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CC HH AA LL II CC EEJanuary - February - March 2005

Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church315 Church Street, Whitinsville, MA 01588

Tel: 508-234-3677 Fax: 508-234-4333www.armenianchurchofwhit.org

Rev. Fr. Aram Stepanian, Pastor

CHALICE

A publication of:St. Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic

Church

Rev. Fr. Aram Stepanian, Pastor

Editor: Alice Sagherian

Chairman: Joe Montecalvo508-234-5162

V. Chairman: Mark DerMugrditchian508-234-7930

Secretary: Rick Kazarian508-234-5028

Corr. Secretary: Lucy Almasian508-653-8515

Treasurer: Paul Mooradian508-520-7844

Asst. Treasurer: Aram Hazerjian508-234-4437

Advisors: Peter Bedrosian508-234-4043John Berberian508-842-5512Diran DerKosrofian508-234-0409

NRA Delegates: Alan GoshgarianJeffrey KalousdianAndre’ Markarian

Ladies Guild Carol TosoonianChairlady:

Sunday School Alan GoshgarianDirector:

Sunday WorshipAll Welcome

Morning Service - 9:30 a.m.Divine Liturgy (Soorp Badarak) - 10:00 a.m.

Sermon (English/Armenian) - 11:00 a.m.Sunday School (Sept-June) 10:00 a.m.

Divine Liturgy followed by fellowship and refreshments.

Air Conditioned Sanctuary and Hall

Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church315 Church Street, Whitinsville, MA 01588508-234-3677 fax: 508-234-4333

Rev. Fr. Aram Stepanian, PastorDirect office line: 508-865-2454 aram2@charter.net

web site: www.armenianchurchofwhit.org

inquiries: armenianchurch@comcast.net

HEAVENLY KING, MAINTAIN THY CHURCH UNSHAKENAND KEEP THE WORSHIPPERS OF THY NAME IN PEACE.

From our cover: This picture is takenfrom a collection of ArmenianMiniatures. It is entitled, “NativityScene” and beautifully portrays theMother Mary holding baby Jesus, asthe Three Kings look on. Thisminiature dates back to 1460.

EMMANUEL: GOD WITH US

The prophet Isaiah prophesized the coming of theChrist (the Anointed One), and foretold that He would becalled Emmanuel, which means "God With Us." (Isaiah 7:14;Matthew 1:23).

Christ was born-our Savior Jesus. God became manand gave His promise to hereafter eternally be with thosewho follow his commandments by words and deeds.

Perhaps life's most tragic condition is being alone. The main cause of weariness forpeople is loneliness-being isolated from those akin to us and being far away from friendships,from conversations, and the goodness we have for each other as human beings. We read thatafter creating the universe and mankind, God said, "It is not good that man should be alone."(Gn. 2:18). And He created woman, whom he called Eve, which means life giving, so that theheavy and difficult state of loneliness would be lifted, so that human beings would decorateand beautify life and relationships together.

And so it was that on another day, God again interceded into the life of humans andgave Mankind the greatest and renewing gift-God's association. Jesus Himself. So thathumans would never again feel alone, nor remain alone, just as Jesus' disciples believed,lived and transmitted to us. They, even in the isolation of prison, did not feel alone andenjoyed God's gift-Christ-who provided friendship, comfort, sympathy and strength tohumankind's weakened body and nature.

It is Holy Christmas again. It is the season when in our search for narrow and selfishworldly wishes and desires we expose universal values-freedom, love, respect, humility, meek-ness, charity and goodness. Let us strive to find all these that truly keep us in a pleasant con-dition, so that we feel God's presence, proclaim our faithfulness toward Him and His com-mandments, and never feel alone. What meaning is there in a Christian life if we are only ofthis world and do not consider God's intervention in our lives. Christmas is the incarnationof Divine virtues. It is true happiness, it is humanity's salvation, and it is God's love that wecan share with each other like a gift.

Can we turn hate into love? Can we destroy anger with forgiveness? Can arroganceand pride be softened through humility? Can we mitigate loss through Christ? Or change thedeath of the world into life through Christ? We can feel the joy of the birth of Christ,

Prelacy Message

because God is with us; turbulent fire in our souls is extinguished and love is victorious,because God is with us, war ends and peace prevails; because God is with us; we hear thegood news of the Angels, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towardmen," (Luke 2:14), because God is with us.

On the occasion of the New Year and the Holy Birth, let us feel God's descent in ourhearts and recognize it as a gift distributed to us. Let us act such that our work and life willbe a Christian gift first to God and then to each other, turning our New Year to thanksgiving.

Yes, God Himself is with us. Amen.

Archbishop Oshagan CholoyanPrelateEastern United States of America

ChristmasJanuary 6, 2005

Prelacy Message, con’t

"HIS (JESUS') NAME WILL BE CALLED ...WONDERFUL, COUNSELOR, MIGHTY GOD, EVERLASTING FATHER,

PRINCE OF PEACE." (Is. 9:6)

This quote from the Bible is a very familiar verse, but it may sound con-troversial because we live in a world in which we are witnessing warsand the possibilities of more wars.

The Message of peace given by the Bible is as relevant today as it wassome 2000 years ago.

The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, has not changed over the years, but people have changed. Itmay sound paradoxical to say that Christ has been called the "Prince of Peace" and that He claimed to havethe only perfect and true peace for mankind, yet the present condition of our world today is far from peace-ful. People often ask; "Where is the promised peace? Where is the Prince of Peace to control the chaotic sit-uation of the present world, and end the wars?"

It is also possible that these same questions were asked to Isaiah, because he also stated that the world wasin a state of turmoil. Isaiah has written; "They will look to the earth, and see trouble and darkness, gloomand anguish, and they will be driven into darkness." (Is. 8:22)

A few years ago, millions of Americans watched the film, "The Day After," which portrayed the effects of anatomic bomb. Preparations were made by public schools, television broadcasting stations, and radio sta-tions for people who were to view the film, so that they could be better informed and not be shocked by theresults of an atomic bomb. Hot lines were even set up by the television stations so that care would be set upfor people who were emotionally and psychologically upset by the film and needed counseling.

HOW CAN WE HAVE PEACE?

After watching the film, I compared it to John's Book of Revelation, the Armageddon. The illustration of thefilm was very milled compared to what the Bible says about the end of the world. According to the Bible theworld is going to face more troubles and tribulations than what we saw in the movie.

According to St. Peter; "THE GLOBE AND ITS ELEMENTS WILL MELT WITH FERVENT HEAT BOTHTHE EARTH AND THE WORKS, THAT ALL IN IT WILL BE BURNED UP." (IIPeter 3:10)

The Apostle John writes, that "THE SKY RECEDED LIKE A SCROLL WHEN IT IS ROLLED UP ANDEVERY MOUNTAIN AND ISLAND WAS MOVED OUT OF ITS PLACE." Rev. 6:14)

My intentions are not to present a gloomier and darker picture of the world today than it already is, but tohelp people realize that the reason we have a chaotic and restless world today is because of the restless anddisturbed hearts of mankind. Jesus said, "FOR OUT OF THE HEART PROCEED EVIL THOUGHTS, MUR-DERS, ADULTERIES, FORNICATION, THEFTS, FALSE WITNESS, BLASPHEMIES," (Matt. 15:19)

Many times we put the blame in the wrong place. Do not blame the world for the condition that we are intoday; it is the people who can only be blamed. It is the people who have changed, not the world. Don't you

Pastor’s Message

agree that wars, hatred and all evil deeds are originated and planted in the human heart before they are putinto action? The Bible clearly states that, "THE HEART IS DECEITFUL ABOVE ALL THINGS, AND DES-PERATELY WICKED..." (Jer.17:9) Unless we realize and admit that our hearts must be changed throughJesus Christ, there will be no peace in our hearts, homes or in the world. No one can experience peace,unless they have invited THE PRINCE OF PEACE INTO THEIRHEARTS. And only God, the Author and the Fountain of peace cangrant us peace if we submit ourselves to Him. God is asking for yourheart. He says: "MY SON (DAUGHTER), GIVE ME YOUR HEART..."Once we submit our hearts to Him then this verse will become a realityto us.

"AND THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH TRANSCENDS ALL UNDER-STANDING, WILL GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND YOUR MINDS INCHRIST JESUS." (Phil. 4:7)

May God help us to invite Christ, the Prince of Peace, into our hearts,homes and in the nation, so that we may experience the true Message of Christmas throughout our lives.

I wish you and your loved ones a very Happy, Healthy and Joyous Christmas.

Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

Krisdos Dzunav Yev Haydnetzav,Orhnyal Ee Haydnootyoonun Krisdosi

Rev. Fr. Aram Stepanian

Pastor’s Message, con’t

“Mystery of the Last Supper”from the Armenian Miniatures

Collection, dated 1232.

As we welcome the coming holidays, we are mindful of another year spent with our church family.We look forward each Sunday to Der Aram's sermon and hopefully followed his every day Christian ways.

Our many programs throughout the year have been well supported and meaningful, in particular ourannual golf tournament, picnic and bazaar, all of which prove to be great hometown reunions happily sharedwith local and former residents, as well as friends from near and afar, enjoying the fellowship and cama-raderie with one another.

The members f the Trustees of Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church are grateful to begiven the opportunity to avail themselves as guardians and stewards in achieving the goals and stressing thesignificance of this church to prepare and guide its members and parishioners, to support our Der Hayr inhis endeavor to maintain and balance our church as our spiritual home.

We extend our Best Wishes to all for a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous Christmas and New Year.

Joseph MontecalvoChairman of the Board

THE MEANING OF THE CANDY CANE

There was a time during the latter part of the 18th century in England, when all reli-gious symbols were banned from public display. Christian brothers and sisters could nolonger recognize one another in public by the crosses they wore on their clothing or jewelry.During this time, it is told, there was a dedicated Christian candy maker who set out to findsome way members of the Christian family to identify each other in spite of the ban. Hebegan with a piece of pure white candy to signify the purity and holiness of Jesus. Next, hefashioned the candy into the shape of a shepherd's staff as a reminder that our Heavenlyfather is a good shepherds. Then, he placed three small red stripes around the candy to rep-resent the encompassing power and presence of the Trinity-the Father, The Son, and the HolySpirit. Finally he placed a single bold red strip through the candy to demonstrate theredeeming power of the blood that Christ shed upon the cross for each of us and the forgive-ness of sins.

We hope and pray that each time you see a candy cane during the holiday season, youwill be reminded of the love God has for you and the price Christ paid for your salvation.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Board of Trustees

ST. VARTAN'S ADDRESS TO HIS SOLDIERS ON THE EVE OF THE BATTLE OF AVARAYR, May 26, 451 AD

My Brave Companions, I have been in many battles, and you also with me.

Now, I entreat you, and more so as you albeit in bravery, worth, and inherited honours, greater than Ihave of your own free will and out of your love elected me your leader and chief; I entreat that my wordsmay be favourably received by the high and the low. Fear not the numbers of the heathens; withdraw notyour necks from the terrific sword of a mortal man, in order that the Lord may give the victory into ourhands, that we may annihilate their power and lift on high the standard of truth. Should the object of ourlives be completed by a holy death in battle, let us meet it with a joyful heart. May no cowardice show itselfin the midst of our valiant deeds.

"From this faith no one can shake us; neither angels nor men,neither sword, nor fire, nor water nor any blow however bitter it be."

YEGHISHE

ST. VARTAN'S MESSAGE TO OUR PRESENT GENERATION

If it were possible for Vartan Mamikonian to return to us this day, and to be given a chance to speak, he would, undoubtedly, give us, among many others, the following admonitions:

1. Hold fast to Christianity, because for its defense a valuable price has been paid on the battlefieldof Avarayr.

2. Encourage among the people the reading and teaching of the Holy Bible; receive the inspirationof its spiritual truths, even as we were inspired since the days of childhood.

3. Keep alive your national heritage, because your ancestors made a great sacrifice that they mightbequeath it to you.

4. Love your mother tongue! Keep the Armenian traditions which have reached you. Cultivate yournational virtues just as we did under very perilous conditions.

5. Do not bow before tyrants. Hold high the honor of your race! Under no condition or for any pricesacrifice your freedom of conscience.

6. Do not encourage among yourselves the Vasaks who are plotting against the highest interests ofthe nation. Beware of them! Do not cooperate with them in any way. Put away from yourselves fearand cowardice! Be brave-hearted Armenians.

7. And, be watchful-never sacrifice the best interests of the nation, in exchange for personal profit, orconduct. The price of liberty is eternal vigilance

Krikor A. Sarafian

Vartanantz Day, Feb. 3rd

A note from bazaar chairperson, Mary Amorello:

Well, we made it. Another successful bazaar and this year, a lot of new changes.

Thank you all very much for your wonderful cooperation. This year was a first for me andyes, I did stumble quite a bit. However I loved working under pressure (ha ha) because all of you showed me the way.

My very sincere thanks to Joanne Hoard, whom I depended on and leaned on every day formonths. Many, many thanks to everyone for all their hard work. The tables were beautifuland very creative, the food from the kitchen was superb and everyone was pleased! Theladies baked for months and sold out of everything. That should tell you something!!

Thanks to the many workers behind the scenes, some of the most important people. Wecouldn't have done it without you!

Each year seems to grow with new faces, new hope, and lots of love. We are growing as achurch and I'm pleased to be part of it.

Thanks again from both myself, Mary Amorello, Chairperson and of course Joanne Hoard,Co-Chair.

Bazaar 2004

A picture of the packed hall at this year’s bazaar, held on November 13th.

In a break with a longstanding tradition of holding our church "holiday" bazaar the first Saturday inDecember, this year's annual event was held November 13 at the Christian Reformed church hall, the fourthyear we have held our bazaar there. The change to an earlier date was decided upon this year to avoid arepeat of last year's emergency cancellation of the bazaar and its rescheduling for the following week at the

Northbridge High School auditorium due to an early seasonnor'easter. Yet, lo and behold, the snow followed us along toour new date this year and the ground was blanketed onceagain with a white snow covering! Fortunately, the fallingflakes stopped just in the nick of time on Saturday morningas the temperatures warmed, the roads cleared and the hallfilled with plenty of happy shoppers and hungry eaters.

A festive fall decorating themefeaturing rich autumn colors waschosen by incoming chairperson

Mary Amorello. As a first time chair for the event, Mary did an outstanding job ofhandling the transition to our new date and theme. The hall looked beautiful andall tables were well organized and overflowing with foods, gifts and fun. Theaddition of large, 8-foot white signs lettered in black helped to clearly identifyeach table in the hall at a glance. Ricky Bedrosian donated the labor to build thesigns and stands and set them up at the bazaar, and Koopman's donated the lum-ber...another reason to patronize our local businesses in town who support townevents, unlike the large store chains which generally have "no donation" policiesfor small town events. George Khouri, friend of Joanne Hoard's, painted all thesigns and stands white and did a super job of applying the black vinyl letters in perfectly straight lines. Whata job that must have been! These signs can be used year after year, and the backs of the signs are also avail-able for other messages we may need to publicize from time to time.

According to Mary, it was co-chair Joanne Hoard who helped guide herthrough this first year of many unknowns, relying on her experience as

bazaar co-chair for the past few years. But Joanne credits AliceSagherian as the true source of experienceand expertise in running the bazaar, a posi-tion she held for many, many years. Thankyou Alice! At Mary's request, AniGigarjian created feedback forms for all

table chairs to fill out which have detailednotes about what needs to be done for that

table each year. This should make next year'sbazaar run even smoother. Mary notes that the

chairperson's main job is to delegate, communicate andalleviate the "little problems" that could ultimately turn into big problems and dis-content. However, any bazaar chairperson should expect several weeks of non-stoprunning, calling, checking and rechecking hundreds of details.

BAZAAR 2004By Carol Bedrosian

As always, special thanks must be given to the ladies of the church who spend hours, days and monthspreparing the delicious Armenian food which is the heart, soul and pocketbook of the bazaar's success. Thisyear, additional food orders were placed at the bazaar to be available in December, bringing in close to anadditional $1,000. Great idea!

At the recent Ladies Guild Christmas party, CokeGigarjian treated all those present to a special showingof videos he had made in November 1993 and 1996 of theladies in action during bazaar baking sessions. What aprecious trip down memory lane! In these videos we see

some of the extraordinarywomen - headed by Diggin

Almas Boghosian - whohave served our churchfor many years, as wellas some of those who have passed on: Diggins Altoun Elmasian, MariDerKosrofian, Jenny Bedigian and Armenhoui Tiberian. Also shown wasDiggin Pauline Ovian, now homebound, and Diggin Clara Ampagoomian

in 1993, just 2 weeks before suffering the devastating stroke which has sinceconfined her to St. Camillus extended care. We thank all of these women for

their continued dedication and hard work, and the community they have nur-tured at our church. We pray that these traditions can continue and that the recipes

will not be lost. Perhaps we should film the complete step by step series for all these delicious foods?!

We are grateful for another successful bazaar year and thank our Creator for such rich and continued bless-ings for the Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian community.

BAZAAR 2004

Our Sunday School year is about three months old, and thus far everything is going well. Attendance is good,and it is nice to see and hear the children in church again. I am

pleased with the quality ofthe lessons being taughteach week. Our teachersshow a high level of prideand talent in all that theyoffer the kids.

Following a special first dayof classes (the children were

given souvenirs from Armenia),the school celebrated a Back to

School Party at the home of Susan and Peter Baghdasarian. Feedingthe burros and hay rides through the woods were among the manytreats planned for the kids that day.

For the past two months, we have been working hard at preparing thisyear's Christmas pageant: The First Leon. In this charming musicaldrama, the Christmas story will be seen through the eyes of a youngboy named Leon. When Leon discovers that his name spelled backwards is Noel, he feels called to tell theworld the true meaning of Christmas. Our presentation this year was December 19, immediately followingSoorp Badarak. Following the performance, the children and all of our guests enjoyed refreshments, aChristmas party and a visit from Santa in the church hall.

Refreshments were prepared by the parents of the Sunday School children. Gifts for all of the children weredelivered by Santa. This annual event has become one of the highlights of the Sunday School year.

Warmly,

Alan GoshgarianDirector

Sunday School News

Mary DerKosrofian driving the tractor withPeter Baghdasarian looking on.

The First day of Sunday School

Below: Sunday School students help make brownies, cookies and fudge to sell at the annu-al church picnic. Proceeds help support Nelly, the Sunday School’s adopted orphan.

Season Greetings from our Ladies Guild

We started our year in September with a farewell to our outgoing president Joanne Hoard for hersuccessful tenure and a job well done. Carol Tosoonian took on the reigns as our new president. The meet-ing concluded with a Kheyma dinner with 30 members present.

In June we participated in the Picnic in the Park, one of our annual favorite community events whichpeople look forward to attending. This event proves to be a good moneymaker for both the Gym as well as tous.

The Ladies voted to be responsible for the cost of new choir robes which are being made inWatertown, hopefully in time for Easter.

We have formulated a visiting committee, who make visits to members and families of the Guild whoare recuperating in hospitals, nursing homes and to the bereaved as necessary.

Ladies as usual worked two days each week starting in August for the food table for our annualbazaar. Many ladies gave of their time and effort to make our table one of the most successful of the event.

On Saturday, October 16th a kheyma dinner was held at Church which was well supported by ourparishioners. These periodic dinners help to augment our treasury.We attended a Northbridge Historical program at the Whitinsville Social Library for an interesting lecture onPresidents of the United States, starting with George Washington to George W. Bush.

Yeretzgin Margaret headed a group of our members and parishioners to a showing of a Christmasextravaganza in Waltham in December for an exciting day.

The Guild as adopted an Armenian orphan by the name of Kevork Manoogian who writes to us annu-ally in appreciation for our donation on his behalf.

We have a Christmas Party each year with a dinner and program with exchange of gifts that alwaysseems to be a fun get together.

And last but not least, our ladies are responsible for the preparation of "Hokee Jash" as needed andwhen called upon.

We take this time to welcome new members to support and continue on with our Church's needs. Weare hopeful that members listed on our membership rolls will continue to update their membership duesfaithfully. For those who have not attended meetings for many months and are not up to date on their dues,we would appreciate a response so that our membership list can be updated.

Our annual dues are $5.00 and we meet on the first Monday of the month. However, because of nightdriving being problem to some of us, we recently voted to have our winter meetings on the first Wednesday ofeach month at 2:00 p.m.

Ladies Guild

A couple of Ladies Guild members working thebaked goods table at this year’s bazaar. MaryArakelian and Martha Garabedian, with Vivian

Nigro.

The Christian Education Committee (CEC) held its first meeting of the season on September 16, 2004.Current members are: Der Aram and Yeretsgin Margaret Stepanian, Diran Der Kosrofian (chairperson),Susana Der Kosrofian, Alan Goshgarian, John and Barbara Berberian, Linda and Magdy Faltous, AndreMarkarian, and Peter Bedigian.

It has been the goal and vision of the Christian Education Committee to develop, under Der Hayr's guid-ance, a variety of religious educational programs and activities to serve the uniqueness of our particularcommunity. As a first step to facilitate this objective, a questionnaire was developed and given to our parish-

ioners. The main purpose of this survey was to gather pertinent information inorder to better understand the spiritual needs and concerns of our church com-munity. The results of that questionnaire has been, and will continue to be, theguidepost of the CEC in establishing relevant Christian education activities. Inaddition to direct survey responses, parishioner's comments and suggestionsincluded on the questionnaire have also been most helpful and encouraging tothis committee.

The CEC is currently working on a number of new projects including mini les-sons on the Armenian Church that are presented by a CEC member by-monthlyat the end of Badarak. These lessons are very brief (just a minute or two) andpoint out various symbols of our church that are an integral part of the DivineLiturgy. It is our hope that with a deeper understanding of the sights and

sounds of the Armenian Church, parishioners will be able to more fully participate in the worship service. Inaddition to being verbally presented, these lessons are included in the weekly Sunday bulletin as well as onour Church web site.

Another new endeavor that is in the planning stage is the establishment of a Church resource lending library.This project is in response to the needs expressed in the CEC questionnaire and The Year of the ArmenianFamily Encyclical where our Catholicos Aram I calls for each home to be the center of Christian learning.The purpose of this library is to strengthen our church family by offering literary and media resources basedon Biblical truth and the teachings of the Armenian Apostolic faith. Material on a variety of topics, such asChristian parenting, saints and sacraments, and understanding the Badarak, is currently being gathered.

This month the CEC sponsored our church's very successful Chef of the Month dinner on December 18th. Adelicious roast lamb dinner with all the trimmings plus lots of fun and Christmas cheer was in store for allwho attended. Of course, as usual, there was no charge for children under 12.

The Christian Education Committee now has its own page on the Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church website(www.armenianchurchofwhit.org). Simply click on the CEC link on the home page to read about up andcoming CEC events as well as to review the Armenian Church mini lessons.

The CEC looks forward to continuing to serve the Christian educational needs of our church..Der Hayr and our entire committee wish you a very Merry and Blessed Christmas and a Healthy New Yearfilled with Joy.

Christian Education Committee

by Alice Sagherian

Well, it's that time of the year again...the Christmas Season.

But, first let me say the bazaar is now over -and what a success, despite the early morn-ing snow storm, we had a grand event. Bouquets to Mary Amorello, Joanna Hoard andtheir committee. Successful yes, because everyone worked together to achieve this spec-tacular event.

Special thanks to the women of the church, under the leadership of Margo Montecalvo,who spent two days a week for several months, preparing choreag, lamejuen, koofta, bor-ags and much more to insure the success of our bazaar.

Winners of the Bazaar raffle were, first price Margo Montecalvo, second prize went toJohn Bashian from New Jersey, and third price winner was Norma Peterson of Douglas,and four prize was won by Sara Barsamian. Congratulations!

A Blackstone Valley Chorus has been form, if interested, contact Diane Pillard at 508-278-3468.

The NAC Food Pantry is always in need of your help. Canned goods, paper goods, cakemixes etc. You may drop off your donations at the church. The NAC Food Pantry isopen on Tuesday from 10:00AM until noon and on Thursday from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, and islocated at the Northbridge Senior Center.

Our monthly dinners, sponsored by the Board have been received very well by our parish-ioners and friends...present as our last dinner along with all our other faithful supporters,was Vicky and Nish Ovian who have just moved back into town.

April 24, 2005 marks the 90th year Anniversary of the 1915 Armenian Genocide.Whatever commemorative function is planned, please be present and pledge your eternalremembrance to the memory of the one and one half million innocent compatriots who losttheir lives to Turkish violence.

February 6th marks the begining of the Lenten Season. Der Hayr will hold Lenten servicesevery Thursday during Lent. Services will be from seven to eight o'clock in the evening.

February 3rd is St. Vartanantz Day...an article in reference to this day can be found else-where in this issue of the CHALICE. Please take the time to read it.

continued on next page

Potpouri

Potpouri, cont.

Leaves, leaves everywhere, thank you Gerry Jackman, (Jackman Funeral Home) for pro-viding the blower enabling those racking , Alan Goshgarian, Eddie Merian, and MikeGonynor to complete the job in record time.

Fourteen Thanksgiving food baskets and turkeys were provided and distributed to theneedy, here in Whitinsville; this is a program sponsored by the NorthbridgeAssociation of Churches of which St. Asdvadzadzin is a member.

MARCH 13th - The traditional Lenten Luncheon will be presented by the Ladies Guild ofthe church. Please mark your calendars.

and ...then it's Easter, March 27th.

BUT FIRST...Merry Christmas!

Gifts to our Church

Ms. Florence Zeroogian $l000.00

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Ovian 50.00In loving memory of Harry (Skitch) Asadoorian

Mr. & Mrs. Henry Ekanian l00.00in loving memory of their parents: Anteras and Varter Bedigian and Hagop and Seranoosh Eknaian

Additional Donations in Memory of Isabelle HagopianRoxy Ryan Irene & Roxie Tiberian Harry & Sonia DodakianNay & Jack Avakian Gregory Kachagian Dona NashawatyJohn & Araxie Kourkounian

Chalice donationsAza Misakian 25.00

The above donations are gratefully received. Thank you. -- Pastor and Board of Trustees

*Card of Thanks*

Thank you to all my friends and family for their cards, callsand prayers during my recovery after surgery.

Jeanne Papazian

Sacraments

Memorial DonationsIn Lieu of Flowers in Memory of Angel Ovian Byrne

Mr & Mrs Edward Ovian Eddie & Wendy Ovian, Ross & Carrie Ovian Smith

Aroxy ZacarianG & J Norden FamilyKarney OvianMs Esther M OvianMr & Mrs John SantoianDiana & Karnig OvianHarry & Grace KazarianNancy MoscofianTed & Vivian NigroJoe & Margo MontecalvoMrs Sue L. Martin

Sandra & Pauline OvianRose OvianTony & Kathleen AntonucciOhhanes & Araxie KourkounianPaul & Dorothy ArakelianMr & Mrs Jack AvakianAlice SagherianLiberty Malcus & Pauline HagopianRoxie & Irene TiberianGeorge & Nancy GigarjianMike & Alice OvoianHelen AtamianMrs Grace Kazarian

Sylvia BedrosianAnnie MalkasianSuzanne BedrosianJerry & Armen BagdasarianDona NashawatyMr & Mrs Sebouh KalousdianMargaret HougasianAgnes SprattMr & Mrs Peter AndonianAlmas BoghosianMrs Debra DemersLouise Biger

Total $1770

Weddings

Obituaries

Baptisms

Lori Anahid Altoonian to Matthew Christopher Porter, October 30, 2004Lori is the daughter of Jimmy and Priscilla Altoonian. Matthew is the son ofAlbert and Rosalie Porter.

Our congratulations to the happy couple.

Gabrielle Gallant was baptized on October 24, 2004. She is the daughterof Parrish and Rachel (Gonynor) Gallant. Godparents are Joanne Hoardand William Lewis.

“Come to me, all you who are wearyand burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28Angel L. (Ovian) Byrne, died October 19, 2004Our sympathies to her brother and his wife Edward and Alice Ovian and their family.

John Palulian, died October 26, 2004Our sympathies to his wife, Mary Palulian,his daughter, Joanne Hoard, his sonDaniel Palulian, his granddaughter, Jamie Hoard, his stepdaughters, Carol Tate andDebra Foxworthy, and his sisters Agnes Samara and Barbara Hovanesian.

Our sympathies to the families of the deceased.

Florence Zeroogian, died November 24, 2004Our sympathies to her sisters, Anne Merigian and Mona Talanian, and her brotherPaul Zeroogian.

Memorial Donations, con’t

Family of John PalulianGary & Janis ArvanigianMr & Mrs Ralph HovanesianGreg & Kachadoor KachigianPatricia & Garabed TopalianAlan GoshgarianAgnes SamaraGeorge & Nancy GigarjianVerkin ArakelianCarol TosoonianArakel ArakelianJohn Tosoonian & Lesia DiegoDerHayr & YeretsgeenKathy & Gerry GonynorJaffarian FamilyNicole & William WhitteseyLiberty Malcus, Pauline Hagopian

and Patricia BaldwinAnn HovanesianLinda VincentPeter & Celeste BedigianBruce & Ani GigarjianRosemary PapazianPaul HovanesianMary KachadoorianPeter HovanesianAlice SagherianHarry & Grace KazarianJoe & Margo MontecalvoNancy MoscofianMr & Mrs Ohhanes KourkounianCarol ArakelianBeatrice Toumanian

Mr & Mrs Paul AslanianJohn & Barbara BerberianVFW Post 6145Aram & Linda ArvanigianPaul & Dorothy ArakelianShirley DemagianKatherine IobstBernice KachadorianArmenian Relief Society-

Worcester "Knar" ChapterGeorge ArakelianGeorge & June BogoianPatricia AustinMr & Mrs Daniel AmorelloMr & Mrs Douglas McDonaldMr & Mrs Edward OvianCarol Bedrosian, Kevin Curtis

and Michella BedrosianMr & Mrs Jack AvakianMike & Cina KajoianJerry & Armen BagdasarianMartha B GarabedianElaine & Robert RamseySue AvakianVarsenig CotterSyliva BedrosianSuzanne BedrosianEva KopoyanBarbara PapazianJoseph & Lucy AlmasianAlice MarsoobianRoxi & Irene TiberianVictoria Bedigian

Rose MalkasianLucy BedrosianMargaret HougasianMary AmpagoomianElsie & Jake FrankianDona NashawatyMrs. Grace KazarianAnnie MalkasianAlmas BoghosianMr & Mrs Ralph GremoPearl HarutunianRose AslanianVarky & Mary ArakelianHelen TorigianFlorence EknoianVictoria GigarjianFlorence ZeroogianMr & Mrs Peter AndonianMr & Mrs K. BerberianJane & Jacques GagnonRita & Scott WallenFlorence AtanianBarbara ChandlerMr & Mrs Gerald PapazianRita McGrail & Carole FanningGerald JackmanMr & Mrs Robert ShemeligianLaura & Bruce Boghosian (donated tothe Armenian Tree Project)

Total $2525.

In Lieu of Flowers in Memory of John Palulian

In Lieu of Flowers in Memory of Florence Zeroogian

Anne MerigianBob & Almas MerigianRoy & Mona Talanian & familyOscar AsadoorianLucy Kheboian

John Provite IIIKatherine A O'BrienTom & Margo YaylaianAroxy AykanianRoxi & Irene Tiberian

Rose DerderianMr & Mrs Jerry Bagdasarian

Total $1265

Grateful acknowledgement is expressed to the families of the deceased for making it possible forfriends and relatives to contribute in their memory to our Church.

JANUARY 2005

January 5 - Armenian Christmas Eve Evening Service 5:00 p.m. January 5 - Reading from the Book of Daniel - 5:30 p.m. January 5 - Divine Liturgy (Soorp Badarak) - 6:00 p.m. January 6 - Armenian Christmas service begins at 9:30 a.m. January 6 - Blessing of the Water Service - 12:00 noon

FEBRUARY 2005

February 3 - St. Vartanantz DayFebruary 6 - Beginning of Lenten Season. Church services are held every Thursday during lent

from 7:00 to 8:00 PM.

MARCH 2005

March 13 - Annual Lenten Luncheon, immediately following church serviceMarch 20 - Palm Sunday - morning service starts at 9:30 a.m. March 20 - Trunpatzek - Opening of the Gates - 12:00 noon. March 24 - Maundy Thursday - Washing of the Disciples' Feet - 5:30 p.m. March 24 - Khavaroom (Betrayal of Jesus) - 6:30 p.m. March 25 - Good Friday - Service of Entombment - 7:00 p.m. March 26 - Sunday School Confession and Holy Communion, followed by Breakfast. - 9:00 a.m. March 26 - Holy Saturday - Evening Service/Jrakalooyts - 6:30 p.m. March 27 - Easter Sunday - morning service - 9:30 a.m.

APRIL 2005

April 24 - Armenian Martyrs Day. Details to follow regarding planned events.

MAY 2005

May 15 - Annual Church Banquet; Cock N’ Kettle Restaurant, Uxbridge. Details to follow.

Calendar of Events

For a full listing of all church events, please visit our web site at www.armenianchurchofwhit.organd click on the “Church Events” link.

Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church

315 Church StreetWhitinsville, Massachusetts 01588

U.S. PostagePaid

PERMIT # 78Whitinsville,MA 01588

www.armenianchurchofwhit.org

The Ladies Guild ofSoorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Church

Presents Its

ANNUAL LENTEN LUNCHEON

Sunday, March 13, 2005

12:00 noon

Church Hall at 315 Church StreetWhitinsville, MA

Menu: Vospov Kheyma, Yalanchi Sarma,Peanut Butter Kufta and Jello

Donations: $10.00 adult, $3.00 children

A special menu will be prepared for the children