Armenian Church News Hurch News

Volume 5, Issue 7 5 March 2019

Armenian Church News

Diocese of the Armenian Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland

hurch News The Canterbury Khachkar – A Historic Day in the Heart of the Anglican Church In this issue: The Canterbury Khachkar – A Historic Day in the Heart of the Anglican Church

The speech of The Primate at the Canterbury

Charity Galla Dinner with Lord Darzi

Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Manchester

Vartanank was celebrated at St. Yeghiche Church

Great Lent in the Armenian Church

Upcoming Events

The Armenian community of Great Britain participated in the unveiling of a khachkar at Canterbury Cathedral on 2 March 2019. The khachkar was placed in the cathedral’s memorial Garden to mark the end of WWI, remember the Armenian Genocide of 1915, and recall the memory of Randall Davidson (Archbishop of Canterbury 1903-1928), who worked tirelessly to save Armenians at that time. The two metre khachkar was crafted in Canterbury from tufa stone especially Diocese of the Armenian imported from Armenia. It bears the year 301 in Armenian letters (ՅԱ), when Church of the United Kingdom Armenia officially converted to Christianity, and the inscription “Ու ես կ'երթամ and the Republic of Ireland դէպ ի աղբիւրը լոյսին” [And I go towards the source of light") from Taniel His Grace Bishop Hovakim Varoujan’s poem, “Լոյսը” [The Light]. Manukyan, Primate The Canterbury Khachkar project was initiated by master craftsmen Brigadier John Diocesan Office Meardon and Vartan Moskofian. It then took off with the timely support of AGBU (London) and other individuals and donors. From the outset, Resight Film, began Tel. 0208 998 9210 recording each step for a full-length documentary. And, as the date for the primatesoffice@armeniandiocese. dedication approached, the primate of the Armenian Apostolic church in the United org.uk Kingdom and Ireland, Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, prepared a special ceremony for the occasion. On the day of dedication, a beautiful vespers service was held in the main cathedral, presided by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, with

the participation of Bishop Hovakim Manukyan. The ceremony was attended by Trustees of ACT UK are: dignitaries, as well as several hundred Armenians and their friends from across the BP Hovakim Manukyan

Ayda Lundon

Viken Haladjian

Hovnan Hampartsoumian Armenian Church News

United Kingdom. The presence of so many people added more colour and dignity to the event. The church service was followed by the consecration of the khachkar with holy miuron from Holy Echmiadzin, accompanied by a special Armenian service led by Bishop Manukyan and supporting clergymen. After the consecration, the procession moved to the cloisters where Bishop Manukyan and Archbishop Welby lay flowers and prayed at the grave of Randall Davidson. There then followed a reception at Chapter House for several hundred guests, including music and poetry, as well as words from Brigadier John Meardon, Ara Sarafian (historian), Bishop Manukyan, and the new Armenian ambassador to the United Kingdom, Dr. Arman Kirakossian. The speakers reflected on the horrors of WWI, the importance of remembering the Armenian Genocide, and the need for truth, reconciliation and just resolution of the Armenian issue. By Nora Vosbigian (London, 3/3/2019)

The speech of The Primate at the Canterbury Your Excellency Ambassador Kirakossian, Dean and Chapter of Canterbury, Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Today I am very humbled as a bishop of the Armenian Church in the United Kingdom to consecrate this beautiful Armenian Khachkar-Stone Cross in the Cathedral’s Memorial Garden, together with you, dear brothers and sisters, and especially in the presence of The Most Revd Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury. Through this beautiful Armenian Cross, the sign of Victory of the triumphant Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, we come together with our brethren of the Church of England to pray for world peace and reconciliation among all nations. This newly consecrated Cross-stone may serve as a symbol of the strong bond and friendship that has existed for centuries between our churches and our nations.

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We are all filled with join on this special occasion. Through this auspicious gathering and through the dedication of this Cross stone we also recognize the services of Armenian people to Great Britain and recognize the commitment of the Church of England to the cause of peace, justice and reconciliation. In the darkest hour of our nation’s history during the Genocide in the Ottoman Empire, it was Archbishop Davidson who raised his voice in defence of the Armenian people. The awareness that the Archbishop of Canterbury raised among the British people and through the Anglican Communion around the world, will never be forgotten. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, The Khachkars are the icons of the Armenian tradition. As we have dedicated the Khachkar in the center of the worldwide Anglican Church, we are also celebrating the lives of the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide. The suffering of our people was not in vein. The cross of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, became a life giving source of faith, through the martyrdom of 1.5 million Armenians in the early years of the 20th century. We pray for their intercession for peace and love. Like the cross of Christ is blossoming because of life giving blood shed on the dry wood, the stones of Armenia have blossomed because of the sacred blood of her countless daughters and sons have been shed on them and we see their beauty in the form of Art work. This cross-stone will remain for centuries as a symbol of friendship, peace and reconciliation as well as a symbol of recognition of the suffering and endurance of our people. As a Christian I strongly believe that the true peace comes with confession, recognition and reparation. On behalf of the Armenian people I am indebted to thank the Most Reverend Archbishop of Canterbury, the Dean and the Chapter for this wonderful initiative to allow the placement of this cross-stone in the shadow of this Holy Cathedral. My sincere thanks and appreciations to Mr Vartan Moskofian and Brigadier John Meardo for their artistry, perseverance and wonderful creation. Thank you also to those who contributed to this project financially, morally or just with their encouragement.

Charity Gala Dinner with Lord Darzi

Well attended Gala Dinner took place at “Holiday Inn” in Kensington on February 27th was another successful event in the life of London Armenians. The dinner was organised by the Ladies Committee of the Primate’s Office led by Jeanine Gulvanesian under the auspices of the bishop of the Armenian Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It was to support the project of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, providing accommodation to the families affected by the earthquake in Armenia 1988, who still live in cottages and have not received any support as of yet. The keynote speaker was Professor Dr the Lord Ara Darzi who spoke about His life journey, the resilience of Armenians and the importance of the Church and community. Dr Hratch Tchilingerian was the master of the ceremonies. The greeting speeches were made by Mrs Jeanine Gulvanessian, chairperson of Ladies Committee, H.E. Dr Arman Kirakossian, Armenian Ambassador and Dr Seta Boghossian , the head of British Armenian Health Association. Miss Vanouhi and Sipan Petrosyan from Akhtamar Dance group performed beautiful Armenian folk dances, Hovik Arakelyan, Choirmaster of St. Sarkis Church, performed Armenian and classical songs. Stepan Nalbantian

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provided beautiful Armenian music. A short documentary was shown made by “Shoghakat TV” in Armenia about the particular project. At the end of the Dinner Primate thanked Lord Darzi for his continued support to the Armenian Church and community and the speakers. He expressed his sincere appreciations to Dr Hratch Tchilingerian for his commitment and support not only on the day but also throughout the years to the Armenian Church and the Primate. His Grace expressed his thankfulness wholeheartedly to the Ladies Committee members for all their hard work. Special thanks were made to dancers, singers, ACYO London Chapter as well as talented Armenian young artist Ms Anna Virabyan who presented one of her artworks to Lord Darzi. For supporting this or other projects please send your donations to the Armenian Church Trust UK or contact [email protected].

Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Manchester

Primate celebrated mass at Holy Trinity in Manchester and delivered sermon on the occasion of the eve of the Great lent. Please read the summary of the sermon.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, As we enter the spiritual period of Great Lent, it is time for us to concentrate our minds, thoughts and hearts on the Bible. We will observe abstinence for forty days. The curtains of the Church will be closed. This symbolizes that doors of the heavenly kingdom are closed and we are invited to open them with fasting, prayer and charity work. I always mention in my encounters with you that as we go for a vacation during the summer period to allow ourselves to rest and prepare for the rest of the year, similarly the great lent is a period of vacation for our spirits through retreat and prayers. We will start celebrating beautiful services of the Hour of Peace and Hour of Rest, the Sunrise Service. Fasting will help us to cleanse our bodies from heavy burden of the year and charity will make our hands sweet. Please read the Gospel of Mathew chapter 6: 121. It gives you a profound idea how to spend your Lenten season in prayer, charity and fasting. “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Mt 6:20-21). May God almighty bless you and your endeavours now and forever, Amen!

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven” (Mt 6.1) “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen” (Mt 6:6) “when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you”. (Mt 6:6)

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Vartanank was celebrated at St. Yeghiche Church

On February 28th the feast of Saint Vartan and 1036 warriors was celebrated at St Yeghiche Church in London by Bishop Hovakim Manukyan and Revd Nshan Alaverdyan. At the end of the service Primate delivered sermon and presided over the special prayer for the longevity of the Pontiff of the Armenian Church. Primate also congratulated those whose name day is celebrated on that day.

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Great Lent in the Armenian Church

Great Lent (Arm. Medz Bahk, Մեծ Պահք), is also called “Karasnortk” since it lasts forty days. The days of lent are referred to as Karasnortagan and the Sundays- Karasnortagan Giragi. Great Lent is the longest of the fasts prescribed in the liturgical calendar and it begins on the Monday following Poon Paregentan and lasts for forty days (six weeks) up until the Friday prior to Lazarus Saturday. Great Lent is therefore the preparatory spiritual journey with its destination of Easter, “the Feast of Feasts.” It is the preparation for the “fulfilment of Pascha, the true Revelation.”

Liturgical structure of Lent Lent originated in the very earliest days of the Church as a preparatory time for Easter, when the faithful rededicated themselves and when catechumens were instructed in the faith and prepared for baptism. By observing the forty days of Lent, the individual Christian imitates Jesus’ withdrawal into the wilderness for forty days and rededicates himself to the church through prayer, fasting and learning (Matt. 4:2).

To understand the various liturgical particularities of the Lenten period, we must remember that they express and convey to us the spiritual meaning of Lent and are related to the central idea of Lent, to its function in the liturgical life of the Church it is the ideal of repentance. In the teaching of the Armenian Church however, repentance means much more than a mere enumeration of sins and transgressions to the priests. Confession and absolution are but the result, the fruit, the “climax” of true repentance. And, before this result can be reached, becoming truly valid the meaningful, one must make a spiritual effort- go through a long period of preparation and purification. Repentance means a deep, radical revaluation of our whole life, of all our ideas, judgments, worries, mutual relations, etc. It applies not only to some “bad action,” but also to the whole of life. At every moment of life, but especially during Great Lent, the Church invites the penitent to concentrate attention on the ultimate values and goals, to measure life by the criteria of Christian teaching, to contemplate human existence in its relation to God. This is repentance and it consists therefore, before everything else, in the acquisition of the Spirit of repentance, i.e., of a special state of mind, a special disposition of our conscience and spiritual vision. The Lenten worship is thus a school of repentance. It teaches us what repentance is and how to acquire the spirit of repentance. It prepares us for and leads us to the spiritual regeneration, with which “absolution” remains meaningless. It is, in short, both teaching about repentance and the way of repentance. And, since there can be no real Christian life without repentance, without this constant “reevaluation” of life, the Lenten worship is an essential part of the liturgical tradition

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of the Church. The neglect of it, its reduction to a few purely formal obligations and customs, and the deformation of its basic rules constitute one of the major deficiencies of Church life today.

Armenian Lenten Services The Peace Service, Rest Service and Sunrise Service are performed more often during Great Lent than at other times of the year. (Usually, Peace and Rest Services are performed only on Friday evenings.) These three services are part of the Church’s cycle of seven daily worship services but are of particular significance during Great Lent because they are penitential in nature and remind us of the effort we are making to restore our pure and joyous relationship with God.

The evening Peace Service consists of prayers for peace to end each day. These prayers remind us that God is with us even in the face of trial and temptation.

The Rest Service, which comes just before retiring for the night, asks God’s continuing care through the night. It includes the prayer of St. Nersess.

The Sunrise Service, performed first thing in the morning, reminds us that God is the giver of the light of morning and the light of salvation. Its beautiful prayers and hymns reflect the fresh and serene quality of the most beautiful time of day. This service is performed in our churches before or after Sunday morning liturgy. (http://stjamesevanston.org/great-lent)

Special Services during the Great Lent

 The Services of the Hour of Peace and the Hour of Rest will take place at St. Sarkis Church every Friday evening at 6:30 pm. Lenten food will be served at Gulbenkian hall (£5).

 The Sunrise Services will take place at Arajnordaran (Bishops’ House) every Wednesday at 10:30 am, starting from March 13th. At the end of service Tea and Coffee will served. Any donations are welcome.

 The Sunrise Services will also take place at the Armenian Churches in London every Sunday morning, before Divine Liturgy at 10:30 am.

 The Sunrise Service will take place at Holy Trinity Church in Manchester on April 7th at 11:15 am.

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CURRENT PROGRAMMES IN BISHOP’S HOUSE

Diocese of the Armenian Church of United Kingdom and Ireland and His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate, are restarting a series of programmes at the Bishop’s House after the summer break, open to everyone – details coming soon.

Armenian Christian Faith Lecture Series These lecture series will introduce the faith, theology, liturgy, sacraments and, generally, the spiritual heritage of the Armenian Church to the members of the community and wider interested audiences. Spiritual Journey through the Bible: «Ուր երկու կամ երեք հոգի հաւաքուած լինեն իմ անունով, այնտեղ եմ ես, նրանց մէջ» The Primate, is launching a new program of weekly Bible studies (every Wednesday) for the faithful of the community, who are in search of deeper understanding of their faith and Christian fellowship. These are not academic discussions, but a journey together through the Bible.

Discussion Group Contemporary Social & Ethical Issues Curated and led by Dr Hratch Tchilingirian | Discussion of contemporary social and ethical issues, which are of concern for young professionals and members of the larger Armenian community. These evening gatherings will take place once a month, consisting of a 20-minute presentation on a given topic, followed by 50-60 minutes of open discussion.

Հայ Գիրքի Ակումբ Արմէն Սարուհանեանի ղեկավարութեամբ | Ամսական հանդիպումներ համայնքի ընթերցասէր անդամներուն համար (book club), որոնք կը փափաքին կարդալ եւ միասնաբար քննարկել Հայ գրականութեան նմուշներ, Հայ Եկեղեցւոյ ու մշակոյթին առընչուած գործեր եւ այլ հետաքրքրական նիւթեր: Armenian Connexions Monthly after work informal gatherings for young professionals at the Bishop’s House to network and catch up with friends and the latest developments in the Armenian world Coffee with the Bishop Informal visit and coffee meeting with Bishop Hovakim at the Bishop’s House to catch up on the latest news in the community, in Armenia and the Diaspora.

Armenian Children’s Club Children can learn about Armenian faith through fun and games, led by Anna Henden. All events are held at the “Bishop’s House” | 27 Haven Green | London W5 2NZ (Nearest tube: Ealing Broadway) For more information, please contact: Tel 0208 998 9210 | [email protected]

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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 Church 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 www.stsarkisparish.co.uk www.styeghiche.org.uk st 1 SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

Other Parishes of our Diocese: Dublin - www.armenians.ie Birmingham – St. Peter Church, 208 High St, Walsall, WS3 3LA.

We invite those who have questions or wish to gain deeper understanding of the faith, moral discernment, teachings and traditions of the Armenian Church to contact the Office of the Diocese of the Armenian Church in United Kingdom and Ireland:

His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan The Primate’s Office 27 Haven Green, London W5 2NZ

Tel: 0208 998 9210

Email: [email protected]

Registered office address: Kemp House 152-160 City Road, London EC1V 2NX Website | Facebook