News

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.

St. Thomas Church Cultural Committee (Tenafly, NJ) will present “Ani’s Stitch Workshop: Sip & Stitch” event on Friday, Feb. 7, at 7:30 p.m., at the church (174 Essex Dr., Tenafly, NJ). There will be complimentary embroidery kits and a canvas bag; you can also bring a personal item to stitch on. Light reception included. Please reserve by Jan. 30. For information, view the event flyer here, or contact ani@alkagroupllc.com.