connect minimally for one hour a tinue to connect with their church event were sent to CASP to sponsor week with all grades family. four children in . • A regularly scheduled time will be • We love our Church School children Christmas Program set and their connection with their • No one will connect during Sunday church is important to all of us. This year’s (2019) Christmas program morning service; we are encouraging As always, thank you for your contin- was led by the senior class. Sevana all families to stream into the service ued interest in connecting remotely Mailian directed the student stars and to experience Badarak together with the St. John Church School staff children’s choir in an original rendition • Staff are promoting the Church to promote your child’s spiritual and of what really happened in Whoville. School curriculum, however, are not Christian development while protect- restricted to use only the curriculum ing everyone’s physical health. TOYS for TOTS • Parents in the early grades are wel- come to join in the lesson Our Sunday School also completed the This annual project sponsored by the following activities: church school continues the tradition Sunday, May 19, 2020 remains of gathering toys to be distributed as our scheduled last day for Church Worship Program part of this nationally recognized cam- School as of right now. There are many paign. Parishioners filled the lobby unknowns and we will consider ex- Students participate in clergy led wor- with acts of kindness and generosity tending our last day, however for right ship services. Lessons are designed to for the youngest, most vulnerable chil- now, we are following the Governor’s help teach the students the Divine Lit- dren in our community. Executive Order to remain safe and urgy so they may more fully participate healthy. and understand our faith as they con- tinue to grow and develop their rela- tionship with God. 7 CHURCH NEWS

Service in Action: ACYOA takes a mission trip to Atlanta

Jenny Morris said Lerna Lacinian of St. John, South- pants were welcomed with open arms, Contributor field, MI. This was the overwhelming entering the homes as strangers and feeling of the participants. Each morn- leaving as family. They shared life ex- After a long hiatus, the Armenian ing the group gathered for a meditation periences as they prayed together and Church Youth Organization of Ameri- led by the trip’s chaplain, Fr. Yeprem broke bread together. ca (ACYOA) Mission Trip was revived Kelegian. He noted, “They were always On Saturday evening, the group this past weekend, offering a week- ready to go deep in the meditations. gathered at “Hye Doon” for vespers, end-long, faith-based service trip to Their compassion and love were evi- dinner, and fellowship. The partici- young adults across the Eastern Di- dent in all their interactions with the pants provided and served dinner to ocese. The ACYOA Central Council parishioners of the Atlanta parish. I am the parishioners and enjoyed time to- was excited to offer this ministry by filled with joy because if these are the gether, with songs and laughter filling partnering with Habitat for Humani- type of people who will be stepping up the room. ty of North Central Georgia to build a in the Armenian Church, then we can The weekend culminated Sunday home, while also serving the Armenian rest easy. It will be okay.” morning, as the newly appointed full- Church of Atlanta Mission Parish in Participants spent two days work- time pastor, Fr. Norayr Kazazian, cele- Roswell, GA. ing outside, preparing materials to brated the Divine Liturgy to a full sanc- Seventeen young adults ranging build a home for a single mother and tuary. The group was spiritually moved from college students to working pro- her son in a rural community forty-five Sunday morning as they came together fessionals participated in the trip. The minutes north of Atlanta. The group to worship. Celene Phillip of St. John, group was organized by Jennifer Mor- was impressed by the humility of the Southfield, MI remarked, “The Bada- ris of the Department of Youth and Habitat staff and volunteers who guid- rak hymns that I’ve spent my whole life Young Adult Ministries, and her col- ed them through their work experience hearing in our large St. John’s sanc- league, Kathryn Ashabahian, assisted and enabled them to be successful in tuary provoked the same feelings in during the trip. challenging tasks that involved saws, me as in the mission parish. I realized “God called on us to take part in this nail guns, and heavy lumber. that the Armenian Church is the peo- mission trip. He brought us together as On Friday evening, the group split ple and energy that fills the room, not a family and as to serve,” up to visit two homes of parishioners in the adornments in the sanctuary or the the Armenian community. The partici- number of parishioners in the pews.” 8 CHURCH NEWS

St. John Youth Events By Lisa Mardigian | Contributor

ACYOA Juniors

The ACYOA Juniors were able to host three Lenten dinners this past winter. They were well received! Thank you to all our ACYOA Juniors and Seniors who helped set-up, serve and clean-up and a special thanks to all the parents and pa- rishioners for their continued support. The ACYOA Juniors along with St. John’s parishioners volunteered at World Medical Relief on Saturday, March 8th. Following the service outreach, the Juniors enjoyed lunch with Fr. Aren and Fr. Armash at Loui’s Pizzeria in Ha- zel Park!

Youth Basketball Program

St. John’s youth basketball program runs from October thru March and participate in the Orthodox Youth Athletic As- College Visits sociation league for youth and men’s division. Biddy bas- ketball ages 5-12yr old are run by coaches Rich Apkarian, This past winter, Lisa Mardigian, under the guidance and sup- Dikran Callan, Armen Arslanian and Nubar Gambourian. port of Fr. Aren and Fr. Armash arranged college visits. The Our teenagers are led by coaches David Najarian, Dikran purpose of these visits is to stay connected Armenian youth at- Kurjian and Aram Cholakian. Thank you to our Saturday tend college, as well as youth of St. John Armenian Church. We score keepers Armen Oknayan and Kevork Mardoyan and are grateful to all those students who join our outreach mission. concession stand volunteers Marilyn Dadian and Susie Mar- We were able to visit University of Michigan, Central Michigan doyan. This is positive way for kids from different orthodox University, Michigan State University, and Kalamazoo College. churches to compete in a healthy setting! Thank you to our Our parish graciously gifted each student a “Here I am Lord” pastors, parish council, and the staff of St. John’s for their prayer book for young adults which was well received. dedication to our youth.

ACYOA Seniors Chapter Connection

Lisa Mardigian Diocesan theme of “Build- Contributor ing the Body of Christ” and the ACYOA’s role in parish On Saturday, February 1st, life. Our seniors contributed our ACYOA held a chap- to the meeting by planning ter connection hosted by a tentative calendar and ACYOA Central Council brainstorming for future en- member Nora Knadjian. The deavors. All enjoyed Nora’s gathering went from 10am- sessions and we look for- 2pm and touched upon the ward to future gatherings.

9 CHURCH NEWS

Bishop Daniel Urges All to Return to Christ

By Arsen Terjimanian Contributor

February 29, 2020 was a very spe- cial day at St. John Armenian Church of Detroit, Michigan. Not just because it was a Leap Year Day and not because it was the last day of a miserably cold and snowy month, but because our Diocesan Primate Bishop Daniel Find- ikyan came to town and led us at the Father Diran and Yeretsgin Rosalie Pa- pazian Parish Retreat. This was our 25th annual retreat and the theme was “Repentance and Building up the Body of Christ”. Al- most 100 people attended, and actively participated in the day-long gather- ing. After registration and continental breakfast, the retreat started with an opening prayer by Fr. Armash Bag- The Primate presenting his lecture at St. John Armenian Church on February 29, 2020. dasarian, assistant pastor, and an in- troduction by Elise Papazian, co-chair We, human beings, live in a world of say “I can do this myself” and turn of the Retreat Committee. This was sin: mistakes, misdeeds, transgres- away from God. followed by a short but stimulating sions, crimes, moral lapses, anything The opposite of sin is not per- “getting to know you” exercise, led by and everything that distract us from fection, but it is a transformative Fr. Aren Jebejian, pastor, to make all undivided devotion to the Lord. We’re change of heart (“Metanoia” in Greek present ready to listen to the Bishop’s all too aware of the seven Deadly Sins, “Mεταoνια”), seeking union with God. insightful instruction. namely Pride, Envy, Anger, Gluttony, Repentance begins when one realizes Bishop Daniel spoke on the topic of Covetousness, Sloth and Lust. When that one has turned away from God, sin and of repentance, or abaskharouti- we sin, we simply turn away from God. and while feeing sorry and elements of un (“ապաշխարութիւն”, in Armenian). The tragic myth of this life is that we regret, pain and darkness, reflection, and transformation are always pres- ent in the concept of metanoia to some degree, one hears the call of Jesus that exhorts “Come Back to Me”. The pow- erful hand of God is stretched out to us. Abashkharoutiun is a call that takes away the supplicant’s sadness, mourn- ing and lament and brings joy and hap- piness upon returning the person to a renewed relationship with God.

Annual Retreat CONTINUES ON PAGE 12 Bishop Daniel, Fr. Garabed, Fr. Aren, Fr. Armash, and parishioners.

10 CHURCH NEWS

Women’s Guild

By Denise Karakashian with a church service followed by a lun- ing and, of course, these items will Contributor cheon and our monthly membership be for sale. We are gearing up for our meeting. June membership dinner and meeting Since the beginning of January, Baking for our Palm Sunday Bake where we traditionally honor members Women’s Guild has been a busy group Sale was ongoing, but that came to a for their years of service. of ladies. A committee worked diligent- halt as everyone heeded the call to stay In addition, Women’s Guild is ac- ly to prepare a delicious lunch after home in an effort to slow the spread of tively working on some outreach ini- Armenian Christmas service, on Jan- COVID-19. Unfortunately, the Bake tiatives as well as our usual projects uary 6th. The Women’s Guild visited Sale was put on hold until a later time and functions. During a meeting in the Manoogian Manor on January 25, and the Easter Tea will not take place February, members learned how to during which Fr. Armash led a service as it usually does. Those delicious Ar- make plarn (plastic yarn) out of plastic for Armenian Christmas and offered menian goodies so much in demand grocery-type bags for mats and blan- communion to the residents. will have to wait until a later date. kets for the homeless. Our knitting In March, Women’s Guild held its Our Spring Fundraiser has taken a group continues to meet to knit baby Annual Saintly Women’s Day to honor different shape this year. We plan to blankets, caps, and scarves for South Saint Junia (relative of St. Paul, who have special preparation days to make Oakland Shelter and make baby blan- mentioned her in his epistle to the some of the Armenian goodies that kets for Stitched with Love which are Romans [16.7]) and Saint Khosrovi- always seem to be in high demand. shipped to Armenia for mothers in tookt (sister of King Tiridates III) who Some of these days will offer teaching need through Armenian Missionary played an important role in the early opportunities to show how the items Association of America (AMAA). Christian Church. The morning began are made for those interested in learn-

Men’s Society

By Ara Belian Major Functions: • FAWN Movie/Gave check to FAWN Contributor • Helped cook at church picnic • Men’s Retreat • Helped in kitchen at Bazaar • 3 Pancake Breakfasts The single greatest challenge the • Established Hye Camp Scholarship Men’s Society faced this past year • Nushkhar Baking (proceeds to be used beginning used was poor attendance at our signature • Ice Cream Social next year) themed events. My personal thanks to all those members who put forth so • Belgian Waffle Breakfast • Held barbecue honoring Bishop much of themselves to make the year • Chili Cook Off Daniel Findikyan an enjoyable one. • Candidates Lunchoen • Had a food table at Der Diran's Funeral • Tenth Annual Health Fair and Blood Future Projects Drive Capuchins/Men’s Clothing • Helped underwrite the cost for Drive printing the "Prayers for Healing" Continue to enhance our Sunday book Breakfast/Brunch Program, wine tast- • Detroit Tigers vs Cleveland Indians ing and a themed event, and have so- – FAWN Chairman: Ara Belian (248 )320-7529 cial gatherings for Men’s Society mem- • St John’s Volunteer Day at World Treasurer: Daniel Cristiano (313) 291-3194 bers and their families. Continuing the Medical Relief (once every quarter) Number of members: 38 Number of New Members: 2 very successful and rewarding Men’s • Providing financial assistance in Number of meetings: 8 meetings Retreat. support of our youth Financial contribution to St. John’s Church: • Helped paint church interior $5,000.00 – Gift and over $2,000.00 from our Health Fair. 11 CHURCH NEWS

Annual Retreat Continued from page 10

But what does “Going back to Jesus” mean? Is it merely being faithful to traditions, rules and laws? Does being a member of the Body of Christ mean reciting a mechanical system of prayers and rules? Do we regard Jesus to be a prosecutor and a judge and the Bible a moralistic book of rules? That, Bishop Daniel stated, would make the Bible uninspiring and Christians a society of hypocrites. But the true image of the Body of Christ is when we demonstrate our love of Christ by showing love to The Komitas choir singing hymns during Easter of 2019 others (reread The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10.25) and The Judg- ment of the Nations, Matthew 25.31.0.) In summary, this was a thought- The Komitas Choir ful and spirit-nourishing retreat, with a well-deserved credit to the Retreat Committee chaired by Dr. Anne Ma- rie Ameriguian and Elise Papazian, Sings Our Praises daughter of the late Fr. Diran and Yn. Rosalie Papazian. In addition to the message of the bishop, attendees par- • A Traditional Throw Back Sunday Linda Jevahirian ticipated in short group discussions, Contributor Acapella Divine Liturgy before and after Lenten lunch, and full • Arts of Armenia – watch for details group questions and answers. Our church fathers, years ago, did coming this summer The day was concluded with a exactly what they were instructed to do • Assistance with the church tour short service in the sanctuary, where according to the Bible. “Let the words and hot food service at the St. John the congregants read specific prayers of Christ, in all their richness, live in Church Bazaar from the St. Ephrem’s book. It was, your hearts and make you wise. Use his • Christmas Concert 2019 - Narek Bell many whole-heartedly agreed, a most words to teach and counsel each oth- Choir directed by Father Hovhan valuable and satisfying learning expe- er. Sing psalms (saghmoserkootyoon), from St. James Church rience. hymns (dagh; kandz; yerk) and spir- itual songs (sharagans) to God with • Detroit Armenian Chorale Concerts thankful hearts” (Col. 3:16). • Manoogian Manor visits The Komitas Choir – with great • Armenian Saints’ Day Commemo- dedication and joy – sings at regular ration with the four churches (April church services, including Holy Bada- 24) rak, Holy Week and Funerals. The • St. Vartan’s Feast Day at the Arme- choir also participates – with great en- nian Catholic Church (February) thusiasm - in special events throughout • Windsor Armenian Church Celebra- the year. Some of the events include: tions

Parishioners discussed passages of scripture and Komitas Choir reflected on the primate's lessons in breakout groups. CONTINUES ON PAGE 13

12 CHURCH NEWS

Komitas Choir CALL FOR SUBMISSION Continued from page 12

The 150th Birth Anniversary of Komitas Vartabed initiated some What does the Armenian unique events. Deacon Rubik Mail- ian gave a special presentation about Komitas Vartabed and led the Badarak Church mean to you? with Celebrant, Bishop Daniel at the Eastern Diocese Sacred Music Festival St. James Church in Evanston, Illinois, We would like our readers to share with us their thoughts and ideas October 4-6, 2019. about the Armenian Church. Deacon Rubik also organized an all-male acapella Choir Badarak that Email us at [email protected] was celebrated at St. John in June and in September. Additionally, Detroit Submit by June 26, 2020 Genocide Commemoration Committee asked him to compose for a mixed-cul- ture performance of stories, music and dance commemorating Komitas Vartabed. The event on October 20, Featured Photos 2019, ‘packed the house’ at St. John. We eagerly await the end of the lock down so that we can get back to church praising God in singing together. In the meantime, please contact Deacon Rubik if you are interested in joining Komitas Choir. The choir welcomes new members and organists on an on- going basis.

St. John Music Guild 2020 Concert Series CANCELLED Volunteers at World Medical Relief. By Rubic Mayilian, Linda Jevahirian

Due to the uncertainties of this recent pandemic and travel bans, the Music Guild understands the difficult deci- sions people must make to be safe. Therefore, we regretfully have can- celled our April 26 concert of Cadence Ensemble. The Naghash Ensemble is still scheduled to perform on October 25, 2020. At this time, we are hope- ful that both groups from Armenia will Palm branches adorning the alter on Palm Sunday. Little saints of St. John Armenian Church. perform in the fall. 13 LITURGICAL LIFE Celebration of St. Vartanants

By Navasart M. Mardoyan Editor

On Thursday, February 20, 2020, the Armenian Churches of the Greater Detroit gathered in remembrance of St. Vartanants, the brave heroes who martyred for their faith and homeland. The celebrant was Rev. Fr. Andon of the Armenian Catholic Church. Rev. Fr. Armash Baghdasarian of St. John Armenian Orthodox Church read the Gospel of the day and Rev. Fr. Hrant Kevorkian delivered the message of the day. He stressed the importance of following the example of St. Vartan, of bravery, and of love of the Christian faith. After the Church services, the pa- rishioners of St. Vartan Armenian Remembering the Day of Catholic Church, welcomed everyone for a meal. The clergy blessed the food and the participants. It was an enjoy- the Armenian Der Hayr able evening, with parishioners from all four major churches gathered to- By Navasart M. Mardoyan and keep your native language whose gether for the feast. Editor alphabet was only just 30yrs old at that time. In other words, you can’t be free.” On February 18, 2020, the clergy of Der Garabed stressed the fact that with St. John Armenian Church celebrated the celebration of St. Ghevontiants the St. Ghevontiants, the brave Arme- is the day of the Armenian Priest, ex- nian clergy from the 5th century. The emplified in the archetype of what an celebrant was Rev. Fr. Hratch Sargsyan. Armenian Priest, Der Hayrs specially, A few members of the choir sang the should be like. He underscored the fact Badarak. The homily was delivered by that St. Ghevonts message “still echo- Rev. Fr. Garabed Kocharian. In his ser- ing today 1569 years later; resting in mon, Der Hayr underlined that impor- the hearts of all the priests in the Ar- tance that “The next day, the Arme- menian Church who are called in the nian soldiers were enter into a war and service of our people to succor, to in- battle against the Persians forces who spire, encourage, give hope, provide said to the entire Armenian people, assurance and by continuing to preach you cannot be who you are…followers the Good News of Salvation and Eter- of Christ, you must bow to the Persian nal Life to all our flocks, congregations, god Ahuramazda and accept an identi- young, old, men, women, children and ty, culture, religion and faith without even to our friends in other Christian your Christ and Jesus. You can’t learn churches and peoples of other faiths.” St. Vardan Mamikonyan, military leader and martyr of the Armenian Church in the fifth century. 14 LITURGICAL LIFE

Lenten services livestreamed over Facebook to thousands of viewers.

Lenten Services Continued despite the stay-at-home orders

By Navasart M. Mardoyan addressed to the Son the God and un- the bottom of my heart, conversation Editor derlines the state that humanity and with God” and St. Nerses’ “In Faith I human beings are in and asks God to Confess” are beloved and often used Lenten Services on Wednesday eve- provide the guidance of the Holy Spir- prayers by Armenians. ning started on February 26 and con- it. The hymns, written by St. Nerses The Fish Dinner that preceded the tinued until the pandemic forced them Shnorhali (the Gracious) highlight the church services went well until it was to live stream of social media. During contrast between light and darkness, canceled due to the current pandemic. the Lent, Peace and Rest services are good and evil, and sin and freedom. The dinner was an opportunity for pa- conducted to remind us of our sinful The Rest service contains two of the rishioners to socialize and enjoy their state of being and to guide us to wel- most revered prayers by our church conversations and share thoughts and come the Glorious Resurrection of our fathers: St. Krikor of Nareg and St. ideas. Lord Jesus Christ. The Peace service is Nerses Shnorhali. St. Krikor’s “From

15 HISTORY & CULTURE

CLICK TO WATCH FULL SERMON › Christian Stewardship: Armenian pilgrims gathered in the Syrian village of Margadeh, near Deir ez-Zor, to commemorate the 94th A way of life anniversary of the Armenian Genocide Armenian Genocide Continues Today

By Fr. Garabed Kochakian lection from Luke 16:1ff wherein Je- By Dr. Gary Zamanigian Contributor sus told his disciples a parable or story Contributor about a Steward and Stewardship. When asked which commandments Interestingly in this narrative, Jesus In 1915, the serpent was in our gar- were the most important, Jesus an- points out that the people of this world den and the world did not take the time swered clearly, first Love the Lord your need to be a bit shrewd and sometimes to do anything about the plight of the God with all your heart and with all crafty in dealing with their own kind. Armenian people. Armenians must your soul and with all your mind and However, we-as Christians, the peo- be ever vigilant, because the same ser- with all your strength (Deut. 6.47; Mt. ple of the light, God’s children should pent is ready to re-appear, trespass and 22.37-40; Lk. 10.27). And secondly, be even more concerned not just for share its poisonous venom once again ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There things that are ours alone, but for all as if time stood still. is no commandment greater than things, all people. We need to be aware For decades, our adversary has at- these. (Mark 12: 30-31). This second that all the things- material and spir- tempted to complete the task begun in of the new commandments is about itual - with which God has graced us, 1915 by pouring millions of dollars in sharing and caring; not only about deserve our attention; everything we numerous campaigns, using the pen our possessions but more importantly must watch out for, watch over and rather than the sword, to whitewash the about watching out for each other. This care for and manage well. Psalm 24:1 atrocities of 1915. Fortunately, credi- is what Christian Stewardship is. i.e., states, “The earth is the LORD’s, and ble scholars, through their meticulous taking care of what God has given to the fullness thereof; the world, and research, provided undeniable proof us–all of it! they that dwell therein.” Everything! that the intent of the Young Turks was the Universe, the Earth, the nations, to exterminate the Armenian people. What is Stewardship our homes, neighborhoods, streets, Adding insult to injury, the civilized our Church, our souls as Jesus tells world turned a blind eye to the continu- The clearest definition of being a us are the houses, we are called to be ing crimes of the Turkish government. Steward and carrying out Steward- caretakers, managers and Stewards of. It is not enough that Ottoman Empire ship simply means to take care of. - But, most importantly we are to be destroyed our historic homeland send- In Armenian the words for Steward/ Stewards for and of each other. This ing the population of the six western Stewardship, Տնտես, Տնտեսու-թիւն is our Christian duty par excellence! villayets to Der Zor, in recent years the [Dundes/Dundesootiun are rooted in To be our brothers’ and sisters’ keep- Government of Turkey returned to the the word “House,” Տուն [Doon]. We ers. And it begins here in the Church, same location with a denialist’s zeal to are the keepers and watchers of the where the people of light gather. wipe out the last traces of our “Sancti- many houses that God has given to us. fied Martyrs”. One Sunday of Great Lent is dedi- cated to the Steward and Stewardship. Stewardship Genocide It would do well to read the Gospel CONTINUES ON PAGE 19 CONTINUES ON PAGE 20

16 HISTORY & CULTURE

The eternal flame at the center of the twelve slabs in , Armenia. The twelve slabs represent the twelve lost provinces in present-day turkey. April 24, 1915 – April 24, 2020 (Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow)

By Navasart M. Mardoyan cian Kingdom to the Memluks; darker ish gun; we remembered them as they Editor than when Timor Lane massacred and died of starvation and thirst under the imprisoned thousands of Armenians; scorching sun of the desert; we cried For most of us living in the Diaspora, darker when we lived as second class for them as they drowned in the cold the Commemoration of the Armenian citizens under the uncivilized and bar- waters of the Black Sea. We commemo- Genocide, since its 50th Anniversa- baric Turks. It was the darkest day in rated them by building monuments for ry in 1965, has been a day to remem- our history because our physical exis- their blessed memory in different parts ber the darkest period in our history. tence as “a small tribe” was eminent. We of the world, from Lebanon to Syria, Darker than when the Persians forced lived under the Ottoman rule for over from Greece to France, from the U.S.A us to abandon our Armenian identity 600 years, always bowing our heads in to Australia, from Armenia to Russia by renouncing our faith; darker when fear, staying silent in shame, and nev- and everywhere where the Armenian most of our nakharars (feudal lords) er dreaming of freedom and liberation heart was beating, the Armenian mind were burned in a church, in Nakhiche- in astonishment. Those years are long was struggling to comprehend, and the van, in 703; darker than when Arme- gone. Over the last 50 plus years, we Armenian Spirit, as Vahan Tekeyan nian kingdoms of Vasbouragan, , commemorated and remembered our would call it, “charged into whirlwind Lori, Tayk, Suinik, and fell to the fathers and mother, grandfathers and of glory.” treachery of Byzantine; darker than the grandmothers, great-grandfathers and fall of the Bakradouni Kingdom to the great-grandmothers as they perished April 24 Turkic tribes and the fall of the Cili- by the Ottoman scimitar and the Turk- CONTINUES ON PAGE 20

17 HISTORY & CULTURE

Lights of Life from the Mount

By Navasart M. Mardoyan | Editor

“BLESSED are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven; BLESSED are those who mourn, for they will be comforted; BLESSED are the meek, for they will inherit the earth; BLESSED are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled; BLESSED are the merciful, for they will receive mercy; BLESSED are the pure in heart, for they will see God; BLESSED are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God; BLESSED are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven; BLESSED are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

– MATTHEW 5: 5-12

Reflection and/or life situation. These are people of mankind. These “blessings” assure “poor in spirit,” humble souls, needy. all people that God will not abandon This section from the Gospel of He addresses those who are deprived them. They will enjoy God’s love and Matthew is considered, by some, as of rights and goodness, who are sin- His fatherly care. the heart of Christian teaching. Chap- ners, but want to achieve holiness. He Jesus provides hope, courage, faith ters 5-7 of Matthew are referred to as addresses those who are longing for and love to mankind, because people “The Little Gospel” or “The Sermon on peace, who are persecuted and abused, without these virtues are the oppres- the Mount”, and it is where we find the who are the target of gossip. These are sors of their fellow men. most fundamental teachings of Christ. people who have suffered are impover- It is our duty, as Christians, to be Khrimian Hayrig called these chap- ish, or are in otherwise depraved situ- worthy of these graces by our humble ters “The Diamonds of the Kingdom of ations. deeds, noble thoughts and loyal behav- Heaven.” He reaches out to those who have ior. Peace, holiness, happiness and jus- The common interpretation of been persecuted or abused, and are tice come from God for He is the ruler these nine “blessings” is the spiritual longing for peace in their lives. With of all. He grants grace to us all. May courage of people yearning for justice, His words of encouragement and hope, we all keep these “blessings” in mind happiness, peace, dignity and holiness. He uplifts their spiritual awareness. throughout our lives. Jesus addresses those who are expe- Moreover, with His words of enlighten- riencing unfortunate circumstances ment, He uplifts the value and dignity

18 HISTORY & CULTURE

Saint Paul tells us that to be a mem- St. Vartan and his army who were de- Stewardship ber of the Body of Christ, and to become fended the Faith, were all Stewards of Continued from 16 a Steward of our beloved CHURCH Christ’s people and THE ARMENIAN calls us to be a Caretaker, a Shaker and CHURCH. a Maker; helping the Pastor and par- The present leaders, Catholicoi and A New Roadmap and New Way to ish leadership and to become involved Patriarchs of the Armenian Church, Define Who We Are through time we give, talents we share, our former pastors, and today Hayr ideas and wisdom we have, to bring us Aren, Der Armash, our Parish leader- Recently St. John’s parish along to God, and to the gates of Heaven. ship are all the Caretakers, the Shak- with five other Diocesan parishes has ers, the Makers of the 2000-plus year- been asked to be part of a new pilot Our New Roadway for Our Church and old legacy of Faith left to us. They are [test] program established by our Pri- Parish Stewards, Good Managers, watching mate and Diocesan leadership. For over, watching out for the House, the many years it was understood that to The New Program when it is offi- Doon and the Treasure the Apostles belong to our parish one had to be a cially sanctioned will mean, that as SS Thaddeus and Bartholomew had member Decades ago, during the time Stewards, no longer our membership established in Armenia. All are GOOD of the Primate Archbishop Tiran Ner- in the Body of Christ, the Holy Church and HONORABLE STEWARDS; not soyan, in 1953, the Diocesan Bylaws will be understood through financial like the one in the Parable Jesus told that govern us were ratified by the Ca- donations only, but more important- us, who didn’t manage well. tholicos of All Armenians. It was then ly through what we can offer in many Presently, with the Coronavirus/ that this terminology, to be a member other ways; serving, leading, singing, Covid-19, beset upon us like a new in good standing came to be officially teaching, advising, guiding, mentoring world war without weapons, we have used as a way to define who belonged however one can, enabling us as Christ ever so more become aware of our re- to the Armenian Church especially calls us to, bae, our brothers’ and sis- sponsibility to be GOOD Managers and with one’s financial support and care ters’ keepers. Stewards of our houses and homes, for the Christian works and life of a Already here at St. John’s and in the of the world and most importantly of parish community. other pilot parishes, the new Steward- each other. We love our neighbors as At that time a designated modest ship Program is flourishing. Eventually ourselves and care for one another, amount called dues made it possible after His Holiness the Catholicos ap- heed and listen to all the guidance giv- for one to vote, to have a say so in how proves of it, our Diocesan Bylaws will en to us even if it interrupts our lives things in the ‘house of God’ should be be adjusted to include this new way for a while, the way we are accustomed done, and to serve God and the com- of naming who we are for the Body of to live. This is what Good Stewards do, munity in particular ways. Though this Christ. STEWARDSHIP, opens the caring for and making whole what God was a good beginning to raise aware- doors and roadways for all to God’s has given to us. In the same way we ness of Christian duty and responsibil- Kingdom; helping us better under- take care of our Church, our parish, our ity, it gave an incorrect message. stand how our Stewardship makes a community with our Time, our Talent difference for all in the life of our com- and yes our Treasure however you are We Pray to Belong Not Pay to Belong munity. moved to offer. The choice is yours.

To belong to the Armenian Church A Legacy Left to Us, We Give for Consider This: TOMORROW STARTS –was then and is now–through the Tomorrow TODAY sacramental grace of Baptism. Every- one who is Baptized, Christmated and Throughout our Armenian Chris- When our races on this on this subscribes to the teaching of the Ar- tian History, the Stewards and Stew- planet Earth- our temporary abode- is menian Orthodox Church is not only a ardship has been the core, the links, the completed, when our time to be lifted member, but more importantly a Stew- threads of our Christian life, through to heaven comes, it is hopeful to hear ard of the house, of God. It is through the Saints, the Martyrs, the Confessors Jesus say to us: one’s Time, Talent, and the Treasure of and Witnesses of the Faith; all who “Well done Good and Faithful Ser- financial support, and of mutual love, took care of, you, me, and each other vant, Steward of My Church, Come concern, and care for one another that in the Church. St Paul, St. Gregory the back to me, and enter into the Joy of defines who we are as Stewards of the Illuminator of Armenia, St. Mesrob Your Master” (Mt. 25.21-23). Armenian Church and St. John’s parish. who created the Armenian alphabet,

19 HISTORY & CULTURE

forget our Language, when we do not Turkish Government that it had failed? April 24 speak it, when we do not learn it! Let Don’t just write “Turkey Failed” with a Continued from page 17 the 105th anniversary of the Genocide hash-tag, but sing in Armenian, talk in be a reminder of our heritage and es- Armenian, pray in Armenian, and you By the year 2015, those Armenians pecially our language and culture! It is will see how you will influence the fu- were sanctified because they bore wit- true that through the dark days of the ture! Be an Armenian in the fullest and ness to the truth that Jesus was the Genocide we lost materials belongings: complete meaning of the word! Savior and that the Armenian faith homes, churches, monasteries, mon- Our saints died because they were and language were the foundations ey, land, etc. But we, as a people and Armenians, because they were Chris- for the survival of the Armenian for nation, have and are of spiritual val- tians, not because off their affilia- years to come. Until 1965, we lived in a ue: our language, our architecture, our tions. They died because they sang and psychological vacuum, trying to come music, our church (the birthplace of prayed in Armenian, spoke and dreamt to terms with the event, the Geno- my soul!), and our genius will. We sim- in Armenian, visualized the creation of cide. In 1965, both Catholicoi Vazken ply refuse to go into the pages of Histo- a “New Armenia!” Today, when we re- I of Blessed Memory and Khoren I of ry! Remember the nations and empires member them, let us remember them Blessed Memory issued encyclicals to that dominated us! Where are they as “victorious souls” who were greeted commemorate the events as a time to now? They are on the pages of Histo- in heaven by the Holy Spirit! Do we de- awaken from our national sorrow and ry, but this “small tribe, this insignifi- serve the recognition of the Genocide to look forward. We did that as a na- cant people, “whose wars have all been by the Turkish Government? If the an- tion, as a church, as a community by fought and lost, whose structures have swer is yes, first, we need to be worthy remembering our grandfathers and crumbled, literature is unread, music of it! It will not fall from heaven like a grandmothers, whose bones are still in is unheard, and prayers are no more ripe fruit! We do not remember them the desert sand. And one story that res- answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia. during the Memorial Service (hoke- onates with me the most is this: after See if you can do it. Send them into the hankisd) anymore, because our mar- walking for days with water and food, desert without bread or water. Burn tyrs are sanctified by the Church and while resting an Armenian mother their homes and churches. Then see if the Holy Spirit. The 105th Anniversary taught her child the Armenian Alpha- they will not laugh, sing and pray again. is an opportunity for self-realization, bet writing the letters on the burning For when two of them meet anywhere an opportunity for a new Awakening, sands of the desert! That’s where our in the world, see if they will not create an opportunity for self-reflection and treasure is! The , a New Armenia.” This is our future! self-correction, and finally it is an op- the language of Soorp Sahag and Soorp And just as a reminder, let’s remember portunity for determination! Mesrob, the divine language, that was what the Father of our History, Movses Our Saints of the Armenian Geno- revealed by God letter by letter on the Khorenatsi wrote almost 1600 years cide preferred to lose their materi- walls of Soorp Mesrob’s room. That is ago: “for even though we are a small al tongue rather than not speak the the gift of immortality. [nation] and have been conquered Divine Language! They preferred to The Ottoman Empire tried to exter- many times by foreign kingdoms, yet praise God in death rather than living minate us, but failed! The only result too, many acts of bravery have been without Him. They preferred to give it achieved was to spread us around performed in our land, worthy of being their bodies to death, rather than be the world! The current government of written and remembered, but of which remembered by their descendants as Turkey keeps denying historical facts no one has bothered to write down!” traitors to their nation and identity. about the Genocide, but it will fail Here is our chance to perform an act of We are the descendants of those brave again! One result of that denial is what bravery, worthy to be remembered and men and women, boys and girls! We we call “White Genocide!” When we written down! Do you want to tell the MUST make them proud of us!

Genocide mony relating to the death march and have to defend ourselves, our land, our Continued from page 16 tragic destiny of 1.5 million Armenians. cherished Christian faith, and our trea- Today, Armenians around the sured traditions. The Armenian Mar- The Turkish government have in- world must seize the moment so that tyrs of 1915 will not have died in vain vaded Der Zor once again to crush and continued attempts at social, cultural if we remain faithful by following the destroy the bones of our ancestors, to and historic genocide are not repeat- teachings of the Armenian Church and wipe out the remaining relics of testi- ed. With the past as our teacher, we, if we help to insure a strong, democrat- the Armenians, learned quickly that we ic, free and independent Armenia. 20 HISTORY & CULTURE

The relation between the Orthodox and the Armenian Church (1165 – 1174)

By Navasart M. Mardoyan | Editor

A. Historical Background (1045-1165 AD)

Since the second century BC, when Rome became world power and reached Asia Minor, the Armenians were in con- tact with them. For many centuries, Armenia was the ap- ple of discord between Rome, and later Constantinople, and Persia. This struggle led to the division of Armenia between them in 387. In the seventh century (640), Armenia was conquered by the . With the help of Byzantine army and the assistance of the Iberian king, Ashot II “The Iron” reestablished the rule of the Bagradites in Armenia.1 Po- litical, economic and military cooperation continued until the end of the tenth century. The policies of Basil II (976- 1025) were the expansion of the on the East and West. In the East, after the death of the Armenian king Gagik I (990-1020), Basil saw the chance to intervene: the region of , together with a part of Iberia, was annexed to Byzantium, while the Armenian kingdom of Ani (capital of Armenia) was to remain under King John Smpat (son and successor of Gagik, 1020-1042), during his life- time, but thereafter to fall to the Byzantine Emperor.2 Con- Illustration of Nerses IV the Gracious, the Catholicos of Armenia from 1166 to 1173. stantine IX Monomachus (1042-1055) was able to continue Basil II’s policy toward Armenia, and to bring his work to its Near East up to the borders of the Byzantine Empire and conclusion by annexing the kingdom of Ani.3 The Byzantine the Fatimid caliphate of Egypt.8 On August 19, 1071, they Empire, however, was unable to maintain its power in Ar- defeated the Byzantines and captured Emperor Romanus menia because the people were greatly dissatisfied with the Diogenes (1068-1072) in Mazikert. While in captivity, the administrative as well as the religious policy of the central emperor reached an agreement with the Seljuq leader.9 He government.4 was deposed in Constantinople by his own court.10 “It was After the fall of the Bagradite kingdom, in 1045, the pop- this appalling epilogue which turned the defeat at Manzikert ulation immigrated to the Western parts of the Byzantine into a disastrous tragedy, for now the treaty which Alp Ar- Empire. Armenia and the eastern parts and frontiers of the slan had made with the Emperor Romanus fell to the ground Empire were under consistent attacks from the new invad- and the Turks made this the excuse for the invasion and ers, the Seljuq Turks.5 Their arrival “not only affected the conquest of Byzantium.”11 Byzantium, for the next several general position of the Empire, but its whole foreign policy centuries tried to push them back, but failed. According to had to be changed to meet the altered circumstances.”6 Ar- Vasiliev’s conclusions “Although according to the treaty the menian princes, who served in the imperial army, were set- Byzantine Empire probably ceded no territory to Alp Arslan, tled around the southern borders of the Empire, to protect it it losses were very great, for the army which defended the against the invading Seljuqs. In 1064 the Seljuqs, under their borders of Asia Minor was so completely destroyed that the leader Alp Arslan (1063-1072) conquered and sacked Ani.7 Empire was unable to resist the later advance of the Turks Between 1020 – 1070, the Seljuqs conquered Persia, drove there. The defeat at Manzikert was a death blow to Byzan- through Mesopotamia and captured Baghdad, the capital of tine domination in Asia Minor, that most essential part of the Caliph. They soon gained possession of the whole of the the Byzantine Empire.”12 21 HISTORY & CULTURE

During the eleventh century, the greatest of religious and sent them to Constantinople.17 One of the sons, Thoros event happened: the schism between the East and the West, II (1147-1169), escaped Constantinople in 1147 and began to whose consequences were far more political than religious.13 rebuild the authorities of his fathers in Cilicia. John’s suc- After this schism, the Greek Orthodox Church returned to cessor, Manuel I Comneni, was “a true Byzantine, convinced the policies of Justinian and Heraclius and of Constantine of the validity of the conception of universal imperial sover- the Great, to have religious unity in the Empire. This was eignty and possessed of the characteristic Byzantine passion one of the reasons prince Alexis’ visit to the East and Cilicia. for theological discussions.”18 While engaged in difficult di- Cilicia was an important imperial province from the plomacy and military campaigns in the first 15 years of the times of the Roman Empire. Historical documents from the reign, Manuel, nevertheless, came to the East in 1158. The first century BC, show that Armenians lived there. There- agreement between the Emperor and the Armenian prince fore, during the first half of the eleventh century, when Ar- Thoros, was an agreement of alliance rather than an over- menian princes traded their ancestral lands with new im- throw.19 Following his father’s policy, Manuel established perial lands, they came and settled in and around Cilicia. the Byzantine sovereignty in the East. His short lived victory Later, when the Armenian kingdom fell, most of the people over the Normans of Sicily revived in his mind the estab- immigrated to Cilicia. The Armenian princes in Cilicia, after lishment of romanum imperium.20 It was within this dream initial internal conflict, began to unite under the leadership that the Emperor pursued the restoration of communion be- of the Roubinides, who established their principality in Cili- tween the Orthodox and the Armenian Church. cia, in 1080.14 The defeat of Byzantium at Manzikert contrib- In Cilicia, two strong families emerged in the eleventh uted greatly to this. Alexius Comnenus (1081-1118), under century, the Rupinides and the Lambronides. The first was extreme pressures and difficulties, managed to improve “the strong advocates for the independence of Cilicia, while the international position of the Empire, extended its limits, and latter accepted the suzerainty of Byzantium. Thoros, who for a time stopped the progress of the numerous enemies was the chief ruler of Cilicia, wanted to unite Cilicia under who on all sides pressed against the Empire.”15 After half a his rule. To achieve this goal, he captured Til Hamdoun and century of fight against Byzantium, they were subjected to Mamistra. In 1152, Andronicus Comneni, the future Emper- the Byzantine rule again, by John II Comnenus (1118-1143). or, led the Byzantine forces against Thoros. He was joined Emperor John is known as the greatest Comneni of all. “As a by Oshin II, head of the Lambronides and their allies, but ruler he combined clever prudence with purposeful energy, they were defeated. Thoros took as captive Oshin and ar- while at the same time he was a man of upright, steadfast ranged a marriage between his daughter and Oshin’s son character and high principled far beyond his day. Moder- Hetoom. For the moment, everything seemed in place. But ate, yet firm and forceful in pursuing his goal, he carried his differences and hostilities continued between the two fam- father’s policy with iron determination, never losing sight ilies. In 1163/4, Thoros learned that Oshin was keeping an of the bounds of possibility.”16 After establishing imperial active correspondence with Byzantium. Fighting soon broke authority in the Balkans, the main objective of his foreign out between the two. This struggle left Catholicos Krikor III policy was the re-establishment of Byzantine authority over (1113-1166) deeply distressed. He sent his brother Nerses to the Norman principality of Antioch. On his was stood the end the enmity existing between the two and, in 1165, Ners- Armenian principality of Cilicia. John was ready to march es21 succeeded in facilitating the reconciliation at the castle to the East in 1130. After defeating the emirate of Danish- of Vahga. mend in 1135, he turned toward Cilicia and Antioch. After Because of political conditions, the Catholicate was capturing the former Byzantine cities and ports from the Ar- transferred to Hromgla.22 In Armenian proper, the Cathol- menians, he managed to capture prince Levon I and his sons icos established four honorary sees (Ani, Sanahin, Pchnee

TO BE CONTINUED IN THE NEXT ISSUE

(See footnotes, page 23)

22 HISTORY & CULTURE

Footnotes

1. Vasiliev, A.A., History of the Byzantine Empire, vol. One, (The University of Wisconsin Press: Madison, 1980), pp.313-314.

2. Ostrogosky, George, History of the Byzantine State, (Rutgers University Press: New Jersey, 1969), pp. 313-314. Vasiliev, p. 315.

3. Ostrogosky, p. 333; Vasiliev, p. 315, 355.

4. Vasiliev, p. 315.

5. “The Byzantine Empire had known the Turks for a long time. A project of a Turko-Byzantine alliance existed in the second half of the sixth century. The Turks also served in Byzantium as mercenaries as well as imperial bodyguards. They were numerous in the ranks of the Arabian army on the eastern borders of the Empire, and they took an active part in taking as well as the plundering of Amorion in 838. But these relations and conflicts with the Turks were of little or no consequence to the Empire until the eleventh century. With the appearance of the Seljuq Turks on the eastern border in the first half of the eleventh century conditions changed” (Vasiliev, p. 354).

6. Ostrogosky, p. 333.

7. Vasiliev, p. 355

8. Ostrogosky, p. 343; Vasiliev, pp. 354-355

9. The treaty consisted of three points: “1) Romanus Diogenes obtained his freedom by the payment of a definite sum of money; 2) Byzantium was to pay a large annual tribute to Alp Alrslan; 3) Byzantium was to return all Turkish captives” (Vasiliev, p. 356).

10. Vasiliev, p. 353.

11. Ibid., p. 345.

12. Ibid., p. 356ff.

13. Ibid., p. 339.

14. Ostrogosky, pp. 378-379

15. Vasiliev, vol. II, pp. 380-412.

16. Ostrogosky, p. 377.

17. Ostrogosky, pp. 378-379.

18. Ostrogosky, p. 380.

19. Ostrogosky, pp. 380-386.

20. Ostrogosky, pp. 384-385.

21. One of the most important Catholicoi and theologian of the Armenian Church. Born in 1101, he was the son of Apirat Pahlavuni. He received his education in Garmir Vank (Red Monastery: located on the “black mountain” in Cilicia. The mountain is well known for its many monasteries and hermitages, including Armenian, Greek and Syrian Orthodox monasteries) in Cilicia from the priest Stepanos Manuk (Stephen the Child). At the age of eighteen, after completing his studies, he was ordained a priest by his brother Catholicos Krikor III and in 1135, he was elevated to the rank of bishop. His brother resigned, in 1166 at the age of 70, and a few months before his death, with the unanimous consent of the Armenian bishops, he consecrated as Catholicos his beloved brother Nerses. The consecration and anointing ceremony took place on Palm Sunday – April 17, 1166. Nerses was sixty-six years old on the day of his ascension to the throne of the catholicate and served for the next seven years, during which time he continued to lead a life of intense literary, public, pastoral and ecclesiastical activity. The quest for church unity became one of Shnorhali’s chief interests during the seven years of his pontificate. Nerses died on August 13, 1173, at the age of seventy-two.

22. St. Gregory the Illuminator established the Holy See in 303, in Echmiadzin. Throughout the following centuries, it became traditional to have the civil and the ecclesiastical authorities located in the same city. Therefore, in 484, the Holy See was transferred to , in 927 to the island Aghthamar, in Lake Van and in 970 to Ani. From 1045-1113 to several places. In 1113 to Dzovk and finally in 1149 to Hromgla. Catholicos Krikor III (1113-1166) bought the fortress and transferred the Holy See there.

23 EXTRA

Bible Trivia

1. What was the name of Jesus’ mother? 13. What significant event is recorded in 2. What was the name of the garden Genesis chapters 1 and 2? where Adam and Eve lived? 14. What was inscribed above Jesus’ 3. With what food did Jesus feed 5,000 cross? people? 15. Whose mother placed him in an ark 4. What method did the Romans use to of bulrushes? kill Jesus? 16. For how many days and nights did it 5. From which part of Adam’s body did rain in the story of the flood? God create Eve? 17. What was special about Jesus’ 6. Who, when accused of being with mother? Jesus, lied and said that he did not 18. Who gave gifts to Jesus when he was know him, three times? a young child? 7. Which creature tricked Eve into eating 19. What happened to Jonah after he was of the forbidden fruit? thrown overboard? 8. At Christ’s crucifixion what did the 20. In whose image was man created? soldiers place on his head? 21. How many apostles did Jesus 9. What is the first line of the Lord’s choose? Prayer? 22. What are the wages of sin? 10. What relationship was Ruth to 23. Who is the first mother mentioned in Naomi? the Bible? 11. Who lied to God when he was asked 24. Who else, other than the wise men, where his brother was? came to visit Jesus when he was a 12. Which Old Testament character small child? showed his faith by being willing to 25. Who lied when he was asked to reveal

offer his son on an altar to God? the source of his great strength?

Samson (Jdg 16:15). (Jdg Samson 2:16); (Luke Shepherds 4:1); (Gen Eve 25. 24. 23.

6:23); (Rom Death 6:13); (Luke Twelve 1:27); (Gen God’s 1:17); 22. 21. 20.

He was swallowed by a great fish (Jon (Jon fish great a by swallowed was He 2:7-10); (Matt magi / men Wise 19. 18.

She was a virgin (Matt 1:23); 1:23); (Matt virgin a was She 7:12); (Gen Forty 2:3); (Exo Moses 17. 16. 15.

King of the Jews / This is Jesus, King of the Jews (Mark 15:26; Matt 27:27); 27:27); Matt 15:26; (Mark Jews the of King Jesus, is This / Jews the of King 14.

2); - 1 (Gen Creation 2:21-22); (Jam Abraham 4:9); (Gen Cain 13. 12. 11.

Daughter-in-law (Ruth 1:4); 1:4); (Ruth Daughter-in-law 6:9); (Matt heaven in art which Father Our 10. 9.

Crown of Thorns (Matt 27:29); 27:29); (Matt Thorns of Crown 3:1-6); (Gen Serpent 26:69-74); (Matt Peter 8. 7.

(Simon) (Simon) 2:21); (Gen Rib 15:25); (Mark Crucifixion 14:19); (Matt fishes 6. 5. 4.

Loaves of bread and and bread of Loaves 2:8); (Gen Eden of Garden 1:18); (Matt Mary 3. 2. 1.

24