News

Premiering in theaters nationwide on Jan. 26 to 28, Between Borders is a true story set in the late 1980s of a family who escaped Armenian persecution in the Soviet Union, featuring Elizabeth Tabish from The Chosen. It portrays themes of persecution, missions, and the powerful role of the Church in offering hope and refuge to a broken world.  In a crumbling Soviet Union, the Petrosyan family are outcasts—wherever they go. Armenian heritage marks them for discrimination both at home in Azerbaijan and in Russia. Based on a true story of faith and hope set amidst great oppression…in the shadow of exile, hope became their home. For information on releases and trailers, and to purchase tickets for screenings in throughout the NYC metro area, NJ, CT, and PA, view the movie’s official website here.

The Eastern Diocese’s Zohrab Information Center will host a lecture on Monday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m., at the Diocesan Center in New York (630 Second Ave., NYC). Dr. Nora Lessersohn will speak on the life and work of the “first Armenian New Yorker,” Christopher Oscanyan, and the images he produced of Ottoman Turks, Armenians, and others during the Civil War era (1850s-1870s). Oscanyan used his images to portray a vision of democratic ideals and political equality between Ottomans and Americans. By comparing his work to that of major American cultural figures like P.T. Barnum, Mark Twain, Frederick Douglass, and others, we will think about how Oscanyan’s efforts used and subverted contemporary practices to depict an equitable future between the U.S. and the Middle East. To view a flyer with details, click here.

On Wednesday, Feb. 19, the NextGen Leaders group will host its latest “Church Chat” event, starting at 6:30 p.m., at St. Vartan Cathedral (630 Second Ave., New York City). Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan will lead a short prayer service, followed by enlightening conversation about our faith and church. RSVP is required for attendance. For information, contact Ani@helloig.com; to view a flyer with details, click here.

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Today the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of the Naming of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The church observes the feast every year on January 13: eight days after its celebration of the Nativity of Christ on January 6.

This follows the authority of the Gospel of St. Luke, where we read that: “On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived” (Luke 2:21.) The Bible makes it clear that both Mary and Joseph were told in advance, by angelic messengers, that they were to give the child the name “Jesus.”

During the Annunciation, the angel Gabriel told Mary: “You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus” (Lk 1:31.) Likewise, Joseph received the assurance in a divine dream that Mary would “give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). As that verse suggests, the name “Jesus” means “God saves.”

The St. Leon Women’s Guild of Fair Lawn, NJ, will present “Hye Fitness with Maria Derian,” on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.), at the Abajian Hall (12-61 Saddle River Road, Fair Lawn, NJ.) Shed holiday pounds while donating to a good cause: partial proceeds benefit Artsakh Refugees, Armenian Engineers and Scientists of America, and AYO! Children’s Backpack Initiative for Artsakh Refugees. Open to all ages. Bring your own favorite dumbbells, exercise mat, towel, and water. Refreshments and healthy snacks served after workout. Click here to view a flyer with donation and other details; payment accepted in advance (cash, check, credit card) on the parish website. For information contact levonandlisab@verizon.net.