Armenian Church News

Volume 2, Issue 35 27 December 2016

Diocese of the Armenian Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland

Christmas Carols in St. Yeghiche Church Organised by the Armenian Church Youth Organisation

In this issue:

Christmas Carols in St. Yeghiche Church

Christmas Carols in

Holy Trinity Church, Manchester

International Youth Meeting in London Christmas is one of the happiest celebrations in people’s lives, when families come

together and remember the birth of Our Lord Jesus. The Armenian Church Advent Homily by celebrates the holy birth (Sourp Dznount) of Jesus Christ on 6th January. In Archbishop Kevin Armenian tradition, this feast day commemorates not only the birth of Christ, but McDonald also His baptism by John the Baptist. The latter is remembered through the

th Why do Armenians "Blessing of Water" ceremony, which follows the Divine Liturgy on 6 January. celebrate Christmas Living in London, the Armenian Community chose to wish a Merry Christmas to on 6th January? all other Christians celebrating the birth of Jesus in December through a Christmas Carol service.

This year the annual ACYO Christmas Carols Service took place in St. Yeghiche

Church on the evening of Tuesday, 20th December. Anais Heghoyan, chairman of the Armenian Church Youth Organization London chapter, welcomed the guests and gave a summary of their annual activities and invited everyone to join in Diocese of the Armenian future activities in 2017. Church of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland The guests participated by reading and singing together, every one of them receiving a programme in order to follow the service. Once again, Anais

His Grace Bishop Hovakim enchanted both clergy and faithful with her voice by singing ‘In the bleak Manukyan, Primate midwinter’. The entire evening was filled with angelic organ songs, performed by Deacon Artur Bobikyan.

Diocesan Office

Tel. 0208 127 8364 primatesoffice@ Armenian Church News

Our always welcome guest clergy and Brothers in Christ from the Syriac Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, Catholic and Anglican Church celebrated and prayed with us in one voice by telling the story of the birth of Our Lord. Everyone sang the carol “Silent Night” in the darkness whilst holding lit flickering candles. Children from the Kevork Tahta Sunday School and the Armenian language Saturday School sang traditional Armenian carols, and delighted the audience with their enthusiasm.

At the end, Gaghant Baba (Santa Claus) came to bring presents for all the kind children. Christmas should be celebrated with family and friends. Smiling and singing we were grateful for Our Lord.

His Grace, Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, gave his reflections on this festive occasion: “Dearly beloved, thank you for joining us this evening. May God bless you all and your loved ones. 2016 has passed very quickly and we have once again entered the festive season of Advent.

I wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year or should I say “I wish you a Happy New Year and a Merry Christmas” as we Armenians celebrate Christmas after the new year on the 6th of January. In fact, the Armenian Church is the only Church in the world which has remained faithful to the tradition of the ancient eastern Church celebrating Christmas on the 6th of January.

There are many traditions in celebrating Christmas. I was speaking with one of the

members of our Church last year and she told me that they celebrate Christmas either at home or in restaurant, but for the “Sourb Dznound,” which is the Armenian word for Christmas, they come to Church. Now, that is the definition of a good Armenian!

On the one hand, it shows that our people respect and are well adapted in both Eastern and Western cultures and traditions. On the other hand, it shows the strong attachment of our people to their own culture, language, spirituality and their resilience to preserve these values.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, we live in a multicultural society which should be valued and safeguarded. However, we should also remember that these societies came about not only because some people were looking for fortune or economic growth and a better life but also because people are being uprooted and forced to leave their homes. 2

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While it is our primary task to embrace these people as Christians, not least because of our own Armenian history, we should also pray for peace and stability in the world.

Today we sang “Glory to God in the highest of Heaven; Glory to God; on earth be peace.” In Armenian, we sing “Փառք ի բարձունս Աստուծոյ, յերկիր խաղաղութիւն եւ ի մարդիկ հաճութիւն.” These are the words from the Christian liturgical tradition common to the Churches both in the East and the West. We know that Jesus is the king of peace.

In the Gospel of Matthew, we read “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Mathew 5:9) The king of peace invites us today to be a peacemaker. The word peace in Hebrew is shalom, often used as a greeting word or a departing word in much the same way we would utter “hello” or “goodbye,” it is a broad term related to health, prosperity, harmony, and wholeness. It means perfect welfare, serenity, freedom from trouble, and liberation from anything which hinders peace. When the word “Shalom” is used, people are wishing one another full presence, peace, and prosperity of all the blessedness of God. The famous Aaronic benediction of Numbers 6:24-26 brings out this idea very clearly: “The LORD bless you and protect you; the LORD make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; the LORD look with favour on you and give you peace” (Num. 6:24-25).

It is important to remember that peace in the Bible is always rooted in justice and righteousness. Where justice prevails and righteousness rules, there you will also have peace. But without those two virtues, ever lasting peace is not possible. The word “make” in the term “peacemakers” comes from the Greek verb that means “to do” or “to make.” It is a word bursting with energy. It mandates action and initiative. Someone has to drag the conflicting parties to the table and give them a reason to put down their arms.

Jesus did not say “Blessed are the peace wishers or the peace hopers or the peace dreamers or the peace lovers or the peace talkers.” Peace must be made. Peace never happens by chance. A peacemaker is never passive. They always take the initiative. They are up and about.

When these two words are taken together, “peace” and “maker,” it describes one who actively follows peace. The peacemaker pursues more than the absence of conflict; they don’t avoid strife (in fact, sometimes, peace-making will create strife); they aren’t only seeking to appease the conflicting parties; they aren’t trying to accommodate everyone. Instead, they are pursuing all the beauty and blessedness of God upon another.

As we celebrate today and enjoy this evening, hundreds of thousands of children are suffering and deprived of homes and shelter. We pray to God and ask for peace in the 3

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Middle East. We pray for Aleppo and people in Syria and Iraq. We pray for all those who are in need of shelter. At the same time, we should also remember that we are invited to transform our prayers into the works and action through our continued efforts and charity to support all those who are desperate and in need of peace.

In conclusion, I would like to thank you all who helped us to organise this event. First of all, I would like to thank the Armenian Church Youth Organisation; particularly Anais Heghoyan and Selineh Sarian for their hard work, the Armenian Sunday and Saturday schools, teachers and children of the schools, St. Yeghiche Parish Council, Araxie Heghoyan, Hripsime Martyrosyan and Sylvia Lucas for organising the reception, and our benefactors and especially Mr. & Mrs. Vatche and Tamar Manoukian family for the use of this wonderful Church and to you all for coming and supporting this event. God bless you all.”

To view a video of the event, please follow this link: https://youtu.be/yEKb7lUgI6E

Christmas Carols in Holy Trinity, Manchester Organised by ACYO (Manchester Chapter)

On the evening of Sunday, 18th December the annual Christmas Carol service was held in Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Manchester, organised by the ACYO Manchester Chapter.

Traditional carol songs were sung by the children of the Armenian Sunday School and congregation of Manchester as well as Biblical readings depicting the birth of Jesus in English and as well as eastern, western and classical Armenian. Children performed the scene of the visit of wise men. The jovial feelings were uplifted by the visit of Santa. 4 The service was concluded by the blessings of the Primate as well as a group picture.

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Armenian Church Youth Organisation News International Youth Meeting in London

On 15th December 2016, The Armenian Church Youth Organisation (HEHEM) held its meeting at St. Yeghiche Church in London hosted by ACYO (London Chapter). There were 40 participants, comprising clergy and youth, attending the meeting from the USA,

UK, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland and Romania, representing the majority of the Armenian Churches in Europe.

Prior to the meeting, the clergy held a special meeting on the evening of 14th December reflecting on the agenda and exchanging views on the future programmes. Rev. Fr. Tovma Khachatryan, pastor of the Armenian Churches in Italy, was unanimously elected as a coordinator of ACYO EUROPE to continue for a two-year period.

There was a prayer service at St. Yeghiche Church on the morning of 15th December attended by clergy and laity. His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan welcomed the

participants in London. The meeting was chaired by Selineh Sarian (ACYO London Vice- Chair) and Anais Heghoyan (ACYO London Chair). Rev. Fr. Tovma Khachatryan made a presentation on “The Call of the Prophet Samuel and Youth of Today,” which was followed by a panel discussion. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church in North America and overseer of the Armenian Church Youth Movement made a presentation on the topic: "The role of ACYO in the community, diocese, region & throughout the life of the Armenian Church & the Armenian people”.

Representatives of different dioceses and parishes had a chance to present their activities. Dr. Hratch Tchilingirian, (Oxford University), spoke about the spiritual help that the5 church should give to the youth. The participants were also greeted by Ms. Hayarpi Armenian Church News

Drmeyan, Consul, Embassy of Republic of Armenia in London and His Grace Bishop Angelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church. In the afternoon, they visited Westminster Abbey, where they were greeted by Canon Anthony Ball and prayed for peace in the Middle East. The day was concluded with dinner at Jakobs restaurant graciously hosted Tanya Race. The participants thanked all those who helped to organise the meeting.

To view a video about the event, please follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-o403b4BB4&feature=youtu.be

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Spirituality Archbishop Kevin McDonald gives Advent Homily at St. Yeghiche Church

On Sunday, 11th December, Archbishop Kevin McDonald of the Roman Catholic Church was invited by His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan to give the guest sermon on the occasion of Advent.

In his sermon, he said: The season of Advent is, of course, something that is shared by Eastern and Western Christians. Advent takes us to the heart of Christian faith and

spirituality because it is a time of looking forward and of hope. That spirit of faith and hope in the Coming of the Lord is vital to our Christian identity. When St Paul was asked about why he lived a celibate life his reply was that he wanted to remain free and unencumbered as he awaited the Coming of the Lord. That desire to live in intimate

expectation of the Lord’s coming has also inspired the monastic movement both in the East and in the West.

Someone who lived in that spirit was the great monk and saint of the Latin Church St Bernard of Clairvaux. In a sermon on Advent he said that the Coming of the Lord is threefold. Christ came among us through his birth in Bethlehem and we also await the return of the Lord in glory at the end times. In the meantime, the Lord comes to us through his Spirit. The Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost and we continue to receive the Holy Spirt in the sacraments and in the intimacy of our own hearts -

strengthening us and giving us wisdom and hope.

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Catholics and Armenians also share a love and devotion to Mary, the Mother of Jesus. She figures significantly in the liturgy of Advent because in her person she manifests the spirit of Advent most perfectly. She was open and receptive to the Lord’s intervention in her life. She was told that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and that the power of the Most High would cover her with its shadow. She submitted herself fully to God’s will and God’s purpose when she said to the angel at the Annunciation “Let it be done unto me according to your word.”

That spirit of openness, self-giving and expectation should be ours in Advent but also throughout our lives. Each of us also has a unique role and vocation within the purposes

of God

We live in very troubled times. In Syria and the surrounding area, we see terrible sufferings. We think of Christians in Egypt and all the homeless and migrant people who suffer because of war. This can test our faith. But as we grow in faith we come to realise that there is a bigger picture. Our minds cannot fully comprehend it but we know that whatever happens we are never outside God’s providence. The spirit of

Advent is a spirit that can trust in God despite the darkness that we may see in our world and in our own lives.

May God bless us and strengthen us during this Holy Season.

(Archbishop McDonald was born in Stoke on Trent on 18th of August 1947. His first

degree was from the University of Birmingham after which he went to the English College in Rome and was ordained priest on 20th of July 1974. He has a Licentiate from the Gregorian University and a Doctorate from the Angelicum University in Rome. He also has an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from the University of Birmingham. He has been Parish Priest in Sparkhill in Birmingham and worked for eight years at the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity in Rome. He also taught at Oscott College in Birmingham, including three years as Rector. He was appointed Bishop of

Northampton in 2001 and Archbishop of Southwark in 2003, a post from which he resigned for health reasons in 2009. Archbishop McDonald continues to be active and has responsibility for Catholic-Jewish relations and Interreligious Relations within the

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. He is a Consultor to the Pontifical Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews and is also involved ecumenically, particularly with the Ancient Oriental Churches. He is Grand Prior of the England and Wales Lieutenancy of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre, an Order which supports Catholics in the Holy Land. He is also the liaison Bishop for the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in England and Wales. Archbishop McDonald lives in London.)

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Spirituality Why do Armenians Celebrate Christmas on 6th

January?

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him.' And lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they

rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh." (Matthew 2:1- 11, RSV)

The Armenian Church celebrates the holy birth (Sourp Dznount) of Jesus Christ on 6th January. In Armenian tradition, this feast day commemorates not only the birth of Christ, but also His baptism by John the Baptist. The latter is remembered through the "Blessing of Water" ceremony, which follows the Divine Liturgy on 6th January.

On the eve of the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Jrakalouyts Divine Liturgy (the lighting of the lamps service) is celebrated in honour of the manifestation of Jesus as the Son of God (theophany). It is custom for the faithful to hold lit candles during this special service. 9

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On the following day, the mystery of our Lord's baptism in the River Jordan is remembered in the ceremony of the Jurorhnek, or the "Blessing of Water."

In ancient times, this ceremony was celebrated by the riverside or sea shore, but, for

various reasons, it was later confined to the interior of the churches. During the ceremony, the cross is dipped in water, recalling Christ's immersion in the Jordan River. Blessed oil, or Holy Chrism (Muron), is poured into the water from a dove-

shaped container, symbolizing the appearance at the baptism of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove and the voice of the Father proclaiming to all that Jesus is His Son.

The Holy Chrism is prepared in Holy Etchmiadzin and is blessed by the Catholicos assisted by the bishops. Muron contains olive oil, balsam and the essence of forty different flowers and herbs. At the end of the ceremony, members of the congregation are given the blessed water to drink, thereby sharing in the life-giving act of Christ.

As water is essential to the life of the body, drinking the blessed water is a reminder that participation in the acts of Christ is essential for eternal life.

Why 6th January? Even at the time of the Holy Apostles, the traditions in the Christian churches in the different parts of the world were not uniform. In fact, Christmas was probably not observed at all in the very early Church. Later, the mysteries of the birth and baptism of Jesus Christ began to be observed on 6th January.

By the end of the 3rd century, Christmas in Rome was celebrated on 25th December, which coincided with a major pagan feast. The Eastern churches, meanwhile,

continued to observe Christmas on 6th January. The Armenian Church has maintained that ancient tradition to this day, whereas the Greek-speaking Christian world switched to the Latin tradition at the end of the 4th century.

House Blessing - Տնօրհնեք One of the traditions of the Armenian Church is the Home Blessing Service. It symbolises the visit of Resurrected Christ the Upper House and blessing of the disciples (John 20:19).

Priests and bishops visit the homes of the faithful on the occasions of Christmas (Theophany) and Easter (Holy Resurrection) to bring the good news of our Lord’s Nativity and Resurrection to bless them and their homes

through a special Service. During the Service the priest prays to God and asks Him to keep the home, its inhabitants and the children in good health, so that they live a devout life, glorify the name of Almighty God and strengthen the Holy Church. House Blessing Services: those faithful who want a priest to visit and bless their home are welcome to contact their respective parishes or the Primate’s 10 Office.

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JOB OPPORTUNITY: Newsletter Editor / Administrative Assistant

3 days per week (occasional evening/weekend hours during special projects)

Salary: for details contact the Primate’s Office on [email protected]

The Primate’s Office requires a new administrative assistant to help with varied tasks in a busy working environment. Primary duties involved are: production of the weekly online newsletter and its distribution, proof-reading, copy-editing, updating of the Diocesan website,

Facebook and Twitter accounts, and production of flyers for events. Secretarial tasks involve producing agendas and taking minutes at all meetings, answering the telephone and emails, general administrative duties and assisting with the Armenian Street Festival. Occasionally, hosting of dignitaries and organising small functions will be required. You will be proficient in Word, and knowledge of desktop publishing, WordPress, Send in Blue and Access would be an advantage. Your level of English should be excellent and IT literacy is essential. Professionalism, attention to detail and reliability are necessary requirements in assisting the Primate in his important work for the Armenian Church in the UK and Ireland.

Volunteers Needed at the Primate’s Office

The Primate’s Office is in need of volunteers to help with general administrative duties such as filing, helping with

mailouts and answering calls. It would be ideal for a school- Prayer Intentions for leaver/graduate looking to gain work experience. Expenses December: will be covered. For more information, please contact our

That all may experience the office. mercy of God, who never tires of forgiving. That families, especially those who suffer, may find in the birth of Jesus a sign of certain hope.

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. 12

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Upcoming Events

DIOCESAN PROGRAMMES Forthcoming Events in December 2016 and January 2017

Bible Studies These will resume in January 2017

New Year’s Eve and Blessing of Pomegranates st Saturday, 31 December in St. Sarkis Church at midnight His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan will preside over a prayer service and blessing of pomegranates.

New Year’s Day and Blessing of Pomegranates

Sunday, 1st January 2017, Divine Liturgy starts at 11:30am in St. Yeghiche Church His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan will preside over a prayer service and blessing of pomegranates.

Christmas Eve

Thursday, 5th January 2017 at 5:30pm in St. Sarkis and St. Yeghiche Churches

Christmas Day Friday, 6th January 2017 at 11am in Holy Trinity Church, Manchester, St. Sarkis and St. Yeghiche Churches

Armenian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Panel Discussion Wednesday, 11th January 2017 in the Gulbenkian Hall at 7:30pm With Dr. Harry Hagopian, Fr. John Whooley and Bishop Hovakim Manukyan More information to follow

Cardiff Parish Divine Liturgy in Cardiff Sunday, 15th January 2017 in Christ Church (Eglwys Crist), 4, Penllwyn Park, Carmarthen SA31 3BU at 1:00pm We are delighted to confirm that Bishop Hovakim Manukyan together with Canon Patrick will hold a special service beginning at 1:00pm. This will be followed by a presentation of two

special items by the South Wales Armenian Community to Christ Church Carmarthen.

Pilgrimage to Holy Land 2nd May – 9th May 2017 Cost for twin room, half board: £1250 per person, single supplement £300. Please see flyer in

this newsletter for details.

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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]

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 Editorial Committee: United Kingdom and Ireland:

His Grace Bishop Hovakim The Primate’s Office Manukyan, Primate c/o The Armenian Vicarage Aznive Simon Iverna Gardens Garen Arevian London, W8 6TP or email: [email protected] 15