Volume 2, Issue 10 Diocese of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and Ireland 19 March 2016

Armenian Church News

In Memoriam: Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian

Lord as a young man, inspired by the examples of holiness he saw among such great figures as Catholicos Karekin Hovsepiants,

Patriarch Shnork Kaloustian, and Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan. In

turn, Yeghishe Srpazan became an example of holiness to

In this issue: subsequent generations, through his faithful, humble, loving In Memoriam: Archbishop service to God. His preaching Yeghishe Gizirian conveyed authority; yet his Armenian Street Festival With profound sorrow, we would personal example was one of Planning Committee like to inform you that today the humility and quiet grace. He was Palm Sunday and Holy Week Primate has received a letter from a leader of great inner strength and conviction; yet his greatest His Holiness KAREKIN II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All strength was the tender compas- Armenians about the passing away sion he showed to all—a quality of His Eminence Archbishop that made him beloved wherever Yeghishe Gizirian, the former he served. In Yeghishe Srpazan,

Primate of our Diocese (1982- one perceived those remarkable 2000). Archbishop Gizirian (1925- qualities exemplified by our Lord’s earliest followers: the 2016) passed away in New York on March 18th at the age 90. The late apostles who illuminated the

Archbishop was living and serving world, including our homeland, Diocese of the Armenian with the Light of Christ’’. Church of the United at the Eastern Diocese of Armenian Kingdom and the Republic Church in the USA after his of Ireland retirement from our Diocese. Archbishop Gizirian will remain His Grace Bishop Hovakim in our prayers. Manukyan, Primate As it is written in the press release

Diocesan Office of the Eastern Diocese: “His During the burial service of the Tel. 0208 127 8364 late Archbishop there will be primatesoffice@ Eminence Archbishop Gizirian was armenianchurch.co.uk one of the senior Bishops of the prayer service (Հոգեհանգիստ)

Armenian Church. Archbishop at St. Sarkis Church in London Gizirian answered the call of our March 23rd, at 6:30 pm. Page 2 Armenian Church News

A special in memoriam event for the late Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian will be at St. Yeghiche Church on 15th May. This event will celebrate the legacy of our late Primate in the presence of the representatives other Churches.

Details regarding Archbishop Gizirian’s final anointing and interment are as follows: Visiting hours will be held at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in New York City on Tuesday, March 22, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. The dahn gark (wake) service will begin at 7:30 p.m.

The Final Anointing and Burial service will take place on Wednesday, March 23, also at St. Vartan Cathedral (630 Second Avenue, New York, N.Y.); the Divine Liturgy will begin at 11:00 a.m. Clergy who would like to take part should contact the dean of St. Vartan Cathedral, Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian.

Interment will be at Ferncliff Cemetery in Hartsdale, N.Y., after which there will be ahokejash at the nearby St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian Church (1131 North Street, White Plains, N.Y.).

In-lieu-of-flowers donations may be made to St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, or to the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (70 Main Street, Emerson, N.J.). For more details, please, visit the website of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church in the USA.

Armenian Street Festival

The Planning Committee of the Armenian Street Festival commenced its work having the first meeting on Thursday evening, 17th March, in the Gulbenkian Hall. The 6th Armenian Street Festival will take place on Sunday, 17th July, 2016. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has granted permission to hold the event in the whole square of the Iverna Gardens. Ecumenical guests and other dignitaries are expected to attend the event. The Festival’s programme will

include a traditional Armenian Church Procession with hierarchs and guest clergy, and special entertainment with traditional Armenian folk music and dancing. Armenian and Middle Eastern Foods will be served. There will be a special program for children. Ecumenical organisations and representatives of sister Churches will have stalls offered along with Armenian organisations. There will be surprises on the day.

Volunteers are always welcome and needed for the ASF and those who are interested please contact the Primate’s Office for further information.

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Spirituality Palm Sunday and Holy Week Celebrations

On 20th March, at 11:00am in the Armenian Churches of London and in Manchester there will be Divine Liturgies celebrating Palm Sunday (Ծաղկազարդ). Palm Sunday marks Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem. When Jesus entered Jerusalem “they took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” Blessed is the King of Israel!” (John 12:13).

Palm Sunday is referred to as Advent, in reference to Christ's coming as the Messiah to Jerusalem and to His Passion. For that reason, it is connected with Christ's Second or Final Coming, and is celebrated in the Armenian Church in the evening with the special "Opening of the Doors" (Դռնբացէք) ritual; a foreshadowing of the Second Coming of Christ, the End of Days and the Last Judgment.

On Palm Sunday in the Armenian Churches there is also a special service of blessing of the children. The Lord Jesus Christ said “Let the little children

come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Mark 10.13-16).

Both rites will be celebrated immediately after the Divine Liturgy. Page 4 Armenian Church News

Holy Week Celebrations The week following Palm Sunday is known as Holy Week and each day of that week, Monday to Saturday, is called ‘Holy’ because each day of this week symbolises events that took place after our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem. The events end with the celebration of the glorious Resurrection.

The readings from the Holy Gospels describe that period from Jesus' entry into Jerusalem until the fulfilment of the divine plan of salvation. The lections from the Old Testament read during this period and the hymns remind us of the need for salvation.

During this week, as during Great Lent, the faithful are invited to continue their fasting and ardent prayers.

Holy Monday is in remembrance of Creation day, cursing the fig tree and cleansing of the Temple of Jerusalem. It reminds us to preserve and care for our creation.

Holy Tuesday is in remembrance day of the 10 wise virgins. As wise virgins we have to be attentive and have to keep the torches of faith lit as we do not know when the groom will come at the end of times.

Holy Wednesday symbolises the anointing of Jesus and betrayal by Judas. It was on this day that a women anointed Jesus with expensive oil at Simeon the Lepers’ house in Bethania, predicting Jesus’ death. It was here when Judas made his decision to betray Jesus.

Holy Thursday symbolises the Last Supper and the establishment of the Page 5 Armenian Church News

sacrament of Eucharist or Holy Communion. The faithful prepare themselves through penance and by receiving absolution and receive Holy Communion.

Washing of the Feet- (Ոտնլվա). On Holy Thursday the ritual of the washing of the feet is celebrated in the Churches. The ritual is based on the accounts of the Gospel of John (13:1-17). The washing of feet was a gesture of hospitality normally performed by a household slave, not the presiding host. Jesus thus shows himself a model of humility (1 Tim 5:10) and, at the same time, gives a preview of the historic service he will render when he accepts the humiliation of the cross (Mk 10:45, Phil 2:5-8).

The ritual is practiced in every Church. In the Armenian Church originally it was practiced in more simple fashion. The priest would wash and bless with oil the feet of all the faithful in the vestibule (narthex) of the church. Later, this ritual became more elaborate enriched with special hymns and is performed on the altar. Though there is not a fixed number, the clergymen usually wash the feet of 12 people.

Holy Friday It symbolises Jesus’s Betrayal, Crucifixion and Burial. During the services the Gospel readings describe the last hours of Jesus’s earthly life; betrayal, arrest, denial of Peter, trial of Pontus Pilate, the decision of death, sufferings, agony, crucifixion on Golgotha, eclipse, death and burial. No liturgy is celebrated on Page 6 Armenian Church News

Holy Friday.

The services are divided into three parts. To remember these events, the Church has services on Thursday evening, Friday afternoon and Friday evening.

The Evening Service (Խավարման գիշեր) is performed in remembrance of Christ's betrayal and suffering. It is called Passion Evening.

Jesus was arrested by the Temple guards of the Sanhedrin in the Garden of Gethsemane, immediately after the kiss of Judas, which is traditionally said to have been an act of betrayal. The arrest led immediately to his trial before the

Sanhedrin, during which they condemned him to death.

The Burial Service symbolises the burial of Jesus Christ. It is conducted on Friday evening. It can also be considered as the Rite of the Descent from the Cross. The Trisagion (Սուրբ Աստված) is sung on bended knees and is traditionally dedicated to Joseph of Arimathea, who, according to tradition, sang it as Christ's body was taken down from the Cross. The symbolical coffin

is decorated with followers and there is a procession around the Church. During the procession passages from Gospel are read.

Holy Saturday is dedicated to the Saviour’s burial and the sealing of the tomb. The Divine Liturgy is celebrated at the end of the day. "Now after the sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week" (Matt. 28:1). For that

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reason it is called Ճրագալույց (Candlemass), because it was at that time that in all homes every lamp was lit to signify the beginning of a new day.

During this liturgy Christians around the world exchange the Easter greeting: Christ is risen from the dead! Blessed is the resurrection of Christ! (Քրիստոս յարեաւ ի մեռելոց, օրհնեալ է յարութիւնն Քրիստոսի․)

Easter Sunday The Easter is the greatest Christian feast. During the Easter Sunday Christians all over the world celebrate the glorious Resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ, His victory over the death. Again exchanging the Easter greeting: Christ is risen from the dead! Blessed is the resurrection of Christ! (Քրիստոս յարեաւ ի մեռելոց, օրհնեալ է յարութիւնն Քրիստոսի)

Easter Sunday is followed by a period of 40 days, during which time there are

no saints' days or fasting days. This period is dedicated to the glory of Christ's Resurrection and to the 40 days He spent on earth after His Resurrection. The 40th day after the Resurrection is Ascension Day, commemorating our Lord's entry into heaven.

Practical information Please see the timetable of services in the ‘Upcoming Events’ section. The services will be held both in St. Sarkis and St. Yeghiche as well as in Holy Trinity, Manchester. The faithful end fasting by partaking in Holy Communion on Saturday Page 8 Armenian Church News

Evening. After the liturgy they go to their homes and celebrate Easter with their families. They also invite the priests to visit the families and bless their homes.

Easter cuisine consists of coloured eggs, fish, rice, herbs and traditional Armenian pastry. They also have bread, salt and water so that the priest blesses them and shares the good tidings of Resurrection.

The eggs and fish are symbolic foods. The Church fathers have a lot of interpretations about them. St. Gregory of Datev (15th century) said that “we dye the egg with red colour, because the egg symbolises the world, the shell resembles heaven, skin symbolises the air, whiteness is water and the yellow is the earth.’’ This means that the world is saved by the blood of Christ, which He spilled for love of humanity.

Fish- Ichthys (/ˈɪkθəs/), from the Greek ikhthýs (ἰχθύς, "fish"). ΙΧΘΥΣ (Ichthus) is a backronym/acrostic for "Ίησοῦς Χριστός, Θεοῦ Υἱός, Σωτήρ", (Iēsous Christos, Theou Yios, Sōtēr), which translates into English as "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour". Iota (i) is the first letter of Iēsous (Ἰησοῦς), Greek for "Jesus".

Chi (ch) is the first letter of Christos (Χριστός), Greek for "anointed". Theta (th) is the first letter of Theou (Θεοῦ), Greek for "God's", the genitive case of Θεóς, Theos, Greek for "God". Upsilon (y) is the first letter of (h)uios[6] (Υἱός), Greek for "Son". Sigma (s) is the first letter of sōtēr (Σωτήρ), Greek for "Saviour".

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Diocese of Tavush

One Community, One School

“When I grow up I will become like Serbazan” Little Nelli is a member of the Church Youth Organisation of Noyemberyan City

Strengthening Christianity on the borders creates a stronger nation

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Pilgrimage to the Holy Land 6th – 14th June 2016

A unique opportunity to explore the Holy Land and the legacy of the Armenian Church in Jerusalem

Armenians have made pilgrimages to the Holy Land since the 5th century. It is a unique opportunity for every Christian man and woman to have a spiritual journey and retreat. On 9th June, the pilgrims will participate in the Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the Feast of Ascension of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (Old Julian Calendar).

For the Armenian pilgrims it has another added value because apart from visiting Holy Places they will visit the Armenian quarter and St. James Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem to get acquainted with the legacy of the Armenian fathers in Jerusalem.

The group will be led by the Primate, Bishop Hovakim Manukyan. Special guides will facilitate the visits. The group will stay five days in Jerusalem at the Christmas Hotel, two nights in Tiberias at the Boutique Hotel and one night in Tel Aviv at the Deborah Hotel. Cost: £1600 (single room) £1350 (shared room)

Includes: accommodation, return flights from London Heathrow to Tel Aviv Airport (including airport taxes and fuel charges), Armenian/English speaking guide services, deluxe coach with free WIFI, entrance fees for tourist attractions on itinerary, half board basis (two meals daily), and farewell dinner.

For more information, please contact: [email protected]

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Upcoming Events

DIOCESAN PROGRAMMES Forthcoming Events in March

Bible Studies Every Thursday, at St. Sarkis Church Gulbenkian Hall led by the Primate and the clergy of the Diocese Next dates: March 24th, 31st Bible Studies are an important part of the church’s ministry as they provide opportunities for the faithful and those who are interested and curious to have a deeper understanding of Christianity and to ask questions about their faith, beliefs and concerns. During Bible studies we make observations (what do passages in the Bible say?), provide interpretation (what do they mean?) and ask how applicable these passages are to our lives today. Open to everyone.

Holy Week Celebrations in the Armenian Churches of Holy Trinity in Manchester, St Sarkis and St Yeghiche in London

Palm Sunday (Ծաղկազարդ) and Blessing of Children Sunday, 20th March, 11:00am The Liturgy will be followed by the rite of Opening of Doors (Դռնբացէք) Please bring your children to this special service for a blessing.

Holy Thursday Thursday, 24th March, 11:00am Liturgy of Institution of the Eucharist, 4:30pm Washing of Feet ceremony (Ոտնլուայ) – please bring your children to have their feet washed. 7: 30pm Passion Evening

Good Friday Friday, 25th March, 4:30pm Burial Service of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ

‘The Bible Close to Jesus’ – Movie Screening The faithful have possibility to watch the movie of Judas by Enrico Lo Verso, immediately after the burial service, in the Gulbenkian Hall, Iverna Gardens, London.

How did a man who was a follower and disciple of Jesus, betray his own leader and Messiah? It is an opportunity for the faithful to watch on the screen what they will experience participating in the services of Passion Evening and Holy Friday.

Easter Eve Saturday, 26th March, 5:30pm Page 15 Armenian Church News

Easter Eve Liturgy Easter Divine Liturgy Sunday, 27th March, 11:00am

Easter Luncheon Sunday, 27th March, 2:00pm, Copthorne Tara Hotel To celebrate Easter together and to feel the joy of unity at Eastertide (Please see advert for details)

Easter Monday in Dublin Monday, 28th March Divine Liturgy in Dublin, 11:00 am – 3:00pm at Dundrum Methodist Church (Ballinteer Road, Dundrum, Dublin 16)

Divine Liturgy in Birmingham Sunday, 10th April, 1:00pm Divine Liturgy at the Mission Parish of Birmingham (St John’s Church, Stratford Road, Birmingham, B11 4EA)

Solemn Divine Liturgy in Remembrance of the Genocide Sunday, 24th April, St. Yeghiche Church Solemn Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on the day of the Armenian Genocide. It will be followed by the consecration of the icon dedicated to the Holy Martyrs of the Genocide.

Divine Liturgy and Special Memorial Service for Archbishop Gizirian Sunday, 1st May, St. Yeghiche Church Divine Liturgy and special Hogehangist service in memory of the late Archbishop Yeghiche Gizirian, the service will be followed by Hogejash and remembrance event. The venue will be advertised soon. For more details, please, contact the Primate’s Office.

Pilgrimage to Holy Land 6 – 14th June

Armenian Street Festival, Sunday, 17th July, Iverna Gardens, London W8 6TP

Editorial: The main objective of the diocesan e-newsletter is to serve and reach out to Armenians Prayer intentions for March throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. As we are in the Middle of Great Lent, The community members and organisations are which is also a period of good works and welcome to send their announcements for the charity, we invite the faithful to pray that e-newsletter, including information not only about public events but also about important families in need may receive the necessary family events such as christening, matrimony or moral and material support, especially passing away. those living in Syria.

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Worship Services in the Armenian Churches

Services are held in the Armenian Churches in London every Sunday starting at 11:00 am. In Manchester, there is a service on the 1st Sunday of the month. For further details, please contact the parish nearest to you:

Holy Trinity Armenian Church St. Sarkis Church St. Yeghiche Cathedral 229 Upper Brook Street Iverna Gardens 13b Cranley Gardens Manchester, M13 0FY Kensington, London, W8 6TP Kensington, London SW7 3BB Tel: 0161 273 1074 Tel: 020 7937 0152 Tel: 020 7373 8133 www.armenianchurchmanchester.org/ http://www.stsarkisparish.co.uk http://www.styeghiche.org.uk/

Other Parishes of our Diocese:

Cardiff - Tel: + 44 771 279 2304, +44 2920779248. [email protected]

Dublin - Tel: +44 2891 863559. http://www.armenians.ie/

Birmingham – Tel: +44 121 675 1469. St John’s Church, Stratford Road, Birmingham, B11 4EA

Oxford - Tel: +44 7810 490242. [email protected]

Editorial Committee: We invite those who have questions or wish to gain deeper understanding His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate of the faith, moral discernment, teachings and traditions of the Armenian Church to contact the Office of the Diocese of the Armenian Church in Garen Arevian United Kingdom and Ireland: Lena Boghossian Hovik Hovhannisyan The Primate’s Office Aznive Simon c/o The Armenian Vicarage Gagik Stepan-Sarkissian Iverna Gardens Sossi Yerissian London, W8 6TP or email: [email protected]