Volume 1, Issue 10 Diocese of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and Ireland 16 October 2015
Armenian Church News
The Feast of the Holy Translators the patrons of St. Yeghiche Church in London. The following day in all Armenian Churches, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and especially, here in London, a requiem service was held for the souls of Yeghiche
and Siranush Manoukian, the parents of national benefactor of the Armenian Church – Mr. Vatche and Diocese of the Armenian Mrs. Tamar Manoukian and for Church of the United Kingdom and the Republic Manoukian family. The Celebrant of Ireland was the Very Rev. Fr. Shahe His Grace Bishop Hovakim Ananyan – a guest clergyman from Manukyan, Primate the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin,
Diocesan Office who was in London to participate in Tel. 0208 127 8364 official theological dialogue between primatesoffice@ armenianchurch.co.uk the Anglican and Oriental Orthodox
Churches. Before the Lord’s prayer, His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan addressed the congregation and explained the meaning of the day, and also expressed his sympathies to the There was a solemn liturgical Manoukian family, who attended the celebration in St. Yeghiche Church Divine Liturgy. Afterwards, the Very on Sunday, 11th October. The Rev. Fr. Shahe Ananyan delivered Armenian Church celebrates the the sermon and spoke about the feast Feast of the Holy Translators on the and dedication. 10th October. The Holy Translators are those Saints who translated the Holy Bible and created independent Armenian literature. Among them was the 5th century historian and theologian St. Yeghiche, and Yeghiche is also the name of one of Armenian Church News Page 2
Armenian Church Youth Fellowship News
On the evening of the 14th October 2015 the ACYF London Chapter hosted a "meet and greet the new Primate" event at the Vicarage in Iverna Gardens, Kensington. Present were His Grace Bishop Hovakim, Father Shnork, Father Movses, the newly elected ACYF London Chapter committee and their guests. There were over 25 guests who enjoyed dinner and a successful fellowship. With the Primate's blessing the new Chairman Anais Heghoyan welcomed the guests and thanked Alex Adamov for all his hard work and achievements during his leadership of the ACYF London Chapter, and previous leaders Stephen Yeghiazarian and Hovik Hovhannisyan who kindly continue to remain advisors to the new committee. The committee would like to thank all those who attended their event and look forward to hosting future events including their very popular annual Christmas Carols concert that will be held in December (date to be confirmed) where all are welcome.
At the end of the meeting His Grace blessed those present, appreciated the work of organizers and encouraged the youth to work harder to integrate more Armenian youth into their work. Please visit our Facebook pages: ACYF London and ACYF Armenian Church Youth fellowship or email us on: [email protected]
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Ecumenical News Anglican and Eastern Churches with the crowns of martyrdom, have Association Honour Genocide become the patron saints of justice, love, Centennial and peace, through whose intercession on high, God's mercy and grace pour forth The Primate, along with the Clergy and wherever justice is shaken, wherever Deacons of the Diocese, attended the tranquillity is disturbed, wherever annual reception organised by the security is violated, wherever human Anglican and Eastern Churches rights are trampled, wherever social Association on the evening of 12th welfare is threatened, wherever faith and October. More than 30 Archbishops, identity are fanaticised.” Bishops and Clergy from the Anglican, Eastern and Oriental Churches were The Armenian people were not the only present. His Grace Bishop Hovakim ones who were persecuted, killed and Manukyan addressed those present and forcefully deported from their historical spoke about the Centennial homeland by Ottoman Turks. We Commemorations of the Armenian remember the victims of Syriac of Sayefo Genocide that have taken place in (Genocide) and the Genocide of the Armenia and the Diaspora. In Greeks of Pontus. We know that at the particular, His Grace said “During 2015, beginning of the 20th century Great Britain we have had a range of events dedicated along with his allies condemned these to Centennial of the Armenian massacres as crimes against humanity.’’ In Genocide, and the final event will take conclusion, the Primate said that “as place at Westminster Abbey celebrating Christians we have to unite our efforts not the lives of the newly-sainted martyrs only for the recognition and reparation of of 1915. This year began with a Divine the Armenian Genocide but also by Liturgy celebrated in St Peter's Basilica making commitments against any future in Rome. In this service, his Holiness crimes against humanity.’’ The Bishop Pope Frances, Bishop of Rome and also thanked the representatives of the Supreme Head of the Catholic Church Churches present there for their celebrated a special mass for Armenians participation in the events. and condemned thoroughly the injustices committed against the Afterwards, His Grace Bishop Angelos Armenian people, proclaiming it as the from the Coptic Orthodox Church gave a first genocide of the twentieth century. presentation on the situation of the rd On 23 April, a ceremony took place at Christians in the Middle East. the Mother see of Holy Etchmiadzin, which was canonized of the victims of the Armenian Genocide. His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians said “Today the holy martyrs of the Armenian genocide, abiding in the radiant mansions of heaven, adorned
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Primate visits St. Mellitus College
Upon the invitation of The Rt Revd & Rt Hon Dr Richard Chartres the Primate visited St. Mellitus College of the Anglican Church, Diocese of London where he got acquainted with the Right Revd Dr. Graham Tomlin on 12th October.
The Primate and those accompanying him were shown around the theological college and introduced to the programmes related to the lay and youth ministries, and exchanged ideas for further co-operation.
Primate visits House of Lords
On the 15th October, His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan visited the House of Lords for a lunch hosted by The Rt Revd
& Rt Hon Dr Richard Chartres. Canon Robin Ward, Baroness Flather and Ailsa Plain (FCO) joined the bishops for lunch. There was friendly and warm discussion to strengthen bi- lateral relations on various levels.
Primate visits Syrian Orthodox Church in London
On 13th October, His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan along with Deacon Hovik Hovhannisyan visited the Syrian Orthodox Church in Acton where
they were welcomed by His Eminence Archbishop Athanasius Touma. The same day His Eminence hosted a lunch for the representatives of different Eastern and Anglican churches. The new Bishop of Kensington – the Right Revd Dr. Graham Tomlin was also present at the reception. Amongst the many topics discussed during the reception, much attention was paid to the situation of Christians the Middle East, and ways in which our Churches can help them.
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Meeting of the Representatives of Communion in its various countries the Anglican-Oriental Orthodox could respond effectively to the Churches - 4th Session of the refugee crisis in the Middle East and Commission on Theological Europe. Dialogue The Commission also marked the The Anglican-Oriental Orthodox Centenary of the Armenian International Commission held its Genocide. The connection between fourth meeting from the 5-10th W.E. Gladstone, former British Prime October 2015 at Gladstone’s Library, Minister, and the Armenians whom Hawarden, Wales. This fourth he defended during their sufferings in session (the first was held in 2002 at the 1890s, was commemorated in St the Mother See of Holy Deiniol’s Church, Hawarden. The Etchmiadzin) was devoted to Revd Dr. Patrick Thomas gave a understanding the role of the Holy presentation on his book, Spirit in the Anglican and Oriental Remembering the Armenian Orthodox traditions. A formal Genocide 1915, which was document on the subject will be appreciated by the Commission. published and released in the near
future. The fifth meeting of the Commission
will take place in Antelias, Lebanon, The Commission discussed the from the 24th to 29th October 2016, present situation of Christians in the hosted by His Holiness Catholicos Middle East and heard reports on the Aram I. At the conclusion of the difficulties facing Churches, meeting, the Commission thanked particularly in Syria and Iraq. There the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy was a consideration of the most Spirit, for the mutual understanding practical ways in which the Anglican and friendship that was experienced
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and shared, and looks forward to continuing its work.
The Armenian Apostolic Church participated in the 4th session of the Anglican-Oriental Orthodox Committee. Attending were His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America (Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin); His Eminence Archbishop Nareg Alemezian (Great House of Cilicia); Very Rev. Fr. Shahe Ananyan, Director of the Ecumenical Relations Department (Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin); Very Rev. Fr. Housig Mardirossian, Director of Ecumenical Relations Office (Great House of Cilicia).
Spirituality and Religious Life
Canonisation of the Genocide Victims: What is the Meaning of their Sainthood? By Dr Hratch Tchilingirian
On the 75th anniversary of the Armenian Church, for the first time Armenian Genocide, in a joint in some five hundred years, were Communiqué issued on 29th April, announced. 1989 for the occasion, Their Holiness Vazken I Catholicos of All Canonisation is the final stage of Armenians and Karekin II Catholicos declaration of sainthood, whereby a of Cilicia "propose[d] that the person or a group of persons are preparatory activities continue for considered to share the holiness of the Canonisation of [the Genocide] God and their lives bear witness to victims." Indeed, the idea of religious the authenticity and truth of commemoration of the Genocide the Christian gospel. Saints are victims goes back to the early years believed to have joined God in an of the First Republic of Armenia endless sharing of a divine life (1918-1920), when the Armenian beyond all corruption and have Government at the time formally found the true life with God. As applied to Catholicos Gevorg V to such, with their exemplary lives, the include the martyrs in the liturgical saints are an integral part of calendar of the Armenian Church. Christianity since ancient times and have a significant place in the In November 2014, the Synod of doctrinal, liturgical and pietistic Bishops and the two Catholicoi of traditions of the "One, Universal, the Armenian Church announced Apostolic, Holy Church". that the martyrs of the Genocide will formally be declared saints on 23rd In the last three decades, the April 2015. The solemn ceremony discussions of the canonisation of the took place in Holy Etchmiadzin, Armenian Genocide victims were where the newest saints in the confined to various committees and a Page 7 Armenian Church News
narrow circle of clergymen. The deep theological meaning of sainthood and its relevance to faith and piety have hardly been explained to the ordinary Armenian faithful. The saints are canonised primarily for the faithful. Declaring the Genocide martyrs as saints is not rewarding them the "medal of honour," but to provide role models to emulate and to continue the evangelistic and spiritual mission of the Armenian Church in Armenia and the Diaspora.
Were the victims of the Genocide canonised by the Church for its "symbolic value" on the 100th anniversary of the Genocide or will the declaration of these new saints provide a unique opportunity to renew and revitalize the Armenian Apostolic Church in the 21st century? This is an important question that needs serious discernment.
Theological and Political Issues
Theologically, once the victims of the Genocide are canonised, the Armenian Church will be put under a dogmatic imperative, that is, they are no longer victims, but victors of Christ. Once the victims of the Genocide are canonized, we can no longer hold Hokehankists (requiem services) to mourn their death, to which we have accustomed ourselves. Instead, we will celebrate the Divine Liturgy invoking their names, asking for their intercession and celebrate their victory over death, in and through Christ. Once the victims of the Genocide are canonised, we can no longer hold candlelight vigils. The mournful, dark atmosphere of commemorations of the Genocide will have to be changed into a "festive" glorious atmosphere. The victims are no longer victims, but saints who live in the glory of God, that is, those who have joined God in an endless sharing of a divine life beyond all corruption and have found the true life with God. Hence, the question is whether Armenians are willing to see themselves as witness to the Death and Resurrection of Christ—for whom hundreds of thousands of Armenians gave their lives—rather than perpetually identify themselves as the victim.
Politically, ever since the 50th anniversary of the Genocide, Armenians have been collectively demanding justice for the 1.5 million victims of the Genocide from Turkey in particular and the world in general. While canonising the victims de facto resolves the problem of justice for their lives, the political demand for justice on behalf of saints of the church remains a problematic issue. Furthermore, the territorial question with Turkey might also be complicated. As it is customary with saints, does it mean that the places where Armenians were martyred would be considered shrines or Armenian "holy lands”? Still, there are many indirect political implications which need to be carefully examined.
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The recent canonisation of the Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide should not serve only as an added "glitter" to the observance of the 100th anniversary of the Genocide. A century has passed and Turkey and many countries around the world still deny the fact of the genocide. Canonisation should not be viewed as a response to denial and, in our frustration, bestowing the ultimate honour to our victims by declaring them saints. We would do injustice to our victims without recognizing their martyrdom for Christ and its impact on our lives individually and on our nation collectively. The saints are canonized primarily for the faithful. Declaring the victims as saints is not rewarding them the "medal of honour," but it is to follow their example in obtaining the "heavenly crown of glory." It is to perpetuate their witness to Christ through the Armenian Church’s mission and evangelism in this world.
(Upon the Primate’s request, Dr. Hratch Tchilingirian has revised and expanded this article, which was originally published in Window View of the Armenian Church, Vol. I, No. 3, January 1990; see www.hratch.info)
The Armenian Church Trust, UK (ACT UK) - Meeting of the Donors and Executive Committee on 14th November
The first meeting of ACT UK under the new Primate Bishop Hovakim Manukyan is to be held on the evening of 14th November at Armenian House. We would like to invite donors who have supported ACT UK in the past and those wishing to support ACT UK in the future. We would also like to invite those who have the motivation, time and ability to help ACT UK in a diverse range of fundraising activities and to help in the administration of the Trust. This is to support and help the Armenian Church throughout the UK and Ireland. Ever wondered what The Armenian Church Trust does? Your chance to find out is on 14th November.
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Dear friends,
AGBU London Branch is pleased to present “Together for Armenia” concert dedicated to the Centenary of the Armenian Genocide and the 24th Anniversary of Armenia’s Independence.
This concert will be the biggest concert of the AGBU London Chamber Orchestra to date and will introduce five international Armenian soloists: Nairi Azezian - Flute (Finland), Sylvie Zakarian - Marimba (USA), Anais Heghoyan – Mezzo (UK), Ani Batikian – Violin (Armenia) and Sarkis Zakarian – Piano (Bulgaria).
The orchestra, whose Patron is the renowned violinist Levon Chilingirian OBE and is itself formed by Armenian and non-Armenian professional musicians currently residing in UK, will perform under the baton of conductor Gustavo Ubeda.
The programme will comprise pieces by Armenian composers Komitas, Ganatchian, Alan Hovhaness and Kristina Arakelyan, American composer Pasquale Tassone, a specially commissioned work by British composer Roland Roberts and concluding with Beethoven’s “Emperor” Piano Concerto.
The concert will be held on Saturday 7th November at 19.30 in St. John’s Smith Square, London. Tickets are available on-line and at the box office at St. John's Smith Square (£20, £15, £10).
Please follow the link below for online tickets
Saturday, 7 November, 2015 - 19:30
AGBU London Chamber Orchestra
Together for Armenia
We hope you will be able to support this memorable event. It promises to be a fitting musical tribute to Armenia as a heroic nation remembering its victims and celebrating its future, while bringing all Armenians together.
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Upcoming Events
18th October: the Primate will visit the parish in Dublin and celebrate the Divine Liturgy.
28th October: there will be an Ecumenical Prayer Service celebrating of the lives of the newly-sainted Armenian Martyrs of 1915, Westminster Abbey, at 7:00 pm.
7th November: the Primate will celebrate the Divine Liturgy with the Armenian Community in Cardiff.
Editorial: Prayer intentions: The main objective of the diocesan e-newsletter September and October is to serve and reach out to Armenians We pray and ask you to remember in your prayers our throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. brethren and sisters in the Middle East, particularly in The community members and organizations are Syria and Iraq. We ask the mercy of God for those welcome to send their announcements for the suffering because of wars and for those who have e-newsletter, including information not only become refugees. Please, also remember in your about public events but also about important prayers that peace and stability may prevail on the family events such as christening, matrimony or borders of Armenia and Kharabakh. passing away.
Armenian Church News
Worship Services in the Armenian Churches
Services are held in the Armenian Churches every Sunday starting at 11:00 am. 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/
Parishes of our Diocese:
Cardiff - Tel: + 44 771 279 2304, +44 2920779248. [email protected]
Dublin - Tel: +44 2891 863559. http://www.armenians.ie/
Mission Parish of Birmingham – Tel: +44 121 675 1469. St John’s Church, Stratford Road, Birmingham, B11 4EA Oxford Campus Ministry: Oxford - Tel: +44 7810 490242. [email protected]
Diocese of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and the Republic We invite those who have questions or wish to gain deeper understanding of Ireland of the faith, moral discernment, teachings and traditions of the Armenian Church to contact the Office of the Diocese of the Armenian Church in His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate United Kingdom and Ireland: The Primate’s Office The Armenian Vicarage Diocesan Office Iverna Gardens Tel. 0208 127 8364 primatesoffice@ London, W8 6TP armenianchurch.co.uk or email: [email protected]
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