Professional Documents
Culture Documents
EASTER 2013
Habemus Papam!
God Bless Pope Francis
Motto:
Getting to know Pope Francis Armenian Delegation attend Inauguration Mass Sheriff Koutoujian Inauguration Saint Blaise is Armenian? New Registration For Parishioners
In This Issue
Hye Undanik Is a publication dedicated primarily to parishioners and friends of Holy Cross Armenian Catholic Church Editors Fr. Raphael Andonian Michael Charchaflian Marcel Karian Contributors Chris Demilo Jirair Yeremian Karine Khajadourian Levon Karageuzian Maneh Sahakyan Mitchell Kalpakgian Typesetting: Man Sahakyan Please address all Correspondence to Hye Undanik at: 200 Lexington Street Belmont, MA 02478 Or email to : namag@holycrossarmenian.org Hye Undanik is published three times per year by: Holy Cross Armenian Catholic Church 2013All rights reserved.
The Armenian Sisters at Work Remembering the Mekhitarists Vows of Brothers Andon & Kevork Financial Report
11 14 24 31
Calendar
Cover Picture: Newly elected Pope Francis speaks to the crowd from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on Wednesday, March 13. Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as the first pontiff from Latin America and will lead the world's 1.2 billion Catholics.
Friday, April 19, 2013 Massachusetts State House Commemoration of The Armenian Genocide Buses will leave St. James and St. Stephens Churches at 8:30 a.m. Courtesy of Knigts of Vartan Sunday April 21, 2013 Day of Remembrance of the 1915 Armenian Genocide 10:30 AM Solemn High Memorial Mass Sunday April 28, 2013 10:30 AM Solemn High Mass and Invocation of the 264th Anniversary Passing of Venerable Abbot Mekhitar (April 27, 1749) Founder of the Mekhitarist Congregation. Celebrating also he memory of past Mekhitarist Pastors who served our Church Fr . Sahag Gokian (Fr. Goky) Fr. Michael Akian Fr. Luke Arakelian Fr. George Abkarian 10:30 AM Solemn High Mass Sacrament of First Holy Communion 10:30 AM Solemn High Mass Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Hampartzoum)
3
ARMENIAN CATHOLIC EPARCHY OF OUR LADY OF NAREG IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA
, . ( )
(. 24, 52):
, : , , ' , , , : , : , , : , ' : : , :
Blessed is your resurrection, O God, You have proven the powerlessness of death through your willingness to die. Praise to your glorious resurrection, O patient Lord. (Armenian Easter Hymn)
Very Reverend and Reverend Fathers, Reverend Sisters, Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ, After forty days of lent, fasting, and silence, after the passion of the Holy Week, the sufferings on the road to Golgotha, the disgraceful death on the cross and the deep darkness of the tomb, the Church cries out aloud together with the messenger angels heralding at the empty sepulcher to the women, Blessed is your resurrection, O God, You have proven the powerlessness of death through your willingness to die. Praise to your glorious resurrection, O patient Lord. The Law and the prophecies were fulfilled through Jesus of Nazareth. Through the risen Lord, the cross was no longer sign of dishonor but became the sign of victory. Because of his love for us and in obedience to the will of God the Father, Jesus, by sacrificing himself on the cross, defeated the sting of death and completely transformed the history of mankind. Hence, He confirmed all those who joined Him in faith with the seal of immortality. This is the great mystery of Easter, which the Church celebrates joyfully: the risen Christ granted the gift of eternal life to all mankind. The Son of God, the resurrected Christ, gave everyone the grace to become an adopted child of God and to participate in the divine life. The evangelists have witnessed that, after His resurrection, Jesus appeared multiple times and encountered Mary Magdalene and the other women, the eleven apostles and his disciples, who for three years had continuously followed Him and served Him. There is an essential characteristic which is common to all these apparitions and encounters. It is the great joy and happiness of seeing the risen Lord. This joy and happiness are the specific characteristics of the life of those who live by the faith in the risen Christ. " The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord. (John 20:20). "And they, after worshiping Him, returned to Jerusalem with great joy.(Luke 24:52) The true faithful is the person who relies fully on the risen Christ and bases his life and existence on Him. The true believer is not satisfied by his own conviction and beliefs but lives his faith joyfully, knowing that mans salvation is due to Gods love and power. This very love and power which became evident through the death of Christ and, more importantly, through His miraculous resurrection. The feast of Easter is the culmination of the liturgical year. It transforms the grief and sorrows of the Holy Week into joy and happiness. The resurrection of Jesus, which is joyfully celebrated by the Church and the faithful each year, is the prelude and preparation of the eternal lifes happiness promised to all believers. As Jesus Christ has risen for our sake, so will we rise through Him. From the bottom of my heart I wish that you live this Holy Easter with the Spirit of the risen Christ. May the resurrection of Our Lord, center and heart of our forefathers faith, bestow upon you all the blessings of peace, hope and joy.
+ Bishop Mikael Mouradian Eparchy of Our Lady of Nareg In USA and Canada
a man in the destiny and deed of whose life a unique relationship to God the Father culminates in the selfemptying death of the cross and then his resurrection as Lord. Otto Hentz Last, the following words of St. Paul summarize perfectly what must be the attitude of men in this life in view of what is expecting us after death: Consider that the suffering of our present life cannot be compared with the glory that will be revealed and given to us. All creation is eagerly expecting the transformation of the children of Godeven the created world will be freed from this fate of death and share the freedom and glory of the children God (Rom. 8:18). Inspired with this holy vision of what God prepared for us believers, we sing on Easter, during the celebration of the Holy Mass, joyfully with faith, hope and love: Christ is risen from the dead! He trampled down death by death, and by his resurrection he granted life unto us. Glory unto him for all ages. Amen. Your Pastor Fr. Raphael Andonian
We wish that the message of Love and Peace of Our Resurrected Jesus Christ be heard by all humanity and may the fraternal spirit direct our path towards Our Father whos in Heaven.
7
rue to the Tradition of the Armenian Church, Joey Charchaflian acted as the Godfather on the day of the Baptism of Jesus. Just like John the Baptist, Joey wore the camel hair cloth and held the Cross throughout the ceremony of the Baptism of Jesus. Fr. Raphael performed the Blessing of the water and the Baptism of Jesus by allowing Joey to immerse the Cross into the water as he adds drops of the Baptismal Oil. Joey is the son of Pierre and Lisa Charchaflian and the grandson of Joseph and Virginie. Armenians celebrate the January 6th as the Baptism of Jesus and Epiphany (meaning the day when Jesus was revealed to the world) which is the 12th day of Christmas. Congratulations to Joey and the family on this graceful occasion.
Ash Monday
Why we receive the ashes Following the example of the Ninevites, who did penance in sackcloth and ashes, our foreheads are marked with ashes to humble our hearts and reminds us that life passes away on Earth. We remember this when we are told" Remember, Man is dust, and unto dust you shall return. "Ashes are a symbol of penance made sacramental by the blessing of the Church, and they help us develop a spirit of humility and sacrifice. The distribution of ashes comes from a ceremony of ages past. Christians who had committed grave faults performed public penance. On Ash Monday or Wednesday, the Bishop blessed the hair shirts which they were to wear during the forty days of penance, and t is Ash Monday, for Armenian Catholics and Melkites, sprinkled over them ashes made from the palms from Maronites and other rites in the Eastern Church. For the previous year. Then, while the faithful recited the the Roman Catholic church it is Ash Wednesday, both Seven Penitential Psalms, the penitents were turned days in the eastern church or western church mark the out of the church because of their sins -- just as Adam, beginning of the Season of Lent. It is a season of pen- the first man, was turned out of Paradise be ance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday, through which cause of his disobedience. The penitents did not enter we attain redemption. the church again until Maundy Thursday after having
won reconciliation by the toil of forty days' penance and sacramental absolution. Later, all Christians, whether public or secret penitents, came to receive ashes out of devotion. In earlier times, the distribution of ashes was followed by a penitential procession. The Ashes The ashes are made from the blessed palms used in the Palm Sunday celebration of the previous year. The ashes are christened with Holy Water and are scented by exposure to incense. While the ashes symbolize penance and contrition, they are also a reminder that God is gracious and merciful to those who call on Him with repentant hearts. His Divine mercy is of utmost importance during the season of Lent, and the Church calls on us to seek that mercy during the entire Lenten season with reflection, prayer and penance. HU
St. Blaise
tenced to be starved to death, the woman, in gratitude, sneaked into the prison with food and candles. Finally Blaise was killed by the governor. Blaise is the patron saint of wild animals because of his care for them and of those with throat maladies. In His Footsteps: Take time as Saint Blaise did to find out how you can help wild animals. Find out what is being done to support and protect the wildlife in your area. There is wildlife everywhere, even in cities. Even a birdfeeder can help God's creatures survive. Prayer: Saint Blaise, pray for us that we may not suffer from illnesses of the throat and pray that all who are suffering be healed by God's love. Amen
Feastday: February 3 Patron of Throat Illnesses Many Catholics might remember Saint Blaise's feast daybecause of the Blessing of the Throats that took place on this day. Two candles are blessed, held slightly open, and pressed against the throat as the blessing is said. Saint Blaise's protection of those with throat troubles apparently comes from a legend that a boy was brought to him who had a fishbone stuck in his throat. The boy was about to die when Saint Blaise healed him.
Very few facts are known about Saint Blaise. We believe he was a bishop of Sebastea in Armenia who was martyred under the reign of Licinius in the early At Holy Cross Armenian Catholic Church, Father fourth century. Raphael Andonian was very concerned about The legend of his life that sprang up in the eighth century tell us that he was born in to a rich and noble family who raised him as a Christian. After becoming a bishop, a new persecution of Christians began. He received a message from God to go into the hills to escape persecution. Men hunting in the mountains discovered a cave surrounded by wild animals who were sick. Among them Blaise walked unafraid, curing them of their illnesses. Recognizing Blaise as a bishop, they captured him to take him back for trial. On the way back, he talked a wolf into releasing a pig that belonged to a poor woman. When Blaise was sen-
his choir and the well being of their throats. He blessed the white candles on the tray, each one tied with a red ribbon signifying the blood of our martyr, St. Blaise. He then invited each choir to come down, he place the candles in a shape of a cross around each persons throat, prayed and blessed and gave the person the pair of candles. After the choir, all faithful were invited to follow. HU
http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=28
10
he Iranian-Armenian poet Varand wrote: To love does not cost anything, To be loved, a little, But if you love, And are loved It is worth everything. The Armenian Sisters of the Immaculate Conception Order is a sublime example of love. Ever since the order was founded in Constantinople on June 5, 1847, the Sisters have humbly served the Armenian People and Nation with that innate quality. As a result, generations of Armenians have been enriched in countless ways by their compassion, devotion, and selflessness. The Armenian Sisters in Gyumri and Dashir, Armenia, as well as Javakhk, Georgia, have worked tirelessly for their people since their arrival to these regions after the 1988 earthquake in Armenia. After much prayer and hard work, and with the generosity of Diasporan Armenians, the Sisters in the village of Heshtia in Javakhk recently finalized the construction and the details in the operation of their sorely needed medical center. As a result, earlier this month the doors of the clinic were opened to begin serving the people of Heshtia and several surrounding villages, among them
HU
11
Citizen Christ
by Nareg Safarian What would Jesus do? is one of those cute sayings that has become rather widespread in America. It can be used in many ways. Id like to ask, What would Jesus do as a citizen?, and Im afraid my answer might be: Not much, really. In truth, Jesus was not the ideal citizen at all. He did not quite follow the law as it was during that time. But it wasnt the case that Jesus was a delinquent out to make trouble for troubles sake. He came, in fact, to give the law a do-over, a fulfilling act in the name of something that, some might say, transcends the law. I imagine that a chief hallmark of any good legal system is its ability to amend itself. During the time of Christ, that meant quite a revolution and quite a legal jumble, crisscrossing through Jewish practice and Roman statutes. We all know more or less how that story turned out.
Now, in the first case, it was the Church that ultimately reviewed its position on money matters, while in the latter, it was religious fervour that caused the law to change, and to change back. One could argue that the tensions have been so strong that religious practice and legal code can only exist in what is called a zero-sum game: a situation where one can win only at the ex- But how can it turn out for us today? A Christian might not always know how to exactly pense of the other. interpret anything either out of the Bible or out of the Another way of thinking about it, however, is to consid- civil code of a state, but I should hope that the Christian citizen would at least think through er that both religion and the law have had reason to rethink and even to reinvent themselves why the law exists and whether or not it should be changed, and how that should happen. over the course of generations. In any event, what they have in common remains at the Even with civilized legal mechanisms in place, it requires hard work and might sometimes call heart of the matter how to organize society, how to bring people together in harmony and for immense self-sacrifice. And thats for the sake of the prosperity of all, in goodwill and in when the inspiration of Citizen Christ can step in. good faith.
HU
12
HU
13
HU
14
I am concerned about a kind of cultural Catholicism. Im concerned about people going to church on Sundays without really understanding why they are going or what they are doing. Im concerned about people not really understanding the relationship between what we believe and how we should live. Our faith is beautiby The Tidings today. ful! There is richness to our Catholic faith that embracI was surprised, as Im sure you all were, by the es all of life from our private conversations with God Popes announcement that he would be stepping in prayer to our participation in society. For me, educadown from his office at the end of this month. Pope tion in the faith does not mean knowledge for the sake Benedict XVI has truly been a Holy Father to the fami- of knowledge. Education in the faith means k nowing ly of God, his Catholic Church. His decision to resign Jesus Christ who comes, as the Gospel tells us, to is a beautiful, Christ-like act of humility and love for the give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forChurch. This is the act of a giveness of their sins, through the saint. This is the act of one tender mercy of our God (Luke 1: who thinks not about himself 77-78). Our faith should make all but only about the will of God the difference in our lives. And that and the good of Gods peoshould be the aim of all our religious ple. May we all be given the education and cat echesis to grace to be so humble and change peoples lives by bringing so selfless in our ministries them into contact with the love of and d aily responsibiliJesus Christ and the truth of his ties. Personally, I have alGospel. ways had great affection for Our religious education and catechthis Pope. He is a beautiful esis should inspire a more intense man. I had the honor to spend time with him for more than a month this past October during the Synod of practice of the faith. It should inspire people to want to Bishops. I was amazed, as I always am, by his joyful- know their faith better so that they can live it more fully ness, his sense of prayer, and his intelligence. with greater love and devotion. So let us ask Gods In my opinion, Pope Benedict is one of the wisest per- blessing on our Religious Education Congress and sons in our world today. I try to learn every day from all those who are teachers of the faith. And let us pray his words and example. Just witnessing his ministry, reading his writings, is a beautiful lesson for all of us in for one another this week how to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. We see from his and for our universal speeches, homilies and writings, that this Pope under- Church. Let us thank God stands the world in a deep way from economics, today for the love and witpolitics and world affairs to the spiritual and moral isness of Pope Benedict sues that face every individual. XVI. Let us entrust him to Pope Benedict will be remembered as one of the our Blessed Mother Mary Churchs great teachers of the faith. During his eight short years as Pope he has written Jesus of Nazareth, and pray that he will conan important three-volume work on how to read the tinue to have joy and Gospels to find the true face of Christ. This may be one of the most important works of biblical theology in peace and many more years for prayer and reour time. He has written encyclical letters on the virtues of love and hope and important works on the flection. HU Word of God and the Eucharist. In his weekly public audience talks, the Pope has delivered a series of cat15
CONCLAVE 2013
It was the last time that the Jus Exclusivae (right of exclusion or right to veto a candidate for the papacy claimed by the Catholic (Zenit.org) - Here is a monarchs of Europe) was exercised. The Italian Cardinal Mariano brief chronology of ConRampolla was vetoed by Franz Joseph I of Austria -Hungary. After claves in recent centuries his election, St. Pius X abolished the right of heads of state to exeralong with interesting cise a veto. facts that occurred during In 1914, the Conclave that elected Benedict XV lasted four days, each, provided by the from 31 August until 3 September. The 57 participating cardinals Vatican Information Ser- had 10 ballots. Three North American Cardinals were locked out of vice. the Sistine Chapel, having arrived too late to enter but it was the In the entire history of the first time that a Latin American cardinal participated, Cardinal Church, the longest papal electiontaking place in Viterbo, Italy in Joaquim Arcoverde de Albuquerque Cavalcanti, archbishop of Sao 1268 and ending with the election of Gregory Xlasted for over two Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. years. It was as a result of this instance that the modern papal Con- In 1922, during the Conclave that elected Pius XI, 53 cardinals held clave was instituted. 7 ballots over five days, from 2 to 6 February. Two American and In modern history, the longest Conclave was that of 1740. It lasted one Canadian cardinal were again left out of the Conclave for havfrom 18 February until 17 August, 181 days. ing arrived too late. After his election, Pius XI estabFifty-one cardinals participated in the final How Popes Have Been lished a period of 15 days from the beginning of the ballot, four cardinals having died during the Sede Vacante to entering into Conclave in order to Elected in Recent proceedings. In 1758, the Conclave that electallow cardinals enough time to travel to Rome. Centuries ed Clement XIII lasted from 15 May until 6 In the 1939 Conclave that elected Pius XII, the first July, 53 days. Forty-five cardinals participated, patriarch of an Eastern rite participated in the election: but one was absent at the final ballot, having left the Conclave beHis Beatitude Mar Ignatius Gabriel I Tappouni, patriarch of Antioch cause of illness. and all the East of the Syrians. The Conclave, the shortest of the In 1769, Clement XIV was elected after 94 days, from 15 twentieth century, lasted just two days, from 1 to 2 March. The 62 February until 19 May. Forty-six cardinals participated in the vote. cardinals held 3 ballots. Beginning in 1774, the Conclave that elected Pius VI lasted 133 In the Conclave of 1958 that elected Blessed John XXIII, cardinals days, from 5 October of that year until 15 February 1775. Forty -six from China, India, and Africa participated for the first time. The Concardinals entered in the Conclave but two of them died during the clave lasted four days, from 25 to 28 October and the 51 cardinals proceedings. held 11 ballots. The Conclave that elected Pius VII took place in Valencia, In 1963, the Conclave lasted three days, from 19 to 21 June. The Spain, since Rome was under occupation by Napoleons troops. It 80 cardinals elected Paul VI after 11 ballots. In 1978, the Conclave lasted from 1 December 1799 until 14 March 1800, 105 days. It was that elected John Paul I was the first in which cardinals over the age the last Conclave held outside of Rome and 34 cardinals participat- of 80 did not participate. The Conclave lasted two days, 25 to 26 ed. August. The 111 Cardinal electors held four ballots. In the second In 1823, Leo XII was elected after 27 days, 2 September until 28 Conclave celebrated that yearthe reign of John Paul I lasting just September, and 49 cardinals participated. 33 days, resulting in the most recent Year of Three Popes In 1829, the Conclave that elected Pius VIII lasted 36 days, 24 Feb- Blessed John Paul II ruary until 31 March, and 50 cardinals participated. was elected by the At the Conclave that began in 1831, the last cardinal not to be bish- same 111 Cardinal op was elected Pope, Gregory XVI. The Conclave that elected him electors after eight ballasted 51 days, from 14 December 1830 until 2 February of the fol- lots held over three lowing year and 45 cardinals participated. days 14 to 16 October. Short Conclaves began to take place from 1846, with the election In 2005, Benedict XVI of Blessed Pius IX. Fifty cardinals elected him Pope in a conclave was elected Pope in the lasting three days, from 14 to 16 June of that year. fourth ballot of the ConAfter the longest papal reign, which lasted more than thirty years, clave that lasted two the following Conclave also lasted three days, from 18 to 20 Febru- days, from 18 to 19 ary in 1878. Sixty-one cardinals participated in the vote to elect Leo April. The largest numXIII. It's interesting to note that, as his reign was the third longest in ber of Cardinal electors papal history, lasting over 25 years, only four of the cardinals that ever took part in that elected him participated in another Conclave. Another interesting election: 115. fact from this Conclave is that the first American to be created cardi- The 2013 Conclave, will nal, Cardinal John McCloskey, archbishop of New York, would have be the first one since been the first non-European to take part in a papal election but he 1829 to be held during arrived too late to participate. Lent. One hundred fifThat honour was to go to Cardinal James Gibbons, archteen Cardinal electors bishop of Baltimore, Maryland at the next Conclave. will participate. In 1903 St. Pius X was elected Pope by 64 cardinals in a Conclave HU that lasted five days, from 31 July until 4 August, and had 7 ballots.
16
CONCLAVE 2013
exhortation Sacramentum Caritatis of February 22, 2007. For its part, the 12th Ordinary General Assembly, held from October 5-26, 2008, was attended by 253 Synodal Fathers, who reflected on the topic: "The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church." As early as October 6, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI had announced his decision to convoke a 12th Ordinary General Assembly, to address the theme of the Word of God, and intended to continue the preceding Synod of the year 2005 on the Eucharist and, in this way, highlight the intrinsic relation between the Eucharist and the Word of God for the life and mission of the Church. A distinctive feature of this Synodal Assembly was its unfolding with the celebration of the Pauline Year, which began on June 29, 2008. To commemorate this occasion, the liturgy for the opening of the Synod was celebrated in the Papal ope Benedict XVI left an important legacy to the Church, Basilica of Saint Paul Outside-the-Walls. At the same time, having convoked five Assemblies of the Synod of Bishops, given the theme being discussed, for the first time a Rabbi some "general" and others "special." was invited to talk with the Synodal Fathers and the particiA synod results in a papal document called a postsynodal pants. Likewise, attending the Synodal Assembly for the first apostolic exhortation, in which the Pope takes into account time was His Eminence Bartholomew I, the main ideas approved in the AsEcumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, semblies by the participants. Saying Good Bye & Looking who addressed the Synod's participants Benedict XVI's Convocations during the celebration of Vespers in the Back: Synods Held During BeneThe first synod held during BeneSistine Chapel. dict XVI's pontificate was the 11th dict XVI's Reign Moreover, for the first time the 55 ProposiOrdinary General Assembly, held tions elaborated collegially by the Synodal from October 2-23, 2005, which was attended by 258 Synodal Fathers to reflect on the topic: Fathers were announced to the public pro hoc vice in an Italian translation. During the Synod's closing session, the mem"The Eucharist: Source and Summit of the Life and Mission bers also announced the Message to the People of God of the Church." In a certain sense, this was an Assembly "inherited" by Ben- (Nuntius). edict XVI, given that, taking into consideration the opinion of Subsequently the Holy Father wrote the postsynodal apostolic exhortation Verbum Domini, promulgated on September the members of the 10th Ordinary Council of the General 30, 2010. Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops (which is installed beA year later, the 2nd Special Assembly for Africa was held, tween one Assembly and another), and based at the same time on the consultation of Episcopal Conferences worldwide from October 4-25, 2009, which was attended by 244 Synodand of other interested organizations, Pope John Paul II de- al Fathers who analyzed the topic: "The Church in Africa at the Service of Reconciliation, Justice and Peace." cided to convoke the 11th Ordinary General Assembly to During the Symposium of the address the topic of the Eucharist. After his election on April 19, 2005, Pope Benedict XVI con- Bishops of Africa and Europe, held in Rome on November firmed the dates of the Synodal Assembly and, at the same time, approved the following innovations to the Synod's activ- 13, 2004, Pope John Paul II, "accepted the desire of the ities: the reduction of the duration of the Synodal Assembly Special Council for Africa" to three weeks; an hour of free discussion; the duration of and, responding to "the hope the interventions after the conclusion of the afternoon's pleof African pastors," announced nary sessions; the members' electronic vote in addition to the usual written vote -- on the Synod's Proposals or Recom- the convocation of the 2nd Special Assembly for Africa. In mendations and the publication pro hoc vice of the Italian the weekly Audience of June translation of the Proposals. The official documentation produced by the Synodal Assem- 22, 2005, the Holy Father Benedict XVI confirmed this decibly included the Message to the People of God (Nuntius), elaborated during the Assembly and approved by the Synod sion. HU Fathers, as well as the Holy Father's postsynodal apostolic
17
CONCLAVE 2013
tinian Territories, the Synodal Assembly's preparatory documents designated the following sixteen countries as the "Middle East": Saudi Arabia, Bahrein, n Cyprus, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Jordan, the Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Syria, course Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and of the Yemen. 2nd Special Assembly, the Synodal Fathers In addition to the Synodal Fathers, a focused their attention on the realities in significant number of experts, auditors, the Church in the African continent, es- fraternal delegates and guests all conpecially on reconciliation, justice and nected in some way to the Church in the peace, so that the Church could reMiddle East -- took part in the Synodal spond to her mission to be "salt of the Assembly, including a rabbi and two earth and light of the world" in the soMuslim representatives, who addressed cial, cultural and religious realms. the Assembly.
bishop of Canterbury and Primate of All England and of the Anglican Communion, intervened during the Synodal Assembly. Moreover, His Holiness Bartholomew I, Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriarch, attended the solemn Eucharist of October 11, and delivered a message. Three special guests took part in the Synod: Brother Alois, Prior of Taize (France); The Reverend Lamar Vest, president of the American Bible Society (USA), and Mr. Werner Arber, professor of Microbiology at the Biozentrum of the University of Basle (Switzerland) and president of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences. During the General Assembly, the Holy Father presided over four liturgical celebrations. One of them was the solemn Eucharistic concelebration of October 7, which marked the beginning of the works. During this Eucharist, the Pope declared two Saints Doctors of the Church: Saint John of Avila and Saint Hildegard of Bingen. The Synodal works ended on Sunday, October 28, with a Eucharistic concelebration in which the Pope was accompanied by all the Synodal Fathers.
The Synodal Assembly approved the Final Message, which was both an appeal and a source of encouragement for the Church's mission in Africa, and 57 Propositions or Proposals to be presented to the Holy Father, in which the Synodal Fathers decided to treat in a pastoral manner the different issues discussed during the Assembly. As a result of this, the Holy Father signed the postsynodal apostolic exhortation Africae munus, which was given to the African people and to the world during his apostolic journey to Benin from November 18-20, 2011. The next convocation was characterized for being the first Special Assembly on the Middle East, for which the Pope convoked 185 Synodal Fathers from October 10-24, 2010, who addressed the pending topic: "The Catholic Church in the Middle East: Communion and Witness." The Holy Father Benedict XVI announced personally the convocation of the Synodal Assembly of September 19, 2009, in Castel Gandolfo, during a meeting with the heads of the Oriental Catholic Churches sui iuris. At the same time, the Pope also established the Pre-Synodal Council for the Middle East, whose members included the seven Patriarchs, specifically, six from the Oriental Catholic Churches sui iuris and the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and the presidents of the Episcopal Conferences of Turkey and Iran. In addition to Jerusalem and the Pales-
Forty-four Propositions resulted from the Special Assembly on the Middle East. They were given to the public pro hoc vice in an Italian translation. At the end of the Synod, the members also published a Message for the People of
On Sunday, October 21, missionary month, the Supreme Pontiff presided God (Nuntius). over the Mass of canonization of seven Blesseds: Santiago Berthieu, Pedro Almost a year later, and after having Calungsod, Giovanni Battista Piamarta, reflected on and analyzed the proposals Maria del Monte Carmelo Salles I Bareceived, the Holy Father issued the rangueras, Marianna Cope, Caterina postsynodal apostolic exhortation EccleTekawitha and Anna Schaffer. sia in Medio Oriente, which was signed and presented to the Church in the Mid- Especially significant was the Eucharist dle East during his recent apostolic visit of October 11, on the occasion of the to Lebanon, from September 14-16, 50th anniversary of the opening of Vati2012. can Council II and the 20th anniversary of the promulgation of the Catechism of Towards the New Evangelization The the Catholic Church. On this occasion, 13th Ordinary General Assembly of the the Holy Father Benedict XVI proSynod of Bishops, held from October 7 claimed the Year of Faith, which will end 28, 2012, was attended by 262 Synodal on the solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of Fathers, the highest number in the histhe Universe, November 24, 2013. tory of Synods. The content of the subsequent Apostolic Taking part in the works were fraternal Exhortation, as well as the date and delegates, representatives of fifteen place of its publication, will be subject to Churches and Ecclesial Communities which are not yet in full communion with the decision of the next Supreme Ponthe Catholic Church. In this connection, it is important to point out that His Grace tiff. HU Doctor Rowan Douglas Williams, Arch18
CONCLAVE 2013
Her assessment appeared to be shared by the crowd of parishioners that packed into the small church, where OMalley is the titular cardinal every cardinal is assigned a titular church in Rome, and the Boston cardinal was lucky enough to get a historic one in the city center. Father Rocco Visca welcomed Cardinal OMalley with a talk that stopped just short of being a campaign speech. He recalled telling a reporter about OMalleys qualities as a lovable, humble but decisive man, whose only defect was that he was a Capuchin friar a remark made in jest, but reflecting the fact that its been ages since a member of a Franciscan order was elected pope. Father Visca said he knows that Cardinal OMalley has called the prospect of his election to the throne of Peter surreal and even frightening, but he urged the cardinal to let himself be guided by "the design of the Holy Spirit. We hope this will be your last visit to our church as a titular cardinal. And if our prayers are answered, we hope your first visit as pontiff will be to our and your church, Santa Maria della Vittoria, he added, to the delight of everyone in attendance.
19
(-14 2013) 150 000
, , , , : 2:06- ( ), 115 5- : , , : 3:24- ( ), , ' , ' : , - , 76 , , , , : , , ' 16-: 1000 1.2 , :
or the first time since the Great Schism of 1054 split the main Christian community into East and West, the ecumenical patriarch attended the installation Mass. Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, first among equals of the Eastern Orthodox, sat in a place of honor near the papal altar. Catholicos Karekin II of Etchmiadzin, patriarch of the Armenian Apostolic Church, also attended the Mass along with delegations from 12 other Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches, 10 Anglican and Protestant communities and three international Christian organizations, including the World Council of Churches. After the Lord's prayer, Pope Francis exchanged a sign of peace with Patriarch Bartholomew and with Catholicos Karekin II.
21
After the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, numerous reflections and articles took their places in many newspapers and magazines. The majority of the articles had specific agendas to suit the newspapers mission or better yet to entertain its readers; nothing to do with really good journalism or good reporting. However, the authentic articles reflected the true personal experiences which people had with the Pope Emeritus. Such experiences like his spiritual effect on some who journeyed with him or people who and for me I will remember my weekly tweeting with him for fun. Most importantly I will always remember the book that my daughter Kenar gave for Christmas, Jesus of Nazareth by Pope Benedict XVI. His theological insight and impact left an everlasting impression on my faith and my intellect. Luckily and apropos I found this article below written by my Philosophy and Christology professor, during my diaconate years, Dr. Hosffman Ospino,. It was published by Our Sunday Visitor and it describes most accurately who Pope Benedict is to me and to many, a theology teacher who loves Jesus and His Church. His writings are able to draw you deeply into the beauty of our faith and our church and into the beauty of our dynamic friendship with Jesus of Nazareth.
Year of Faith
What Does the Year of Faith Logo Mean?
According to Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelisation, the logo of the Year of Faith shows the image of a ship which symbolises the Church. The mast of the vessel is a cross with fullblown sails which form the monogram of Christ (IHS) and in the background is a sun representing the Eucharist. In introducing the logo and what it means, Archbishop Fisichella said that in Pope Benedicts Apostolic Letter 'Porta fidei' announcing the Year of Faith, that the Pope speaks of the need to rediscover the journey of faith so as to shed ever clearer light on the joy and renewed enthusiasm of the encounter with Christ."
Porta Fidei
ather Raphael Andonian has just completed the translation of Porta Fidei (the Gate of Faith) from several languages to Armenian. It is Pope Benedicts apostolic letter for the indiction of the Year of Faith. The book has both languages, Armenian and English, with mirrored pages side by side, It is probably the first book of its kind to have both languages side-by-side. It extremely convenient because you wont you wont need a dictionary. I found it to be very user friendly, a good way to brush on your catechism and uncover new facets of our faith through this great theologian of our time, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. About 1,000 copies have been printed and hundreds have already been distributed throughout the Armenian Catholic Parishes in the US & Canada. Regardless if you know English, Armenian or both, get a copy by contacting Fr. Raphael and I am sure he will be happy to personalize it for you. Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth . John Paul II
23
. .
Thursday March 7, 2013 was a day of celebration and joy at the Mekhitarist Monastery in Venice where Brothers Andon and Kevork took their perpetual vows. It was in the presence of many religious, family and friends. We thank Our Lord for His gifts to the Armenian Church and we continue our prayers so He may send more laborers to His vineyard.
(From L to R) Christopher Shaw, Nathan Marzonie, Fr. Thomas Carzon, Joshua Kingdon, Fr. Raphael, Isaac Herrera, Rafael Solorio, Scott Zajac, and Paul Nguyen.
25
26
Toasting and raising a glass a wine to say thank you for the 20 years in Boston. From Left to right: Mary Minasian, Stella Bekarian, Jirair Yeramian, and Madeleine Derderian.
he annual Lenten dinner this year did not lack surprises. The Armenian Sister Academy had an open house with a slide presentation explain the mission and the future of the Academy. Unexpectedly and in a family atmosphere Father Raphael celebrated his 20th Anniversary. Yes it has been 20 years since Fr. Raphael landed in Boston in the direction of Harvard Square. Many things happened since including moving the congregation to Belmont and the construction of our beautiful church. On this occasion the members of the choir, acolytes and altar servers presented Fr. Raphael with a symbolic gift for his 20 years of serving our parish Thank You. Mostly for bringing Jesus to us every Sunday.
Wednesdays at 7:30 PM
The readings will be in English and Father Raphael explains in English and Armenian
27
Dear Parishioner: Greetings to you and your family! The purpose of this letter is to learn about the best method to communicate with you and your family, to keep you informed and up to date of our important church activities and events (i.e regular church events, last minute cancellations, timely announcements, funeral and memorial Masses and emergencies,) in the most effective and convenient way possible by taking advantage of our electronic age. Also this is an opportunity to update our records and make any correction that is necessary. To put this into effect I am kindly requesting, that you take a few minutes to fill out the form on the next page. For your convenience, you may also do so by US mail, by email to namag@holycrossarmenian.org or by filling out the information from the website. Just click on the button <REGISTRATION>, conveniently located in the middle of the front page at: www.HolyCrossArmenian.org Your participation is encouraged and appreciated and I am sure you will be able to see the benefits rather quickly. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I thank you in advance and I pray that our Lord bless you and your family always. Fr. Raphael Andonian, Pastor Parish Council Marcel Karian
28
I like to receive the church bulletin Hye Undanik electronically I like to receive spiritual messages from Fr. Raphael (1-2 times per week)
Do you have any children NO___ YES___ How many? # (opens below based on the number)
Child One First Name: Date Of Birth: Home phone: email address: Living at Home? NO___ YES___ Last Name: Place of Birth: Cell Phone: First Name: Date Of Birth: Home phone: email address: Living at Home? NO___ YES___ Child Two Last Name: Place of Birth: Cell Phone:
Do you have an elder in your family or as a relative? NO___ YES___ (if yes then what is below opens) First Name: Date of Birth: Living at: Home___ Last Name: Age ( ) Relationship:
Do they require pastoral visits sometimes ? Thank you for registering and improving the accuracy of our records. We look forward to keeping you updated with information according to your request. Blessings always to you and your family +++
29
DEVOTIONS
Month of May
+ Rosary + Reflection + Marian Hymns
Month of June
+ Adoration + Reflection + Contemplation
"Wherever a picture of My Heart is exposed and honored, it will draw down all manner of blessings."
~Revelation of Our Lord to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
The 12 Promises of Our Lord for Souls Devoted to His Sacred Heart
as told to St. Margaret Mary
1. I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life. 2. I will establish peace in their houses. 3. I will comfort them in all their afflictions. 4. I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all in death. 5. I will bestow a large blessing upon all of their undertakings. 6. Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and the infinite ocean of mercy. 7. Tepid souls shall grow fervent. 8. Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection. 9. I will bless every place where a picture of My Heart shall be set up and honored. 10. I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened of hearts. 11. Those who promote this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be blotted out 12. I promise thee in the excessive mercy of My Heart that My all-powerful love will grant to all those who communicate on the First Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of final penitence; they shall not die in My disgrace nor without receiving their Sacraments; My Divine Heart shall be their sole refuge in this last moment.
http://www.catholic.org/saints/
30
Parish Meeting
Our parish meeting took place this year on Sunday September 23, 2012. Representing the board were Madeleine Derderian and Marcel Karian. Fr. Raphael opened the meeting with a brief prayer and prior to addressing the business segment of the meeting, he spoke about the opportunities for growth in our parish and the role a parish member. His message started from our Baptismal day when we entered the Church and we became members of the mystical body of Christ. Therefore we need to understand the Sacraments which we received and the language associated with those sacraments through parish catechesis. This will enable us to learn a new way of thinking, understanding, time management and most importantly a new way of loving God and each others as St. Paul said: Now you are Christs body, and individually members of it. (1Cor. 12:27) The financial report was presented by Marcel Karian and few people asked some questions. It was also suggested to mail the financial report to all parishioners few weeks prior to the meeting. In response to this request, below you may find a copy of the financial report for 2011. The 2012 report will be in the next issue. Thank you all for your help, contribution and collaboration.
$14,238.83 $29,913.32 $2,139.59 $3140.59 $801 $32,571.62 $2770.41 $1,358.68 $3,205.45 $90,139.49 $28,322.51
Our next parish meeting will take a form of a round table discussion. We will discuss the state of our church and future projects. It will be held sometime in the April-May timeframe. Further information will follow!
31
Parish Dues
Parish dues 2012 were based on $100 per family
Gregory & Alice Janian Bergrouhi & Ara Sarian Jack & Sophie Eordekian Rene Hermes Annabelle Engeian Sonia & Armen Palandjian Evelyn Sarafian Hagop & Ofelya Stepanian Juliette Jololian Madeleine & Arshag Derderian
Christmas Donations
Izabella Sahakian Jean & Marie Diarbakerly $400 Mitchell Kalpakgian $150 Sarkis & Mary Sajonian $100 William Babaian $100 Izabella Sahakian $100 John Diarbakerly Jr. $40 George & Karine Khajadourian $20 Hagop & Stella Bekarian $100 Armen & Sonia Palandjian $100 Ray & Helen Welcher Diarbakerly Family Isabelle Engeian Evelyn Sarafian Rose Chacran Harold & Agnes Kloongian Takouhy Der Torossian $100 $100 $60 $50 $50 $50 $50 $30 Mr. & Mrs. Jihad Hayek Warren & Lucy Aylaian Elizabeth Kloongian Edward & Janet Saker Madeleine Kodjian Silva Mesropian Knarig Aboyan $25 $25 $25 $25 $25 $25 $25 Mitchell & Tanya Kalpakgian $75
General Donations
December 1, 2012February 3, 2013
Jean & Marie Diarbakerly $400 Mitchell Kalpakgian $150 Sarkis & Mary Sajonian William Babaian $100 $100 Izabella Sahakian $100 John Diarbakerly Jr. $40 George & Karine Khajadourian $20
Hye Undanik
Donation for Hye Undanik Avo Bedrossian $100
$75 $100
$140
Anonymous
$50
$1,330
Marcel & Annie Karian & Family Rmon & Genevive Karian Stepan Stepanian
In Memory of Avedis, Vartouhi, Migirditch, Mariam, Juliette Jololian Harouthun & Mari Maghkian In Memory of Jeanette Tateossian In Memory of George Sarafian David & Rina Toramanian Robert & Lorraine Sarafian Joseph & Donna Indresano Evelyn Sarafian In Memory of Vartivar Salakian
$100
$250 Rmon & Genevive Karian Silva Salakian Marcel & Annie Karian $125 Arto & Ani Kurkjian $50.00 33
In Memory of Sarkis Artinian (France) & Jack Artinian (Lebanon) In Memory of Hovannes Tavitian
$1,795
$380
Say it in Armenian...
Learn it, Say it and Teach it in Armenian...
Easter Greeting
Kristos Haryav ee Merelotz
Response
Ornyal eh Harountiunn Kristosee Blessed is the Resurrection of Christ
Many thanks to Madeleine and Arshag Derderian for their generous donation of candles and envelopes for Christmas & Easter
34
In Memoriam
(1933-2013)
Dirouhi Bezidjian
Date and Place of Birth March 11, 1933 Beirut, Lebanon Entered into Eternal Rest January 29, 2013 Waltham, Massachusetts Mass of Christian Burial February 2, 2013 11:00 a.m. Final Resting Place Ridgelawn Cemetery Watertown, Massachusetts Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to: Holy Cross Armenian Catholic Church
Our Mama, our Nn Dirouhi is no more Because her frail body could not endure it anymore The heavenly Angels have taken her away to a better place A place where there is no more suffering, no more crying. She could have left us long time ago, but she could feel that powerful love energy That energy coming from her loving family, she knew she was much loved And that love from her daughters, her grand children Her great grand children kept her going That love energy was her nutrition, the source of her longevity. Her entire life was devoted to her family Annie, Hilda her Daughters Remon, Tanya, Shant, Taleen and Monique her grand children Alek and Lenna, her great grand children All of them, the source of her willingness to live. Once an accomplished seamstress, she was always well dressed. One could not catch her without makeup. Los Angeles with HildaBoston with Annie that was her happiness But this sophisticated woman, this classy woman started to forget Her mind was not sharp anymorenothing made sense anymore And so after a long journey, Dirouhi left her family to be with her Creator Her God who was so important in her life, Being such a religious human being. She is now with Him in peaceprotected from sickness and stress. She has passed away physically, But will forever be in the heart of her loved ones. She will always be remembered for her elegance, her sophistication, Her unconditional devotion to her Daughters and her grandchildren May God illuminate her blessed soul May the heavenly angels keep her always in peace.
Marcel K. Karian 1-29-2013
35
ATERTOWN, Mass.In response to the plight of Syrias Armenian communities, and to provide much -needed humanitarian assistance, the Greater Boston community on Sat., April 20, will hold a Benefit Concert for the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund (SARF). The eventto begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Museum of our National Heritage, 33 Marrett Rd., Lexingtonwill feature internationally renowned artists and local arts and cultural organizations. Tenor Yeghishe Manucharyan and his wife, mezzo-soprano Victoria Avetisyan will perform during the classical music portion of the evening, joining soprano Knarik Nerkararyan, violinist Levon Chilingirian, and pianists Lilit Karapetian-Shougarian and Zaven Parsamian. The program will also feature the world premiere of a work for violin and piano, written for the occasion by Boston-based composer Ara Sarkissian. Hamazkayins Erebouni Dance Ensemble, the Sayat Nova Dance Company, the Abaka School of Musics dance group, the Zangakner Performing Arts Ensemble, as well as the Arev Armenian Ensemble will participate in the folk part of the concert. This spectacular concert will bring together the community in a show of conscious support to our brothers and sisters in Syria. The entire proceeds of the concert will be donated to the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund. Tickets for the event are $75 and $35. Seating is limited and early reservation is strongly recommended by e-mailing SARF.Boston@gmail.com. Tickets can also be purchased online by visiting www.ItsMySeat.com. The Syrian Armenian Relief Fund is a national initiative that aims to provide immediate assistance to Syrian-Armenians. According to the United Nations, more than 4 million people inside Syria are in desperate need of aid. Some 2.5 million have been displaced by the civil war but remain in Syria, while 70,000 have lost their lives. About 850,000 are believed to have fled the country, including an estimated 15,000 Armenians. Armenian communities and businesses there have been severely affected. Churches and more than 150 private residences have experienced either direct or indirect damage during the fighting.
April 24 1915
April 24 1915
37
Be informed about parish events, activities, and news. Stay in Touch! Send an email with your name to: namag@HolycrossArmenian.org
38