Armenian Church News - Diocese of The Armenian Church
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Armenian Church News
February 11, 2021 Volume 7, Issue 5
Diocese of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland
The feasts of St. Gevond the priest and St. Vartan were celebrated at the
Armenian Churches in London
With a special liturgical celebration, the clergy of the diocese marked the days
of St. Gevond the priest and St. Vartan with prayers both at St. Sarkis and St.
Yeghiche Churches Tuesday and Thursday February 9th and 11th.
On the feast of St. Vartan the Armenian Church also celebrates the name day
of the Catholicos of All Armenians His Holiness KAREKIN II with a special
‘Pontifical Prayer- Հայրապետական մաղթանք.’
On these national ecclesiastical feasts days the clergy pray for their people,
country and for the longevity of their spiritual father. The faithful followed the
services online due to COVID-19th restrictions. Please click here to read the
speech of The Primate delivered at St. Sarkis Church.
Bishop Hovakim’s visit to the Holy Trinity Armenian Church
During the weekend of Friday 5th to Sunday 7th February, His
Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan visited the community in
Manchester. The main purpose of the Primate’s visit was to meet
the pressing pastoral needs of the community members as well as
celebrating the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Trinity Church on the
Sunday. The mass was unique in its character because there was no
congregation, who instead followed the service online, and that it
was also the first full liturgical celebration held in Manchester since
the outbreak of the CoronaVirus pandemic.
The divine liturgy was followed by a special prayer service in loving memory of late Diana Doudian and Gabriel
Soultanian. At the end of the service, the Primate along with deacon Artur Bobikyan and subdeacons, Ara
Couligian and Vicken Couligian consecrated an “Altar Cross,” which was presented as gift in celebration of
150th anniversary of the establishment of Holy Trinity Church. The deacons chanted psalms and washed the
cross with wine and water, and after Gospel readings the Primate consecrated it with Holy Myron. The service
ended with the adoration of the Holy Cross. The honour of placing the cross on the altar was given to
subdeacon Ara Couligian, chair of the wardens of the Holy Trinity Church.
Whilst preaching in the Church, the Primate expressed his gratitude to the faithful for protecting their border
of faith. He mentioned that even though they were unable to celebrate the 150th anniversary properly due to
the pandemic and resulting restrictions, the symbol of this milestone lived in us. “The cross that we are
consecrating now is dedicated to 150th anniversary. Today we consecrate it as a sign of hope. The cross was a
symbol of punishment and it became a life-giving cross when Jesus Christ shed his blood on it. This is because
the dry wood blossomed and that is why in the Armenian tradition, we have a blossomed cross. Today it has
a special message. It is a message of hope; that suffering and present-day difficulties are not the last word. That
life will return to normality and with God’s help we are going to overcome the challenges of the pandemic.”
His Grace concluded “let this cross be a sign of hope like ‘the dove who returned to Noah on the Ark with a
freshly plucked olive leaf’ from the mountain Ararat, symbolising the end of the universal flood.”
Special prayer service at St. Yeghiche Church in loving memory of
Armenian Relief Society of GB late volunteers
On Sunday 7th February 2021, the Executive Committee of the
Armenian Relief Society of GB requested a Requiem Mass, in
memory of their 31 late Ungerouhiner, at St. Yeghiché Armenian
Church in London, following Divine Liturgy.
The prayer service was led by the pastor of St. Yeghiche Church
Rev. Fr. Nshan Alaverdyan who praised the dedication of ARS
members to the noble cause of helping the needy in Armenia and
diaspora.
This is one of the traditions of the Armenian Relief Society, which is held annually at the beginning of February,
worldwide, in all the Chapters and ARS pays a small contribution to the church for providing this service. The
families of the departed members are also invited to the church, to participate in the Repose of the Soul
(Հոգեհանգիստ) service of their beloved relative.
UPCOMING EVENT AND CELEBRATIONS
Feast of Tiarnendaraj
The Feast of Presentation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to the Temple
Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates the Feast of Tiarnendaraj
on 14 February. Tiarnendaraj, or Candlemas as it is known in the
West, symbolizes the presentation of the 40 day-old Christ Child
to the Temple in Jerusalem. In accordance with the Law of
Moses, the infant Christ was brought to the Temple by Mary and
Joseph and presented to God. A man named Simeon was there,
to whom it had been revealed that he should not see death before
he had seen the Lord. Simeon held the infant in his arms, blessed
God, and said, “Lord, let your servant now depart in peace, for my eyes have seen your Salvation, which you
have prepared before the face of all people. A Light to lighten the Gentiles, and the Glory Deep in the night
of Your people, Israel” (Luke 2:28). the lantern burns bright,
hanging in heaven on high.
In the tradition of the Armenian Church, Evening Services (Nakhatonak) are conducted St. Gregory’s lamp, ever
on the night preceding the Feast Day. At the conclusion of the service, the priest lights a ablaze
bans darkness from
candle from the Holy Altar, and distributes the flame to everyone present. With great care, Armenia’s sky.
the faithful take the lit candles home to their families. The morning of the Feast Day, Divine Suspended in air,
Liturgy is celebrated in Armenian Churches throughout the world. its light everywhere,
from the altar of Aragats’
The hymn offered during the Liturgy peak,
commemorating Tiarnendaraj glorifies Simeon’s this candle shines forth, ever
ablaze,
articulation of “a Light to lighten the Gentiles”. The
in a world often somber and
hymn praising Simeon also lauds the Mystery of the bleak,
Incarnation. Many additional customs have been Fueled by pure tears
inherited from the past, including the blessing of the of saints through the years
four corners of the world in the Andastan Service, beyond reach of men’s sinful
the blessing of newlywed couples, as well as offering hands,
prayers for the fertility of the fields. untouched by fierce winds,
ever ablaze,
breath of dragons it even
withstands.
Eve of Great Lent or Great Barekendan When darkness descends
and terror upends
On 14th February the Armenian Church will celebrate the faith of the weak and the
the Eve of Great Lent or Great Barekendan- Բուն shaken,
Բարեկենդան. The word Barekendan means “good this beacon of hope, ever
ablaze,
living” or “good life”, as we are called to live cheerfully, Armenia’s bright souls
joyfully, and to be happy on these days preceding the reawakens.
fasting period. The Armenian Church thus allows her High in the sky,
faithful to organise games, festivals, carnivals and large, like God’s watchful eye,
plentiful meals before the feast. the torch gives them hope of
However, during the period of Great Lent curtains in salvation.
churches are drawn in commemoration of the expulsion The Enlightener’s lamp, ever
ablaze
of Adam from Eden when the doors of heaven were closed before him. brings blessings upon this fair
nation.
translation – T. Samuelian
arak29.org
The beginning of Great Lent
40 days of Lent; a season of prayer, fasting and giving
Monday, 15th February, is the beginning of Great Lent, which
lasts 40 days. The Armenian Church defines the period of Great
Lent as a time of abstinence and repentance for the faithful. It is
a profound and unique period of spiritual experience.
The Gospel of Matthew, especially Mt. 6:1-21, which is read in
churches on the eve of Great Lent, invites the faithful to
commence the Lenten journey, first of all with good deeds and
helping those in need and secondly, the lent is a period of prayer
and forgiveness. “If you forgive others for their fallings, your
heavenly Father will forgive you for yours” says the Gospel. Finally, it is a period of fasting- “when you
fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that no one will know you are fasting except your Father
who sees that it is done in secret”. Great lent is also known as a rich liturgical period. The faithful
participate in various liturgical prayers.
"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure
their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have
received their reward in full.” (MT 6:16)
Online Agape or learning how to make
Armenian Lenten food
Monday, 15th February, is the beginning of Great Lent, which lasts 40 days.
The Armenian Church defines the period of Great Lent as a time of
abstinence and repentance for the faithful. It is a profound and unique period
of spiritual experience.
Long overshadowed by the celebrations of Easter Sunday, Lent is being
rediscovered as a sacred time of reflection and renewal in its own right and a
time of preparation for the joyous seasonal finale. Like Advent, Lent gives you 40 daily opportunities to get deeper
into the personal and eternal significance of Jesus' life and ministry.
Normally, on Friday evenings during Lent there are vigils in the Churches and it had become customary at the end
of Friday services, the participants would gather in the Nevart Gulbenkian Hall to enjoy delicious Lenten food
prepared by various committees. However, this year because of COVID-19 restrictions the preparation of Lenten
food will be online.
You can join via zoom to learn how to make traditional Armenian Lenten food from different parishes. Next weeks’
zoom will be hosted by Holy Trinity Church followed by four consecutive Friday’s hosted by St.Yeghiche Parish
ladies guild and the final Friday by St. Sarkis Parish. Please click here to join every Friday starting on February 19th
to March 26th from 7PM to 8PM.
Prayer Services during the Great Lent
Lenten Vigils will begin on Friday evenings from February 19th,
at5 pm Lenten Evensong will start at St Sarkis Church.
During the service the clergy and the faithful will sing hymns such
as “Look Lovingly, Compassionate Father” (Nayats seerov -
Նայեաց սիրով), “Grant Us, Lord at Night, Your Heavenly
Peace” (Shnorhya mez Der ee keesheree (Շնորհեա մեզ Տէր,
ի գիշերի) for protection at night, and the hymn of the Peace
Hour (Ee ken haytsemk (Ի քէն հայցեմք) and recite the prayer
‘’I Confess With Faith’’ (Havatov Khostovanim Հաւատով խոստովանիմ) by the 12th century Armenian
Church father, Catholicos Nerses the Gracious. All services will be broadcast online.
Sunrise services
The Liturgy of the Hour of Sunrise (Արեւագալի ժամերգութիւն) will be celebrated every Wednesday at
11:00. Due to Covid-19 restriction this will be conducted on Zoom Please click here for the link for the services
at 11: 00 AM.
The London Marathon
Virgin Money London Marathon 2021
Are you ready to take on the greatest Marathon in the world?
Join #TeamACTUK for the Virgin Money London Marathon 2021, the
most iconic event in the running calendar.
Armenian Church Trust UK is excited to inform all Marathon lovers that
we have been successful in the virtual 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon Charity Ballot by securing 5 Charity
Ballot places in the virtual London Marathon event, taking place on Sunday 3 October 2021.
This year the Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday 3 October is set to be the world’s first 100,000-person
marathon, with 50,000 participants in a virtual event around the globe joining 50,000 on the traditional course from
Blackheath to The Mall.
Please contact Ms Hrachik Sarian by the end of March to secure your place. You can either email her
on info@armenianchurch.org.uk or call on 07949810704.
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.”
(Ephesians 6:18)
Scripture of the Week Prayer of the Week Upcoming Saints & Feasts
O great God, worker of miracles, you keep
Isaiah 24:21-25:8; your promises and grant mercy and forgiveness
Acts 7:47-50; of sins to those you love through your holy 13 February: The 150 Holy
Son Jesus Christ, who renewed us from the Fathers of the Council of
Galatians 4:1-7;
mortality of our sins. Constantinople
Luke 2:41-52 You are the One who restores sight to the
blind and raises up those who have fallen. You 14 February: Presentation of our
*** rescued us from darkness and from the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to
shadow of death, saying to the prisoners, “You the Temple
are free!” and to those in darkness, “Show
yourselves!” On them has shone the light of
15 February: 1st day of Great
knowing your anointed One, who came and
Lent
appeared on Earth and went around with
people. And whoever received him, to them he
20 February: Saint Theodore the
gave the capacity to become children of God.
captain
Lord, you gave us the grace of adoption
through rebirth of the redemptive font, and
you let us share his holy name.
O Lord of all, You yourself, look upon your
servants, so that redeemed from sin, we may
be made right with you and may be clothed in
our Lord Jesus Christ.
For you are our merciful God and you love
mankind, and to you is due glory, dominion
and honor, now and always and unto the ages
of ages. Amen.
ՀՈԳԵՀԱՆԳԻՍՏ – MEMORIAL SERVICE
Repose of the soul service took place at St. Yeghiché Church in memory of Armenian Relief Society of GB late
volunteers.
SUSIE SHEKERDEMIAN (Սիւզի Շխրտմեան), MARIE CHOLAKIAN (Մարի Չոլաքեան),
LIZA ARMAGHANIAN (Լիզա Արմաղանեան), MAGGIE ASLANIAN (Մագի Ասլանեան),
MARIE KHALOIAN (Մարի Խալօյեան), ANGEL DADOURIAN (Անժել Տատուրեան),
SEDA TARLANIAN (Սեդա Թառլանեան), ARSHAKOUHI NANAJANIAN (Արշակուհի
ANJEL RAHANIAN (Անժէլ Ռահանեան), Նանաջանեան),
YVETTE MANKASSARIAN (Իվէթ Մանգասարեան), KNARIK HOVHANNESIAN (Քնարիկ Յովհաննէսեան),
ACHIK HOVHANESSIAN (Աչիկ Յովհաննէսեան), SIRAN HAGOPIAN (Սիրան Յակոբեան),
AREG DER BARSEGHIAN (Արեգ Տէր Բարսեղեան), NAZIK GRIGORIAN (Նազիկ Գրիգորեան),
ARPINEH LEVONIAN (Արփինէ Լևոնեան), KATHY GHOURJIAN (Քաթի Ղուրջեան),
NELLY HOVSEPIAN (Նելլի Յովսէփեան), NVART KHLOIAN (Նուարթ Խլօյեան),
HRIPSIK MARTINIAN (Հռիփսիկ Մարթինեան), KNARIG YOUNG-VARTANIAN (Քնարիկ Եանգ-
HASMIK GASPARIAN (Յասմիկ Գասպարեան), Վարդանեան),
SIROUN CROFT (Սիրուն Քրօֆթ), ANGEL BESHIRIAN (Անժել Բէշիրեան),
ALICE KARAPETIAN (Ալիս Կարապետեան), ROZIK BANIAN (Ռոզիկ Բանեան),
OVSANNA KHULIAN (Ովսաննա Խուլեան), SEDA ARZOOMANIAN (Սեդա Արզումանեան
RUBINA BOGHOSIAN (Ռուպինա Պօղոսեան), LՕUSIK ARZOOMANIAN (Լուսիկ Արզումանեան).
FLOR AZOIAN (Ֆլոր Ազոյեան),
Leaving a lasting gift or legacy to the Armenian Church
For many people, leaving a gift in their will is a final opportunity to make a lasting gift to God. Leaving a gift in
your Will to The Armenian church is one of the most valuable and lasting ways to not only celebrate your love
of God but also continued support of the mission and ministry in your community. Please contact the Armenian
Church for more information via email below:info@armenianchurch.org.uk or call: 020 8998 9210
Armenian Spirituality Online: Learn, Watch, Pray The Primacy organizes a variety of events throughout the week, please follow us on Facebook @ArmenianChurchoftheUKandIreland or @ACYOlondon, on Twitter @ar_churchuk, telegram https://t.me/UKArmChurchNews and subscribe via email to receive our weekly newsletter, to find out about what is happening in the Armenian Church in the upcoming weeks. Follow Church Services online The faithful can access these services on the Facebook pages of our parishes in London; these broadcasts can be accessed via the links below: St. Yeghiche Church https://www.facebook.com/StYeghiche/ St. Sarkis Church ttps://www.facebook.com/groups/SSCPLondon/ Holy Trinity Church https://www.facebook.com/groups/340444669390361/ For more information please also visit: armenianchurch.org.uk And https://www.facebook.com/ArmenianChurchoftheUKandIreland/ Opportunity for Spiritual progression during Lockdown Every second Wednesday, the bishop holds informal meetings with volunteers to learn more about the religion and train prospective altar servers via Zoom. The sessions offer a fascinating insight into how ancient scripture has shaped the practice of Christianity as we know it today. Additionally, the floor is open for discussions of contemporary Christianity and how the religion can help overcome the trials faced in the pandemic. Furthermore, a variety of learned persons join each week to answer questions from participants in addition to discussion. All in all, the sessions offer a wonderful avenue to progress spiritually whilst at home during lockdown. Please contact the Armenian Church for more information via email below: Info@armenianchurch.org.uk or call: 020 8998 9210 Online Bible Studies The Primates continues to hold online Bible studies. The Bible studies are not academic discussions but are weekly meetings in which The Primate, together with clergy, leads study sessions for everyone who is in search of a deeper understanding of their faith and Christian fellowship. How can I get connected online? You will need to have computer internet access with a microphone, speakers and a camera installed. Alternatively, you can use a tablet or even a Smartphone which has all these capabilities built in. Alternatively, launch zoom from here https://us02web.zoom.us/join and join using the following details for the Bible study meeting in English Meeting ID: 673 335 005, Password: 545396 Friday evening online prayer The distance between us currently prevents the faithful from physically coming together to pray. To maintain our community’s togetherness, The Bishop and clergy have led a unique online prayer service on Friday evenings 8:30 pm and the faithful have had a chance not only to read the confessions of Nerces the Gracious (Catholicos XII century) and pieces of Armenian spirituality, but to pray. Furthermore, it is an occasion both to practice and learn about Armenian spirituality. These prayers are held on Zoom, just click CTRL+ double-click on this hyperlink below and follow instructions to Open into the session. Evening Prayer - Zoom Meeting: Alternatively, launch zoom from here https://us02web.zoom.us/join and join using the following details for the Evening Prayer meeting. Meeting ID: 885 4270 0750 Password: 606088 Editorial: The main objective of the diocesan e-newsletter is to serve and reach out to Armenians throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. The community members and organisations are welcome to send their announcements for the e-newsletter, including information not only about public events but also about important family events such as christening, matrimony or passing away.
Worship Services in the Armenian Churches
London: Services are held every Sunday
Manchester: Services are held on the 1st Sunday of the month.
For further details, please contact the parish nearest to you:
Holy Trinity Armenian Church St. Sarkis Church St. Yeghiche Church
229 Upper Brook Street Iverna Gardens 13b Cranley Gardens
Manchester, M13 0FY Kensington, London, W8 6TP Kensington, London SW7 3BB
Tel: 0161 273 1074 Tel: 020 7937 0152 Tel: 020 7373 8133
www.armenianchurchmanchester.org www.stsarkisparish.co.uk www.styeghiche.org.uk
1st SUNDAY OF THE MONTH
Birmingham: St. Peter Church, 208, High St, Walsall, WS3 3LA
Republic of Ireland
Dublin: info@armenians.ie; Tel. +353 1 451 5087, www.armenians.ie
Diocese of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom & the Republic of Ireland
His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate
Diocesan Office
Tel. 0208 998 9210
info@armenianchurch.org.uk
http://armenianchurch.org.uk/
ACT UK Trustees
Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Ayda Lundon, Viken
Haladjian, Hovnan Hampartsoumian, Alan Simonian
Registered office address:
Kemp House 152-160 City Road, London EC1V 2NX
Website | Facebook
You can also read
