The Cathedral bells will ring, in worldwide observance of the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide.

Tonight, at exactly 7:15pm the Cathedral bells will ring, in worldwide observance of the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide. Why 7:15? In military time, observed in much of the world, that would be 19:15, the year the genocide began. If you'd like some background information on this, what follows below is a brief explanation of the Armenian Genocide.

The nineteenth century saw the diminishment of the Ottoman Empire, which once included all of the Middle East, as well as parts of Europe (Greece, the Balkans, etc). By 1915, what we now call World War I was being fought. While much of the Empire was Moslem, there were significant populations of Christians also, especially in what is now Greece, Armenia, Syria, and Iraq. Indeed, these were some of the oldest Christian communities in existence. The remnant of the Ottoman Empire, which became modern day Turkey, was allied with the Axis powers: Germany and the Austrio-Hungarian Empire. The Allied powers included France, England and Russia, and later the USA. The Ottoman leaders were concerned that the Christian Armenians would ally with their fellow Orthodox Christians in Russia and fight against them, the Ottomans. So came the idea of killing the native Armenian population: this began initially with a few leaders, and quickly moved to include much of the population. This saw both the actual murder of large numbers of people, as well as forced deportation through the desert with no provisions, which had the same effect. The commonly accepted number of victims is about 1.5 million. After this, Armenian culture survived primarily in exile, particularly in France and the USA. Some of the few Armenians who were left in Turkey had to convert to Islam.

For decades any mention of this was illegal in Turkey, and the government to this day denies that what occurred was a genocide, since this would mean that the founders of their modern-day state were complicit in murder. So, by necessity, much of the research on the history of what happened to the Armenian people beginning in 1915 has been done in the West.

It is important to remember this genocide, the first of many in the Twentieth century, which the people of Armenia suffered for both their faith and culture.

Sunday, April 26, 2015

  It has been some time since your Executive Committee has made a formal report to the Congregation. On Sunday, April 26th, we will hold two light breakfast (think bagels) sessions, one following the 8:00 am Eucharist and the other following the 9:30 am Eucharist, in the Mercer refectory. At that time we will review our financial developments, our programmatic life, our near-term congregational plans and, of course, our active Dean search. Please plan to be at one of these sessions and where there will be sufficient time for discussion, questions, and answers.

 Evensong to Celebrate the Ministries of the

 Honorary Canons of the Cathedral of the Incarnation 

Plant Sale on Saturday, May 9, 2015

The Council of the Cathedral of the Incarnation is an advisory body of comprised of elected representatives of the congregation. Its role is to listen to the congregation in order that our ministries may grow and continue to meet the needs of our congregation and community. The Council consists of 12 members, each elected for a three-year term, with four members elected each year. The Council is in the process of forming committees such as Building and Grounds, Wellness, Parish Life, Outreach, Pastoral Care, Christian Education, Stewardship and Worship. Through these committees we hope to enable input and insight from the congregation as well as participation in the many ministries we have to offer.  The members of the Council are the eyes and ears of our congregation. We represent the vibrancy of the lives of our members and their commitment to God's mission in the world. Prayerfully consider being a candidate for the Class of 2018. Elections will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2015.

 Prayer Shawl Ministry

The next Prayer Shawl Ministry will take place on Sunday, May 17^th in the Chapel of the Resurrection at 10:15am. All are welcome, experienced knitters, crocheters and beginners. For More information please contact Kathy Janoff at 516.485.4352

New Communicants April 19, 2015  at the 9:30am Holy Eucharist