Tweet
** TOP STORY December 27, 2012
------------------------------------------------------------
Nativitiy of Our Lord Jesus Christ
The altar icon of St. Hripsime Church in Armenia.
** Christmas Services at St. Vartan Cathedral
------------------------------------------------------------
The Feast of the Nativity and Baptism of Jesus Christ will be observed
at New York's St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral on Saturday and Sunday,
January 5 and 6. Click here
(http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=d6ddf20164&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view the special liturgical schedule for these "Armenian Christmas"
services.
The Blessing of Water service will follow the Divine Liturgy on
January 6. Sarkis Jebejian will serve as "godfather" of the Blessing
of Water service.
A Home Blessing service and Christmas reception will be held in Haik
and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium following services on January 6. The
Shushi Dance Ensemble of St. Vartan Cathedral, under the direction of
choreographer Seta Paskalian-Kantardjian, will perform during the
reception, which is free and open to the public.
For information on services in your area, contact your local parish
(http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=401b545046&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to ascertain the date and time of its Armenian Christmas
celebration. Click on the following links to read the Primate's
Christmas message
(http://bit.ly/U2VYmT?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
and to view a brief video
(http://youtu.be/bKwwPT-2qng?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
about Christmas in the Armenian Church.
** Scripture of the Week
------------------------------------------------------------
Is 51:15-52:3
Heb 13:18-25
Lk 22:24-30
** Prayer of the Week
------------------------------------------------------------
My soul is always in your hands and I place my hope in your Holy
Cross, O Heavenly King. May the multitude of your saints intercede on
my behalf.
You who are patient with everyone, do not neglect me who trusts in
you, but keep me in peace with your precious and Holy Cross. Amen.
** Upcoming Saints & Feasts
------------------------------------------------------------
27 December: Holy Apostles Peter and Paul
29 December: Holy Apostles James and John, "Sons of Thunder";
Barekendan of the Fast of Nativity
5 January: Eve of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ
6 January: Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus
Christ
** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
------------------------------------------------------------
Newly Appointed Patriarch of Antioch
His Holiness John Yazigi was elected Greek Orthodox Patriarch of
Antioch and All the East last week.
** New Patriarch of Antioch Elected
------------------------------------------------------------
His Holiness John Yazigi was elected Greek Orthodox Patriarch of
Antioch and All the East last week. A native of Syria, Patriarch John
most recently served as the Metropolitan in Western Europe. He will
succeed Patriarch Ignatius IV, who passed away on December 5.
His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians, sent a letter of congratulations to the newly elected
Patriarch. =80=9CYour election as the first servant of our sister
Church at the threshold of the New Year and Christmas is a sign of
hope as the Church in the Middle East overcomes the grief following
the death of your predecessor,' he wrote. `May God inspire you to
continue the tireless work of your predecessors in fulfilling the
spiritual needs of His people, by encouraging reconciliation in the
face of conflicts and by promoting ongoing interreligious dialogues.'
** DIOCESAN NEWS
------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Appeal
** Support the Diocese's 2012 Annual Appeal
------------------------------------------------------------
The Eastern Diocese's 2012 Annual Appeal is in its final weeks=80'and
we need your help to make it a success! The Appeal is the only
Diocesan-wide fundraiser conducted each year to help the Diocese
undertake the many ministries, programs, and resources that enrich
life in our local parishes.
We have set a target of $825,000 for the 2012 Annual Appeal. Please
consider making a contribution to help spread the good work of the
Armenian Church across our local communities-and across the
generations.
Follow these links to donate now
(http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=6b955fcfa5&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
, and to learn more
(http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=e34cee809b&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
about the 2012 Annual Appeal.
FAR
The Fund for Armenian Relief is preparing to launch a new social
project aimed at reducing child poverty rates in Armenia.
** FAR Plans New Project to Reduce Child Poverty
------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund for Armenian Relief is preparing to launch a new social
project aimed at reducing child poverty rates in Armenia. The project
is made possible thanks to the commitment of the Ajemian Foundation
and FAR's benefactor Peter Sarkessian of Detroit, MI.
The program will bring targeted assistance to children and their
families who face financial hardship and are exposed to other
risks. Struggling families with three or more children in the towns of
Masis and Artashat will be eligible for assistance. The goal of the
new initiative is to empower Armenian families to sustain themselves
and to lead better lives.
Click here
(http://bit.ly/12IRmHs?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to visit FAR's blog and to read more.
** PARISH NEWS
------------------------------------------------------------
St. Sahag Church
Children brought to life the story of the Nativity at St. Sahag
Church.
** Christmas Pageant Celebrated in St. Paul, MN
------------------------------------------------------------
On Sunday, December 23, the Sunday and Armenian Schools of St. Sahag
Church of St. Paul, MN, organized a Christmas Pageant and New Year's
program.
Following services, parishioners gathered in the church hall where
children brought to life the story of the Nativity and sang Christmas
carols. Armenian School students recited poems as part of the New
Year's program, or Amanorya Hantes. The day concluded with the arrival
of Santa, who distributed gifts to the young parishioners.
Click here
(http://smu.gs/12S0j0o?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view photos.
St. Vartan Armenian School
Armenian School students pose for a group photo on the steps of
St. Vartan Cathedral. Click here
(http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/images/CathedralChristmas.png?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+ E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view the full photo.
** St. Vartan Armenian School Students Greet Santa
------------------------------------------------------------
On Saturday, December 22, the students of New York's St. Vartan
Armenian School were treated to a holiday pizza party and a visit from
Santa Claus. Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian presided over the
program. Also present was the Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian, dean of
St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral.
The school's auditorium was decorated like a winter wonderland by a
group of dedicated parents under the chairmanship of Ani
Manoukian. Children took part in arts and crafts activities, and later
they gathered to greet Santa with traditional Armenian carols,
including `Gaghant Baba' and `Zankagner.'
Archbishop Gizirian visited all the classrooms and blessed the
students. He expressed his delight in the students' knowledge, and
encouraged them to keep up their studies of the Armenian language,
culture, and history.
Holy Cross Church of Armenia
Anahid Syourapian leads the choir at Sunday's Christmas concert, with
Helena Mirzoyan accompanying on the piano.
** Christmas Concert Held in Washington Heights, NY
------------------------------------------------------------
Holy Cross Church in Manhattan's Washington Heights neighborhood
hosted an English-language Christmas concert on Sunday, December 23,
in the church sanctuary. Some 80 people gathered to celebrate the
Christmas story through Scripture reading and the singing of
traditional Christmas carols.
The program was organized by a group of volunteers under the
leadership of Parish Council member Jon Simonian, Sr. Anahid
Syourapian, director of the Musicocity Choir, led the choir. Helena
Mirzoyan accompanied on the piano. Dn. Krikor Anoushian chanted the
Gospels in Armenian, and Dn. Artur Petrosyan chanted in English.
The program followed the Divine Liturgy, which was celebrated by the
Rev. Fr. Bedros Kadehjian. The Rev. Fr. Arten Ashjian also took part
in the celebration.
St. James Church ACYOA, Watertown, MA
An ACYOA member wraps gifts for needy families in the Boston area.
** Watertown ACYOA Takes Part in Outreach Project
------------------------------------------------------------
ACYOA members of St. James Church of Watertown, MA, took part in a
Christmas outreach project by volunteering at a local Christian
charity this month. The project began earlier this winter when the
ACYOA organized a =80=9CGiving Tree' toy drive at St. James Church,
asking parishioners to select and fulfill wish lists attached to a
Christmas tree at the church.
On Monday, December 17, the young people, led by youth minister Maria
Derderian, traveled to Easton, MA, to deliver the presents they
collected to My Brother's Keeper. Volunteering in the organization's
=80=9CSanta's Workshop,' ACYOA members spent time wrapping the gifts
and writing Christmas messages to needy families in the Boston area.
Click here
(http://smu.gs/V7rZK3?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view photos.
St. Gregory Church, Binghamton, NY
Children pose for a photo with Boomer the kangaroo at St. Gregory
Church.
** Children's Christmas Celebration in Bingamton, NY
------------------------------------------------------------
St. Gregory Church of Binghamton, NY, held a children's Christmas
celebration on Sunday, December 16. The children received a surprise
visit from Santa and Boomer, a live baby kangaroo from the local
zoo. A Christmas meal followed the program.
Earlier that day, the Rev. Fr. Daniel Karadjian, parish pastor,
celebrated the Divine Liturgy and held a requiem service for the
victims of the Newtown, CT, school shooting. The parish also conducted
a collection for the Armenian community of Syria.
Upcoming Events
** Upcoming Parish Events
------------------------------------------------------------
Soorp Haroutiun Church | Orlando, FL
Soorp Haroutiun Church of Orlando, FL, will host a New Year Dinner
Dance on Monday, December 31, from 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., in the church
hall. Enjoy Armenian music, a potluck dinner, a visit from Santa for
kids, a gift exchange game, and more. For information, call (407)
973-0205, or click here
(http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/uploaded_files/tinymce/files/eventspdf/OrlandoNewYearDance2013.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Dio cese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view a flyer.
St. Thomas Church | Tenafly, NJ
St. Thomas Church of Tenafly, NJ, will host a New Year's Eve
celebration on Monday, December 31, beginning at 8 p.m. Enjoy dinner,
music by DJ Alan Gragossian, and entertainment for children. For
information, call (201) 567-5446, or click here
(http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/NewYear2012flyer.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view a flyer.
St. Leon Church | Fair Lawn, NJ
St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, will host its 6th annual `Winter
Dance Armenian Style' on Saturday, January 12, from 7 p.m. to 12
a.m. Enjoy music by Onnik Dinkjian and the John Berberian
Ensemble. For information, call (201) 444-5475, or click here
(http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/StLeonJan2013.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view a flyer.
Armenian Church of Southwest Florida
The Armenian Church of Southwest Florida will welcome the
Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of St. Nersess Seminary, for the
celebration of the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, January 13, at 1 p.m. The
service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church (3901 Davis Blvd.,
Naples, FL). A Iuncheon and bake sale featuring Armenian breads and
pastries will follow the service. For more information, or to make
luncheon reservations, call (239) 348-3804.
** EVENTS
------------------------------------------------------------
Movie
** "If Only Everyone" Film Screening at the Diocese
------------------------------------------------------------
`If Only Everyone'-a new film produced in Armenia-will premiere in New
York on Friday, January 4, at 7:30 p.m.
The screening will take place at the Diocesan Center's Haik and Alice
Kavookjian Auditorium (630 Second Avenue, at 35th Street, in New York
City). A Q&A with writer, actor, and producer Michael Poghosian will
follow the screening.
Tickets are $20, and may be purchased in advance or at the door. Click
here
(http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/uploaded_files/tinymce/files/eventspdf/IfOnlyEveryone.jpg?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view a flyer for more information.
** YOUTH NEWS
------------------------------------------------------------
ACYOA Juniors Retreat
A retreat participant shows off an arts and crafts project (file
photo).
** ACYOA Juniors Retreats to Begin in January
------------------------------------------------------------
The 2013 ACYOA Juniors Retreat Series will begin in January. To
receive a registration packet for the upcoming retreats listed below,
contact your parish priest or youth advisor, or e-mail Jennifer
Morris, the Diocese's Youth Outreach coordinator, at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
Texas ACYOA Juniors Evening Program
St. Kevork Church, Houston, TX
Saturday, January 26
Western Florida Retreat
St. Hagop Church, St. Petersburg, FL
Saturday, February 2 - Sunday, February 3
New England Regional Retreat
St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center, Contoocook, NH
Friday, February 22 - Sunday, February 24
New York, New Jersey, and Mid-Atlantic Regional Retreat
Don Bosco and Marian Shrine Retreat Center, Stony Point, NY
Friday, March 1 - Sunday, March 3
Michigan/Ohio Regional Retreat
Camp Wise, Chardon, OH
Friday, March 8 - Sunday, March 10
Wisconsin/Illinois Regional Retreat
Camp Hickory, Ingleside, IL
Friday, March 15 - Sunday, March 17
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Phone: (212) 686-0710 | Fax: (212) 779-3558
Web: www.armenianchurch-ed.net
------------------------------------------------------------
Nativitiy of Our Lord Jesus Christ
The altar icon of St. Hripsime Church in Armenia.
** Christmas Services at St. Vartan Cathedral
------------------------------------------------------------
The Feast of the Nativity and Baptism of Jesus Christ will be observed
at New York's St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral on Saturday and Sunday,
January 5 and 6. Click here
(http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=d6ddf20164&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view the special liturgical schedule for these "Armenian Christmas"
services.
The Blessing of Water service will follow the Divine Liturgy on
January 6. Sarkis Jebejian will serve as "godfather" of the Blessing
of Water service.
A Home Blessing service and Christmas reception will be held in Haik
and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium following services on January 6. The
Shushi Dance Ensemble of St. Vartan Cathedral, under the direction of
choreographer Seta Paskalian-Kantardjian, will perform during the
reception, which is free and open to the public.
For information on services in your area, contact your local parish
(http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=401b545046&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to ascertain the date and time of its Armenian Christmas
celebration. Click on the following links to read the Primate's
Christmas message
(http://bit.ly/U2VYmT?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
and to view a brief video
(http://youtu.be/bKwwPT-2qng?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
about Christmas in the Armenian Church.
** Scripture of the Week
------------------------------------------------------------
Is 51:15-52:3
Heb 13:18-25
Lk 22:24-30
** Prayer of the Week
------------------------------------------------------------
My soul is always in your hands and I place my hope in your Holy
Cross, O Heavenly King. May the multitude of your saints intercede on
my behalf.
You who are patient with everyone, do not neglect me who trusts in
you, but keep me in peace with your precious and Holy Cross. Amen.
** Upcoming Saints & Feasts
------------------------------------------------------------
27 December: Holy Apostles Peter and Paul
29 December: Holy Apostles James and John, "Sons of Thunder";
Barekendan of the Fast of Nativity
5 January: Eve of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ
6 January: Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus
Christ
** CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
------------------------------------------------------------
Newly Appointed Patriarch of Antioch
His Holiness John Yazigi was elected Greek Orthodox Patriarch of
Antioch and All the East last week.
** New Patriarch of Antioch Elected
------------------------------------------------------------
His Holiness John Yazigi was elected Greek Orthodox Patriarch of
Antioch and All the East last week. A native of Syria, Patriarch John
most recently served as the Metropolitan in Western Europe. He will
succeed Patriarch Ignatius IV, who passed away on December 5.
His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians, sent a letter of congratulations to the newly elected
Patriarch. =80=9CYour election as the first servant of our sister
Church at the threshold of the New Year and Christmas is a sign of
hope as the Church in the Middle East overcomes the grief following
the death of your predecessor,' he wrote. `May God inspire you to
continue the tireless work of your predecessors in fulfilling the
spiritual needs of His people, by encouraging reconciliation in the
face of conflicts and by promoting ongoing interreligious dialogues.'
** DIOCESAN NEWS
------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Appeal
** Support the Diocese's 2012 Annual Appeal
------------------------------------------------------------
The Eastern Diocese's 2012 Annual Appeal is in its final weeks=80'and
we need your help to make it a success! The Appeal is the only
Diocesan-wide fundraiser conducted each year to help the Diocese
undertake the many ministries, programs, and resources that enrich
life in our local parishes.
We have set a target of $825,000 for the 2012 Annual Appeal. Please
consider making a contribution to help spread the good work of the
Armenian Church across our local communities-and across the
generations.
Follow these links to donate now
(http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=6b955fcfa5&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
, and to learn more
(http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=e34cee809b&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
about the 2012 Annual Appeal.
FAR
The Fund for Armenian Relief is preparing to launch a new social
project aimed at reducing child poverty rates in Armenia.
** FAR Plans New Project to Reduce Child Poverty
------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund for Armenian Relief is preparing to launch a new social
project aimed at reducing child poverty rates in Armenia. The project
is made possible thanks to the commitment of the Ajemian Foundation
and FAR's benefactor Peter Sarkessian of Detroit, MI.
The program will bring targeted assistance to children and their
families who face financial hardship and are exposed to other
risks. Struggling families with three or more children in the towns of
Masis and Artashat will be eligible for assistance. The goal of the
new initiative is to empower Armenian families to sustain themselves
and to lead better lives.
Click here
(http://bit.ly/12IRmHs?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to visit FAR's blog and to read more.
** PARISH NEWS
------------------------------------------------------------
St. Sahag Church
Children brought to life the story of the Nativity at St. Sahag
Church.
** Christmas Pageant Celebrated in St. Paul, MN
------------------------------------------------------------
On Sunday, December 23, the Sunday and Armenian Schools of St. Sahag
Church of St. Paul, MN, organized a Christmas Pageant and New Year's
program.
Following services, parishioners gathered in the church hall where
children brought to life the story of the Nativity and sang Christmas
carols. Armenian School students recited poems as part of the New
Year's program, or Amanorya Hantes. The day concluded with the arrival
of Santa, who distributed gifts to the young parishioners.
Click here
(http://smu.gs/12S0j0o?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view photos.
St. Vartan Armenian School
Armenian School students pose for a group photo on the steps of
St. Vartan Cathedral. Click here
(http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/images/CathedralChristmas.png?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+ E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view the full photo.
** St. Vartan Armenian School Students Greet Santa
------------------------------------------------------------
On Saturday, December 22, the students of New York's St. Vartan
Armenian School were treated to a holiday pizza party and a visit from
Santa Claus. Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian presided over the
program. Also present was the Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian, dean of
St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral.
The school's auditorium was decorated like a winter wonderland by a
group of dedicated parents under the chairmanship of Ani
Manoukian. Children took part in arts and crafts activities, and later
they gathered to greet Santa with traditional Armenian carols,
including `Gaghant Baba' and `Zankagner.'
Archbishop Gizirian visited all the classrooms and blessed the
students. He expressed his delight in the students' knowledge, and
encouraged them to keep up their studies of the Armenian language,
culture, and history.
Holy Cross Church of Armenia
Anahid Syourapian leads the choir at Sunday's Christmas concert, with
Helena Mirzoyan accompanying on the piano.
** Christmas Concert Held in Washington Heights, NY
------------------------------------------------------------
Holy Cross Church in Manhattan's Washington Heights neighborhood
hosted an English-language Christmas concert on Sunday, December 23,
in the church sanctuary. Some 80 people gathered to celebrate the
Christmas story through Scripture reading and the singing of
traditional Christmas carols.
The program was organized by a group of volunteers under the
leadership of Parish Council member Jon Simonian, Sr. Anahid
Syourapian, director of the Musicocity Choir, led the choir. Helena
Mirzoyan accompanied on the piano. Dn. Krikor Anoushian chanted the
Gospels in Armenian, and Dn. Artur Petrosyan chanted in English.
The program followed the Divine Liturgy, which was celebrated by the
Rev. Fr. Bedros Kadehjian. The Rev. Fr. Arten Ashjian also took part
in the celebration.
St. James Church ACYOA, Watertown, MA
An ACYOA member wraps gifts for needy families in the Boston area.
** Watertown ACYOA Takes Part in Outreach Project
------------------------------------------------------------
ACYOA members of St. James Church of Watertown, MA, took part in a
Christmas outreach project by volunteering at a local Christian
charity this month. The project began earlier this winter when the
ACYOA organized a =80=9CGiving Tree' toy drive at St. James Church,
asking parishioners to select and fulfill wish lists attached to a
Christmas tree at the church.
On Monday, December 17, the young people, led by youth minister Maria
Derderian, traveled to Easton, MA, to deliver the presents they
collected to My Brother's Keeper. Volunteering in the organization's
=80=9CSanta's Workshop,' ACYOA members spent time wrapping the gifts
and writing Christmas messages to needy families in the Boston area.
Click here
(http://smu.gs/V7rZK3?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view photos.
St. Gregory Church, Binghamton, NY
Children pose for a photo with Boomer the kangaroo at St. Gregory
Church.
** Children's Christmas Celebration in Bingamton, NY
------------------------------------------------------------
St. Gregory Church of Binghamton, NY, held a children's Christmas
celebration on Sunday, December 16. The children received a surprise
visit from Santa and Boomer, a live baby kangaroo from the local
zoo. A Christmas meal followed the program.
Earlier that day, the Rev. Fr. Daniel Karadjian, parish pastor,
celebrated the Divine Liturgy and held a requiem service for the
victims of the Newtown, CT, school shooting. The parish also conducted
a collection for the Armenian community of Syria.
Upcoming Events
** Upcoming Parish Events
------------------------------------------------------------
Soorp Haroutiun Church | Orlando, FL
Soorp Haroutiun Church of Orlando, FL, will host a New Year Dinner
Dance on Monday, December 31, from 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., in the church
hall. Enjoy Armenian music, a potluck dinner, a visit from Santa for
kids, a gift exchange game, and more. For information, call (407)
973-0205, or click here
(http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/uploaded_files/tinymce/files/eventspdf/OrlandoNewYearDance2013.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Dio cese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view a flyer.
St. Thomas Church | Tenafly, NJ
St. Thomas Church of Tenafly, NJ, will host a New Year's Eve
celebration on Monday, December 31, beginning at 8 p.m. Enjoy dinner,
music by DJ Alan Gragossian, and entertainment for children. For
information, call (201) 567-5446, or click here
(http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/NewYear2012flyer.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view a flyer.
St. Leon Church | Fair Lawn, NJ
St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, will host its 6th annual `Winter
Dance Armenian Style' on Saturday, January 12, from 7 p.m. to 12
a.m. Enjoy music by Onnik Dinkjian and the John Berberian
Ensemble. For information, call (201) 444-5475, or click here
(http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/StLeonJan2013.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view a flyer.
Armenian Church of Southwest Florida
The Armenian Church of Southwest Florida will welcome the
Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of St. Nersess Seminary, for the
celebration of the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, January 13, at 1 p.m. The
service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church (3901 Davis Blvd.,
Naples, FL). A Iuncheon and bake sale featuring Armenian breads and
pastries will follow the service. For more information, or to make
luncheon reservations, call (239) 348-3804.
** EVENTS
------------------------------------------------------------
Movie
** "If Only Everyone" Film Screening at the Diocese
------------------------------------------------------------
`If Only Everyone'-a new film produced in Armenia-will premiere in New
York on Friday, January 4, at 7:30 p.m.
The screening will take place at the Diocesan Center's Haik and Alice
Kavookjian Auditorium (630 Second Avenue, at 35th Street, in New York
City). A Q&A with writer, actor, and producer Michael Poghosian will
follow the screening.
Tickets are $20, and may be purchased in advance or at the door. Click
here
(http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/uploaded_files/tinymce/files/eventspdf/IfOnlyEveryone.jpg?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=da34aed987-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view a flyer for more information.
** YOUTH NEWS
------------------------------------------------------------
ACYOA Juniors Retreat
A retreat participant shows off an arts and crafts project (file
photo).
** ACYOA Juniors Retreats to Begin in January
------------------------------------------------------------
The 2013 ACYOA Juniors Retreat Series will begin in January. To
receive a registration packet for the upcoming retreats listed below,
contact your parish priest or youth advisor, or e-mail Jennifer
Morris, the Diocese's Youth Outreach coordinator, at
[email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .
Texas ACYOA Juniors Evening Program
St. Kevork Church, Houston, TX
Saturday, January 26
Western Florida Retreat
St. Hagop Church, St. Petersburg, FL
Saturday, February 2 - Sunday, February 3
New England Regional Retreat
St. Methodios Faith & Heritage Center, Contoocook, NH
Friday, February 22 - Sunday, February 24
New York, New Jersey, and Mid-Atlantic Regional Retreat
Don Bosco and Marian Shrine Retreat Center, Stony Point, NY
Friday, March 1 - Sunday, March 3
Michigan/Ohio Regional Retreat
Camp Wise, Chardon, OH
Friday, March 8 - Sunday, March 10
Wisconsin/Illinois Regional Retreat
Camp Hickory, Ingleside, IL
Friday, March 15 - Sunday, March 17
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Phone: (212) 686-0710 | Fax: (212) 779-3558
Web: www.armenianchurch-ed.net