DE 3521 MOTHER of LIGHT Armenian Hymns and Chants in Praise of Mary

DE 3521 MOTHER OF LIGHT Armenian hymns and chants in praise of Mary

Arrangements by Serouj Kradjian from original sources of Armenian hymns, odes and canticles: Pourvarov Tapor (Censer procession) ♦ Zartir Nazeli (Arise, Graceful One) ♦ Khngi Dzarin (Frankincense Tree) ♦ Mayr Yev Gouys (Immaculate Mother) ♦ Hamemad Kez (Incomparable One) ♦ Varaneem (Burdened with Sins) ♦ Avedis Kez Mariyam (Good Tidings to You, Mary) ♦ Aghers ar Diramayr (Plea to Mother of God) ♦ Diramayrn (Mother of the Lord) ♦ Badjar yev Sgizpn (Cause and Origin) ♦ Zandjareli Looso Mayr (Mother of Light) ♦ Sharaganner (Sharagans from Holy Week) ♦ Asdvadzadzin Yergnayin (Divine Mother of God) ♦ Zgousoutyount Ko (O Pure God Bearer) ♦ Aysor Joghovyal (The Saints Are Gathered) ♦ Antaram Dzaghig (Eternal Flower) ♦ Panin Hor (Word of the Father) ♦ Oor es Mayr Im (Where Are You, My Mother?) ISABEL BAYRAKDARIAN, SOPRANO Ani Aznavoorian, cello Coro Vox Aeterna, Anna Hamre, conductor

MOTHER OF LIGHT Armenian hymns and chants in praise of Mary

1. Pourvarov Tapor (Censer procession) (0.13) 13. Gomidas Vartabed (1869-1935): Asdvadzadzin Yergnayin (Divine Mother of God) (1:30) 2. Baghdasar Tbir (1683-1768): Zartir Nazeli (Arise, Graceful One) (4:27) 14. Anonymous (medieval): Zgousoutyount Ko (O Pure God Bearer)* (1:26) 3. Anonymous (medieval): Khngi Dzarin (Frankin- cense Tree) (3:52) 15. St. Nerses Shnorhali (1102-1173): Aysor Jog- hovyal (The Saints Are Gathered) (2:51) 4. Ara Bartevian (1902-1986): Mayr Yev Gouys (Immaculate Mother) (2:58) 16. Vartan Areveltsi (1198-1271): Antaram Dz- aghig (Eternal Flower) (2:56) 5. Hampartsoum Limondjian (1768-1839): Hame- mad Kez (Incomparable One) (4:57) 17. Anonymous (18th-19th century): Panin Hor (Word of the Father) (4:10) 6. Anonymous (medieval): Varaneem (Burdened with Sins) (4:35) 18. Anonymous (18th-19th century): Oor es Mayr Im (Where Are You, My Mother?)* (6:16) 7. Anonymous (medieval): Avedis Kez Mariyam (Good Tidings to You, Mary) (4:34) Total playing time: 61:58

8. St. Gregory of Nareg (951- 1003): Aghers ar * With the trio of Bayrakdarian sisters Diramayr (Plea to Mother of God)* (5:06) All tracks arranged by Serouj Kradjian 9. St. Gregory of Nareg: Diramayrn (Mother of the Lord) (2:50) ISABEL BAYRAKDARIAN, SOPRANO Ani Aznavoorian, cello 10. Anonymous (medieval): Badjar yev Sgizpn (Cause and Origin) (3:47) Coro Vox Aeterna, Anna Hamre, conductor

11. Movses Khorenatsi (410-490): Zandjareli Looso Siroun Kojakian and Marie-Jean Zaatar, Mayr (Mother of Light) (2:39) sopranos Dr Ishkhan Bayrakdarian, percussion 12. Movses Khorenatsi: Sharaganner (Sharagans from Holy Week) (2:46) 2 he idea for this project materialized during a very dark moment in my life. A Tcouple of years ago I made a desperate plea to God to spare my mother’s life, and in return, I promised that I would sing the prais- es of His mother, Mary. This recording, which includes music written from the 5th century on- wards, is entirely devoted to Armenian hymns dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, and is the fulfillment of my promise.

I grew up singing in the Armenian Aposto l ic Church. My mother was the choir director, and she often let me join the adult choir, even though I was too young to contribute effectively. That particular music, with its exotic melismas, East- ern melodies, and long legatos, formed the early foundation for my musical education, and continues to be my inner compass, by which I find and stay on my personal path in life.

Researching the repertoire for this recording yielded an exciting discovery of rare gems and a treasure trove of hymns dedicated to Mary. In Armenian Church doctrine, Mary has a primary place of honor, because it was of her and by the Holy Spirit that God became incarnate. She is seen as the image of humanity fully obedient to God, and she’s ultimately sanctified by accom- plishing God’s will.

For this recording, these hymns are arranged for soprano, female choir, and cello accompa- niment. It is no coincidence that most of the performing musical forces are women: what better way to use the collective feminine power

3 to exalt the virtues, sorrows, beauty, and glory Hampartsoum Limondjian (18th century). He is of Mary, the most celebrated woman of all time. considered the main developer of the Arme- nian music notation system, still used by the This recording includes three types of hymns from Armenian Apostolic Church. the Armenian sacred music tradition: “sharagan” (hymn), “dagh” (ode) and “megheti” (canticle). “Varaneem” is a medieval dagh. It asks for the Sharagan refers to a sacred hymn sung during lit- intercession of Mary for the forgiveness of sins. urgy, having specific musical patterns and restric- “Avedis Kez Mariyam” is another dagh, usu- tions. Sharagans are distinguishable by the specif- ally sung at Christmas . ic musical keys in which they’re written, referred to here as modes unique to the ancient traditional The next two selections were written by Krikor Armenian singing system. Dagh and megheti are Naregatsi (10th century). St Gregory of Nareg – sacred songs, which have been accepted as addi- as he is also known – was an Armenian monk, tions to the sung liturgical repertoire, further en- philosopher, poet, theologian, and saint of the riching an already-rich tradition. The long melis- Armenian Church. matic vocal lines and brevity of text characteristic “Aghers ar Diramayr” is a chant (yerk), sung in of megheti further distinguishes it from dagh. a prayer form during the Lenten period, specif- ically at the Wednesday night vigil services. The The first vocal piece,“Zartir Nazeli,” is a dagh prayer is an excerpt from Naregatsi’s Book of Lam- that declares love and devotion to Mary. It was entations, a long mystical poem in 95 sections, written by Baghdasar Tbir, who was a late me- considered to be his living testament. “Aghers” dieval poet-musician (born in Costantinople in has a Gregorian chant-like quality, with alternating the 17th century). This hymn resembles a trou- solo/tutti sections, all sung in unison. badour song in its character and style. “Diramayrn” is a dagh sung during the Feast “Khngi Dzarin” is also a dagh, which is sung of the Holy Cross, and it’s considered an Arme- on the Feast of Assumption of Mary, during the nian equivalent to the classic Latin Stabat Ma- Divine Liturgy, or “Badarak.” ter. However, only a single verse has reached us. In this arrangement, the choir sings the “Mayr yev Gouys” is a sharagan, written in narration and the solo voice expresses Mary’s mode 6, that’s sung at the Morning Hour ser- anguish. vice. It was harmonized by the French Arme- “Badjar yev Sgizpn“ is a megheti sung on nian composer Ara Bartevian. Christmas Day. The author is unknown. “Hamemad Kez” is a dagh, which is sung on the Feast of Assumption. It was composed by

4 “Zandjareli Looso Mayr” is a hymn, written contribution to the development of Armenian in Mode 5. It is usually sung at morning ser- sacred music is unparalleled. He composed vices and at the Christmas Vigil (Djrakalouyts). many of the sharagans for Feast Days (including It was written by Movses Khorenatsi (5th cen- Assumption of Mary). tury). Khorenatsi is considered the father of Armenian historians; he was also a poet, com- “Antaram Dzaghig” is a midday sharagan poser, translator, theologian, and a student of written in Mode 3, which is sung during the Di- Mesrob Mashdots, the inventor of the Arme- vine Liturgy (Sourp Badarak). Its author, Vartan nian alphabet. In addition to writing the first Areveltsi (12th century), was a distinguished book of Armenian history, he is credited as the historian, philosopher, and geographer, with composer of around a hundred sharagans and avid interests in nature, astronomy, zoology hymns, among them the greatly revered series and botany. It is therefore no surprise that in of Medsatsoustses (Magnificats) dedicated to this hymn attributed to him, he likens Mary to the Virgin Mary. an eternal flower. The next track, simply called “Sharaganner,” is “Panin Hor“ is a megheti sung during Christ- a collection of three different Holy Week hymns mas. It comes to us from the 18th or 19th cen- that share the same Magnificat/Medsatsoustse tury. The author is unknown. melody. Each hymn then diverges into different “Oor es Mayr im” is one of the most poignant patterns, starting with Mode 5, going to Mode hymns of the Holy Week. It is sung during the 2, then finally back to Mode 5. Maundy Thursday Tenebrae service, when at “Asdvadzadzin Yergnayin” is a sharagan writ- midnight, the lights of the church are gradu- ten in Mode 5 by Gomidas Vartabed, who is con- ally extinguished to symbolize the darkness sidered the father of Armenian folk music and a enveloping the hearts of humankind, and their pioneer of ethnomusicology. It is sung at various choice to kill the Light. It is in this darkness that times throughout the year; and also during Holy Jesus calls for the one person who is dearest to Week, at the Easter Eve morning service. him: his mother. “Zgousoutyount Ko” is also a sharagan writ- – Isabel Bayrakdarian ten in Mode 3, sung during the Holy Week as a Holy Tuesday Magnificat. “Aysor Joghovyal” is a sharagan written in Mode 7 by St. Nerses Shnorhali (12th century). Shnorhali served as Catholicos of all Armenians in Cilicia. A prodigious writer of sharagans, his

5 2. Զարթիր, նազելի 2. Zartir Nazeli 2. Arise, Graceful One

Ի ննջմանէդ արքայական Ee nnchmanet arkayagan From your royal slumber Զարթիր, նազելի իմ, զարթիր, Zartir, nazeli im, zartir, Arise, my graceful one, arise Էհաս նշոյլն արեգական, nshouyln arekagan, The sun’s ray has arrived, Զարթիր, նազելի իմ, զարթիր: Zartir, nazeli im, zartir. Arise, my beloved, arise.

3. Խնկի ծառին նման ես 3. Khngi Dzarin 3. Frankincense Tree

Խնկի ծառին նման ես, Khngi dzarin nman es, You are like the frankincense tree, Պտուղ դու քաղցրահամ ես, Bdoogh tu kaghtsraham es, You are a sweet-tasting fruit, զԲարի պտուղ բերեալ ես, Zpari bdough peryal es, You bore the good fruit, Աստուածածի´ն, մեղա՛յ քեզ… Asdvadzadzin megha kez. Mother of God, I have sinned before you.

Դու հողանիւթ սրովբե ես, Tu hoghanyout srovpe es, You are an earthly seraph, Հարսն ի յերկրէ յերկինս ես, Harsn i hergre hergins es, Earth’s bride to Heaven, զԱստուած մարմնով ծնեալ ես, zAsdvadz marmnov dznyal es, You gave birth to God in the flesh, Աստուածածի´ն, մեղա՛յ քեզ… Asdvadzadzin megha kez. Mother of God, I have sinned before you.

Դու յորդառատ աղբիւր ես, Tu hortarad aghpyour es, You are like an overflowing spring, Ծարաւելոց արբումն ես, Dzaravelots arpoumn es, You quench those who are thirsty, Մեղաւորաց քաւիչ ես, Meghavorats kavitch es, You are atonement for the sinful, Աստուածածի´ն, մեղա՛յ քեզ… Asdvadzadzin megha kez. Mother of God, I have sinned before you.

Դու լուսեղէն տաճար ես, Tu looseghen dadjar es, You are a temple of light, Ոսկիապատ խորան ես, Vosgiabad khoran es, You are a golden tabernacle, Դու մարգարիտ, անգին ես, Tu markarid, ankin es, You are a priceless pearl, Աստուածածի´ն, մեղա՛յ քեզ: Asdvadzadzin megha kez. Mother of God, I have sinned before you.

4. Մայր եւ կոյս 4. Mayr yev Gouys 4. Immaculate Mother

Մայր եւ կոյս, Mayr yev gouys, Immaculate mother and virgin, Աղախին Քրիստոսի, Aghakhin Krisdosi, Servant of Christ, Որ բարեխօս ես միշտ աշխարհի, Vor parekhos es mishd ashkhhi, You are the constant intercessor for the Քեզ երանեն ամենայն ազինք: Kez yeranen amenayn azink. world, all nations bless you.

Մաքուր աղաւնի Makoor aghavni Pure turtle-dove, եւ հարսն երկնից Մարիամ, Yev harsn yergnits Mariyam, Mary, bride of heaven, Տաճար եւ աթոռ Աստուծոյ Բանին, Dadjar yev ator Asdoudzo Panin, K Temple and vessel of God’s Word, Քեզ երանեն ամենայն ազինք: ez yeranen amenayn azink. All nations bless you.

Մայր եւ կոյս, հարսն երկնից, Mayr yev gouys, harsn yergnits, Mother and virgin, bride of heaven, Քեզ երանեն ամենայն ազինք: Kez yeranen amenayn aink. All nations bless you.

5. Համեմատ քեզ 5. Hamemad Kez 5. Incomparable One

Համեմատ քեզ ոչ գոյ նման, Hamemad kez voch ko nman No one can compare to you, Գովելի ես գովելի, Koveli es, koveli, You are worthy of praise, worthy of praise. 6 Անեղին մայր եղեր դու կոյս, Aneghin mayr yegher tu gouys, You became mother of the uncreated, O Virgin, Տենչալի ես տենչալի, Denchali es, denchali. You are enviable, enviable.

Մեղաւորաց հաստատուն յոյս, Meghavorats hasdadoon houys Steady hope of the sinful, Անձկալի ես անձկալի. Antsgali es, antsgali. You are lovely, lovely. Ոհ, մեր փրկութեան դու ես պատճառ, Voh, mer prgoutyan tu es badjar, You are the cause of our salvation, Խնկելի ես խնկելի: Khngeli es, khngeli. You are worthy of incense, worthy of incense.

6. Վարանիմ 6. Varaneem 6. Burdened with Sins

Վարանիմ ի մեղաց Varaneem i meghats, I’m burdened with sins, Դու ազատիչ մեղուցելոյս, Tu azadich meghoutselouys Only you can save me, great sinner that I am. Ով Տիրամայր.ո՛հ ով Տիրամայր, Ov diramayr, voh, ov diramayr Oh Mother of the Lord, Oh, Mother of the Lord. Ո՛հ ցօղեա’ կաթիլ մի կուսական զօրեղ voh tsoghia gatil mi goosa gan zoregh Oh, bedew upon me a drop of your pure and կենաց , genats, life-giving power, Ո՛հ զօրեղ կենաց: Voh zoregh genats Oh, life-giving power.

Յիմ նախկին վայելմանց Him nakhgin vayelmants I was rightfully expelled, Արժանապէս արտաքսեցայ, Arjanabes ardaksetsa, From the honor which I enjoyed before. Ո՛հ եղկելոյս, ո՛հ եղկելոյս. Voh yeghgelouys, voh yeghgelouys. Woe to me! Oh, Woe to me. Ո՛հ փուշ և տատասկ բուսոյց երկիր Voh poosh yev dadasg poosouyts yergir Oh, the ground brought forth thorns and ողորմելոյս, voghormelouys thistles for me Ո՛հ ողորմելոյս: Voh voghormelouys Pitiful person, that I am.

7. Աւետիս քեզ Մարիամ 7. Avedis Kez Mariyam 7. Good tidings to you, Mary

Աւետիս քեզ Մարիամ , Avedis kez Mariyam, Good tidings to you, Mary, Աւետիս քեզ Մարիամ զոր Գաբրիէլ Avedis kez Mariyam zor Kapriel Good tidings to you Mary, which Gabriel սկզբնաւորեաց. sgzpnavoryats announced, Աւետիս, աւետիս աւետիս քեզ Մարիամ Avedis, avedis, avedis kez Mariyam. Good tidings, good tidings, good tidings to you Mary.

Բանաւոր տաճար, Panavor dadjar Rightful temple, Բանաւոր տաճար եղեր դու երկնաւոր Panavor dadjar yegher tu yergnavor taka- Rightful temple, from you came the heavenly թագաւորին. vorin. King. Ուրախ լեր, ուրախ լեր, ուրախ լեր, կոյս Oorakh ler, oorakh ler, oorakh ler gouys Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice, Մարիամ, Mariyam Virgin Mary, Ուրախ լեր: Oorakh ler. Rejoice.

8. Աղերս առ Տիրամայր 8. Aghers ar Diramayr 8. Plea to the Mother of God ( from the depths of the heart)

Ի խորոց սրտի խոսքն ընդ Տիրուհւոյն Ee khorots srdi khoskn ent Diroohvouyn: From the depths of the heart, a plea to the Եւ արդ, ի վերայ այսքանեաց Yev art, ee vera ayskanyats hoosaha- Mother of God: յուսահատութեանց եւ ահարկու dootyamp yev ahargoo srdapegootyants, And now, after all this despair and terrible սրտաբեկութեանց, Bagootsanoghagan sasdgoutyants, Asd- heartbreak, Պակուցանողական սաստկութեանց, vadzayin pargootyants Angry reprimands and divine wrath, աստուածային բարկութեանց Daknabial vokvov takhdzoutyan ee sbar With a soul completely tormented by grief,

7 Տագնապեալ ոգւով թախծութեան ի սպառ Aghachem zkez, soorp Asdvadzadzin, I pray to you, holy Mother of God, Աղաչեմ զքեզ, սո՛ւրբ Աստուածածին, Hreshdag ee martgane, marmnadesil Herald to mankind, angel in bodily form, Հրեշտա՛կ ի մարդկանէ, մարմնատեսի՛լ kerovpe, Heavenly queen, pure as air, clean as light, քերովբէ, Yergnavor arkayouhi, ankharn iprev zot, Clear as the image of the sun at its height, Երկնաւո՛ր արքայուհի, անխառն իբրեւ զօդ, makoor vorbes zlouys, Higher than the forbidden dwelling place of մաքուր որպէս զլոյս, Anshaghakh esd nmanoutyan badgeri the holy of holies, Անշաղախ ըստ նմանութեան պատկերի arousegin partsroutyan, Place of the blessed covenant, a breathing արուսեկին բարձրութեան, Kerazants kan zpnagoutyoun angokhelin Eden, Գերազանց քան զբնակութիւն անկոխելին srpoutyants, Tree of immortality, guarded by a fiery սրբութեանց, Yeranavor khosdmann deghi, yetem sword, Երանաւոր խոստմանն տեղի, եդեմ շնչական, shnchagan, Strengthened and protected by the exalted Ծառ կենացն ամահից` բոցեղէն սրովն Dzar genatsn amahits, potseghen srovn Father, պարունակեալ, baroonagyal, Prepared and purified by the Holy Spirit that Ի բարձրեալն Հօրէ զօրացեալ եւ հովանացեալ, Ee partsryaln Hore zoratsyal yev hovanatsyal, rested upon you, Հանգստեամբ Հոգւոյն հանդերձեալ եւ Hanksdyamp Hokvouyn hantertsyal yev Decorated by the Son who dwelt in you as մաքրագործեալ, makrakordzyal, his tabernacle, Բնակութեամբ Որդւոյն յարդարեալ եւ Pnagoutyamp Vortvouyn hartaryal yev Only Son of the Father, and for you the տաղաւարեալ։ daghavaryal. first born, Միածինն՝ Հօր եւ քեզ՝ անդրանիկ, Miadzinn Hor yev kez antranig, Your son by birth, and your Lord by creation, Որդի քո` ծննդեամբ, եւ Տէր` արարչութեամբ. Vorti ko dznntyamp, yev Der ararchoutyamp. Together with your unsoiled purity, spotless Ընդ անախտ մաքրութեանդ եւ ամբիծ բարի, Ent anakhd makrootyant yev anpidz pari, goodness, Ընդ անարատ սրբութեանդ եւ խնամակալ Ent anarad srpoutyant yev khnamagal Together with your immaculate holiness, բարեխօս: parekhos. guardian intercessor.

Ընկալ զմաղթանս այսր աղերսանաց քում Engal zmaghtans aysr aghersanats koom Receive these prayers from me, I who believe դաւանողիս tavanoghis in you. եւ մատո՛, ընծայեա՛` ընդ սմին խառնեալ Yev mado, endzaya, ent smin kharnyal zpann Together with my previous ode to you, զբանն իմ նախնի im nakhni please offer and present them to God as Մեծիդ ներբողի ի քոյդ պաղատանս. Medzit nerpoghi ee kooyt baghadans. your own.

Հիւսեա՛, միացո՛ զմեղուցելոյս դառն Hyousya, miatso zmeghootselouys tarn Weave and mix into your prayers of հեծութիւն hedzootyoun happiness and adoration, Ընդ քումդ երջանիկ եւ խնկաւորեալ Ent koomt yerchanig yev khngavoryal The bitter sighs that I, a sinner, utter to you, հայցուածոց, haytsvadzots, You who are the tree of life bearing the Տո՛ւնկդ կենաց պտղոյն օրհնութեան. Doongt genats bdghouyn orhnoutyan. blessed fruit, Զի ի քէն միշտ օգնեալ եւ բարեգործեալ Zi ee ken mishd oknyal yev parekordzyal So that always receiving help from you and եւ ի մաքրական քո ծնելութիւնդ ապաւինեալ Yev ee makragan ko dznelootyount abaviny- through your good deeds, եւ լուսաւորեալ` al yev loosavoryal, And taking refuge in the light of your holy Կեցից Քրիստոսի` Որդւոյ քո եւ Տեառն: Getsits Krisdosi, Vortvo ko yev Dyarn. motherhood, I may live for Christ, your son and Lord.

Օրհնեա՛լդ միայն ի շրթունս անբիծս լեզուաց Orhnyalt miyayn ee shrtoons anpidzs lezva- You alone shall be on the pure lips of happy երջանկաց, nats yerchangats, tongues, Ահա կաթիլ մի կաթին քումդ կուսութեան Aha gatil mi gatin koomt goosoutyan hantsn Indeed if but a drop of your virgin milk were յանձն իմ անձրեւեալ` im antsrevyal, to rain on me, Կենաց ինձ զօրէ, մա՛յրդ բարձրելոյ Տեառն Genats ints zore, mayrt partsrelo Dyarn Hisoosi It would give me life, Mother of our exalted Յիսուսի` Ararchin yergri yev pnavin yergri, Lord Jesus, Արարչին երկրի եւ բնաւին երկրի, Zor andjarabes dznar povantag marmnovn Creator of heaven and earth, Զոր անճառապէս ծնար բովանդակ մարմնովն yev hamayn Asdvadzoutyampn, Whom you bore complete in humanity and եւ համայն Աստուածութեամբն, Vor paravoryal e unt Hor yev Hokvouyn Srpo, total in divinity, Որ փառաւորեալ է ընդ Հօր եւ Հոգւոյն Սրբոյ` Eyoutyamp yev anknnoutyamp meroyin Who is glorified with the Father and the Holy Spirit,

8 Էութեամբ եւ անքննութեամբ մերոյին pnootyamps miyatselov, Uniting his essence and our nature in a բնութեամբս միացելով, Amenayn yev hamenaynoum, mi Yer- manner beyond human understanding. Ամենայն եւ յամենայնում, մի յԵրրորդութենէն. rortoutenen. He is all and in all, one of the Holy Trinity. Նմա փառք յաւիտեանս յաւիտենից. ամէն: Nma park havidyans havidenits. Amen. To Him glory, forever and ever. Amen.

9. Տիրամայրն Հանդէպ Որդւոյն 9. Diramayrn 9. The Mother of the Lord

Տիրամայրըն հանդէպ որդւոյն Diramayrn hanteb vortvouyn The Mother of the Lord stood before her son ի խաչին` ee khatchin on the cross, Կայր տրտմագին Gayr drdmakin Full of sorrow, եւ լսելով զծարաւին` Yev lselov zdzaravin And hearing the thirsty one, Հառաչմամբ լայր ցաւագին. harachmamp layr tsavakin. She sighed and wept painful tears.

Ի փուշ պսակըն դիտելով` Ee poosh bsagn tidelov, Seeing the crown of thorns, Ողբ, կոծ, վայ տայր իւր անձին. -Աչացս voghp, godz, vay dayr yoor antsin. her soul moaned, wailed, and lamented. լոյս որդեակ իմ Յիսուս, Ոհ, ես ընդ Քեզ “Achats-s louys vortyag im Hisoos "Light of my eyes, my son Jesus, մեռանիմ: voh yes ent kez meranim.” Oh, I die with you.”

10. Պատճառ եւ Սկիզբն 10. Badjar yev Sgizpn 10. Cause and Origin

Պատճառ եւ ըսկիզբն մերոյ փրկութեան, Badjar yev sgizpn mero prgootyan Cause and origin of our salvation, Ամենօրհնեալ Կոյս Մարիամ Amenorhnyal Gouys Mariyam All-blessed Virgin Mary.

Զի մեք գոչեսցուք ձայնիւ միաբան, Zi mek kochestsook tsayniv miapan Let us cry out in one voice, Տէր ողորմիա, Տէր ողորմիա: Der voghormia, Der voghormia. “Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.”

11. Զանճառելի լուսոյ մայր 11. Zandjareli Looso Mayr 11. Mother of Light

Մեծացուսցէ անձն իմ զՏէր Medzatsoustse antsn im zDer My soul magnifies the Lord, և ցնծասցէ հոգի իմ Աստուծով փրկչաւ իմով: Yev tsndzastse hoki im Asdoudzov prgchav imov. And my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.

Զանճառելի լուսոյ մայր Եւ ըզբնակարան Zandjareli looso Mayr Mother of enigmatic light, անըսկզբնակից Որդւոյն, Օրհնութեամբ Yev zpnagaran ansgzpnagits vortvouyn And dwelling place of the Son without beginning. մեծացուցանեմք: Orhnoutyamp medzatsoutsanemk. We magnify thee in song.

Զանհաս տնօրինութեան մայր Եւ Zanhas dnorinoutyan Mayr The Mother of unfathomable workings , զանձնաւոր տաճար Աստուծոյ Բանին, Yev zantsnavor dadjar Asdoudzo Panin. And living temple of God’s Word. Օրհնութեամբ մեծացուցանեմք: Orhnoutyamp medzatsoutsanemk. We magnify thee in song.

Փառք Հօր եւ Որդւոյ եւ Park Hor yev Vortvo yev Glory be to the Father and to the Հոգւոյն Սրբոյ, Hokvouyn Srpo, Son and to the Holy Spirit, Այժմ եւ միշտ եւ յաւիտեանս յաւիտենից, Ayjm yev mishd yev havidyans havidenits, Now and always and forever and ever. Ամէն Amen. Amen.

Զբոլորից փըրկութեան մայր, Zpoloris prgootyan Mayr, The Mother of the Saviour for us all, Որ զանտանելին յէից ի Vor zandanelin heyits ee Who bore in her womb Him that which all յարգանդի եբարձ. harkanti yeparts. the universe cannot contain. Օրհնութեամբ մեծացուցանեմք: Orhnoutyamp medzatsoutsanemk We magnify thee in song. 9 Սուրբ զԱստուածածինն, Sourp Zasdvadzadzinn Holy God-bearer, Օրհնութեամբ մեծացուցանեմք: Orhnoutyamp medzatsoutsanemk We magnify thee in song.

Զաւետաւոր հրեշտակ աւետարաներ, Zavedavor hreshdag avedaraner The good-tiding angel announced, զծնեալ Փրկիչն ի Սրբոյ Կուսէն. Zdznyal Prgichn ee Srpo Goosen. The Saviour to be born from the holy virgin.

Փառք Հօր եւ Որդւոյ եւ Park Hor yev Vortvo yev Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to Հոգւոյն Սրբոյ, Hokvouyn Srpo, the Holy Spirit, Այժմ եւ միշտ եւ յաւիտեանս յաւիտենից, Ayjm yev mishd yev havidyans havidenits Now and always and forever and ever Ամէն Amen Amen

Ասէ. Ուրա՛խ լեր, բերկրեա՛լդ, Ase, oorakh ler pergryalt Saying, "Rejoice, O highly favoured one, Քանզի Տէր տերանց է ընդ քեզ: Kanzi Der derants e ent kez. For the Lord of lords is with you."

12.Շարականներ 12. Sharaganner 12. Sharagans from the Holy Week

Մեծացուսցէ անձն իմ զՏէր Medzatsoustse antsn im zDer My soul magnifies the Lord և ցնծասցէ հոգի իմ Աստուծով փրկչաւ իմով: Yev tsndzastse hoki im Asdoudzov prgchav imov. And my spirit rejoices in God, my Saviour.

Աստուածածին երկնային դուռն Asdvadzadzin yergnayin toorn Asdvadzayin O God-bearer, door of heaven Աստուածային Tsaynivn avedaraner Through divine voice, the angel gave you the Ձայնիւն ավետարանէր հրեշտակն. hreshdagn. good news saying: Ուրախ լեր, բերկրեալդ, Տէր ընդ քեզ: Oorakh ler, pergryalt, Der ent kez. “Rejoice, O favoured one! The Lord is with you.”

Որ բոցեղէն սրովբէիւք շրջափակեալ Vor potseghen srovpeyouk shrchapagyal Surrounded by fiery պահիւր, bahyour seraphims, Այսօր ի մեջ մարդկան ի գիրկս հողեղինի Aysor i mech martgan i kirgs hogheghini Today is revealed to յայտնեալ. haydnyal mortals: Ուրախ լեր, բերկրեալդ, Տէր ընդ քեզ: Oorakh ler, pergryalt, Der ent kez. “Rejoice, O favoured one! The Lord is with you.”

* * * * * * * * *

Մեծացուսցէ անձն իմ զՏէր Medzatsoustse antsn im zDer My soul magnifies the Lord և ցնծասցէ հոգի իմ Աստուծով փրկչաւ իմով: Yev tsndzastse hoki im Asdoudzov prgchav imov And my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour

Ո՛վ գերահրաշ ծաղիկ՝ բուրեալ յԵդեմայ, Ov kerahrash dzaghig pooryal Yetema O marvellous sweet-scented flower from Eden Հո՛տ անմահութեան Hod anmahoutyan Fragrance of immortality to us who are the ծննդոցս Եւայի, dznntotss Yevayi, offspring of Eve Յորմէ սփռեցաւ մահ ընդ տիեզերս, Horme spretsav mah ent diyezers, From whom spread death throughout the universe, Օրհնութեամբ զքեզ մեծացուցանեմք: Orhnootyamp zkez medzatsoutsanemk. “Rejoice, O favoured one! The Lord is with you.”

Զքեզ ունիմք բարեխօս, Zkez oonimk parekhos We hold you as our intercessor Կո՛յս անհարսնացեալ, մա՛յր անարատ Gooys anharsnatsyal mayr anarad O un-espoused Virgin, Holy Mother of the էմմանուելի, Emmanueli Emmanuel Տաճա՛ր Բանին Հօրն երկնաւորի. Dadjar panin Horn yergnavori. Temple of the Word of the heavenly Father Օրհնութեամբ զքեզ մեծացուցանեմք: Orhnootyamp zkez medzatsoutsanemk. “Rejoice, O favoured one! The Lord is with you.”

* * * * * * * * * Մեծացուսցէ անձն իմ զՏէր Medzatsoustse antsn im zDer My soul magnifies the Lord և ցնծասցէ հոգի իմ Աստուծով փրկչաւ իմով: Yev tsndzastse hoki im Asdoudzov prgchav imov And my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour. 10 Լոյս, Լուսոյ Մայր Louys looso Mayr Light, Mother of light եւ կենարար Բանին բնակարան, Yev genarar Panin pnagaran And dwelling place of the light-creating Word Քեզ երանիցեն ազգ եւ ազինք ամենայն kez yeranitsen azk yev azink amenayn All nations and all of humankind bless you.

Լոյս ծագեցաւ ի քէն Lous dzaketsav ee ken The light has arisen from you Նստելոցս ի խաւարի, Nsdelotss ee khavari On us who sat in darkness Քեզ երանիցեն ազգ եւ ազինք ամենայն: kez yeranitsen azk yev azink amenayn. All nations and all of humankind bless you.

13. Աստուածածին երկնային 13. Asdvadzadzin Yergnayin 13. Divine Mother of God

Աստուածածին երկնային դուռն Աստուածային Asdvadzadzin yergnayin toorn Asdvadzayin O God-bearer, door of heaven Ձայնիւն ավետարանէր Tsaynivn avedaraner Through divine voice, the angel gave you the հրեշտակն. hreshdagn. good news saying: Ուրախ լեր, բերկրեալդ, Տէր ընդ քեզ: Oorakh ler, pergryalt, Der ent kez. “Rejoice, O favoured one! The Lord is with you.”

Ի քերովբէս բազմեալ ընդ Հօր Ee kerovpes pazmyal ent hor He who sits enthroned among the cherubim անապականաբար anabaganapar with the Father Բնակիլ հաճեցաւ ի քում յորովայնի. Pnagil hadjetsav ee koom horovayni Deigned to dwell in your womb without corruption Ուրախ լեր, բերկրեալդ, Տէր ընդ քեզ: Oorakh ler, pergryalt, Der ent kez. “Rejoice, O favoured one! The Lord is with you.”

14. Զկուսութիւնդ քո Աստուածածին 14. Zgoosoutyount Ko 14. O Pure God Bearer

Զկուսութիւնդ քո Աստուածածին անարատ. Zgoosoutyount ko Asdvadzadzin anarad O pure God bearer Զոր ոչ բոցակիզեաց հուր Zor voch potsagizyats hoor Asd- The fire of divinity did not consume your Աստուածութեանն. vadzoutyann virginity Մեծացուցանեմք: Medzatsoutsanemk We magnify thee.

Փառք Հօր և Որդւոյ եւ Park Hor yev Vortvo yev Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to Հոգւոյն Սրբոյ: Hokvouyn Srpo, the Holy Spirit,

Որ յարգանդի քում անապականաբար Vor harkanti koom anabaganapar Dwelling in your womb without corruption, Բնակեցաւ Քրիստոս Աստուած. Pnagetsav Krisdos Asdvadz Lived Christ the God, եւ փրկիչ անձանց մերոց. Yev prgitch antsants merots Christ our Lord and saviour Մեծացուցանեմք: Medzatsoutsanemk . We magnify thee.

Այժմ եւ միշտ եւ յաւիտեանս յաւիտենից, Ayjm yev mishd yev havidyans havidenits Now and always and forever and ever. Ամէն: Amen Amen

Անհասանելի տէրունական Anhasaneli deroonagan The incomprehensible revelation of the Lord Յայտնութիւնն աշխարհի ծագեցաւ. Haydnoutyounn ashkharhi dzaketsav Was made known to the world Անմատոյց լուսոյն, երկրպագեսցուք: Anmadouyts lousouyn, yergrbakestsouk Let us bow down and worship the holy light.

11 15. Այսօր ժողովեալ 15. Aysor Joghovial 15. The Saints Are Gathered

Օրհնեսցուք զՏէր, Orhnestsouk zDer, Sing to the Lord, Զի, փառօք, է փառաւորեալ. Zi parok e paravoryal. For He has triumphed gloriously.

Այսօր ժողովեալ սրբոցն ի միասին Aysor joghovial srpotsn ee miyasin Today the saints are gathered together Երանելի Առաքեալքն եւ սուրբ Կուսանքն, Yeraneli Arakyalkn yev sourp Gousankn The holy apostles and the holy virgins Ջահազգեստուք պայծառացեալք՝ Chahazkesdouk baydzaratsyalk With bright garments, holding torches Լուցանէին զլապտերս իւրեանց Loutsaneyin zlabders youryants Lighting their lamps,

եւ միաձայնեալ ասէին. Yev miyatsyal aseyin: And singing in unison: «Օրհնեալ ես, ամէնօրհնեա՛լդ “Orhnyal es, amenorhnyalt "Blessed are you, O most blessed one, ի կանայս»: ee ganays” among women."

Այսօր դնելով զսուրբ Կոյսն Aysor tnelov zsourp gouysn Today having placed the holy Virgin Առ դրանն գերեզմանին՝ Ar trann kerezmanin, At the entrance of the tomb Սպասէին եւ ակն ունէին Տեառն Sbaseyin yev agn ouneyin Dyarn Waiting that the Lord himself would come Իսկ Ինքնին գոլով՝ գեր ի վերոյ տեսեալ, Isg Inknin kolov ker i vero desyal When they saw the creator coming from above զԱրարիչն՝ եկեալ բազում հրեշտակօք, zArarichn yegyal pazoom hreshdagok, With a multitude of the angels, եւ նոցա միաձայնեալ ասէին. Yev notsa miyatsaynyal aseyin: And singing in unison: «Օրհնեալ ես, ամէնօրհնեա՛լդ “Orhnyal es, amenorhnyalt "Blessed are you, O most blessed one, ի կանայս»: ee ganays” among women."

16. Անթառամ ծաղիկ 16. Antaram Dzaghig 16. Eternal Flower

Անթառամ ծաղիկ անդատապարտ շառաւիղ Antaram dzaghig antadabard sharavigh Eternal flower, pure offspring, Վերաբուսեալ յարմատոյն Յեսսեայ. Verapousyal harmadouyn Hessya. Coming forth from the root of Jesse, Զքեզ Եսայի աս կանխաւ վերագոչեաց, Zkez Yesayi as gankhav verakochyats, Isaiah formerly announced that Եօթնարփեան շնորհաց Հոգւոյն Yotnarpyan shnorhats Hokvouyn you will be ընդունարան գոլ. entounaran kol. The vessel of the seven gifts of the Spirit Աստուածածին եւ կոյս զքեզ մեծացուցանեմք: Asdvadzadzin yev gouys zkez medzatsoutsanemk. Bearer of God and virgin, we magnify you.

Համեղաճաշակ պտղոյն բանաւոր բարունա’կ, Hameghadjashag bdghouyn panavor parounag, Abundant vine of the sweetest fruit Յորմէ կթեցաւ մեզ ողկոյզն Horme gtetsav mez voghgouyzn From which the cluster was gathered, Անսպառ յուրախութիւն տրտմեցելոցն ansbar hoorakhoutyoun drdmetselotsn Inexhaustible joy for those of us in sorrow, Ի ճաշակմանէ ծառոյն գիտութեան, Ee djashagmane dzarouyn kidoutyan Having tasted from the tree of knowledge. Սրբուհի ամենեքեան զքեզ մեծացուցանեմք: Srpouhi amenekyan zkez medzatsoutsanemk. We all magnify you, holy and spotless one.

17. Բանին Հօր 17. Panin Hor 17. Word of the Father

Բանին Հօր ծոցոյ մարմնարան Panin Hor dzotso marmnaran Bodily bosom of the Word of the Father, Փիահրաշ կոյս Մարիամ Piahrash gouys Mariyam Resplendent Virgin Mary.

12 18. Ո՞ւր ես, մա՛յր իմ 18. Oor Es, Mayr Im 18, Where Are You, My Mother?

Ո՞ւր ես, մա՛յր իմ, քաղցր և Oor es, Mayr im, kaghtsr yev Where are you, my most delicate and sweet անոյշ, anoush Mother? Սէր ծնողիդ զիս այրէ: Ser dznoghit zis ayre. Your motherly love I seek fervently.

Լըցան աչք իմ դառն արտասուօք, Ltsan achk im tarn ardasvok, My eyes are full of bitter tears Ոչ զոք ունիմ որ սրբէ: Voch zok ounim vor srpe. I have no one to wipe them away.

Ջուր խնդրեցի՝ քացախ արբի, Tchour khntretsi, katsakh arpi I asked for water, but drank vinegar Յանօրինաց ձեռանէ: Hanorinats tserane. Given to me by the wicked.

Թըքին, հարին, ապտակեցին, Tkin, harin, abdagetsin, They slapped my face, spat at me, and beat me Պսակ եդին ի փշէ: Bsag yetin ee pshe. And crowned me with a crown of thorns.

Ազդ արարէք մօրն իմոյ, Azt ararek morn imo, Go tell my Mother Որ ես սիրեմ ի սրտէս Vor yes sirem ee srdes That I love her with all my heart.

Ո՞ւր ես, մա՛յր իմ, ե՛կ Oor es, Mayr im, yeg Where are you, my Mother? Please come զիմ ծարաւ՝ zim dzarav and quench my thirst Կաթամբդ արբո՛ քաղցրագին: Gatampt arpo kaghtsrakin. With your sweet motherly love.

13 Soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian is an eagerly anticipated visitor to opera houses and concert halls the world over. A winner of the Met- ropolitan Opera National Council Auditions in 1997—the same year she graduated from the University of Toronto cum laude with a Biomed- ical Engineering Degree—Ms. Bayrakdarian thereafter found her career taking rapid wing. In 1999 she scored a notable success in the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s world premiere pro- duction of William Bolcom’s A View from the Bridge; the following year, she walked away from Plácido Domingo’s prestigious Operalia competition with first prize. More debuts fol- lowed, including her San Francisco Opera de- but, as Valencienne in The Merry Widow, and her Metropolitan Opera debut, in the New York premiere of Bolcom’s opera; a season later, she won plaudits as Teresa in the Met premiere of Berlioz’s Benvenuto Cellini. Mozart has become a specialty: Zerlina in Don Giovanni (New York, Houston, Salzburg), Susanna in Le nozze di Figaro (Los Angeles, London), and Pamina in The Magic Flute (New York, Toronto). Her roles at Toronto’s Canadian Opera Company range from Gluck’s Euridice to Debussy’s Mélisande to Poulenc’s Blanche in Dialogues des Carmélites; and away from Canada, she has shone as Mon- teverdi’s Poppea in Barcelona, Handel’s Romilda (Serse) in Dresden, and Janáček’s Vixen in New York, Florence, and the Saito Kinen Festival in Matsumoto, Japan. But opera is only one page of the Bayrakdarian résumé. An ever-active concertizer, she’s appeared with the premier orchestras of New York,

14 Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, She holds an Honorary Doctorate from Wilfrid Pittsburgh, Minnesota, RAI Torino, Paris, London, Laurier University, and an Honorary Fellowship Vienna, Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal under from the Royal Conservatory of Music. Ms. Bayrak- the baton of such eminent conductors as Seiji darian currently serves on the Voice Faculty at the Ozawa, James Conlon, David Zinman, Michael University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB). Tilson Thomas, Alan Gilbert, Nicholas McGegan, Christoph von Dohnányi, Christoph Eschenbach, Visit Isabel at: Colin Davis, Sir Andrew Davis, Nikolaus Harnon- www.facebook.com/IsabelBayrakdarian court, Mariss Jansons, Leonard Slatkin, James Levine, Anne Manson, Bramwell Tovey, Peter Oundjian and Richard Bradshaw. Strad magazine describes cellist Ani Aznavoo- rian as delivering “…scorchingly committed The versatile Bayrakdarian is featured vocal so- performances that wring every last drop of loist on the Grammy-award winning soundtrack emotion out of the music. Her technique of the blockbuster filmThe Two Towers from The is well-nigh immaculate, she has a natural Lord of The Rings trilogy and on the soundtrack sense of theater, and her tone is astonishingly of Atom Egoyan’s Ararat; a trance music col- responsive.“ Ms. Aznavoorian has appeared laboration with the electronica band Delerium that garnered yet another Grammy nomination. She sings on the BBC-produced short film HO- LOCAUST - A Music Memorial Film from Aus- chwitz, as well as on her Gemini-nominated film Long Journey Home, documenting her first visit to her ancestral homeland, Armenia. Bayrakdarian is the winner of four consecutive Juno Awards for Best Classical Album (Vocal). She is also the recipient of many awards including the Marilyn Horne Foundation Competition Award, Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee and the Diamond Jubilee Medals, the Arbor Award from the University of Toronto, the George Lon- don Foundation Award, and Canada Council’s Virginia Parker Prize. She is also the recipient of the “St Sahag-St Mesrob” medal and the “St Mesrob Mashdots” medal.

15 as soloist with many of the world’s leading orchestras including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Tokyo Philharmonic, the Helsinki Philharmonic, the Boston Pops, the International Sejong Soloists and the Juilliard Orchestra. She has also appeared as recitalist and chamber musician in more than twenty countries spanning five continents.

Ms. Aznavoorian is an avid chamber musician and teacher. She is the principal cellist of Camerata Pacifica, one of the premier chamber music series in Southern California, and she appears regularly at chamber music festivals around the globe. She has also served on the distinguished music faculty at the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana, and has spent summers as faculty at the Great Mountains Anna Hamre serves as Artistic Director of the Music Festival and School in South Korea. Fresno Community Choruses, where she con- ducts the Master Chorale and Coro Piccolo. In Her numerous accolades include being the one of its frequent collaborations, in 2015 the recipient of the prestigious Bunkamura Orchard Master Chorale and the Fresno Philharmonic Hall Award for her outstanding cello playing Orchestra presented the world premiere of Se- and artistry, being named a Presidential rouj Kradjian’s Cantata for Living Martyrs (con- Scholar in the Arts, and being a prize winner ducted by Theodore Kuchar with soloist Isabel of the International Paulo Cello Competition. Bayrakdarian) in Fresno and the reprise in San She is a proponent of new music and she has Francisco in the Palace of Fine Arts. premiered concertos by Lera Auerbach and In demand as a conductor, adjudicator, pre- Ezra Laderman, and continues to expand the senter, and clinician, Dr. Hamre has received chamber music repertoire with commissions by awards for conducting, teaching, and service. David Bruce and Bright Sheng. Ms. Aznavoorian She has led her ensembles in Mexico, China, It- records for Cedille Records, and she proudly aly, Austria, England, and Greece. She currently performs on a cello made by her father, Peter serves as President of the American Choral Di- Aznavoorian, in Chicago. rectors Association, Western Division.

16 Coro Vox Aeterna was created to provide Leslie Liles the choir for this recording. The members of Katharine McGregor the ensemble are highly trained musicians who Valerie Swalef come from various professions in California's Central Valley. Altos Marcia Becker Coro Vox Aeterna Susan Carlisle Anna Hamre – conductor Linda Gillis Joungmin Sur – rehearsal collaborative pianist Heidi Hoppen-Lofgren Nadine Brubaker Howell Sopranos Marion Karian Jennifer Appleby Linda Liles Alyssa Boyles Sharon M Cammack Heather Chu Marianne Pansa Paula Crist Carol Presley Allison Crose Nancy Price Ann Edahl Glad Ruiz Hannah Evans Debbie Teitelbaum Susie Jensen Brittany Truax Melissa Laurel Elena Tsuchiya Elizabeth Layous Louise Yenovkian

17 Juno-winning and Grammy-nominated pianist and composer Serouj Kradjian is a versatile and unique presence on the international music scene. Solo concertos, chamber recitals, and premières of his compositions have taken him to major concert halls in Canada, United States, Europe, and Asia. He is the artistic director of the Amici Chamber Ensemble in Canada, and is the recipient of the “Anania Shiragatsi” Medal from the Armenian Prelacy of Canada.

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I dedicate this “Maremagan” (Songbook for Mary) to my mother, Lalig Bayrakdarian, who Soprano Siroun Bayrakdarian Kojakian is instilled in me a strong Christian faith, an im- the eldest of the Bayrakdarian sisters. An or- mense love for music, and joy of life. Her un- dained Tebrouhi (Acolyte) and recipient of the conditional love, wisdom, goodness, and fear- “St Mesrob Mashdots” Medal, she is currently lessness continue to inspire me. the choir director of Holy Martyrs Church in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. From its inception to its completion, this project was a labor of love by everyone involved in its creation. First and foremost, I would like to Soprano Marie-Jean Bayrakdarian Zaatar, thank my family for being my pillars of strength: the second Bayrakdarian sister, is also an or- to my husband, Serouj Kradjian, who lovingly dained Tebrouhi (Acolyte). She is an active choir arranged the hymns while staying true to the member of St Mary Armenian Church in Toron- medieval and mysterious essence of the music; to, Canada, and has been a longtime Principal of to my sisters Marie-Jean Zaatar and Siroun Ko- its Sunday School and Youth Bible Study group. jakian, who also join me in singing on this disc in three hymns; and to my brother, Dr Ishkhan Bayrakdarian, who encouraged me every step Dr Ishkhan Bayrakdarian (percussion) is an of the way, supported this project financially, ordained Sargavak (Deacon) and has served and as an ordained Deacon, contributed to the at St Gregory Apostolic Church in Philadelphia. recording by utilizing the ceremonial percus- He is currently an active member of Holy Trinity sion instruments (Kshots and Pourvar). I would Armenian Church in Fresno, CA. also like to express my immense gratitude to 18 Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan for guiding recording a reality. And last but not least, a spe- me and for offering wise counsel, tireless as- cial thanks to Hrair Hawk Khatcherian, Varoujan sistance, and invaluable knowledge throughout DerSimonian, Araz Artinian, the Holy Trinity the entire project, and to Bishop Shahe Panos- Armenian Church (Fresno), St Mary Armenian sian for helping me in the research process. I Church (Toronto) and the First Congregational would also like to thank the musicians: Ani Az- Church/Big Red Church (Fresno) for opening navoorian (cello), the wonderful ladies of Coro their hearts and doors with generosity and love. Vox Aeterna and their conductor Anna Hamre, who all went above and beyond to make this — Isabel Bayrakdarian

Recorded August 3–7 2015, at First Congregational Church, Fresno, California.

Executive producer: Carol Rosenberger Producers: David Jaeger, David v. R. Bowles, Serouj Kradjian Engineering, mastering & editing: David v. R. Bowles (Swineshead Productions, LLC) Booklet editors: Lindsay Koob, Anne Maley Booklet design/layout: Lonnie Kunkel Photo credits: Bo Huang (cover), Hrair Hawk Khatcherian, Araz Artinian, Dario Acosta and Lisa-Marie Mazzucco Armenian text transliterations and translations: Isabel Bayrakdarian Other instruments: Censer (Pourvar) and Armenian Ripidion (Kshots)

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