Hundreds Gather For Easter Services At New York’s St. Vartan Cathedral

Easter morning was cool and sunny in New York, as hundreds gathered at the city's St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral to celebrate the most important day of the year in the church calendar.

More than 2,000 people participated in services on April 8. Early on pews began to be filled and when seats had become scarce, many stood at the back or spilled onto the plaza, where audio speakers broadcast the badarak from the sanctuary.

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the homily. He spoke about the three women who were the first to witness the miracle of Christ's Resurrection.

They had come to Jesus' tomb to anoint his body, but found instead "an angel who called out to them: ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here. He has risen, just as he said.'"

This episode is remembered in the Armenian Church through the Yughaperitz Ganaykh, or the "Oil-bearing Women," service—an ancient tradition that is performed every Sunday before the start of the Divine Liturgy. 

"The Good News of Easter is not just a relic of centuries long past," Archbishop Barsamian said. "It is a living message of hope and joy, of victory over sin and death, which is directed to each and every one of us today."

"We see that even in our own darkest moments, when we are afraid that all is lost—Jesus Christ is with us," he continued. "That is the promise of his resurrection....Our Lord is not remote or distant from us—to the contrary, he is standing close by, waiting for us to see him."

Release of doves

After the Divine Liturgy, the Primate led a procession to the cathedral plaza, where 12 doves were released, symbolizing the dispatching of the 12 apostles.

Zaven Dadekian of St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, N.J., was the godfather of the "Release of Doves" ceremony. Mr. Dadekian, the recipient of the Diocese's "Armenian of the Year" award in 2009, has been involved in the Armenian Church on both the parish and Diocesan levels. He was also instrumental in forming the Friends of Holy Etchmiadzin organization to support projects of the worldwide Armenian Church.

Also taking part in the "Release of Doves" ceremony was Ambassador Garen Nazarian, Armenia's Permanent Representative to the UN, and his family.

The Shushi Dance Ensemble of St. Vartan Cathedral, wearing traditional Armenian costumes, performed several dances on the plaza following the doves ceremony.

A reception followed in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium, where Archbishop Barsamian officiated over a home-blessing service. The faithful received nshkhars to take home.

Concurrent with the Easter observances, a special art exhibit was on display in the cathedral complex. In "Behold, All Things Have Become New: Armenian Artists Celebrate Easter," curator Vasken Kalayjian assembled works by prominent Yerevan-based painters as well as by prolific Armenian artists based in America.

The St. Vartan Cathedral Choir sang the Divine Liturgy on Easter Sunday under the direction of Maestro Khoren Mekanejian. Florence Avakian accompanied on the organ.

Holy Week services

Similar celebrations were underway at parishes across the Diocese. Easter was preceded by Holy Week, which commemorates the dramatic events leading to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

At St. Vartan Cathedral on Palm Sunday, April 1, the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, cathedral dean, celebrated the Divine Liturgy, and conducted the Turun-Patzek or "Door Opening" Service. At the conclusion of services, the faithful walked from the cathedral plaza to the western entrance of the building, carrying palms in commemoration of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

On April 5, Great and Holy Thursday, the Rev. Fr. Bedros Kadehjian celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the morning. In the evening, Archbishop Barsamian officiated at the "Washing of the Feet" ceremony, which commemorates Christ washing the feet of the 12 apostles after the Last Supper. The 12 were selected from students of the cathedral Armenian School. The "Washing of the Feet" ceremony was followed by a Khavaroom or Vigil Service.

The Order of the Crucifixion of Christ and the Order of the Entombment of the Lord (or Taghoom Service) were commemorated with services on Great and Holy Friday, April 6.

On Easter Eve, Saturday, April 7, Fr. Chevian celebrated the Divine Liturgy. Students from the Diocesan Khrimian Lyceum read scriptures and sang in the choir.

###

Photos attached.

Photo 1: In his sermon, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian spoke about the three women who were the first to witness the miracle of Christ's Resurrection.

Photo 2: After the Divine Liturgy, the Primate led a procession to the cathedral plaza, where 12 doves were released, symbolizing the dispatching of the 12 apostles.

Photo 3: The Shushi Dance Ensemble of St. Vartan Cathedral performed several dances on the cathedral plaza.

Photo 4: An art exhibit titled "Behold, All Things Have Become New: Armenian Artists Celebrate Easter" was on display in the cathedral complex.

Photo 5: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian officiated at the "Washing of the Feet" ceremony on Holy Thursday

Photo 6: Zaven Dadekian (left) of St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, N.J., was the godfather of the "Release of Doves" ceremony.