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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5
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 [email protected]
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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: [email protected] 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: [email protected] Registered office address:
Kemp House 152-160 City Road, London EC1V 2NX
Website | Facebook
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