volume , issue 21 diocese of the armenian church of...

Diocese of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and Ireland Volume 1, Issue 21

24 December 2015

Armenian Church News

Diocese of the Armenian Church of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate Diocesan Office Tel. 0208 127 8364 primatesoffice@ armenianchurch.co.uk

In this issue:

Genocide Memorial unveiled

at St. Davids, Wales

ACYF Carols in Manchester

and London

The Bishop’s Advent Party

Editorial Committee Meeting

London Armenian Opera

perform ‘Davit Bek’

ACYF Conference in Bologna

Armenian Genocide Memorial unveiled at St. Davids Cathedral, Wales

The 19th of December was a

remarkable day for British

Armenians and Welsh Armenians

in particular. Community members

travelled to the Mother Cathedral

of Wales in St Davids in order to

dedicate a memorial, a gift of the

Armenian community of Wales to

the Cathedral, in gratitude for the

recognition by the Church in

Wales of the 24th of April as

‘Armenian Genocide Day’.

In his opening speech, Canon

Chancellor Dr Patrick Thomas

remarked that 100 years ago one

of the greatest atrocities of

modern times took place in

Ottoman Turkey and that the

Welsh Assembly was the first

national body in the UK to

recognise the Armenian

Genocide. It was later followed

by the recognition of the 24th of

April by the Church in Wales.

Now, through the initiative of Mr

John Torosyan, Chairman of the

Parish Council of the Armenian

Church in Wales, a statue was

presented to St Davids Cathedral

as a sign of Welsh Armenians’

gratitude.

The Canon’s address was followed

by the expression of gratitude by

the designer of the statue, Mariam

Torosyan, and a speech by the

Dear faithful, On the occasion of the joyous feast of

Theophany of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ I congratulate you wholeheartedly and ask God’s blessings for you and your

loved ones. I wish you happy New Year and Merry

Christmas! Bishop Hovakim Manukyan

Primate

mailto:[email protected]



Primate of St Davids, Bishop Wyn Evans.

The Primate Bishop Hovakim Manukyan emphasised the significance of

situating the statue of the Virgin Mary and the Christ-child at St Davids

Cathedral as a place of pilgrimage for the Welsh nation, as is Holy

Etchmiadzin for the Armenian nation. Bishop Hovakim said: ‘’Today St

Mary and Jesus, along with St Davids and Holy Etchmiadzin, unite us in a

monument dedicated to the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide

perpetrated by Ottoman Turks during World War I. This is a sacred unity

in this joyous period of Advent, and it conveys a strong message to us: first

of all, to commit ourselves to a culture of peace and love, and secondly to

ask for the blessings of the new-born Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and the

intercessions of St Mary, St David and the Holy Martyrs of the Genocide to

bring peace to all humanity. We pray for justice and ask God Almighty to

disperse the darkness of crimes from humanity.’’

The Primate then invited Mr Hayk Khemchyan, the Third Secretary of the

Armenian Embassy, to present the Golden Medal of the Republic of

Armenia’s Ministry of the Diaspora to Canon Patrick Thomas as a great

defender of the Armenian Cause.

The statue was unveiled after a short prayer service in Armenian and

Welsh. The Virgin Mary and the Christ-child symbolise the Armenian

mothers and children who were subjected to enormous suffering during

the Genocide. The memorial also represents the link between Holy

Etchmiadzin and St Davids Cathedral as centres of pilgrimage for their

respective nations as well as the growing friendship between the Armenian

Apostolic Church and the Church in Wales. (Zara Sarvarian)

Here is the link to the St Davids video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufbZ7CLnkE0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufbZ7CLnkE0


Parish Life ACYF Manchester Carol Service

On Sunday 20th December His Grace Bishop

Hovakim joined the Armenian Community in

Manchester for their Annual Carol Service. The

service was organised by the ACYF and included

readings in Armenian, Russian, German and

English. The event was very well attended with

some people travelling over 100 miles to attend.

Children from the Armenian Sunday School

recited poems and sang songs and were surprised

by a visit from Father Christmas who gave

presents to the children and their teachers.

After the service all were invited to the basement

hall where nibbles and mulled wine were offered

by the ACYF. The Manchester Armenian Dance

School demonstrated some of what they have

been practising and the Bishop sportingly got

involved too. A very pleasant evening was

enjoyed by all. (Ara Couligian)


Parish Life ACYF London Carol Service a very warm ambiance whilst several

carol favourites were sung and Scriptures

were read in 6 different languages.

As the carol "Silent Night" was sung in

full candlelight the children aged

between 1 and 8 walked to the altar

some were dressed to depict the

Nativity.

Eight-year old Lusine Mkrtychyan

beautifully sang solo "Once in Royal

David's City" that was followed by the

carol Jingle Bells which inspired Father

Christmas to ring his bell and arrive at

the church laden with presents for our

children including chocolates kindly

donated by Nairy Afrikian.

The unprecedented presence of 22

children made the service extra special.

The organ was superbly played by

On Monday 21st December the

Armenian Church Youth

Fellowship (ACYF) London Chapter

hosted their 6th annual Christmas

Carol Candlelight service in St

Sarkis Church.

The church was full to maximum

capacity and the carol service was

the most successful to date. The

ACYF Executive Committee started

the service with a procession up the

aisle whilst singing "O come All Ye

Faithful", followed by the Primate,

Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Fr

Movses Sargsyan and Fr Shnork

Baghdassarian.

The Chairman of ACYF London

Chapter Anais Heghoyan welcomed

the congregation with an opening

speech. The service continued with

Please join our Facebook page

"ACYF London" or if you have any questions please

contact us at: acyf@armenianchur

ch.co.uk

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Shnorhavor nor dari yev Sourp

Dzernount!




Parish Life Bishop Hovakim hosts an Advent Party at Jakobs

Delicious Armenian fasting (պահոց) food, drinks and most importantly

traditional Armenian singing and toasts (կենացներ), as well as friendly

discussions prevailed during the New Year party hosted on behalf of the

Primate by the owner of Jakobs Restaurant (Gloucester Road, Kensington)

Tania Race on 23rd December.

During the festive evening a few people who were supportive to the Church

during the year were awarded special Letters of Blessing by the Primate –

namely, Deacons Vartkes Keshishian, Stepan Ovanessoff and Sarkis Keledjian,

for serving at the altar and as senior deacons. The award was also related to the

Feast of St Stephan, the first deacon and martyr of the Christian Church, to be

celebrated in the Armenian Church on 25th December.

Tigran Petrossian was also awarded with a Letter of Blessing for his work at

the Armenian Street Festival and Anais Heghoyan for her leadership in the

Armenian Church Youth Fellowship. At the end of the party the Primate

thanked all those who attended the event and hoped that this gathering will

be repeated once a month to celebrate our unity through Armenian music,

dancing and fellowship. He also thanked Tania for her generosity and

hospitality.

composer and organist Artur Bobikyan, the senior deacon in the Holy Trinity

Armenian Church in Manchester. Our service ended with the Primate giving

the final blessing and inviting all the congregation to the Nvart Gulbenkian

Hall where all celebrated with festive fayre and refreshments.

Thank you very much to all who kindly joined us on such a joyous occasion

and to all who participated and who wholeheartedly support us and our cause.

Please don't forget to contact the Primate's Office on

[email protected] or call 020 8127 8364 if you know

someone who would love a visit from us for our Christmas Basket delivery

project on 9-10 January 2016 for our housebound elderly. (Anais Heghoyan) You can now watch the Christmas Carols Service video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtNW6wVbpNE&feature=youtu.be


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtNW6wVbpNE&feature=youtu.be

Parish Life Primate’s Office Editorial Committee Meeting

On 12th December, Bishop Hovakim Manukyan hosted a meeting with

members of the Editorial Committee, who are overseeing the production of

the e-newsletter, website and videos for the Diocese.

Based on very positive feedback from the community regarding the e-

newsletter, it was decided that versions in Eastern and Western Armenian be

produced once a month. Other feedback suggested it had too many pages, so it

was decided that a condensed version be produced and sent as an email, which

would contain links to the full articles on the Diocesan Website. The

Committee plan to transition to this version from January 2016.

The current website will close and a new one is under construction. This will

contain current video content with links to previous videos, and the website

will be bi-lingual. Bishop Hovakim expressed his gratitude to the Committee

and was enthusiastic about the new developments in promoting and providing

information about the Armenian Church in the UK and Ireland. (Aznive Simon)



Community Life London Armenian Opera performs ‘Davit Bek’

This was an ambitious dream which our Musical Director Aris Nadirian had

most appropriately chosen for the centenary commemoration of the

Armenian Genocide.

The London Armenian Opera (LAO) committee gave its full support along

with our LAO family of soloists and a chorus comprising of members of

various ages and different walks of life. Once the news got around, new

members joined from all over London and Oxford. Nine talented young

singers from Armenia were invited to join us to enhance our ensemble and by

the end we had a total of 42 participants. To enrich our production, the

Akhtamar Dance group of 26 dancers were also asked to perform as was our

orchestra of 30 instrumentalists, under the baton of Levon Parikian.

Weekly rehearsals started in September 2014, with Aris taking on the

responsibility of training everyone as well as singing the solo parts in the

interim and also appointing and liaising with the director, conductor, set

and costume designer, lighting manager, stage manager and choreographer.

He was also responsible for preparing the scores for the singers and the

management team as well as the different players of the orchestra. His task


was enormous but the committee were right behind him supporting him

every step of the way. Every member of the committee had a special

responsibility such as contacting various supporters, raising funds, organising

venues for rehearsals , finding a suitable venue for staging , making and

organising costumes and props, selling tickets, designing brochures and

programmes, arranging flights and accommodation, publicising, etc. The list

was endless.

It was most hectic during the final 3 weeks. The chorus and soloists attended

rehearsals every day and everyone was utterly exhausted but very cheerful

and extremely supportive.

The dream was fulfilled, successfully, and it was an AMAZING experience.

(Tamara Stephan)

LONDON

ARMENIAN

OPERA

Armenian Church News Page 4 Armenian Church News

From 16th to 20th December 2015, the Armenian Church Youth Union of

Europe gathered in Bologna, Italy, for a conference. Representatives from

different ACYF (Armenian Church Youth Fellowship) chapters gathered to

discuss difficulties their communities face, their achievements and future

plans with the aim of promoting our Church and encouraging the youth to

take more active steps in their communities and for the church. It was also a

perfect opportunity to take time to reflect and pray together for the

wellbeing of us all in particular those in times of need. A special prayer was

said for those who had lost their lives protecting our borders in Karabagh

and for their families.

The conference was blessed with the presence of Archbishop Hovnan

Derderian and Bishop Datev Hagopian, Father Sasoon Zumrookhdian,

Father Zadig Avedikyan, Father Tovma Khachatryan, Father Khoren

Arakelyan, Father Ananya Dzaduyan, Father Stepanos Hovhannisyan,

Father Hetem Tarverdyan, and Deacon Artur Khunoyan.

The conference was organised by Father Tovma Khachatryan of the Milan

parish with the help of some of the devoted youth from both Milan and

Bologna. The event was made possible thanks to the kind sponsorship of

Vostan Andriassian.

Many of the young participants met for the first time but quickly

established strong bonds of friendship. The warm, purposeful atmosphere

energised the discussions on how the different countries could work

together towards solving some of the most common or rare difficulties

Spirituality ACYF Conference in Bologna


facing our youth and the church. Particularly, firmer links were built with

HEHEM central board in Armenia highlighting key areas that could further

help individual youth organisations or those wishing to establish a new youth

organisation. Both London and Manchester chapters of ACYF were

represented by the chairman of Manchester chapter Zareh Nersessian sharing

key successes and guidance on how to implement similar methods to other

communities.

The participants had the opportunity to visit San Lazzaro Island in Venice

where they met with some of the monks who hosted a wonderful lunch

followed by a tour of the island. Visitors had the chance to see ancient

manuscripts and artefacts held in the vast archives. The clear skies also

provided the perfect opportunity to explore the Island witnessing its beauty

first hand. On the last day, Divine Liturgy was held at the Armenian Church

of Holy Forty Martyrs in Milan.

The conference proved to be more than productive. It gave the participants

first hand exposure to problem-solving and development methods used in

different countries, which could be adapted to suit different environments. In

addition to this, new projects were incorporated to aid the development of

newer or smaller Armenian communities. The conference brought the youth

together and bound new friendships

Massis Restaurant supports the Armenian Church

Have a great evening enjoying delicious Armenian and Lebanese food whilst supporting the mission of the Diocese of the Armenian Church in UK and Ireland. Dine with Massis for lunch and dinner with family and friends for birthdays and events. Mention you are Armenian and 20% of your bill will go towards the Armenian Church.

Open 7 days a week from 12pm – 11pm you can find your Massis Lebanese Bar and Grill Restaurant at:

9 Sheldon Square, Paddington Central, London W2 6HT Phone number: 020 7286 8000 www.massis.co.uk


http://www.massis.co.uk/


You are warmly invited to join us for the annual celebration of Divine Liturgy (Patarag) by His Grace Bishop Hovakim, Primate, at Pembroke College Chapel in Oxford on Saturday 16th January, 3pm. The Oxford Armenian Choir will sing Yekmalyan's Liturgy in four parts and there will be delicious refreshments prepared for you by the Oxford Armenian community members after the Service. But that's not all! This year the day is going to be extra-special for everyone! We are arranging free guided tours of the Bodleian Library Exhibition celebrating 2,500 years of Armenian History- ARMENIA: Masterpieces of an Enduring Culture: http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/whatson/whats-on/upcoming-events/2015/oct/armenia. Theo Maarten van Lint, Calouste Gulbenkian Professor of Armenian Studies, co-curator of the exhibition and co-author of the exhibition catalogue, will lead tours of the exhibition before the Liturgy at 12.30 pm and 1.30pm. Please note that the registration for guided tours is essential. To register for a tour, please email: [email protected] by 14 January 2016. We look forward to hearing from you and once again to welcoming you in Oxford! Join our event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1021127391258798/ and please share it with your friends and colleagues.

Would you like to join us?

Transport will be available, leaving at 10am from Iverna Gardens and

returning at 6pm. The cost of transport will be £20.00.

Please contact [email protected]

or on 020 8127 8364 for further information

http://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/whatson/whats-on/upcoming-events/2015/oct/armenia





https://www.facebook.com/events/1021127391258798/

https://www.facebook.com/events/1021127391258798/


Upcoming Events DIOCESAN PROGRAMMES Forthcoming Events in December and January

Bible Studies Every Thursday, at St. Sarkis Church Gulbenkian Hall led by the Primate and the clergy of the Diocese Next dates: January 14th, 21st, 28th 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. Deacons’ Training Deacons’ training takes place every Sunday at 5:00pm in the Vicarage, St. Sarkis Church. In November and December rehearsals are taking place for special hymns

of the Midday Prayer - Ճաշու շարական, which are sung during the Divine Liturgy. For more details please contact the Diocesan Office. Evening Vespers on the Feast of St. Stephan Saturday, 26th December, 6:30pm, in St. Sarkis Church Evening Vespers at St. Sarkis Church on the occasion of the Feast of St. Stephan, the first martyr of the Christian Church. AGBU/Tekeyan Cultural Association

New Year’s Eve Dinner-Dance Thursday, 31st December, 7:30pm – 2:00am New Year's Eve Dinner-Dance at the Copthorne Tara Hotel, Kensington, W8 5SY. As before, having seen the New Year in, those wishing to do so may proceed to St. Sarkis Church for a short service by Bp Hovakim and then return to the hotel until 2 am. The flyer contains all necessary information. Early booking will ensure your place. New Year’s Eve Service Friday, 1st January, 12:30am in St. Sarkis Church Short Prayer for New Year New Year’s Day Service Friday, 1st January 2016, 5:00pm in St. Sarkis Church Special prayer for the blessing of pomegranates, followed by a small reception in the Gulbenkian Hall. R.S.V.P. (Parking is available on pay & display, along with resident’s parking)


Manchester Parish

Wednesday, 6th January at Holy Trinity Church, Manchester Epiphany and Theophany of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Liturgical celebrations of the Primate in January 2016: Tuesday, 5th January, 5:30pm, in St. Sarkis Church Christmas Vigil Wednesday, 6th January, 11:00am, in St. Yeghiche Church Epiphany and Theophany of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Saturday, 9th January, 11:00am, Divine Liturgy in Cardiff Epiphany and Theophany of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (Christ Church Eglwys Crist Parish of St. David, Carmarthen Plwyf Dewi Sant, Caerfyrddin) Sunday, 10th January, 1:00pm, Divine Liturgy in Birmingham Epiphany and Theophany of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Saturday, 16th January, 3:00pm, in Oxford Divine Liturgy Transport will be available. It will depart from Iverna Gardens at 10am and return at 6pm. The cost of transport will be £20.00. Please contact: [email protected] or on 020 8127 8364 for further inquiries. Sunday, 17th January, 11:00am, in St. Yeghiche Church Divine Liturgy 22nd January, in St. Yeghiche Church Ecumenical Prayer 24th January, in Dublin

Divine Liturgy Monday 25th January, in St. Sarkis Church Ecumenical Prayer


http://www.christchurchcarmarthen.org.uk/parishnews/

http://www.christchurchcarmarthen.org.uk/parishnews/


Prayer Intentions for December:

At this joyous period of advent, we invite our

faithful to continue to pray for our brothers and

sisters in the Middle East. That all may

experience the mercy of God who never tires of

forgiving, and that families, especially those who

suffer, may find in the birth of Jesus Christ a sign

of certain hope.

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.



We invite those who have questions or wish to gain deeper understanding of the faith, moral discernment, teachings and traditions of the Armenian Church to contact the Office of the Diocese of the Armenian Church in United Kingdom and Ireland:

The Primate’s Office The Armenian Vicarage Iverna Gardens London, W8 6TP or email: [email protected]

PLEASE NOTE OUR CHANGE OF POSTAL ADDRESS

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:

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]

Holy Trinity Armenian Church 229 Upper Brook Street Manchester, M13 0FY

Tel: 0161 273 1074 www.armenianchurchmanchester.org/

St. Sarkis Church Iverna Gardens

Kensington, London, W8 6TP Tel: 020 7937 0152

http://www.stsarkisparish.co.uk

St. Yeghiche Cathedral 13b Cranley Gardens

Kensington, London SW7 3BB Tel: 020 7373 8133

http://www.styeghiche.org.uk/

Editorial Committee: His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, Primate Garen Arevian Lena Boghossian Hovik Hovhannisyan Zara Sarvarian Aznive Simon Gagik Stepan-Sarkissian Sossi Yerissian



http://www.armenians.ie/


http://www.armenianchurchmanchester.org/

http://www.stsarkisparish.co.uk/

http://www.styeghiche.org.uk/

volume , issue 21 diocese of the armenian church of...

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