PRESS RELEASE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-0710
Fax: (212) 779-3558
Web: http://www.armenianchurch.org/
Email: [email protected]
TOP STORY January 5,
2012
Mother of God
_Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord_
On Friday, January 6, the Armenian Church will celebrate the Feast of the
Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ. In Armenian tradition, this
feast day commemorates not only the birth of Christ, but also His baptism by
John the Baptist. The latter is remembered through the `Blessing of Water'
ceremony, which follows the Divine Liturgy on January 6.
Today, on the eve of the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord,
the Armenian Church will celebrate the _Jrakalouyts_ (lamp-lighting)
service. At St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in New York, services will begin
at 6:30 p.m. with Scripture readings by the Diocese's Khrimian Lyceum
students. The Divine Liturgy will follow, celebrated by Archbishop Yeghishe
Gizirian.
On Friday, January 6, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, will
celebrate the Divine Liturgy, which will be preceded by a morning service,
beginning at 9:30 a.m. The `Blessing of Water' will follow the Divine
Liturgy. Dr. Raffy Hovanessian will serve as "godfather" of the Blessing of
Water service.
A Home Blessing service and Christmas reception will follow in Haik and
Alice Kavookjian Auditorium. The Akh'tamar Dance Ensemble of the St. Thomas
Church of Tenafly, NJ, will perform during the reception, which is free and
open to the public.
Concurrent with the Armenian Christmas observances, an art exhibit is on
display in Guild Hall and Yerevan Hall of the cathedral complex. In
"Armenian Christmas and the Legacy of Armenian Artists," curator Vicki
Shoghag Hovanessian has assembled works by prominent Yerevan-based painters
and by prolific American-Armenian artists. [4]Click here for more
information about the exhibit.
Links:
4. http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=7aba631e21&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=555a8cd0e0-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
Armenian Christmas will also be observed at local parishes throughout the
Eastern Diocese; [5]contact a parish close to you to learn their schedule of
services.
Links:
5. http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/contact/parish-directory?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=555a8cd0e0-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
Click to read Archbishop Khajag Barsamian's 2012 Christmas Message in
[6]English and [7]Armenian.
Links:
6. http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=c1a0361c96&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=555a8cd0e0-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
7. http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=eea29c89b1&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=555a8cd0e0-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
Armenian Church in Livingston, NY
_Primate to Visit St. Mary Church of Livingston, NJ_
On Sunday, January 8, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, will
preside over the Christmas celebration at St. Mary Church of Livingston, NJ.
The Rev. Fr. Arakel Vardazarian, who is currently interning at St. Gregory
the Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY, will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy. Archbishop Barsamian will deliver the homily. The `Blessing of
Water' will follow the Divine Liturgy.
Later in the afternoon, Archbishop Barsamian and Fr. Vardazarian will
conduct the Home Blessing service. A Sunday School pageant and luncheon will
follow.
Scripture of the Week
Heb 1:1-12
Mt 2:13-23
Prayer of the Week
With your peace, Christ our savior, which surpasses all understanding and
speech, defend us and keep us fearless of all evil. Make us equal to your
true worshipers, who worship you in spirit and in truth; for to the
most-holy Trinity is befitting glory, dominion, and honor, now and always.
Amen.
Upcoming Saints & Feasts
_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
_7 January:_ Remembrance of the Dead
CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
Catholicos Karekin II
His Holiness Karekin II conducts the Blessing of Water service (2011).
_Christmas Message of His Holiness Karekin II _
In his Christmas message, His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, calls on all members of the Armenian Church to
renew their faith in Christ and to walk with Him on the path of
righteousness.
`Lord, may the graces of your Holy Birth illuminate the entire world, may
the angelic tiding of peace resound in all corners of the earth, may
goodwill and harmony accompany all nations and peoples, and may joy and
happiness reign in all families,' the message says.
`Let hatred, enmity, despair, indifference, bitterness, and sadness retreat
before the light of your Holy Nativity, and may the whole world be enveloped
with the love and hope you have gifted.'
Click to read His Holiness's message in [8]English and [9]Armenian.
Links:
8. http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/KarekinIIChristmasMessage2012Eng.pdf?utm_source=Ea stern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=555a8cd0e0-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
9. http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/KarekinIIChristmasMessage2012Arm.pdf?utm_source=Ea stern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=555a8cd0e0-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
DIOCESAN NEWS
Home Blessings in the Armenian Church
_Christmas: A Season of Home Blessing _
The home is a sacred place where family members maintain and share their
values. It is also a place where they are charged with these values to live
a peaceful and God-pleasing life.
According to the traditions of the Armenian Church, God is asked to bestow
His blessing on homes on the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of our
Lord. In this season, clergy visit the homes of parishioners and perform the
Home Blessing service.
Parishioners are encouraged to contact their local pastor and request a Home
Blessing service. To learn more about this tradition, and to download the
service booklet, [10]click here.
Links:
10. http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/faith-and-worship/home-blessings?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=555a8cd0e0-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
Armenian Church Calendar 2012
_Download the 2012 Oratsouyts (Liturgical Calendar)_
The 2012 Oratsouyts (Liturgical Calendar) issued by the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin is now available as a PDF document. [11]Click here to download
the Oratsouyts.
Links:
11. http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/Oratsuyts2012.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=555a8cd0e0-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
The Armenian-language publication is a daily guide to scripture readings,
hymns, and feast days of the Armenian Church. It has been continuously
published by Holy Etchmiadzin for the past 146 years.
The 2012 edition was prepared by Bishop Mikael Ajapahian, the Primate of the
Diocese of Shirak in Armenia, and Bishop Artak Tigranian.
Fund for Armenian Relief Christmas party
Children at the Nubarashen #11 Special School in Yerevan enjoy a visit from
Santa, thanks to the generosity of Michael and Marie Haratunian.
_Haratunians Bring Christmas Joy to School in Armenia_
Every year, thanks to the generosity of Michael and Marie Haratunian, a
beautiful Christmas celebration is organized by the Fund for Armenian Relief
for the children of the Nubarashen #11 Special School in Yerevan.
`When we visited the school a few years ago, Marie and I decided to help
these very special kids in any way we can,' said Michael Haratunian, a
long-time FAR director, and one of the distinguished leaders of the
American-Armenian community.
`It is a place for handicapped children whose parents can no longer take
care of them. The facility, like most of them, needs much improvement. It is
located on the outskirts of Yerevan next to a dirty landfill where all of
the city's garbage is dumped. We helped in small ways with improvements to
the heating system, kitchen equipment, and recreation rooms. Our help is
small and insignificant compared to the life these children and their
families have to endure.'
The celebration held at the school this week was organized in the true
spirit of Christmas. The children's hearts were filled with joy and
gratitude for their benefactors' kindness, love, and compassion. They all
performed in a singing and dancing show, after which a Christmas dinner was
held. Parents traveled from different regions of Armenia to witness the joy
and happiness of their kids.
Call for Christmas photos
_Christmas Photo Album: A Call for Submissions_
How do you celebrate Armenian Christmas in your hometown? Send us digital
photos from your local Christmas church services and other celebrations, and
we will feature them in our online album the week after Christmas.
Please e-mail photos (with your name, city, and country) to
[12][email protected] by Wednesday, January 11.
Links:
12. mailto:[email protected]
We look forward to receiving submissions from the parishes of the Eastern
Diocese, as well as from our readers in Armenian communities across the
globe.
PARISH NEWS
Massachusetts Council of Churches
_Parishes in Mass. to Host Ecumenical Delegations_
On Armenian Christmas delegations of Protestant and Roman Catholic church
leaders from the Massachusetts Council of Churches (MCC) will visit two
parishes of the Eastern Diocese: Holy Translators Church of Framingham, MA,
and St. James Church of Watertown, MA.
The MCC's special visits, or `ecumenical pilgrimages,' give church leaders
an opportunity to learn more about the liturgical rites of other Christian
communities.
"Three years ago, we began these 'ecumenical pilgrimages' in order to show
the distinctive gifts of each of our churches,' said the Rev. Laura Everett,
MCC executive director. `We trust that God will use these experiences to
draw Christians closer to the unity Christ desires for His Church."
The visit to Holy Translators Church will take place on Christmas Eve,
January 5. The visit to St. James Church will follow on January 6, the Feast
of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord.
[13]
Click here to register for the pilgrimages, or visit the Massachusetts
Council of Churches [14]website for more information. To contact the Rev.
Laura Everett, e-mail [15][email protected].
Links:
13. http://www.eventbrite.com/org/1767704919?s=6437801&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=555a8cd0e0-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
14. http://www.masscouncilofchurches.org?utm_source=Eastern+D iocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=555a8cd0e0-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
15. mailto:[email protected]
_Upcoming Parish Events _
_St. Leon Church | Fair Lawn, NJ_
St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, will host its 5th annual Christmas Dance
on Saturday, January 7, from 7 p.m. to midnight, in the church's Community
Center.
The evening will feature the Michael Gostanian Ensemble. Tickets are $35 for
adults; $20 for students (ages 10-22). [16]Click here to view a flyer for
more information.
Links:
16. http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/uploaded_files/tinymce/files/eventspdf/ChristmasDanceStLeon2012.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Di ocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=555a8cd0e0-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
_Armenian Church of Southwest Florida _
The first Divine Liturgy of 2012 will be celebrated at the Armenian Church
of Southwest Florida by the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar,
on Sunday, January 15. The service will be held at St. Mary's Episcopal
Church in Bonita Springs, FL, beginning at 1 p.m.
A luleh kebab luncheon will follow services (advance reservations are
required for the luncheon). For information, reservations, or to be placed
on the church mailing list, contact Parish Council chair Carole Meghreblian
at (239) 348-3804.
YOUTH NEWS
Chapter workshop
_Register for the ACYOA Chapter Workshop _
The ACYOA Central Council will sponsor its 4th annual Chapter Workshop at
St. David Church of Boca Raton, FL, from January 13-15. The workshop will
focus on the basics of being an ACYOA leader and working together to build a
vibrant and successful organization.
The Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar, will preside over the
weekend's program. The Very Rev. Fr. Nareg Berberian, pastor of St. David
Church, will serve as chaplain.
The ACYOA Central Council strongly encourages all those who are currently in
leadership positions in their respective chapters to attend the workshop.
Representatives from parishes who lack organized chapters but have young
people who are interested in establishing them are also welcome.
Participants will stay at the Hilton in Deerfield Beach, FL. All workshop
sessions will take place at St. David Church, which has graciously
volunteered to host the program again this year. The registration fee is
$175. For more information, or to register, contact Nancy Basmajian, ACYOA
executive secretary, at [17][email protected].
Links:
17. mailto:[email protected]
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-0710
Fax: (212) 779-3558
Web: http://www.armenianchurch.org/
Email: [email protected]
TOP STORY January 5,
2012
Mother of God
_Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord_
On Friday, January 6, the Armenian Church will celebrate the Feast of the
Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ. In Armenian tradition, this
feast day commemorates not only the birth of Christ, but also His baptism by
John the Baptist. The latter is remembered through the `Blessing of Water'
ceremony, which follows the Divine Liturgy on January 6.
Today, on the eve of the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord,
the Armenian Church will celebrate the _Jrakalouyts_ (lamp-lighting)
service. At St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in New York, services will begin
at 6:30 p.m. with Scripture readings by the Diocese's Khrimian Lyceum
students. The Divine Liturgy will follow, celebrated by Archbishop Yeghishe
Gizirian.
On Friday, January 6, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, will
celebrate the Divine Liturgy, which will be preceded by a morning service,
beginning at 9:30 a.m. The `Blessing of Water' will follow the Divine
Liturgy. Dr. Raffy Hovanessian will serve as "godfather" of the Blessing of
Water service.
A Home Blessing service and Christmas reception will follow in Haik and
Alice Kavookjian Auditorium. The Akh'tamar Dance Ensemble of the St. Thomas
Church of Tenafly, NJ, will perform during the reception, which is free and
open to the public.
Concurrent with the Armenian Christmas observances, an art exhibit is on
display in Guild Hall and Yerevan Hall of the cathedral complex. In
"Armenian Christmas and the Legacy of Armenian Artists," curator Vicki
Shoghag Hovanessian has assembled works by prominent Yerevan-based painters
and by prolific American-Armenian artists. [4]Click here for more
information about the exhibit.
Links:
4. http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=7aba631e21&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=555a8cd0e0-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
Armenian Christmas will also be observed at local parishes throughout the
Eastern Diocese; [5]contact a parish close to you to learn their schedule of
services.
Links:
5. http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/contact/parish-directory?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=555a8cd0e0-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
Click to read Archbishop Khajag Barsamian's 2012 Christmas Message in
[6]English and [7]Armenian.
Links:
6. http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=c1a0361c96&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=555a8cd0e0-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
7. http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=eea29c89b1&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=555a8cd0e0-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
Armenian Church in Livingston, NY
_Primate to Visit St. Mary Church of Livingston, NJ_
On Sunday, January 8, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, will
preside over the Christmas celebration at St. Mary Church of Livingston, NJ.
The Rev. Fr. Arakel Vardazarian, who is currently interning at St. Gregory
the Enlightener Church of White Plains, NY, will celebrate the Divine
Liturgy. Archbishop Barsamian will deliver the homily. The `Blessing of
Water' will follow the Divine Liturgy.
Later in the afternoon, Archbishop Barsamian and Fr. Vardazarian will
conduct the Home Blessing service. A Sunday School pageant and luncheon will
follow.
Scripture of the Week
Heb 1:1-12
Mt 2:13-23
Prayer of the Week
With your peace, Christ our savior, which surpasses all understanding and
speech, defend us and keep us fearless of all evil. Make us equal to your
true worshipers, who worship you in spirit and in truth; for to the
most-holy Trinity is befitting glory, dominion, and honor, now and always.
Amen.
Upcoming Saints & Feasts
_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
_7 January:_ Remembrance of the Dead
CHURCH NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE
Catholicos Karekin II
His Holiness Karekin II conducts the Blessing of Water service (2011).
_Christmas Message of His Holiness Karekin II _
In his Christmas message, His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, calls on all members of the Armenian Church to
renew their faith in Christ and to walk with Him on the path of
righteousness.
`Lord, may the graces of your Holy Birth illuminate the entire world, may
the angelic tiding of peace resound in all corners of the earth, may
goodwill and harmony accompany all nations and peoples, and may joy and
happiness reign in all families,' the message says.
`Let hatred, enmity, despair, indifference, bitterness, and sadness retreat
before the light of your Holy Nativity, and may the whole world be enveloped
with the love and hope you have gifted.'
Click to read His Holiness's message in [8]English and [9]Armenian.
Links:
8. http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/KarekinIIChristmasMessage2012Eng.pdf?utm_source=Ea stern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=555a8cd0e0-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
9. http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/KarekinIIChristmasMessage2012Arm.pdf?utm_source=Ea stern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=555a8cd0e0-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
DIOCESAN NEWS
Home Blessings in the Armenian Church
_Christmas: A Season of Home Blessing _
The home is a sacred place where family members maintain and share their
values. It is also a place where they are charged with these values to live
a peaceful and God-pleasing life.
According to the traditions of the Armenian Church, God is asked to bestow
His blessing on homes on the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of our
Lord. In this season, clergy visit the homes of parishioners and perform the
Home Blessing service.
Parishioners are encouraged to contact their local pastor and request a Home
Blessing service. To learn more about this tradition, and to download the
service booklet, [10]click here.
Links:
10. http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/faith-and-worship/home-blessings?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=555a8cd0e0-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
Armenian Church Calendar 2012
_Download the 2012 Oratsouyts (Liturgical Calendar)_
The 2012 Oratsouyts (Liturgical Calendar) issued by the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin is now available as a PDF document. [11]Click here to download
the Oratsouyts.
Links:
11. http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/Oratsuyts2012.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=555a8cd0e0-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
The Armenian-language publication is a daily guide to scripture readings,
hymns, and feast days of the Armenian Church. It has been continuously
published by Holy Etchmiadzin for the past 146 years.
The 2012 edition was prepared by Bishop Mikael Ajapahian, the Primate of the
Diocese of Shirak in Armenia, and Bishop Artak Tigranian.
Fund for Armenian Relief Christmas party
Children at the Nubarashen #11 Special School in Yerevan enjoy a visit from
Santa, thanks to the generosity of Michael and Marie Haratunian.
_Haratunians Bring Christmas Joy to School in Armenia_
Every year, thanks to the generosity of Michael and Marie Haratunian, a
beautiful Christmas celebration is organized by the Fund for Armenian Relief
for the children of the Nubarashen #11 Special School in Yerevan.
`When we visited the school a few years ago, Marie and I decided to help
these very special kids in any way we can,' said Michael Haratunian, a
long-time FAR director, and one of the distinguished leaders of the
American-Armenian community.
`It is a place for handicapped children whose parents can no longer take
care of them. The facility, like most of them, needs much improvement. It is
located on the outskirts of Yerevan next to a dirty landfill where all of
the city's garbage is dumped. We helped in small ways with improvements to
the heating system, kitchen equipment, and recreation rooms. Our help is
small and insignificant compared to the life these children and their
families have to endure.'
The celebration held at the school this week was organized in the true
spirit of Christmas. The children's hearts were filled with joy and
gratitude for their benefactors' kindness, love, and compassion. They all
performed in a singing and dancing show, after which a Christmas dinner was
held. Parents traveled from different regions of Armenia to witness the joy
and happiness of their kids.
Call for Christmas photos
_Christmas Photo Album: A Call for Submissions_
How do you celebrate Armenian Christmas in your hometown? Send us digital
photos from your local Christmas church services and other celebrations, and
we will feature them in our online album the week after Christmas.
Please e-mail photos (with your name, city, and country) to
[12][email protected] by Wednesday, January 11.
Links:
12. mailto:[email protected]
We look forward to receiving submissions from the parishes of the Eastern
Diocese, as well as from our readers in Armenian communities across the
globe.
PARISH NEWS
Massachusetts Council of Churches
_Parishes in Mass. to Host Ecumenical Delegations_
On Armenian Christmas delegations of Protestant and Roman Catholic church
leaders from the Massachusetts Council of Churches (MCC) will visit two
parishes of the Eastern Diocese: Holy Translators Church of Framingham, MA,
and St. James Church of Watertown, MA.
The MCC's special visits, or `ecumenical pilgrimages,' give church leaders
an opportunity to learn more about the liturgical rites of other Christian
communities.
"Three years ago, we began these 'ecumenical pilgrimages' in order to show
the distinctive gifts of each of our churches,' said the Rev. Laura Everett,
MCC executive director. `We trust that God will use these experiences to
draw Christians closer to the unity Christ desires for His Church."
The visit to Holy Translators Church will take place on Christmas Eve,
January 5. The visit to St. James Church will follow on January 6, the Feast
of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord.
[13]
Click here to register for the pilgrimages, or visit the Massachusetts
Council of Churches [14]website for more information. To contact the Rev.
Laura Everett, e-mail [15][email protected].
Links:
13. http://www.eventbrite.com/org/1767704919?s=6437801&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=555a8cd0e0-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
14. http://www.masscouncilofchurches.org?utm_source=Eastern+D iocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=555a8cd0e0-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
15. mailto:[email protected]
_Upcoming Parish Events _
_St. Leon Church | Fair Lawn, NJ_
St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, will host its 5th annual Christmas Dance
on Saturday, January 7, from 7 p.m. to midnight, in the church's Community
Center.
The evening will feature the Michael Gostanian Ensemble. Tickets are $35 for
adults; $20 for students (ages 10-22). [16]Click here to view a flyer for
more information.
Links:
16. http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/uploaded_files/tinymce/files/eventspdf/ChristmasDanceStLeon2012.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Di ocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=555a8cd0e0-December_8_201112_8_2011&utm_medium=email
_Armenian Church of Southwest Florida _
The first Divine Liturgy of 2012 will be celebrated at the Armenian Church
of Southwest Florida by the Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar,
on Sunday, January 15. The service will be held at St. Mary's Episcopal
Church in Bonita Springs, FL, beginning at 1 p.m.
A luleh kebab luncheon will follow services (advance reservations are
required for the luncheon). For information, reservations, or to be placed
on the church mailing list, contact Parish Council chair Carole Meghreblian
at (239) 348-3804.
YOUTH NEWS
Chapter workshop
_Register for the ACYOA Chapter Workshop _
The ACYOA Central Council will sponsor its 4th annual Chapter Workshop at
St. David Church of Boca Raton, FL, from January 13-15. The workshop will
focus on the basics of being an ACYOA leader and working together to build a
vibrant and successful organization.
The Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar, will preside over the
weekend's program. The Very Rev. Fr. Nareg Berberian, pastor of St. David
Church, will serve as chaplain.
The ACYOA Central Council strongly encourages all those who are currently in
leadership positions in their respective chapters to attend the workshop.
Representatives from parishes who lack organized chapters but have young
people who are interested in establishing them are also welcome.
Participants will stay at the Hilton in Deerfield Beach, FL. All workshop
sessions will take place at St. David Church, which has graciously
volunteered to host the program again this year. The registration fee is
$175. For more information, or to register, contact Nancy Basmajian, ACYOA
executive secretary, at [17][email protected].
Links:
17. mailto:[email protected]