The Robin Rice Gallery will present “Surfing Color,” a photographic exhibition by Haik Kocharian, running from Jun. 14 to Aug 13. An opening reception on June 14, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., will take place at the gallery located at 325 W. 11th St., New York City. Click the following links to view an invitation to the opening reception; learn about the artist and his work; and view a “virtual exhibit” of Haik Kocharian’s photographic work online.
FILM SCREENING: “Khachaturian: An Archival Film” (NYC)
The Eastern Diocese’s Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center will host a screening of “Khachaturian: An Archival Film” on Tuesday, June 6, at 7 p.m., to commemorate composer Aram Khachaturian’s 120th birthday. Before the screening, introductory remarks will be made by master pianist Şahan Arzruni. The event will take place in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium of the Diocesan Center (630 Second Ave., New York). A reception will follow. E-mail zohrabcenter@armeniandiocese.org for details. Click here to view a flyer; learn more on the Zohrab Center website.
FILM SCREENING: “The Mystery of Honey Bee Society” (NYC)
The Diocesan Center will host the New York debut of a documentary film, The Mystery of Honey Bee Society, on Friday, July 21, at 7 p.m., in Haik & Alice Kavookjian Auditorium (630 Second Ave., New York). The film is by an Armenian production team led by longtime public servant Gagik Harutyunyan: the first and the longest-serving President of Armenia’s Constitutional Court, who has devoted his retirement from public life to apiculture: the study and care of bees (an occupational pathway pioneered in the early 20th century by the great S. Holmes). The film describes the intricacies of bee society, and warns about the danger of a possible extinction of bee species. Click the following links to watch the film trailer on YouTube, and learn more about the project on its website. You can also download a sample of the book by Mr. Harutyunyan, on which the documentary is based.
SYMPOSIUM: The Shape of the Sacred: Eastern Christianity & Architectural Modernity
“The Shape of the Sacred: Eastern Christianity and Architectural Modernity,” is a 3-day symposium on church architecture, at Fordham University in New York City. At the June 1 session, David Hotson, architect of the new St. Sarkis Armenian Church of Dallas, TX, will be among the panelists discussing church architecture in the modern era. See the complete schedule below, with a link to register. To view the symposium sessions online, click here.
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ABSTRACT: Churches and other sacred buildings are expected to orient worshipers in relation to a transcendent cosmic reality while addressing ever-changing social conditions, urban development patterns, building technologies, and artistic forms. This three-day public international symposium explores the challenges of the dialogue between contemporary architecture and theological concepts of space. Sponsored by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in association with Fordham University, the symposium will be the first of its kind in North America. It honors the recently built and consecrated Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine, located at the World Trade Center and designed by Santiago Calatrava. The symposium includes a special event at Saint Nicholas Shrine featuring a welcome address by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and a keynote conversation.
May 30 – June 1, 2023
Fordham University (Lincoln Center Campus)
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine
Presented by Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Orthodox Christian Studies Center of Fordham University. Free and open to the public.
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OUTLINE OF EVENTS
TUESDAY, MAY 30: Afternoon
Fordham University Lincoln Center | Lowenstein 12th Floor Lounge | 113 W 60th Street
4:00 PM Welcome
4:15 PM–6:30 PM / Sacred Space
This session explores the evolving category of sacred space in relation to twenty-first century architectural culture and Christian theology.
Michael J. Crosbie (University of Hartford)
Archpriest Robert Arida (Holy Trinity Cathedral, Boston)
Cornelia Tsakiridou (Lasalle University)
Chair: Peter Bouteneff (St. Vladimir’s Seminary/Institute of Sacred Arts)
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 31: Morning / Afternoon
Fordham University Lincoln Center | Lowenstein 12th Floor Lounge | 113 W 60th Street
9:30 AM–12:00 PM / The Sacred and the Avant-Garde
This session considers various ways modern architecture has sought to channel the experience of Christian liturgy.
Joseph Clarke (University of Toronto)
Anna Bokov (Cooper Union)
Inga Leonova (Architect)
Archpriest Alexis Vinogradov (Architect)
Chair: Sergei Chapnin (Artos Creative Arts Fellowship)
Lunch Break
1:15 PM–3:30 PM / Byzantium | Manhattan
This session examines architectural and iconographic dialogues between traditional church design and modern urban environments.
Kyle Dugdale (Yale University)
Jaime Rall (St. Vladimir’s Seminary)
Bishop Joachim (Cotsonis) of Amissos (Hellenic College/Holy Cross)
Chair: Dn. Nicholas Denysenko (Valparaiso University)
Afternoon Break
WEDNESDAY, MAY 31: Evening Special Event
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine, 130 Liberty Street
5:30 PM Welcome
5:45 PM / Opening Address: His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America
6:00 PM–7:00 PM / Keynote Conversation on Saint Nicholas
7:30 PM / Reception for conference speakers and attendees
Thalassa Restaurant, 179 Franklin Street
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THURSDAY, JUNE 1: Morning
Fordham University Lincoln Center | McNally Amphitheater (Gabelli School of Business) | 140 W 62nd Street
9:30 AM–12:15 PM / Tradition Today and Tomorrow
This session considers how global church architecture can address contemporary challenges and reengage with tradition.
Jerzy Uścinowicz (Białystok University of Technology)
David Hoston (Architect, designer of St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Dallas TX)
Dn. Nicholas Denysenko (Valparaiso University)
Sergei Chapnin (Artos Creative Arts Fellowship)
Chair: Archpriest Geoffrey Ready (University of Toronto)
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IN-PERSON EVENT: Milwaukee Armenian Fest
St. John the Baptist Church of Metro Milwaukee, WI, will hold its annual “Milwaukee Armenian Fest” on Sunday, Jul. 16, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., on the church grounds (7825 W. Layton Ave., Greenfield). Entertainment from Hye Vibes, Stepan, and Sardarabad Armenian Dance Company of Chicago. For information, click the following links to view a flyer and to access the Armenia Fest website.