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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 4, 2013
------------------------------------------------------------
Nativitiy of Our Lord Jesus Christ
The altar icon of St. Hripsime Church in Armenia.
** Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord
------------------------------------------------------------
On Sunday, 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.
On Saturday, January 5, 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 the cathedral dean, the Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon
Kiledjian.
On 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. Sarkis Jebejian 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 Shushi Dance Ensemble of
St. Vartan Cathedral, under the direction of choreographer Seta
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=39e33a956e&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-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://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=13d000e964&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
and to view a brief video
(http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=f8e1288937&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
about Christmas in the Armenian Church.
** Scripture of the Week
------------------------------------------------------------
Ti 2:11-15
Mt 1:18-25
** 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
------------------------------------------------------------
His Holines Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians
His Holiness Karekin II.
** New Year Message of His Holiness Karekin II
------------------------------------------------------------
In his New Year message, His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme
Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, reflected on the
accomplishments of the Armenian people over the past year.
`It is my prayer that 2013 may be a year of peace and prosperity for
the world and the Armenian people in Armenia and the diaspora,' he
said. `May our faith and national identity inspire us to carry forward
our heritage and to realize new dreams and visions for the blossoming
of our homeland.'
Click here
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1P-KZ4C-38Q&feature=share&list=UUm03-iV0O8sSMpOyQK3Qjcg&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view His Holiness Karekin II's video message in Armenian.
** DIOCESAN NEWS
------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Appeal
** Support the Diocese's 2012 Annual Appeal
------------------------------------------------------------
The Eastern Diocese's 2012 Annual Appeal is drawing to a close=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=2d766b3c71-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=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
about the 2012 Annual Appeal.
Home blessing
** Home Blessing in the Christmas Season
------------------------------------------------------------
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, click here
(http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/faith-and-worship/home-blessings/?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
.
FAR
>From left: Dr. Hambardzum Simonyan, Dr. Harout Mangoyan, and Dr. Emil
Vardapetyan at the year-end event last month.
** FAR Says Thanks to its Network of Doctors in Armenia
------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund for Armenian Relief's Healthcare and Social Programs
Department held a program last month at the Aram Khachaturian
House-Museum in Yerevan to express gratitude to the organization's
network of doctors. The doctors have made contributions to FAR's
Continuing Medical Education program, helping train other health
professionals in Armenia's regional hospitals. The event featured a
tour of the museum, musical performances, and a reception. Click here
(http://bit.ly/10UHlro?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view photos.
CME was established in 2005 by FAR in collaboration with FAR's
Fellowship Alumni Association. The program enhances the professional
training of physicians in Armenia, Javakhk, and Nagorno-Karabagh by
creating opportunities to train and learn the latest medical
technologies, to upgrade physicians' computer and English-language
skills, to network and information exchange, and to improve medical
supplies in regional hospitals.
** PARISH NEWS
------------------------------------------------------------
St. George Church, Hartford, CT
Sunday School students, teachers, and parents at a retirement
community in Hartford.
** Hartford Sunday School Spreads Christmas Cheer
------------------------------------------------------------
Last month students at the St. George Church Sunday School of
Hartford, CT, made their annual visit to parishioners who are unable
to attend church on Sundays.
Following a luncheon and a morning of cookie decorating, students
visited parishioners Albert and Lillian Kandarian at a local
retirement community, where they sang Christmas carols and delivered
the cookie trays they had prepared earlier in the day. Assisting the
students were Sunday School co-superintendents Cynthia Messikian and
Virginia Wasynczuk, teachers, parents, and the parish pastor, the
Rev. Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian.
The Christmas caroling party has become a tradition of the St. George
Church Sunday School. Parishioners say it allows young people to learn
the importance of volunteering, and brings joy to those who are
homebound.
Click here
(http://smu.gs/S7pxXE?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view the day's photos.
Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church ACYOA, Providence, RI
ACYOA Juniors deliver gift bags to the Hasbro Children's Hospital.
** Holiday Youth Ministry in Providence, RI
------------------------------------------------------------
This holiday season, Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI,
continued its robust schedule of activities for youth and service to
the community.
On November 16, young people attended a Providence Bruins hockey game
and shared dinner after kicking off their Christmas holiday outreach
initiatives. On November 24, they co-hosted a sold-out holiday concert
with Onnik Dinkjian.
On December 16, a group of 34 ACYOA Juniors-led by parish pastor the
Rev. Fr. Shnork Souin, youth director Stephen Megrdichian, and
parents-visited nursing homes and homebound parishioners to sing
Christmas carols. Later the group enjoyed a Christmas dinner at
Wright's Farms.
The ACYOA Juniors also delivered clothing, toys, books, and other
donated items to three local charities, and delivered gift bags
created during Sports Weekend to the Hasbro Children's Hospital.
St. Leon Church Christmas Pagent, NJ
Sunday School children perform in the St. Leon Church Christmas
pageant.
** Little Angels Sing at St. Leon Church in Fair Lawn, NJ
------------------------------------------------------------
The Sunday School of St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, held its
Christmas pageant last month. The program was dedicated to
appreciating the special place that angels hold in the Armenian
Church.
Students sang Armenian and English hymns, and read narrations
describing these divine creations. The program concluded with the
teachers singing =80=9CThe Twelve Days of Christmas.'
Click here
(http://smu.gs/RvmE15?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view photos.
St. James Church Christmas Eve, Watertown, MA
A Sunday School student reads from the Gospel at St. James Church.
** Christmas Carols Fill Sanctuary in Watertown, MA
------------------------------------------------------------
On Monday, December 24, parishioners gathered in the sanctuary of
St. James Church in Watertown, MA, for a Christmas Eve candlelight
service.
The evening began with Gospel readings by the Sunday School students,
followed by a program of Christmas carols and instrumental
performances. The Rev. Fr. Arakel Aljalian, parish pastor, delivered a
message on the meaning of Christmas, revealed in the love and light of
Christ's birth.
A reception followed the program in the church's Armene & Veronica
Tarvezian Hall. Click here
(http://smu.gs/ZY47iY?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view photos.
Fr. Khachatur
Fr. Khachatur Kesablyan.
** Appreciation Dinner in Chelmsford, MA
------------------------------------------------------------
Some 175 parishioners and friends gathered for an `Appreciation Family
Dinner' last month to mark the Rev. Fr. Khachatur Kesablyan's fifth
anniversary as pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church of Chelmsford, MA, and
to recognize the loving and active support of Yn. Anna Kesablyan.
Representatives of various parish organizations expressed their
gratitude to Fr. Kesablyan for his pastoral leadership of
Sts. Vartanantz Church. A slide show highlighted the growth of church
organizations and membership over the past five years.
Fr. Kesablyan thanked the community for its warmth, and shared his
vision for the next chapter of the parish's history. Click here
(http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/Chelmsford2012.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to read more.
Upcoming Events
** Upcoming Parish Events
------------------------------------------------------------
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=2d766b3c71-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=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view a flyer for more information.
** YOUTH NEWS
------------------------------------------------------------
ASP
ASP participants visit churches and other historic sites in the
homeland.
** Register for the Armenia Service Program
------------------------------------------------------------
The ACYOA Central Council has announced that the 2013 Armenia Service
Program is scheduled for July 1-20.
The program of travel and service gives young adults (ages 18 to 28) a
unique opportunity to discover their homeland and to serve its people
in a meaningful way. In 2013, the service component of the trip will
be carried out in partnership with the Fund for Armenian Relief and
the Fuller Center for Housing.
For information, click here
(http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=4b8e93a1fa&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view a flyer, or contact Nancy Basmajian, ACYOA executive
secretary, at [email protected]
(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 4, 2013
------------------------------------------------------------
Nativitiy of Our Lord Jesus Christ
The altar icon of St. Hripsime Church in Armenia.
** Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord
------------------------------------------------------------
On Sunday, 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.
On Saturday, January 5, 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 the cathedral dean, the Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon
Kiledjian.
On 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. Sarkis Jebejian 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 Shushi Dance Ensemble of
St. Vartan Cathedral, under the direction of choreographer Seta
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=39e33a956e&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-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://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=13d000e964&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
and to view a brief video
(http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=f8e1288937&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
about Christmas in the Armenian Church.
** Scripture of the Week
------------------------------------------------------------
Ti 2:11-15
Mt 1:18-25
** 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
------------------------------------------------------------
His Holines Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians
His Holiness Karekin II.
** New Year Message of His Holiness Karekin II
------------------------------------------------------------
In his New Year message, His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme
Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, reflected on the
accomplishments of the Armenian people over the past year.
`It is my prayer that 2013 may be a year of peace and prosperity for
the world and the Armenian people in Armenia and the diaspora,' he
said. `May our faith and national identity inspire us to carry forward
our heritage and to realize new dreams and visions for the blossoming
of our homeland.'
Click here
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1P-KZ4C-38Q&feature=share&list=UUm03-iV0O8sSMpOyQK3Qjcg&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view His Holiness Karekin II's video message in Armenian.
** DIOCESAN NEWS
------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Appeal
** Support the Diocese's 2012 Annual Appeal
------------------------------------------------------------
The Eastern Diocese's 2012 Annual Appeal is drawing to a close=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=2d766b3c71-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=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
about the 2012 Annual Appeal.
Home blessing
** Home Blessing in the Christmas Season
------------------------------------------------------------
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, click here
(http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net/faith-and-worship/home-blessings/?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
.
FAR
>From left: Dr. Hambardzum Simonyan, Dr. Harout Mangoyan, and Dr. Emil
Vardapetyan at the year-end event last month.
** FAR Says Thanks to its Network of Doctors in Armenia
------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund for Armenian Relief's Healthcare and Social Programs
Department held a program last month at the Aram Khachaturian
House-Museum in Yerevan to express gratitude to the organization's
network of doctors. The doctors have made contributions to FAR's
Continuing Medical Education program, helping train other health
professionals in Armenia's regional hospitals. The event featured a
tour of the museum, musical performances, and a reception. Click here
(http://bit.ly/10UHlro?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view photos.
CME was established in 2005 by FAR in collaboration with FAR's
Fellowship Alumni Association. The program enhances the professional
training of physicians in Armenia, Javakhk, and Nagorno-Karabagh by
creating opportunities to train and learn the latest medical
technologies, to upgrade physicians' computer and English-language
skills, to network and information exchange, and to improve medical
supplies in regional hospitals.
** PARISH NEWS
------------------------------------------------------------
St. George Church, Hartford, CT
Sunday School students, teachers, and parents at a retirement
community in Hartford.
** Hartford Sunday School Spreads Christmas Cheer
------------------------------------------------------------
Last month students at the St. George Church Sunday School of
Hartford, CT, made their annual visit to parishioners who are unable
to attend church on Sundays.
Following a luncheon and a morning of cookie decorating, students
visited parishioners Albert and Lillian Kandarian at a local
retirement community, where they sang Christmas carols and delivered
the cookie trays they had prepared earlier in the day. Assisting the
students were Sunday School co-superintendents Cynthia Messikian and
Virginia Wasynczuk, teachers, parents, and the parish pastor, the
Rev. Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian.
The Christmas caroling party has become a tradition of the St. George
Church Sunday School. Parishioners say it allows young people to learn
the importance of volunteering, and brings joy to those who are
homebound.
Click here
(http://smu.gs/S7pxXE?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view the day's photos.
Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church ACYOA, Providence, RI
ACYOA Juniors deliver gift bags to the Hasbro Children's Hospital.
** Holiday Youth Ministry in Providence, RI
------------------------------------------------------------
This holiday season, Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Church of Providence, RI,
continued its robust schedule of activities for youth and service to
the community.
On November 16, young people attended a Providence Bruins hockey game
and shared dinner after kicking off their Christmas holiday outreach
initiatives. On November 24, they co-hosted a sold-out holiday concert
with Onnik Dinkjian.
On December 16, a group of 34 ACYOA Juniors-led by parish pastor the
Rev. Fr. Shnork Souin, youth director Stephen Megrdichian, and
parents-visited nursing homes and homebound parishioners to sing
Christmas carols. Later the group enjoyed a Christmas dinner at
Wright's Farms.
The ACYOA Juniors also delivered clothing, toys, books, and other
donated items to three local charities, and delivered gift bags
created during Sports Weekend to the Hasbro Children's Hospital.
St. Leon Church Christmas Pagent, NJ
Sunday School children perform in the St. Leon Church Christmas
pageant.
** Little Angels Sing at St. Leon Church in Fair Lawn, NJ
------------------------------------------------------------
The Sunday School of St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, held its
Christmas pageant last month. The program was dedicated to
appreciating the special place that angels hold in the Armenian
Church.
Students sang Armenian and English hymns, and read narrations
describing these divine creations. The program concluded with the
teachers singing =80=9CThe Twelve Days of Christmas.'
Click here
(http://smu.gs/RvmE15?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view photos.
St. James Church Christmas Eve, Watertown, MA
A Sunday School student reads from the Gospel at St. James Church.
** Christmas Carols Fill Sanctuary in Watertown, MA
------------------------------------------------------------
On Monday, December 24, parishioners gathered in the sanctuary of
St. James Church in Watertown, MA, for a Christmas Eve candlelight
service.
The evening began with Gospel readings by the Sunday School students,
followed by a program of Christmas carols and instrumental
performances. The Rev. Fr. Arakel Aljalian, parish pastor, delivered a
message on the meaning of Christmas, revealed in the love and light of
Christ's birth.
A reception followed the program in the church's Armene & Veronica
Tarvezian Hall. Click here
(http://smu.gs/ZY47iY?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view photos.
Fr. Khachatur
Fr. Khachatur Kesablyan.
** Appreciation Dinner in Chelmsford, MA
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Some 175 parishioners and friends gathered for an `Appreciation Family
Dinner' last month to mark the Rev. Fr. Khachatur Kesablyan's fifth
anniversary as pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church of Chelmsford, MA, and
to recognize the loving and active support of Yn. Anna Kesablyan.
Representatives of various parish organizations expressed their
gratitude to Fr. Kesablyan for his pastoral leadership of
Sts. Vartanantz Church. A slide show highlighted the growth of church
organizations and membership over the past five years.
Fr. Kesablyan thanked the community for its warmth, and shared his
vision for the next chapter of the parish's history. Click here
(http://gallery.mailchimp.com/727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5/files/Chelmsford2012.pdf?utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to read more.
Upcoming Events
** Upcoming Parish Events
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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=2d766b3c71-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
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Movie
** "If Only Everyone" Film Screening at the Diocese
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`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=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view a flyer for more information.
** YOUTH NEWS
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ASP
ASP participants visit churches and other historic sites in the
homeland.
** Register for the Armenia Service Program
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The ACYOA Central Council has announced that the 2013 Armenia Service
Program is scheduled for July 1-20.
The program of travel and service gives young adults (ages 18 to 28) a
unique opportunity to discover their homeland and to serve its people
in a meaningful way. In 2013, the service component of the trip will
be carried out in partnership with the Fund for Armenian Relief and
the Fuller Center for Housing.
For information, click here
(http://armenianchurch.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=727aaae8ea56658ecf4a092d5&id=4b8e93a1fa&e= 3aa2e2c3e9&utm_source=Eastern+Diocese+E-Newsletter&utm_campaign=2d766b3c71-February_9_20122_9_2012&utm_medium=email)
to view a flyer, or contact Nancy Basmajian, ACYOA executive
secretary, at [email protected]
(mailto:[email protected]) .