Volume 4, Issue 24 24 July 2018

ARMENIAN STREET FESTIVAL 2018 The Armenian Street Festival took place under the auspices of the Diocese of the

Armenian Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland and sponsored by ACT UK.

The ASF was hugely successful with over 3,000 visitors – we can safely claim that this was

our best festival ever, with really high numbers of people from the community

participating and enjoying it. Our new venue, just a 10 minutes walk from West Acton

underground station, provided an excellent base under the shade of the trees and in the

open. It was family friendly with playground facilities for the young and the street festival

became a great family day with games.

There were some very interesting stalls promoting Armenian culture, education and

medical matters. A number of Armenian organisations and companies were united thanks

to the efforts of the church and His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan.

Andre Simonian organised the music programme for the day. This included some splendid

dancing by Aktamar Dance group, charming everyone with their skills, and everyone loved

the singers Mariam Petrosyan’s and Arsen Safaryan’s performances.

Food is an important part of every Armenian celebration, and thanks to the team, there

was plenty of delicious food – kebabs, lahamajun, barbeque, etc.

There was a big screen to watch the World Cup final and it was fantastic to follow that

exciting game in a group.

Diocese of the Armenian Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland

Armenian Church News

hurch News In this issue:

ARMENIAN STREET FESTIVAL

PILIGRIMAGE TO ARMENIA

ANNOUNCEMENTS

UPCOMING EVENTS

Diocese of the Armenian

Church of the United

Kingdom and the Republic of

Ireland

His Grace Bishop Hovakim

Manukyan, Primate

Diocesan Office

Tel. 0208 998 9210

primatesoffice@armeniandiocese

.org.uk

Trustees of ACT UK are:

BP Hovakim Manukyan

Ayda Lundon

Viken Haladjian

Hovnan Hampartsoumian

Alan Simonian

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The event was attended by a number diginitiaries: Archbishop Angelos, the Primate of the Coptic Diocese of London,

Bishop of Southwark Christopher Chessun, archbishop Nathan Hovhannesian. We had a visit from the deputy prime

minister of Armenia Tigran Avinyan, and the Armenian Embassy was represented by the chargé d'affaire Armen Liloyan

and consul Hayarpi Drmeyan. Local MPs Rupa Huq and Stephen Pound, and Counsellor Julian Bell also visited the

festival.

We are already planning the next one - If you would like to join our team of amazing volunteers getting ready for next

year's ASF, please contact us. You will receive a very warm welcome. Your help is needed no matter what your age or

experience.

There was lots of positive feedback about the festival from the community and everyone involved: see two lovely

thank you emails below.

Dear Bedros,

I would like to congratulate everyone on a massive job well done and to thank all those who provided us with lovely Kebab,

Lahmajoun, water and Zara with Armenian wine.

I would also like to thank my friend Elba for helping me with the dignitaries and Artists who came to have some food, some

refreshments and rest at our tent, and also my sister Rubina who was in London for a few days and stayed on to help us.

The venue is very good as it is spacious but I think we have to think of a different floor plan to make everything more flowing.

Of course this was the first time at the playing fields and teething problems are expected.

However, I think everything went very well. A special congratulations to Bedros for making it such a great success.

Jeanine Gulvanessian

Dear Bedros,

Congratulations to us all and Srpazan Hayr for an outstanding ASF.

It’s certainly all about team work and we certainly have achieved that. Nouritza summed it all up perfectly. I think it

surpassed everybody’s expectations. We had compliments about the kebabs and all the food generally.

Nora Haroutunian

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SPECIAL THANKS There were a large number of people, organisations and companies involved in organising and supporting the festival,

and we are thankful to each and every one of them.

We’d like to express our gratitude to the AGBU London Trust and Nyraff Limited, as their financial contribution made

this beautiful celebration possible. We would also like to thank Shahe Gulian, Violette Tatevossian, Hrant and Vera

Margossian, and Istepanian family for their generosity and support of the festival.

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We especially want to thank all the people named below for doing so much to make the day so special:

The Tanielian family, the Aslanyan family, the Sarian family, the Bedrossian family, the Heghoyan family, Andre

Simonian, Hermineh and Bedros Cherchian, Hamo and Rita Barseghian, the Beshirian family, Homenetmen Scouts,

Tamara Stephan, Der Neressian, Janet Martirossian, Suzanne Barsamian, The Manoukian Family, Mr & Mrs Vahe

Gulvanessian, Mr and Mrs. Edward Sahakian, Tateossian family. Kaprielian family, Salbee Bashirian, Zara Serboyan,

Gegham Serobyan, Zabel Malas, Heghine Bedrossian, Nazik Thaddeus, Gayane Khach, Nora Haroutunian, Zaza

Balian, Nouritza Matossian, Elba Karapetian, Rubina Kingwell, Heghine Bedrossian, Mimi Cooper, Ayda Lundon,

Heghine Bedrossian, Tamara Stephan, Karina Gevorgyan, Mona Baghdasarian, Grace and Arman Sargsyan, Marine

Moghrabyan, Saco Yeghikian, Dick Bedrossian, the Harland Family, Salbee Beshirian, Zaza Balian, the Gasparian

family, Sako Yeghikian, Razmik Navasartian, Johanes Farhadian, Sevana Gharakhanian, Evlin Hakobian, Aida

Mirzaian, Ani Andreassian, Maral Bekerian, Zabel Malas, Simon Haroutunian, Aline Tahmazian, Mimi Heghoyan

Cooper and Mrs Araxi Heghoyan, Sergo Ustoyan, Arda Haladjian, Ike and Apri Stepanian, Freddie Thaddeus, Tigran

Poghosyan, Alex Sabonchian, Armen Azizian, Elen Adamian, Noemi Stepan-Sarkissian, Anna Zeynali, David Stepan,

Sossi and Alan Ross, Armo Akanesyans.

A special thanks to everyone to contributed and supported the festival, we cannot mention everyone individually but

the ASF committee is grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of the festival.

His Grace Hovakim Manukyan with the AGBU Summer Internship Programme members at the festival

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RAFFLE PRIZES ASF Raffle will take place on 29 July, 16:00 pm at the Bishop’s House. Everyone is welcome

to join and should you win, you will be notified via email or telephone.

• A Set of 10 Armenian Colours Wrist Bands - Kindly donated by the Armenian Church

• A Paperback Copy of "The Recipes of Musa Dagh" by Alberta Magzanian - with a Baking Dish! – Kindly

donated by Tatiana Der Avedissian

• Tea for Two at Muffin Man Tea shop, Kensington – Kindly donated by Mr George

• A Paperback Copy of "The Armenian Cookbook" by Rachel Horogian - Kindly donated by Tatiana Der

Avedissian

• A Copy of The Beautified Project’s First CD Album entitled ‘Behind the Happy Mask’ – Kindly donated by The

Beautified Project

• A Paperback Copy of "Everyday Armenian Cooking" by The Armenian Community of the Twin Cities - Kindly

donated by Tatiana Der Avedissian

• Colour your own Pyjamas - kindly donated by Taline Kaprielian

• A Copy of The Beautified Project’s Latest CD Album entitled ‘Pale Nightingale’ – Kindly donated by The

Beautified Project

• A Paperback Copy of “The Armenian Table Cookbook" by Victoria Jananyan Wise - Kindly donated by Tatiana

Der Avedissian & Mimi Heghoyan Cooper

• A Bottle of Wine from Zara Wines - Kindly donated by Zara Serobyan & GlnVino Armenian Wines

• A Complementary £30 Voucher to spend at Persian Palace, West Ealing - Kindly donated by Mohammed

Hosseiny

• A Main Meal for Two with a Bottle of House Wine at Jakob's Mediterranean Restaurant, Kensington - Kindly

donated by Tania & Raffi Kebabdjian

• A Complementary £50 voucher for treatments at Nara Simone Medispa – Kindly donated by Nara Simone

• A Bottle of Wine from Zara Wines - Kindly donated by Zara Serobyan & GlnVino Armenian Wines

• A Complementary £50 voucher for treatments at Nara Simone Medispa – Kindly donated by Nara Simone

• A Two Course Dinner for Two at Abingdon, Kensington – Kindly donated by Amicia Staples

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• A Complementary £50 Voucher to spend at Massis Lebanese Grill & Bar, Paddington Central – Kindly

donated by Massis Restaurant

• A Leather case Backgammon holder - Kindly donated by Mr & Mrs H. Margossian

• A Sturdy Carbon Fibre hip flask - Kindly donated by Mr Edward Sahakian

• A Stunning Crystal decanter - Kindly donated by Mr & Mrs H. Margossian

• Rose Gold Dupont Keyring - Kindly donated by Mr Edward Sahakian

• A Set of 3 Silver plated Candlebra - Kindly donated by Mr & Mrs H. Margossian

• An elegant Ladies slim umbrella - Kindly donated by Mr Edward Sahakian

• Large Black umbrella - Kindly donated by Mr Edward Sahakian

• A Unisex Grey umbrella - Kindly donated by Mr Edward Sahakian

• A Beautiful Ladies Pendant with a heart shaped clasp by Jewellery Designer Lola Rose – Kindly donated by

Mrs Nora Haroutounian

• A Sterling Silver Armenian Bible pendant - Kindly donated by an Anonymous Donor

• A Pair of amber stone detail Tateossian Men's cufflinks - Kindly donated by Robert Tateossian

• A Pair of blue stone detail Tateossian Men’s cufflinks - Kindly donated by Robert Tateossian

• A Unisex Folding walking stick - Kindly donated by Mr Edward Sahakian

• An elegant Ladies bracelet by Tatoessian - Kindly donated by Mr Robert Tateossian

• A Heart Shaped Shoehorn – Kindly donated by Mr Edward Sahakian

• SECOND PRIZE: An accompanied Seat at the Queen's Tennis Club – Kindly donated and accompanied by Mr

Dickran Bedrossian

• FIRST PRIZE: A Glass Framed Print – Mountain Ararat – Kindly donated by Mr & Mrs H. Margossian

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PAN-ARMENIAN YOUTH CHURCH ORGANIZATION PILGRIMAGE

Our pilgrimage began with all the groups

from the different countries meeting at

“Etchmiadzin” to meet the Vehapar

and we received blessing for the

Pilgrimage as well as a chance to meet the

Catholicos of All Armenians.

On the Second day all the groups

presented their activities and what they do

to promote the Church and strengthen the

youth in the Armenian community.

On the Third day we visited Haghartsin

Monastery also known as Eagle Monastery

which has recently been renovated and lies

on the North Eastern boarder of Armenia

and is surrounded by mountains.

One the Fourth day we had more discussions on how to bring more youth to the church and how to increase the

number of young Armenians to take an active role in the Armenian community.

In the evening we had the amazing chance to meet President Armen Sarkissian (please Check spelling) and answer

some of the question that he had for us as well as answering a few question from the youth.

One the final day we began with “Badarak at “St Grigor Lusavoric”(please check if this is the correct).

We enjoyed Vardavar after the church service and made our way towards the banqueting restaurant where we had

the amazing chance to meet and speak to Prime Minister Nicole Pashinyan.

The pilgrimage over all was an

amazing experience. We meet with

many different Armenians from all

over the world. We all made new

friends and discussed a range of

topics regarding our church and our

nation. The most amazing feeling

was the level of positivity that could

be felt in all the youth and their

belief and willingness to continue

to work hard to improve our

nations and strength it’s future

through faith and hard work.

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HOUSE BLESSING (ՏՆՕՐՀՆԵՔ)

One of the traditions of the Armenian Church is the Home Blessing Service. It symbolises the visit of Resurrected Christ the Upper House and blessing of the disciples (John 20:19).

Priests and bishops visit the homes of the faithful on the occasions of Christmas (Theophany) and Easter (Holy Resurrection) to bring the good news of our Lord’s Nativity and Resurrection to bless them and their homes through a special Service.

During the Service the priest prays to God and asks Him to keep the home, its inhabitants and the children in good health, so that they live a devout life, glorify the name of Almighty God and strengthen the Holy Church.

Those faithful who want a priest to visit and bless their home are welcome to contact their respective parishes or the Primate’s Office.

UPCOMING EVENTS: We are currently taking a break during the summer holidays but we will restart the

programmes with some new and exciting additions in the second half of August

PRAYER OF THE MONTH

We invite our faithful to pray for everyone ill and suffering in the

world, and wish them healing and health.

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Crosses for men, women and children are available from the Primate’s office.

Please call 0208 998 9210 or email primatesoffice@armeniandiocese.org.uk

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The Armenian Church News publishes announcements of any Armenian organisation as it is an inclusive channel of communication. The objectives of CAN are to inform the wider publish and its constituency members about:

• Activities of the Primate

• Organisations under the auspices of the Primate: ACT UK, ACYF, Ladies Committee

• Worldwide Armenian Church

• Parishes

• Upcoming events in the community

The announcements about the community events (up to 150 words) are published upon the request of a particular organisation.

ACN do not raise funds on behalf of any other organisation except for Armenian Church (ACT UK, ACYF, Primate’s

Office, Ladies Committee, St. Yeghiche, St. Sarkis, Holy Trinity, Dublin, Birmingham, Oxford).

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.

***

Disclaimer: considering that there are many names in the coverage of events, it is possible that some of them are misspelled or incorrect. We apologise in advance for any misspelling.

A Message from the Primate Office His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan wishes to inform you that at the bottom of our weekly e-newsletter you will find the contacts of our Churches and Parishes in the UK and Ireland. Details are also available on the websites of the respective Churches and Parishes. Please do not hesitate to contact any of these addresses if you need any help regarding Church services. You will receive a reply either from the Parish Council Chair or from the priest. If you encounter any kind of problems regarding communication with the above, please contact the Primacy (Առաջնորդարան) directly at the following address: Bishop Hovakim Manukyan The Primates Office 27 Haven Green, London W5 2NZ

Tel: 0208 998 9210 e-mail: primatesoffice@armeniandiocese.org.uk Website | Facebook

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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: Dublin - www.armenians.ie Birmingham – St. Peter Church, 208 High St, Walsall, WS3 3LA.

Worship Services in the Armenian Churches

Holy Trinity Armenian Church

229 Upper Brook Street Manchester, M13 0FY

Tel: 0161 273 1074 www.armenianchurchmanchester.org

1st SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

St. Yeghiche Church 13b Cranley Gardens

Kensington, London SW7 3BB Tel: 020 7373 8133

www.styeghiche.org.uk

St. Sarkis Church Iverna Gardens

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

www.stsarkisparish.co.uk

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: His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan The Primate’s Office 27 Haven Green, London W5 2NZ

Tel: 0208 998 9210 Email: primatesoffice@armeniandiocese.org.uk Registered office address:

Kemp House 152-160 City Road, London EC1V 2NX

Website | Facebook