News

To honor the legacy of St. Nersess Shnorhali, and deepen understanding of his contributions to Armenian and global Christian spirituality, the Eastern Diocese’s digital ministries platform, VEMKAR, will present an online discussion series, under the title: “Entering the World, Mind, and Soul of St. Nersess Shnorhali.” On Tuesday evenings from Aug. 22 through Sep. 26, at 7 p.m. EDT, experts on the history, spirituality, and artistry of St. Nersess Shnorhali will present online lectures on a variety of topics that bring this medieval Armenian saint to life for the modern world. Click the following links to view a flyer with details, and to register in advance for the sessions on the Zoom conference platform.

St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Chicago, IL, will host its annual “Chicago Armenian Fest” on Sunday, Aug. 13, noon-7 p.m., on the church grounds (6700 W. Diversey Ave., Chicago). Live music by Hye Vibes Band; dancing by the Siragan Armenian Dance Company of Chicago; Armenian food, entertainment for kids, silent auction, raffle. Free admission. For information, visit the Chicago Armenia Fest website.

The Eastern Diocese is sponsoring a pilgrimage to the Holy Land for January of 2024. The trip will run January 15 to 26, 2024—a period coinciding with the celebration of Armenian Christmas in the city of Bethlehem (January 18/19). The pilgrimage will be led by Diocesan Primate Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan, assisted by Fr. Mardiros Chevian, to honor the 125th Anniversary of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America. Pilgrims will attend the Christmas badarak at Bethlehem’s Church of the Holy Nativity; view holy sites in and around Jerusalem; travel to Jericho, Qumran, Galilee, and Jaffa; spend time in the famous Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem, and experience our great Armenian Patriarchate of Sts. James. Click the following link to view a two-page flyer with the itinerary and full details. The registration deadline is Nov. 1, 2023. For information, contact Educational Opportunities Tours at (800) 247-0017, ext. 296.

A concert honoring the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sergei Rachmaninoff and the 120th anniversary of Aram Khachaturian will take place at St. Vartan Cathedral (630 Second Ave., New York City) on Wednesday, Sep. 20, at 8 p.m. Pianist Kariné Poghosyan will play Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, and Khachaturian’s Piano Concerto in D-Flat Major, with the Mid-Atlantic Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Jason Tramm. Diocesan Primate Fr. Mesrop Parsamyan will preside over the concert, which also celebrates the 32nd anniversary of Armenia’s independence. Reception to follow. Click here to view a flyer with ticket information. Click the following link to purchase tickets online on Eventbrite.

PARKING: Mention St. Vartan Cathedral to receive a $16 flat-rate parking discount at Tunnel Parking Garage (300 East 34th Street, across from the cathedral).

St. Mark Church of Springfield, MA, will hold its annual “Armenian Fest” on Sunday, Sep. 3, 12 noon – 6 p.m., on the church grounds (2427 Wilbraham Rd., Springfield). The event will feature a live Armenian band, dancing, authentic Armenian food, and a raffle. Rain or shine; admission and parking are free. For information, visit the Armenia Fest Facebook page; or call (413) 783-5793. Visit the parish website to make a sponsorship donation (click “festival sponsorships” from the donate dropdown). Click the link to view a flyer.