S K I F Chalice

S K I F CHALICE

PARB:RAJ;RJ OUAJENXWILI SOURB ASTOUA?A?IN FA|Z1 A%AQ:LAKAN :K:{:ZUO| Fowiu3 Miqa;l Qfn\1 Thr >osrow;an

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. - Luke 2:11 “A\s7r4 Jauiji qa[akin mh= ];r *rkice /nau4 or &/;al Thrn h!” - {oukas 2:11

Kirakn7r;a\ Pa,tamounq Sunday Worship Hours Amhn Mard frauiroua/ h All Are Welcome A5au7t;an vam;rgoujiun - 9:30 Morning Service - 9:30 am Sourb Patarag - 10:00 Divine Liturgy(Soorp Badarak) - 10:00 am Qarox (Angl;rhn ;u Fa\;rhn) - 11:00 Sermon (English/Armenian) - 11:00 am Sunday School - 10:00 am Arv1 T1 Miqa;l Qfn\1 Thr >osrow;an4 Fowiu

Rev. Fr. Mikael Der Kosrofian Kirakn7r;a\ Warvaran (S;pt;mb;r - |ounis) Pataraghn w;r= souryi fiurasiroujiun3 Divine Liturgy followed by fellowship hour in the church hall ;k;[;zuo\ n;rqnasrafin mh=!

SOORP ASDVADZADZIN ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH 315 Church St., Whitinsville, MA 01588 Special Issue

Website: www.armenianchurchofwhit.org Email: [email protected]

ARAM SERVANT OF JESUS CHRIST AND WITH THE UNFATHOMABLE CHALICE WILL OF GOD AND THE ELECTION OF OUR NATION, HEAD OF BISHOPS AND CATHOLICOS OF THE ARMENIANS OF THE A publication of GREAT HOUSE OF CILICIA. Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church GRACE, LOVE, AND PEACE FROM THE LORD AND PONTIFICAL 315 Church Street, Whitinsville, MA 01588 GREETINGS FROM US AND BLESSINGS FROM THE RIGHT HAND Telephone: 508-234-3677 Fax: 508-234-4333 OF OUR FATHER, SAINT GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR. Website: www.armenianchurchofwhit.org Email: [email protected] TO PRELATES, ARCHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS, CELIBATE AND MARRIED CLERGY, NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE ASSEM- Rev. Fr. Mikael Der Kosrofian, Pastor BLIES, RELIGIOUS AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS. BOARDS OF Cell: 774-462-8041 Home: 508-234-0911 TRUSTEES, BENEVOLENT ORGANIZATIONS AND SERVANTS OF Email: [email protected] ARMENIAN EDUCATION, ARMENIAN SCHOOL TEACHERS, Board of Trustees: JOURNALISTS, AND TO OUR BELOVED AND TRUE CHILDREN TO THE HAIGAZIAN NATION THROUGHOUT THE DIASPORA Chairman: Peter Bedrosian WITH CHRISTIAN LOVE AND FATHERLY BLESSINGS AND 508-234-4043 • [email protected] BLESSINGS FROM THE RIGHT HAND OF OUR FATHER, SAINT Vice.Chair: Sonya Merian GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR. PEACE OF THE LORD, LOVE OF 508-788-9333 • [email protected] THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON AND THE GRACE OF THE HOLY Recording Secretary: Priscilla Altoonian SPIRIT BE WITH YOU AND ALL. AMEN. 508-528-2959 • [email protected] The year 2015 is the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. There- Treasurer: David DePasquale fore, the year 2015 must become a different year in its depth and meaning 508-234-808 ▪ [email protected] with its goal and message for each and every Armenian. Assistant Treasurer: Peter Bedigian 508-278-0614 ▪ [email protected] The Armenian Genocide has left an indelible imprint on the collective Advisors: memory of the Armenian people. There is no Armenian in the world Daniel Merian 508-202-9394 ~ [email protected] whose blood has not been forged, or whose life has not been engulfed by Alice Sagherian 508-234-4008~ [email protected] the Armenian Genocide. There is no Armenian on earth whose family has not experienced genocide, exile, homelessness, or dispersion. Butch Simonian 508-24-5867 ~ [email protected] Paul Mouradian 508-520-7844 ~ [email protected] For one hundred years we remembered with incense and prayers our million and a half martyrs, who were sacrificed in Western Armenia and Cili- NRA Delegates: John Berberian, Barbara Berberian cia during the genocide planned and executed by the Turkish Ottoman Ladies Guild: Carol Bedrosian Empire. 508-278-9178 • [email protected] For one hundred years we remembered with lament and anger the destruc- Sunday School Director: Priscilla Altoonian tion and ruins of our centuries-old cultural and religious sacred treas- [email protected] 508-529-2959 ures—churches, monasteries, cross-stones, sacred sites, manuscripts, and Chalice: Ara Stepanian innumerable spiritual intellectuals by the hand of the same genocidal perpetrator. 617-852-1775 [email protected] Choir: Ann Samkiranian 508-234-2638 We remembered for one hundred years with eruptions and demands for Membership: Lindsay Brown the many thousands of national, religious, and individual properties that 508-414-1683 [email protected] were confiscated during the genocide. Emails: Cindy DerMugrditchian Truly, following the 1915 genocide and exile the beautified and flourish- 508-234-7930 • [email protected] ing cities and villages produced by the creative Armenian spirit in West- ern Armenia and Cilicia became a wasteland. How appropriate are the In preparation of the Chalice, every effort has been made to offer the following words of the psalmist for the death and destruction of the Arme- most current, correct, and clearly expressed information possible. nian genocide: “O God, the nations have come into your inheritance; they Nevertheless, inadvertent errors in information may occur and infor- have defiled your holy temple; they have laid Jerusalem in ruins. They mation may become dated. In particular but without limiting any- have given the bodies of your servants to the birds of the air for food, the flesh of your faithful to the wild animals of the earth. They have poured thing stated herein, Soorp Asdvadzadzin disclaims any responsibility out their blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there was no one to for typographical errors and accuracy or timeliness of the infor- bury them.” (Psalm 79:1-3). mation. Soorp Asdvadzadzin also reserves the right to make The criminal intent of the genocidal perpetrator was genocide, exile, and changes at any time without notice. the destruction of the Armenian people, and with the dispersion to erase the Armenian people from the world map…. 2 Truly, following the 1915 genocide and exile the beautified and Perhaps, the genocidal perpetrator, with its diplomatic and economic flourishing cities and villages produced by the creative Armenian effective means will hinder any attempts by our people toward this direc- spirit in Western Armenia and Cilicia became a wasteland. How tion. However, in spite of this harsh reality our people are summoned to appropriate are the following words of the psalmist for the death continue their demands with even greater faith and commitment. and destruction of the Armenian genocide: “O God, the nations have come into your inheritance; they have defiled your holy tem- The Armenian people in Armenia, Artsakh, and the Diaspora, are prepar- ple; they have laid Jerusalem in ruins. They have given the bodies ing to commemorate the centennial of the genocide with unified spirit of your servants to the birds of the air for food, the flesh of your and unified effort. This 100th anniversary is not, nor should it become, an faithful to the wild animals of the earth. They have poured out their ordinary anniversary. It is our duty to make this date a worthy event in blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there was no one to bury our nation’s life with a high level of zeal and purpose. The 100th anniversary must become a turning point in our people’s struggle to regain our them.” (Psalm 79:1-3). just rights. The criminal intent of the genocidal perpetrator was genocide, exile, and the destruction of the Armenian people, and with the dispersion The collective sanctification of the martyrs that will take place on April 23, 2015, in Holy Etchmiadzin under the presidency of the Catholicoi, to erase the Armenian people from the world map…. will most certainly be an important event in the 100th anniversary sphere. Thereafter, the orphaned Armenian people—the children of the survivors—uprooted from their ancestral land never forgot the mar- It is also necessary to look beyond the 100th anniversary…. The ever- tyrs; did not forget their sacred legacy. They heard Christ’s com- changing world conditions and priorities often need re-examination of mandment, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the approaches, way of acting, and emphasis so that the effort in the pursuit of the Armenian Cause becomes compatible with the reality that sur- soul” (Matthew 10:28). rounds us. It is a duty for us to be alert and always united in our purpose. Girded with this faith and strengthened by the vision of the rebirth It is also necessary to properly read “the signs of the times.” of the Armenian people, they re-organized their individual and collective life. They built churches and schools, established community The Armenian Cause is the cause of each Armenian and all Armenians. It institutions and organizations throughout the Diaspora. They also is our martyrs’ cause, the cause of our future generations. So every Ar- reminded the perpetrator and all humanity of the unpunished geno- menian is called upon to contribute in our pan-Armenian efforts to regain cide and demanded justice for their people. our rights. Truly, during the last one hundred years, our Church, our Armenian On the threshold of the 100th anniversary of the genocide, with this Pon- Cause, organizations, and for the past two decades our re- tifical Holy Encyclical, we call upon: established Armenian Republic, through advocacy, politics, rela- Our Prelacies, for the extensive participation of our people at religious tionships, and other means not only reminded the world about the services, public meetings, and other events to keep the memory of our Armenian genocide, but also continuously and tirelessly pursued martyrs and to keep alive their eternal message. recognition of the 20th century’s first genocide that remains unpunished. In fact, today there are a large number of countries, churches, Our organizations working within the life of our nation, to make col- and organizations that have officially recognized the Armenian lective efforts and with a unified spirit organize and evaluate this im- genocide. Along with Armenians, many non-Armenian scholars portant event in our lifetime. have published many works studying the many facets of the Arme- Our educational institutions, to be attentive to the formation of the nian genocide and advocating its recognition. students in human and Armenian values and give special attention to the The children of our people remained faithful, even during their most 100th anniversary in our schools, teaching our students about the mean- difficult times, to the legacy of the martyrs and made an oath, again ing and message of this anniversary. in the words of the psalmist, “If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my Our intellectuals, through their research and lectures, to focus on the right hand wither! Let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I imperative of recognition of the genocide and the demand for reparations. do not remember you” (Psalm 137:5-6). To all Armenians, to be full-hearted participants in the efforts on be- For one hundred continuous years our people’s brave children re- half of the Armenian Cause in general, and for the 100th anniversary membered and reminded others by knocking on the door of people’s events in particular. May the memory of our one-and-one-half million closed hearts and minds and making the recognition of the genocide martyrs always remain alive, and their legacy always resonate in our the center of their struggle. individual and collective lives. Dear Armenian People, Let us walk forward toward our bright future, renewed with our Christian It is necessary to continue that same sacred struggle with pan- faith and strengthened by our martyrs’ message. Armenian measures and renewed effort. The time has come for our May you live forever in the Lord, be strengthened with the grace of the people to give our demands new impetus and contemporary by Holy Spirit and be forever blessed by us. Amen. bringing it into the judicial realm and in the light of international law pursue their violated rights. ARAM I Genocide and human rights declarations clearly state that genocide CATHOLICOS OF THE GREAT HOUSE OF CILICIA is a crime against humanity and therefore the criminal, be it an indi- Encyclical delivered at the Catholicosate of Cilicia, in vidual, an organizations, or a government, must come before the international court of justice. International law also emphasizes that Antelias, Lebanon, December 28, 2014, in the year of our Lord. recognition of genocide means reparation. Therefore, the recognition of the Armenian genocide must not be considered to be the goal of the Armenian people’s demands. Recognition and reparation must be considered together, closely connected as one and indivisi- ble entity and must become the strong foundation and clear goal of the Armenian people’s struggle. It is possible that the current geo- political conditions are not favorable for our demands.

3 “All this has come upon us, yet we Faithful to our God; have not forgotten you, or been false Faithful to our People to your covenant.” (Psalm 44:17)

People who have gone through the difficulties and turmoil of life understand and unwillingly accept that suffering and persecution are events that happen to human creatures. This experience pounds into them a mindset to endure human relationship’s most difficult conditions. They become “above” man, a “super” man, while at the same time reinforcing the supernatural secret of endurance and survival.

During these days leading to the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, the joyful Christian world forgets anxieties and pain and enjoys the happiness that hope brings. Our Christian faith comes to us to spread the news that God’s supreme love was revealed to us with the birth of Jesus, while at the same time proclaiming love and mercy toward all humankind. Christ’s merciful touch fills the faithful with complete obedience to Him. His mercy deeply kindles the love and trust of the faithful in Him.

The road to salvation that Christ brought to humankind also became the road for our people. In spite of centuries of difficulties and persecution, our fathers carried the cross with Him, and walked toward Golgotha; many times they were crucified, but at no time did they break the covenant they sealed with God. We maintained our faithfulness and fought to survive with hope and the faith of resurrection. And we survived, always celebrating through the remembrance of Christ’s birth, our continuous resurrection, budding, and strength in the lives of our people.

We are in the closing days of December 2014, with the year 2015 opening before us.

How deeply we would have wanted the peace, love, and solidarity of Christ’s birth to be pure for us! We have carried with us a deep and bloody pain for one hundred years and every year we experience the stress of the remembrance and gird ourselves with hope and resolve as we relive the memory and legacy of the millions of victims of the Genocide.

“I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord,” (Psalm 118:17)

Contrary to their cruel death, the martyrs did not die. Their posterity lived in order to relate their martyrdom, to live through them with the same resolve. Their death became the inspiration for those who followed, and behold, one hundred years later, through our lives and our deeds we recount their martyrdom of blood and are witness to the lives we live according to our will and faith.

We witnessed the best vow to gain life through martyrdom, when in November all of the bishops of the Armenian Church met under the presidency of the Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Karekin II and the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, His Holiness Aram I, and agreed to sainthood for our faithful martyrs (the sanctification will take place on the forthcoming 2015 Martyrs day). Thereafter, we will no longer pray for their immortal souls, but will rather beseech them to intercede and hear our prayers. Behold, the miracle of gaining life through martyrdom.

And this must be our duty and our song, just as the Hebrew people during their exile sang with longing for their land. It is necessary for us to affirm that the Armenian people and our Motherland are the object of our purpose and the summit of our goal.

“How could we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land?” (Psalm 137:4)

Yes, we can, if our Motherland becomes an impelling force and the focus of our everyday life; if being Armenian becomes an everyday concern; if our goal becomes the perpetuity of our nation.

Christ was born and revealed. May our people be re-born with new hope and the power to overcome.

Prayerfully,

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN Prelate Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America

Holy Nativity, 2015

4 “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with PASTOR’S MESSAGE evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a RESOLUTION OR TRANSFORMATION blessing. For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek It’s Here! Let’s welcome the New Year, 2015; but will peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the right- it be a year full of hope, anticipations and fulfilled prom- eous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, ises or will it just be another year gone by with the but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” “Could’ve, would’ve, should’ve” attitude? Will it be a Paul writes to the Christians in Colossi, “Clothe yourself with spiritually productive year or another year of “I don’t Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness and Patience.” have time, I’m too busy”? Will we make promises and resolutions to transform our lives in a spiritual manner Notice that the above qualities all have something to do with or will we make promises that have no “weight” such as our behavior toward others. “I won’t eat too much popcorn or chocolate”? COMPASSION: Are we going to make resolutions to once again quit The word compassion means feeling someone else’s pain, ex- smoking, to lose weight, eat less fattening foods, no periencing their pain and taking it personally. In Armenia they bread, make more money, spend more time enjoying this say “Tsavud Danem”, meaning “Let me take your pain life, and so on? Please don’t misunderstand me, these away”. Of course we can’t physically take their pain away but we can show great compassion on our fellow man. are great goals for each one of us to achieve as they per- tain to us as individuals, but what do they do to trans- KINDNESS: form us to be Christ-like? What effect do they have on We’ve always taught our children to be kind and polite to oth- our souls, on our Christian faith? ers whether in conversations or when playing with other chil- Everything has two sides, a story, a coin, a page; there’s dren, yet we often neglect this important virtue. What does it mean to be kind? It means merely to treat others without harsh- up and down, left and right, in and out. We also have ness, rather treat them with respect and honor, even though he two sides to us, an inner self and an outer self. We’ve all or she disagrees with us. Paul tells us in humility to consider heard the saying, “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover”, but others better than ourselves. Look at others and try to see them that’s exactly what we are doing by taking care of our the way God sees them, not judgmental but with love. outer self so that we are judged by how someone sees us HUMILITY: on the outside. Yes, we can improve our outer being and our surroundings but it is more important to improve People tend to think that being humble is a sign of weakness, our inner being. That is to make resolutions to be a bet- definitely not. Meekness is NOT a sign of weakness. Jesus was ter person, with better behavior, something that is not gentle and humble, and He was anything but weak. He said, tangible yet visible to others: A CHANGE OF INNER “TAKE MY YOKE UPON YOU AND LEARN FROM ME, FOR I AM GENTLE AND HUMBLE IN LIFE. HEART.” (Matt. 11:28) Humility is a sign of strength. Instead of worrying about how we can compete with God doesn't care about our outer appearance as much as He is others, whether it’s a better vacation, a bigger car, a interested in what is in our hearts. We can either resolve to fancier smart phone; let’s worry about how we can be transform our minds, our hearts and lives and live according to true Christians and not just wear the “Christian” label . Gods’ plan or we can continue to live life as if it were just another day. We are allowing society to control us, many young families today are living their lives based on schedules; their The choice is ours, He is patiently waiting. children are signed up for everything that they can possi- bly fit into that schedule. Then the parents want to have Fr. Mikael Der Khosrofian, Pastor alone time for each other and the schedule is completely St. Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church filled. I wonder if they realize that they haven’t left any room for God? We are doing the same thing today that happened over 2,000 years ago, telling God that we have Yeretsgin and I wish you and your loved ones a “No room”. Happy and healthy 2015. A year filled with the Let’s work on making a resolution to transform our love of Christ and the grace of the Holy Spirit. inner self and allow God to work in us and through us. We should try and live our lives according to the in- structions that the Apostle Peter gives us in Peter 3:8-12.

5 Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church of Whitinsville Bazaar On Saturday, December 6, it was rainy outside, but sunny and inviting at the 2014 Soorp Asdvadzadzin annual church bazaar, held at the Christian Reform Church Hall. Doors opened at 10:00 to a crowd of people waiting to come in. The smells of delicious Armenian foods emanated from the kitchen and out- door grill. The hall was decorated for Christmas and filled with wonderful goodies and Armenian delicacies. The La- dies Guild, under the Chairmanship of Carol Bed- rosian, outdid themselves this year, after lots of hard preparations for several months, to bring delicious Ar- menian baked goods and foods to the community. Joanne Khoury led the kitchen crew, providing all with delicious Armenian luncheon offerings. The new vegetarian plate offering by Jamie Latohla was a big hit. The dessert table, organized by Lisa Garabedian, Amy Garabedian, and Nay Avakian, was ready with delicious home baked treats to finish off the lunch. The grilling was lead by Mark Der Mugrditchian. This year, we had a new station called the North Pole Post office, run by Sue Baghdasarian, and assisted by Deb Bedrosian. 70 individually wrapped special deliv- ery packages were awaiting their owners. Melanie Owens, was the proud recipient of a brand new mini iPad. All 70 presents were sold out by early afternoon. The Country Store, lead by Jamie Der Kosrofian, pro- vided many tasty offerings, wrapped so decoratively, and ready to go for presents. Bags of chocolate can- dies and sweets were offered by Linda Faltous. The Potpourri Table, by Marina Merian and Melanie Ow- ens, had many new home items and arts and crafts gift boxes for purchase. Ara Stepanian kept the children busy with fun art activities in the Kids’ Corner. This year there was also a special visit from Santa, ready to take photos for a great memento. The Armenian Ven- dor.com, by Ed Dervishian, brought a wide array of items from Armenia for both children and adults. Lindsay Der Mugrditchian Brown displayed pretty jewelry for order. Lisa Kouchakdjian showed her new line of treasured Armenian Recipe DVDs, called Love on A Plate. All in all, it was a wonderful day for family and friends to have fellowship and support the church. Sonya Merian, Bazaar Chairperson

6 B A 2 Z 0 A 1 A 4 R

Bourma, by Yeretsgin Margaret and Joyce Bruce Up bright and early to start making the famous Pilav.

Another batch of Kheyma and smiles! Ready to Serve!

7 Scenes from our Christmas Bazaar

8 Birthday Wishes to all celebrating their Congratulations to all celebrating birthdays during December and January. their wedding anniversaries May God continue to bless you! during December and January.

Chalice Donations Sylvia Bedrosian Margaret Garabedian Susan Christensen Michael Kajoian Parish Wish List Thank you for your generosity! (We apologize if there are any errors or if any names omitted. Please let us know in order to correct in a future issue.) Altar Curtain - $4000.00 *****Ladies Guild ***** Restoration of Church Front Doors $9,000.00 The next Ladies Guild meeting Memorial Board - $500 Will be on February 7, 2015 Memorial Plaque - $200 At 9:30 A.M. in the Church hall Choir Books - $500

Soorp Asdvadzadzin is now on Facebook! Did you know? We are now accepting Credit Cards. No cash, forgot your checkbook? No Problem…You can charge most anything including your Pledge/Dues, Requiem, Food purchases, etc. A Board member will be happy to assist you.

www.facebook.com/armenianchurchofwhitinsville

Hokehankist/Requiem Reminder Please call the Church office at 508-234-3677 or Choir Members Wanted! email to [email protected] by the All are welcome so please Thursday prior to the Sunday that the requiem is Come share your beautiful voice! to be held, so we can include the names in the Contact Ann Samkiranian Sunday Bulletin. 508-234-2638

9 10 Genocide Add

11 Board of Trustees Update

Greetings

As winter sets in, the board had an extremely busy fall. There was the ordination of Der Mikael and the ordination banquet. A farewell banquet honoring Der Aram was organized in a month’s time and was very well attended with over 200 guests. Amongst all this, a very successful picnic and bazaar were held. The board also had to find a new Sunday school director, and almost an entire new staff of teachers.

The transition between Der Aram and Der Mikael has gone very smoothly. We are very blessed to have Der Mikael as our Der Hayr. In the new year we will be looking at our investments, working on the budget, and looking ahead to the annual meeting.

The 100th year genocide anniversary is quickly approaching , with events taking place in Washington D.C., Boston and Worcester. Stayed tuned for more information.

Der Hayr & the Board of Trustees wish everyone Respectfully Peter Bedrosian Chairman A Happy, Healthy & Prosperous 2015 and A Merry Armenian Christmas Shnorhavor Nor Dari Yev Soorp Dznount Let us celebrate & greet each other saying: “Christos Dznav Yev Haydnetsav – Tsezi Mezi Medz Avedis

If you and your family would like to host the Sunday Fellowship following Church Services, please call the Church Office at 508-234-3677 to reserve a specific Sunday in memory of a loved one, or in Home Blessings celebration of a special occasion. Traditionally, home blessings are done yearly—after Armenian Christmas and before Paregentan (Lent). But a home Due to Federal Privacy Laws, hospitals no longer blessing can also be scheduled after provide Der Hayr with a Patient/Religion list. We Easter Sunday. encourage you to notify Der Mikael of family members and parishioners who are ill and/or If you would like to have your home hospitalized so that Der Hayr may call and make blessed, please call the Church office at visitations. Visitations can uplift the spirit of the 508-234-3677 patient and offer support and guidance to the family. Please call Der Hayr at: (508)-234-3677 or (774)462-8041

12 Merry Armenian Christmas

His Holiness Aram I celebrating Badarak and Blessing of Water Ceremony in St. Gregory The Illuminator Church, Antelias Lebanon

New England community is witness to ordination of two new priests; Prelate gives them new names of the Archangels, Mikael and Gabriel

NEW YORK, NY—The New England community witnessed the centuries-old and inspiring ceremony of ordination to the holy order of priesthood during a two-day ritual on Friday and Saturday, October 3 and 4. Sts. Vartanantz Church in Rhode Island was filled with the faithful from the New England area to celebrate this unique and joyful event.

Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, celebrated the Ser- vice of Calling on Friday and the Divine Liturgy and Ordination on Saturday of Deacon Diran Der Kosrofian and Deacon Harold Nazarian. The sponsoring priest was His Grace Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar of the Prelacy. Godfathers of the ordinations were Dr. Andre Markarian and Mr. Ara Getzoyan. In addition to the Prelate and Vicar, ten clergymen serving the Eastern Prelacy participated, along with several visiting clergy.

Deacon Harold is a member of the Sts. Vartanantz Church in Providence and Deacon Diran is a member of the St. Asdvadzadzin Church in Whitinsville. Beyond their higher education, both candidates followed a special intensive two-year program of study developed by Archbishop Oshagan and the Religious Council. In addition, they received regular individual instruction by Bishop Anoushavan and other clergy and lay specialists. Early this year they traveled to Antelias where for a period of three months they received further instruction and preparation at the Seminary of the Catholicosate of Cilicia.

In one of the most anticipated moments, the Prelate renamed the two deacons giving them the names of the Archangels; Diran Der Kosrofian became Rev. Fr. Mikael and Harold Nazarian became Rev. Fr. Kapriel. Archangel is a title given to an angel of high rank in the celestial hierarchy. Mikael, which means “who is like God,” is the prince of all angels, the leader of the celestial armies, and the protector of Christians. Gabriel, which means “God is my strength,” is God’s messenger and herald, who foretold the birth of John the Baptist and announced the forthcoming birth of Christ.

14 Service of Calling

The process of ordination began Friday evening with Vespers and the Order of Calling to the Priesthood, with the two candidates walking on their knees, escorted by Bishop Anoushavan and two priests, down the main aisle of the church as a sign of their humility and readiness to serve God.

Through a series of questions Archbishop Oshagan confirmed the worthiness of the candidates and their will- ingness and ability to serve as priests in the Armenian Apostolic Church in true apostolic faith. The candidates then recited the orthodox faith of the Armenian Church. This creed, attributed to St. Gregory of Datev, is more elaborate than the Nicene Creed recited during the Divine Liturgy. Making the sign of the cross over the candidate’s head, the Prelate prayed that the Lord would protect, bless, and illuminate them.

Ordination and Consecration

The next morning, Saturday, October 4, Sts. Vartanantz Church was again filled with family, friends, and parishioners. In the tradition of the Armenian Church the ordination service is intertwined with the Divine Lit- urgy, as this is the liturgical context in which the priest will serve most visibly. The Divine Liturgy began with the Episcopal procession and continued until the scriptural readings, the Prelate then took his place on the Episcopal throne. Deacons Diran and Harold, on their knees, and escorted by Bishop Anoushavan came before the Archbishop. The Prelate placed his hands on the candidates’ heads and prayed that they would each be “worthy to keep the priestly rank spotless, and would be workers who have no need to be ashamed, and that the Lord would grant them apostolic grace to heal, to preach, and to call upon the Holy Spirit to ac- complish the Holy Sacraments.”

At the conclusion of this powerful prayer, Archbishop Oshagan, taking the deacons’ stoles from the candidates’ left shoulders, placed it around their necks, saying, “Take the yoke of our Lord Jesus Christ, for His yoke is easy and His burden is light.” The Liturgy resumed with scriptural readings and continued until the Kiss of Peace when once again the candidates were brought before the Prelate.

15 The Deacons were then given the vestments of their office, one piece at a time. While they were being vested, the choir sang Khorhoort Khoreen (O Mystery Profound).

In his sermon, Archbishop Oshagan offered guidance to the Before concluding, Archbishop Oshagan blessed the veils of the new priests, telling them that they are new men. “You bowed Yeretsgins, Yn. Susana Der Kosrofian and Yn. Debbie Nazarian . down as human beings and stood up as men of God,” he told them. With rich biblical references to Isaiah, Chapter 61, Luke, Chapter 4, and I Timothy, Chapters 3 and 4, the Prelate exhorted the new priests to, in the words of Saint Paul, “set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” His Eminence expressed his congratulations to the families of the new priests and thanked the communities of St. Asdvadzadzin Church of Whitinsville and Sts. Vartanantz Church of Providence, and their priests, Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian and Archpriest Fr. Gomidas Baghsarian, for their exemplary and devoted work in preparation for this momentous occasion.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the faithful came forth to greet the newly ordained priests by kissing their hands and forehead, which had been anointed with holy oil during the service.

16 Fully vested, the candidates were now ready to be anointed and receive their new names: “Blessed and anointed and cleansed be the forehead of the priest Der Mikael..and the priest Der Kapriel…” With these words, the Archbishop consecrated and renamed the new priests and handed the Holy Chalice to them as a sign of authority to offer the Holy Sacrifice, and invited them to give their blessings to the congregation.

In addition to the Prelate and Vicar, ten clergymen serving the Eastern Prelacy participated in the two-day ceremony providing a spectacular splendor to the already moving service. These clergy included: V. Rev. Fr. Sahag Yemishian. V. Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, Archpriest Fr. Antranig Baljian, Archpriest Fr. Vazken Bekiarian, Archpriest Fr. Gomidas Baghsarian, Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian, Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aktavouk- ian, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian, and Rev. Fr. Torkom Chorbajian. Also attending and participating was Rev. Fr. Shnork Souin, pastor of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church in Provi- dence. 17 Celebratory Banquet

The ordinations were followed by a banquet in honor of the newly ordained priests and their families at the Marriot Hotel in Prov- idence with hundreds attending. The chairmen of the Boards of Trustees of both the Providence and Whitinsville parishes wel- comed the gathering, congratulated the new priests, and expressed the honor of hosting this truly inspirational and poignant occasion. In his message, Archbishop Oshagan once again congratulated Der Mikael and Der Kapriel and thanked their families for their love and support during the years leading to this moment. The Prelate spoke glowingly about the Providence and Whitinsville communities that were established and nurtured through the sacrifice of the survivors of the Genocide. “They—our parents and grandparents—arrived in the United States with no possessions. They brought with them their faith, which was all they had. What they accomplished in raising their families, establishing our communities, building our churches, our schools, and community centers is nothing short of a miracle,” the Prelate said. “Let us follow their example and make every sacrifice to build on their ac- complishments for the glory of God and His Church.”

Der Mikael with Godfather, Dr. Andre’ Markarian Der Kapriel with Godfather, Mr. Ara Getzoyan

18 Parishoner’s of Soorp Asdvadzadzin bid farewell to Der Aram & Yeretsgin Margaret Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church of Whitinsville Honored Archpriest Father Aram Stepanian with a banquet on Sunday November 30th following his final celebration of Holy Badarak as our pastor. The banquet was held at Pleasant Valley Country Club which was filled to capacity. His Eminence Arschbishop Oshagan Choloyan presided over Badarak and the banquet. Clergy from the New England Churches, members of the Prelacy Executive Council, distinguished guests, family and friends from as far as California, Tex- as and New Jersey all gathered to honor Der Aram and Yeretsgin Margaret. The Master of Ceremony for the afternoon was Deacon Jeffrey Kalousdian. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Peter Bedigian spoke eloquently of Der Hayr and Yeretsgin's nearly sixteen years of service to the Whitinsville community. The program, consisting of speeches and entertainment, included a dance number choreographed by Mrs. Kristen Markarian and performed by the Siroun Dance Group, followed by a musical interlude with the songs "Der Getsoh" by Gomidas and "Yegeghetsin Haygagan" by Vahan Bedelian; both beautifully performed by Ms. Sonya Merian and Mrs. Marina Merian, accompanied by Nancy Moscofian on keyboard. The Board of Trustees and parishioners of Soorp Asdvadzadzin presented Der Hayr and Yeretsgin with gifts of appreciation for their dedicated service. Der Aram thanked the Board of Trustees, the community and his loving wife of 50 years, Yeretsgin Margaret, who stood by his side and supported him not only as Der Hayr but as a preacher at large, traveling the world over the years to spread the good news. Der Aram recalled when Mesrob Srpazan of blessed memory, asked him to "take care of Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church of Whitinsville as a Der Hayr". After eight months of strug- gling he answered his calling to serve as the pastor. Deacon Aram Stepanian was ordained a Der Hayr by our beloved Prelate, Archbishop Oshagan in the same Church that he would be serving in. In closing, Der Aram addressed Der Mikael, our new pastor, "I know God has picked you and I know He has His hand upon you". Archbishop Oshagan delivered an inspirational message, not only to Der Aram and Der Mikael, but to everyone asking them to remember the past; for there were times of struggle and times when the doors of Soorp Asdvadzadzin were nearly closed. Srpazan Hayr asked everyone to also remember the successes, to remember where they came from and who they were. His Eminence pointed out that the large turnout was the best testi- mony to Der Aram's leadership and love and reminded him that a clergyman is a tool in Gods' hands. Speak- ing to Der Mikael, Archbishop Oshagan said, "I am happy that as the son of this community you will continue the work of Der Aram; take care of this flock and love them with all your heart, for in you and through you they must see the work of our Lord Jesus Christ." Thanking the community, Srpazan Hayr concluded with his benediction and the singing of "Giligia".

19 “They laughed with us, cried with us, ate with us, led us in worship, sat on our decks, played with our kids and earned a lasting place in our hearts, His sermons were broadcast on local community television and remained etched in our minds. Never short for words, Der Aram was like the ‘Sermonator’.”

You will be missed!

20 In January 2014 Diran & Harold departed for the Holy See of About Our Pastor, Der Mikael Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon where they continued their education and participated with the clergy in all aspects of the mo- nastic life. When asked by His Holiness Aram I, “What did you do for a living?” Deacon Diran answered, “Your Holiness, I worked for a building construction company.” To which Ve- hapar responded, “From now on you will be working on spiritual construction.” Der Mikael is married to Susana Seropyan Der Khosrofian; the two met in Holy Echmiadzin and are the proud parents of Mary, Molly, Yeva, Vahan, and Nune’. Der Hayr’s special interests include the education and preserva- tion of Apostolic teachings and Holy Traditions which have been transmitted from generation to generation since the time.

Der Mikael Der Khosrofian was born in 1965 Aleppo, Syria to Minas and Mary Minasian. At a very young age his grandmother would take him to Karasoun Manoog Church on a daily basis, sometimes staying there for hours. Although too young to recall everything, looking back now Der Hayr is able to see how God had started working in his life. He attended Hygazian Elementary School. Having lost his parents at an early age, Diran and his brother Levon were adopted by his Uncle Mikael and Aunt Mary Der Khosrofian, who saved them from the perils of the Mid- dle East conflicts. He arrived in Whitinsville, Massachusetts January 12, 1975 at the age of nine and attended Northbridge Public Schools, graduating in 1985. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1984, serving in North Carolina, Germa- ny, and Kentucky until being honorably discharged in 1992. He subsequently attended and graduated from the New England Institute of Technology in Rhode Island. Since the age of ten, he has served Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church of Whitinsville; as an altar server and as a member of the Board of Trustees. He was ordained an acolyte by Archbishop Mesrop Ashjian of blessed memory; a sub-deacon and deacon by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. Feeling the power of Gods’ calling to serve our Creator, His children and the Armenian Church, Deacon Diran expressed his calling to Der Aram and Oshagan Srpazan. In the Spring of 2011, he began his studies for the priesthood with Deacon Harold Nazarian. Their teachers included His Grace Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Der Sarkis Aktavoukian, Der Antranig Baljian, Der Karekin Bedourian, Der Torkom Chorbajian, and Dr. Vazken Ghougasian.

21 SUPPORT THE CHALICE

The Chalice is published quarterly by Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church. Did you know that if each person receiving this issue would donate $5.00, the cost to print for the entire year would be covered. Of course many will send in more than $5.00 and this will allow us to publish special issues like this one. Your donation will help keep this important link to the St. Asdvadzadzin Community. Please use the enclosed envelope to mail in your Chalice donation. Thank you!

Gifts to Soorp Asdvadzadzin

Norma Megerdichian (Pew) Stepanian Family Belisle Family Oscar Asadoorian Judith & Harry Papazian Anonymous Total: $590.00

Coming Soon

Bible Study will be starting shortly after the holidays. Chef of the Month Dinners Poon Paregentan Lent Services Youth Group and Young Adults Choir Rehersals Armenian Language Lesson’s Please be sure to check our website regularly for important announcements.

22 Thank you During 2014 major changes took place in our lives, I left for Lebanon and was away from my family for three months. All of you were so kind and generous to our family. Our Ladies Guild hosted a bon voyage luncheon and presented us with a gift to help during my absence. There were many of you who also did the same, I have thanked you privately but I feel the need to thank you publically also. We were deeply touched, not because of your generosity, but by witnessing your love and compassion for our family. Our Lord Jesus Christ asks us to love one another and to be compassionate, and you did just that. May God bless each of you and grant your heartfelt desires. The month of October was and always will be a special time to remember as it was my ordination into the priesthood, I would like to express deep gratitude to God and to our Prelate , His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan who gave me his fatherly blessing and saw me worthy to serve in this pastoral ministry . I would like to thank Der Gomidas Baghsarian for taking great care to teach and guide both Der Kapriel and I during our seclusion, the Board of Trustees, Ladies Guild, and members of Sts. Vartanantz in Providence for the amazing banquet following the ordination ceremony, for taking care of Der Kapriel and I with delicious meals daily, and for the new friendships that were formed. I would also like to thank His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Archbishop Shahan Sarkissian (Prelate of Syria), His Grace Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, my clergy brothers, Der Aram Stepanian, Der Stephan Baljian, Der Antranig Baljian and Der Shnork Souin for taking time out of their busy schedules and coming to Providence to spend time teaching and fellowshipping with us. November 9th, on the occasion of my Antranig Badarak, not only did I feel the presence of the Holy Spirit but I was also inspired by your love and support. Our Ladies Guild hosted a reception, this time to welcome me and presented me with a generous gift. Yeretsgin Susana and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts; we are looking forward to serving God, our church and you ~ our family for as long as the Lord will allow us this privilege.

Der Mikael Yeretsgin Susana

23 The moto “I Remember and Demand” and the logo, the Forget-Me-Not flower, have been selected to be used worldwide for the Centennial Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.

The Forget-Me-Not flower has the same meaning in all languages—not to forget, and it is recognized universally as a symbol of remembrance. The center of the flower in the logo symbolizes the 12 leaning pillars of the Dzidzernagapert Genocide Memorial in Armenia. The black dot symbolizes the genocide. The color purple repre- sents the past, the tragedy, the present and the future. The five petals of the flower are the five continents on which the Armenians settled, creating Armenian communities and forming the Armenian Diaspora.