News

The Eastern Diocese’s Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center will host an online reading course in classical Armenian—Գրաբար (Krapar)—on Monday afternoons from Sep. 8 through Dec. 15, 2-4 p.m. ET, via the Zoom video platform. Titled “Խորհուրդ Խորին / Mystery Profound,” the course will focus on the hymns, chants, and prayers of the Armenian Church Divine Liturgy (including hymn verses not commonly sung in contemporary practice, as well as prayers of the Eucharistic service, recited silently by the celebrant). Zohrab Center director Dr. Jesse Arlen will lead the course. Participants should be able to comfortably read the Armenian alphabet and have some prior experience with classical or modern Armenian. Click the following links to view a flyer, register for the course, and learn more on the Zohrab Center website.

St. Sahag & St. Mesrob Church of Wynnewood, PA, will hold its annual Armenian Food Festival on Sunday, Sep. 7, 12:30-4:30 p.m., on the church grounds (630 Clothier Rd., Wynnewood). Enjoy Armenian cuisine, live music, activities & fun for children. Rain or shine. For information call (610) 642-4212. To view a flyer, click here.

St. James of Nisibis Church of Evanston, IL, will hold its annual “Taste of Armenia Festival” on Sunday, Aug. 24, 12 noon-6 p.m., on the church property (816 Clark St., b/n Benson and Sherman Aves., Evanston). Armenian delicacies, live music. Free admission and free parking in the Maple Street Garage. For information, click the link to view a flyer.

Join Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) on Tuesday, Sep. 16, at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral complex in New York City, for an evening celebrating the launch of CMEP’s “Armenian Advisory Council.” This new initiative aims to strengthen engagement with Armenian communities, advocate for human rights, and support the Christian presence across the Middle East. The evening, titled From Ararat to the World, will bring together ecumenical leaders, civic advocates, and philanthropic partners for a night of culture, connection, and shared purpose. Guests will enjoy dinner and wine service inspired by Armenian traditions; a silent auction featuring handmade items by Armenian artisans in Jerusalem; live music; and remarks from speakers including Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Diocesan Legate Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, and CMEP Executive director Rev. Dr. Mae Elise Cannon. Help shape a new chapter of Armenian advocacy, and honor a legacy of resilience and faith that extends from Ararat to the world. All proceeds from the event and silent auction will go towards funding the activities of CMEP’s Armenian Advisory Council. Click the following link for event and ticket details.

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) is an ecumenical/advocacy organization involving 34 U.S. Christian denominations, based in Washington, DC. Since its founding in 1984, CMEP has represented member churches to give them a voice in U.S. policy on human rights, arms proliferation, and peace in the Mideast and elsewhere.

St. Gregory the Enlightener Church in White Plains, NY, will hold its annual picnic on Sunday, Sep. 21, from 12 noon until 5 p.m., rain or shine, at the church (1131 North St., White Plains). Live music by John Berberian Ensemble; homemade Armenian cuisine; games, sports, and prizes for kids; raffle. For information call (914) 428-2595; click the links to view a general picnic flyer, raffle flyer, and sponsorship form.