Diocese of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland Armenian Church News 30 April 2019 Volume 5, Issue 16 lived near Mount Varak. Hripsime always carried Feast of the Holy Cross of Varag a small wooden cross believed to have been made from a piece of the true crucifixion cross. One On September 29th, His Grace Bishop Hovakim day, in order to escape persecution, she sought Manukyan celebrated Divine Liturgy at St. refuge on the mountain where she hid the cross Yeghiche Church on the feast of Holy Cross of among the rocks before fleeing to Vagharshabad Varag. In his sermon, His Grace invited believers (modern-day Etchmiadzin). According to to value the meaning of the cross in their own tradition, in the year 653, a hermit named Totig lives with more adherence to both Christian and found Hripsime’s hidden cross. He followed a national values. brilliant light that illuminated the mountain and guided him inside the church to the altar where he found the cross. The light shone for twelve days. In memory of this event, Catholicos Nerses established the Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak. He also wrote the beautiful hymn, "By the Sign of Your All Powerful Holy Cross: "To you, O Christ, who bestowed on its universal Church, this victorious, precious sign received by God, we always send up praise in the highest. This cross by your will, O Christ, and by the power of the Almighty Holy Spirit lifted up by the assemblies of angels is seen resting on Mount Varak. Come, you people, bow down in worship before the divine holy sign; lift up your hands in holiness with one accord and The Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak, a feast that always glorify him who lives on is unique to the Armenian Church. The Hripsimiantz Virgins, after coming to Armenia, it." Armenian Church News | 2 The Armenian Summer Festival the Diocese of the Armenian Church in the UK wrap up meeting and Ireland. Amongst the audience, there were the Charge d’Affairs of the Embassy Mr.Gagjik Kirakosyan and other Embassy officials, the Primate of the Armenian Church Bishop Hovakim Manoukian and the clergy, members of the ACC UK Board of Directors, representatives of the political parties, representatives from the grass roots organizations, civic dignitaries and fellow British Armenians The Armenian Summer Festival wrap up meeting took place on September 29 at Bishop's House. It was recorded that ASF 2019 was the most successful ASF to date with over 3000 in attendance and with a record-breaking total of £11000 raised. A big thank you to everyone who generously donated their time and money to make this year the most enjoyable festival for the Armenian Community yet. We look forward to from all around the UK. inviting you back for the 10th year anniversary on In his opening statement the Chairman of the the 12th of July 2020, to achieve, however ACC Mr. Armand Abramian stressed the challenging, the best event to date!! importance of the occasion and conveyed the best wishes of the ACC to the Government of Armenia ASF Committee and all Armenians living in Armenia and the Diaspora. In his turn, Mr. G. Kirakosyan thanked the organizers, in particular the ACC for making Commemoration of the 28th this Day a memorable Day in the British Anniversary of Armenia’s Armenian community calendar. He highlighted Independence in London the accomplishments of Armenia since its independence and called for complementarity between the Diaspora and the motherland. The great hall of St. Yeghishe Armenian Church The highlight of this year’s commemoration was in Cranley Gardens was packed last Saturday the presence of the people’s artist Mrs. Alla night, the 21st of September, for the event to Levonyan, who was specially invited from celebrate the 28th Anniversary of the Armenia for the occasion. She inspired the Independence of the modern Republic of audience with a kaleidoscope of folk songs from Armenia. the great Gomitas to her own compositions. The event organized by the British Armenian To conclude the event, the Primate His Grace Community Council (ACC) through its Executive Bishop Manukyan gave his personal message of Committee was under the auspices of the ACC congratulations for the occasion and closed the UK, the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia and evening with a prayer. Armenian Church News | 3 renovation fund. Each and every Armenian in A Mother’s Call! Britain is invited to participate in this national Restoration of the Cathedral of endeavour through their contributions. Holy Etchmiadzin Upon the invitation of our Primate Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, who has been appointed by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, to oversee the fundraising initiative, will present details about this project to Armenians in Britain on October 25th at St Yeghiche Church in London (13B Cranley Gardens, SW7 3BB). You are cordially invited to attend this meeting and reception. Take part in securing the physical structure of the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin for centuries to come by making a donation. Donations large or small can be made securely The Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, the through the Friends of Etchmiadzin, a UK birthplace of Armenian Christianity, has been registered charity, via the following account undergoing extensive and much-needed major number: Acc No: 27895718, Sort code: 50-30-10, renovations for the last few years. The Cathedral BIC: NWBK GB 2L, IBAN: GB20 NWBK 5030 was built by the patron saint of the Armenians, St. 1027 8957 18 or by sending your Gregory the Illuminator in the early 4th century cheques/donations payable to: “The Friends of and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over the Etchmiadzin” to the Bishop’s House, 27 Haven 1700 years of its long history, the Mother Green, London W5 2NZ. Reference your Cathedral of the Armenians has attracted donation as “Renovation”. countless pilgrims and visitors from around the world and continues to attract thousands of visitors every year. Come and join us for a night of Armenian/Italian Cuisine and The Cathedral of Etchmiadzin has gone through festivity on Friday, October major restorations over the centuries, included 11th, at 7 pm works on the dome, ceiling, roof, foundations and belfries. The last extensive renovation was With food specially prepared by Chef Eduard completed in the mid-20th century, through the Arakelian such as Ghavari Kofte and Italian generous donations of benefactors Calouste Salmon, there is a flavour to suit all tastes. So Gulbenkian and later Alex Manoogian. whether it be to try the food or mingling with the other members of the Community in the calm Today, Armenians all over the world are called to setting of the Bishop's House, now is the time to take part in the restoration of this most significant come along. Armenian holy place through their donations to a Armenian Church News | 4 £20 entry (All-inclusive Food and beverages) and Saints of the Armenian Apostolic Church, who founded the Armenian alphabet, translated Book your tickets by texting 07949810704 or the Bible, and started a movement of writing and alternatively: [email protected]. translating important works into the Armenian language. Սուրբ Թարգմանչաց տօն There will be Episcopal Liturgy and the traditional blessing of students and pupils' of the Armenian Schools in London celebrating the feast of Holy Translators at St. Yeghiche Church on October 13. Join us and bring along your children to learn more about our history, culture and Christian roots. The Feast of the Holy Translators (Armenian: Սուրբ Թարգմանչաց տօն, Surb T'argmanchats ton) is dedicated to a group of literary figures, Armenian Church News | 5 Programmes Art wellbeing for women resume at Bishop's Young Armenian Artist Anna Virabyan will commence her Art therapy sessions for House females starting October 12th at 1pm, located at the Bishops house. The session provides the Children's club oppurtunity for expression and empowerment through painting and art in general.Those who wish to attend please contact the Primates office via email at:[email protected] is a £3 donation for those in attendance. The childrens club will once again resume on the 12th of October at the Bishop's House.Led by Anna Henden, and assisted by Vanhouni Petrosyan. The classes focus on teaching children the Armenian language through dancing, interactive games and other fun activities. The club will meet at 2pm, those wishing to bring their children should inform the primates office by contacting us via email at: [email protected] is a £1 donation for those in attendance. Journey through the Bible The Primate is launching a new program of weekly Bible studies (every Wednesday, 7:30 pm) 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. Armenian Church News | 6 Worship Services in the Armenian Churches London: Services are held every Sunday st Manchester: Services are held on the 1 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 st www.styeghiche.org.uk 1 SUNDAY OF THE MONTH Birmingham: St. Peter Church, 208, High St, Walsall, WS3 3LA Republic of Ireland Dublin: [email protected]; Tel.