rev. fr. hovel ohanyan october, 2012 “this was...

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Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan October, 2012 “This was from Me” by St. Seraphim of Viritsa Below is a copy of a letter that St. Seraphim of Viritsa sent to one of his spir- itual children, a bishop in a concentration camp in Soviet Russia. This was taken from the website “Orthodox Wiki”. Have you ever thought that everything that concerns you, concerns Me, also? You are precious in my eyes and I love you; for this reason, it is a special joy for Me to train you. When temptations and the opponent (the Evil One) come upon you like a river, I want you to know that This was from Me. I want you to know that your weak- ness has need of My strength, and your safety lies in allowing Me to protect you. I want you to know that when you are in difficult conditions, among people who do not understand you, and cast you away, This was from Me. I am your God, the circumstances of your life are in My hands; you did not end up in your position by chance; this is precisely the position I have appointed for you. Weren’t you asking Me to teach you humility? And there – I placed you precisely in the “school” where they teach this lesson. Your environment, and those who are around you, are performing My will. Do you have financial difficulties and can just barely survive? Know that This was from Me. I want you to know that I dispose of your money, so take refuge in Me and depend upon Me. I want you to know that My storehouses are inexhaustible, and I am faithful in My promises. Let it never happen that they tell you in your need, “Do not believe in your Lord and God.” Have you ever spent the night in suffering? Are you separated from your relatives, from those you love? I allowed this that you would turn to Me, and in Me find consolation and comfort. Did your friend or someone to whom you opened your heart, deceive you? This was from Me. I allowed this frustration to touch you so that you would learn that your best friend is the Lord. I want you to bring everything to Me and tell Me everything. Did someone slander you? Leave it to Me; be attached to Me so that you can hide from the “contradiction of the nations.” I will make your righteousness shine like light and your life like midday noon. Your plans were destroyed? Your soul yielded and you are ex- hausted? This was from Me. You made plans and have your own goals; you brought them to Me to bless them. But I want you to leave it all to Me, to direct and guide the circumstances of your life by My hand, because you are the orphan, not the protagonist. Unexpected failures found you and despair overcame your heart, but know That this was from Me. With tiredness and anxiety I am testing how strong your faith is in My promis- es and your boldness in prayer for your relatives. Why is it not you who entrusted their cares to My providential love? You must leave them to the protection of My All Pure Mother. Serious illness found you, which may be healed or may be incurable, and has nailed you to your bed. This was from Me. Because I want you to know Me more deeply, through physical ailment, do not murmur against this trial I have sent you. And do not try to understand My plans for Bible Readings Oct. 7 Mark 11:27-33 Oct. 14 Mark 12:35-44 Oct. 21 Luke 4:14-24 Oct. 28 Matt. 24:27-36 Marmin Daroonag Marmin derounagan, Yev aroon purgtchagan, Ga arachi The body of the Lord and the blood of the Savior are laid up. Yergnayin zoroutounken Hanerevooyts, The heavenly hosts invisibly sing and Yerken yev asen anhank- ist. Parparov Say with unceasing voice Soorp, Soorp, Soorp Der Zoroutiantz. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of hosts.

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Page 1: Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan October, 2012 “This was …stvartanoakland.org/images/newsletters/October_2012...Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan October, 2012 “This was from Me” by St. Seraphim

Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan October, 2012

“This was from Me” by St. Seraphim of Viritsa

Below is a copy of a letter that St. Seraphim of Viritsa sent to one of his spir-

itual children, a bishop in a concentration camp in Soviet Russia. This was taken from

the website “Orthodox Wiki”.

Have you ever thought that everything that concerns you, concerns Me, also?

You are precious in my eyes and I love you; for this reason, it is a special joy for Me to

train you. When temptations and the opponent (the Evil One) come upon you like a

river, I want you to know that This was from Me. I want you to know that your weak-

ness has need of My strength, and your safety lies in allowing Me to protect you. I

want you to know that when you are in difficult conditions, among people who do not

understand you, and cast you away, This was from Me.

I am your God, the circumstances of your life are in My hands; you did not end

up in your position by chance; this is precisely the position I have appointed for you.

Weren’t you asking Me to teach you humility? And there – I placed you precisely in

the “school” where they teach this lesson. Your environment, and those who are

around you, are performing My will. Do you have financial difficulties and can just

barely survive? Know that This was from Me.

I want you to know that I dispose of your money, so take refuge in Me and

depend upon Me. I want you to know that My storehouses are inexhaustible, and I am

faithful in My promises. Let it never happen that they tell you in your need, “Do not

believe in your Lord and God.” Have you ever spent the night in suffering? Are you

separated from your relatives, from those you love? I allowed this that you would turn

to Me, and in Me find consolation and comfort. Did your friend or someone to whom

you opened your heart, deceive you? This was from Me.

I allowed this frustration to touch you so that you would learn that your best

friend is the Lord. I want you to bring everything to Me and tell Me everything. Did

someone slander you? Leave it to Me; be attached to Me so that you can hide from the

“contradiction of the nations.” I will make your righteousness shine like light and your

life like midday noon. Your plans were destroyed? Your soul yielded and you are ex-

hausted? This was from Me.

You made plans and have your own goals; you brought them to Me to bless

them. But I want you to leave it all to Me, to direct and guide the circumstances of your

life by My hand, because you are the orphan, not the protagonist. Unexpected failures

found you and despair overcame your heart, but know That this was from Me.

With tiredness and anxiety I am testing how strong your faith is in My promis-

es and your boldness in prayer for your relatives. Why is it not you who entrusted their

cares to My providential love? You must leave them to the protection of My All Pure

Mother. Serious illness found you, which may be healed or may be incurable, and has

nailed you to your bed. This was from Me.

Because I want you to know Me more deeply, through physical ailment, do not

murmur against this trial I have sent you. And do not try to understand My plans for

Bible Readings

Oct. 7 Mark 11:27-33

Oct. 14 Mark 12:35-44

Oct. 21 Luke 4:14-24

Oct. 28 Matt. 24:27-36

Marmin Daroonag

Marmin derounagan, Yev

aroon purgtchagan, Ga

arachi

The body of the Lord and

the blood of the Savior

are laid up.

Yergnayin zoroutounken

Hanerevooyts,

The heavenly hosts

invisibly sing and

Yerken yev asen anhank-

ist. Parparov

Say with unceasing voice

Soorp, Soorp, Soorp Der

Zoroutiantz.

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord of

hosts.

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the salvation of people’s souls, but unmurmuringly and humbly bow your

head before My goodness. You were dreaming about doing something spe-

cial for Me and, instead of doing it, you fell into a bed of pain. This was

from Me.

Because then you were sunk in your own works and plans and I

wouldn’t have been able to draw your thoughts to Me. But I want to teach

you the most deep thoughts and My lessons, so that you may serve Me. I

want to teach you that you are nothing without Me. Some of my best chil-

dren are those who, cut off from an active life, learn to use the weapon of

ceaseless prayer. You were called unexpectedly to undertake a difficult and

responsible position, supported by Me. I have given you these difficulties

and as the Lord God I will bless all your works, in all your paths. In every-

thing I, your Lord, will be your guide and teacher. Remember always that

every difficulty you come across, every offensive word, every slander and

criticism, every obstacle to your works, which could cause frustration and

disappointment, This is from Me.

Know and remember always, no matter where you are, That what-

soever hurts will be dulled as soon as you learn In all

things, to look at Me. Everything has been sent to you by

Me, for the perfection of your soul. All these things were

from Me.

News From Our St. Vartan Family Condolences

On August 7, 2012 at St. Vartan Church the funeral service for Marguerite Hovsepian was presided over by

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, (who eulogized Mrs. Hovsepian) and Fr.

Hovel Ohanyan. The funeral was also attended by Archpriest Fr. Moushegh Tashjian (Founding Pastor of Alfred & Mar-

guerite Hovsepian School) and Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan (Pastor of St. Gregory Church/Hovsepian School). Mar-

guerite Hovsepian, with her late husband, Alfred, were great supporters of our Diocese, donated over $1 million to the

Hovsepian School, as well as making donations to Etchmiadzin and countless other charities.

On September 18 Fr. Hovel conducted funeral services for long-time St. Vartan member Hermine Boyadjian.

We offer our condolences to Hermine’s daughter and son-in-law, Aline and Tom Armstrong; son and daughter–in-law,

Arto and Esther Boyadjian; grandchildren, Tyler and Hayley Armstrong and Alexia Boyadjian; nieces, nephews, family

and friends.

Wedding

On September 8 Fr. Hovel joined Ruben Adamyan and Lilit Gulanyan in the sacrament of Holy Matrimony. The

best man was Grigor Gasparyan and the maid of honor was Suzanna Gasparyan.

On September 16 Fr. Hovel presented

Marie Hagopian with a plaque and a spe-

cial gift from the congregation, thanking

her for many years of service to St. Vartan

Sunday School.

St. Vartan deacons participated in Andastan,

the Blessing of the Four Corners, after Badarak on

Sunday, September 16, 2012, as the Church celebrated

the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.

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St. Vartan Church Parish Council gratefully acknowledges the following donations: In appreciation of Marie Hagopian’s years of service to the Sunday School —David and Nairy Colello

Anniversary Banquet Sponsor of St. Vartan documentary video—Oakland Triple X Fraternity, St. Vartan ACYO,

St. Vartan Ladies Society

The Voice Newsletter—Alice Doolittle, Charles and Mary Tateosian

Sunday School—Joe and Anne Keshishian, Evelyn Krikorian

Anniversary Banquet Sponsor—Flora Mirzaian

The Reverend Archpriest Fr. Mesrob Sarafian Scholarship for Religious Education Fund—Virginia Ratcliff

Bazaar Donations

Armenian Beer—David and Nairy Collelo Admission Booth –The Cogswell Family

Wine—Ed and Goldie Minasian Tan—Ed and Goldie Minasian

Games Booth—Chris and Lucy Yaldezian, David and Nairy Colello

Signs for Bazaar—Mike and Virginia Madajian

Armenian Beer—Gary & Satenik Eldemir, Janet and Harvey Kamian, Ayda Mansourian

Leg of lamb—Harry and Carol Dokouzian, Steve Maradian, the Diers Family, Alene Rudy, June Demerdjian,

Silva and Karnig Mikaelian, Rosalie Gifford, Bonnie and Jack Peterson, Richard Nikssarian, Mark and Maida Henesian,

Robert Arabian, Al and Mae Kaljjian, Myron and Arax Konjoyan, The Kalpakjian Family, Dorothy and Richard

Demirjian, Pete and Pat Barsamian, Hagop and Georgette DerGhazarian, Nelly and Arka Kargodorian, James Taylor III,

Annabelle Taylor, Don and Lisa Manoogian, Harry and Margaret Sherinian

Thank You

To the St. Vartan Parish Community: I would like to take this time to gratefully acknowledge all your

sympathy and donations to the church made on behalf of my be-

loved sister, Isabelle Magarian. Thanks so much for all of your

support.

I would also like to thank you all for your prayers and get-well

wishes for the speedy recovery of my recent foot surgery.

Once again, thanks to all for everything,

Annabelle Taylor

In Memory † Haig Harootenian

Louise Jorjorian (Sunday School), Norma Yaglijian (Building Fund),

Nora & Harvey Hanoian (Building Fund), George & Carol Rustigian,

Ron Kallan, Denise and Ron Navarra, Melvin and Diana Haas,

† Marguerite Hovsepian Lucy Tulanian, Ralph & Lillian Kalibjian, June Demerdjian, Ron Kallan

† Michel Tchakedjian

Vicken & Lilian Poladian, Rafi & Aida Chabo, Marie & Naaman

Abyad, Arekel & Araxi Derounian, Khalil & Satenig Zaki

† Neshan DerGhazarian

Hagop & Georgette DerGhazarian (bazaar leg of lamb)

†Irene and Haig Harootenian

Lou Aronian

† Fr. Mesrob Sarafian Bonnie & Jack Peterson (leg of lamb)

† Marian Mickaels June Demerdjian

† Don Arakelian Richard & Cynthia Nikssarian

ENDOWMENT FUND

In Memory

† Haig Harootenian

Anne Barsamian, Jack & Barbara

Bousian, Harry & Margaret

Sherinian, Diana Toomajian,

Ed & Suzanne Vasgerdsian,

Annabelle Taylor

† Marguerite Hovsepian

Richard & Satenig Demirjian,

Armen & Evelyn Boyd

With Gratitude On behalf of Dickie and myself I want to

express my appreciation to Der Hovel, friends

and parishioners for the prayers, telephone calls

and cards, especially from Ladies Society and

Parish Council of St. Vartan Church, for the

recent surgery that I had. Your best wishes ena-

bled me to have a quick recovery.

Respectfully,

Seno Garabedian

Our Appreciation

St. Vartan Church would like to thank

Virginia Ratciff for donating basil for our

Exhaltation of the Holy Cross service, and

thank Steve Donikian and Wartkes Hagopi-

an for delivering, washing and arranging the

basil.

Please keep St. Vartan Church updated with your correct address and phone number.

Send any new information to [email protected] or call the office at 510-893-1671.

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St. Vartan Cultural Committee Celebrates the

500th Anniversary of the Armenian Printing Press

Luncheon Concert

Sunday, November 11, 2012 12 Noon (Following Church Service)

St. Vartan Church Hall 650 Spruce St., Oakland

$25.00 Adults

$15.00 Students

For More Information: Liz Ojakian 510-351-6754 / [email protected]

Zaven Kanneian 510-528-1807 / zavenk2@gma

Featuring: Araks Aghazarian, piano; Armen Babasyan, trumpet; Chris Basil & Garegin Ordyan, guitar/vocal; Carol Braves, violin; Potts Cahill, harp; Suzanne

Chorbarian, vocal; Arpi Nakashian, piano/vocal; and Yn. Anahit Ohanyan, vocal

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An explanation of the “Resurrected” Crucifix (seen in the September issue of the Voice)

by Ed Minasian “In 1958, before returning home after two years of teaching in Germany, I wished to make a special gift to St.

Vartan Church befitting the first anniversary of its consecration. I visited Oberammergau in the Bavarian Alps, known

the world over for its “Passion Play”, whereas, every ten years, half of its 5000 population bring to life

the story of Jesus of Nazareth for audiences that flock in from around the world. Oberammergau is also

known as a great wood-carving center. It was there that I purchased a hand-carved Crucifix especially for

our church. Norma Yaglijian (then Toomajian) used this same Crucifix as a model in her rendition of a

striking painting that serves before a closed curtain during the Lenten season. I am very proud that this

Crucifix was resurrected once again for the pleasure of our St. Vartan Armenian Church parishioners.”

Hundreds Gather for Launch of AIWA San Francisco Affiliate

Event Celebrates Armenian Women: Past, Present and Future On Saturday, September 8 over 200 guests gathered at St. Vartan Armenian Church to celebrate the official

launch of the AIWA San Francisco affiliate. Parish Priest, Father Hovel Ohanyan opened the evening with a prayer and

read a special message sent from Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, who congratulated the establishment of the newly

formed affiliate.

“Armenian women are visionaries. They continue to shine in the fields of public service, law, science, business,

education, journalism, government, entertainment, and art. In dynamic world, Armenian professional women inspire

with their leadership. They enrich the souls of the community. They cherish their rich heritage and strengthen their cul-

tural identity. They educate, innovate and inspire. They are the pride of their respective communities whose success is

attributed to their profound dedication and commitment. Armenian women illuminate the hearts of their communities

because of their steadfast Christian Faith.

We commend the noble mission of AIWA of promoting and enriching the social, economic and personal ad-

vancement of Armenian women worldwide. May the Good Lord grant you strength, bless you abundantly and guide you

in your path to righteousness,” wrote His Eminence.

“Starting an AIWA San Francisco affiliate inspired our executive committee members after we attended the AI-

WA annual conference in San Francisco in October of 2011,” remarked Gaiane Khachatrian, AIWA SF President. “It’s

great to see our efforts become a reality in such a short period of time.”

The evening was led by Gasia Mikaelian, a KTVU-TV Bay Area news anchor who served as Mistress of Cere-

mony. The various speakers represented the Past, Present and Future of Armenian women. As an example of the Pre-

sent, Oakland native Katherine Sarafian, Producer of Pixar Animation Studios, “Brave,” shared many of her adventures

working on the film. Suzy Antounian, VP at the Global Philanthropy Forum, spoke about the need to empower more

women and girls in Armenia so that political and economic opportunities in the country are more evenly shared. She

highlighted the ways in which the Armenian diaspora can support and enable leaders in the non-governmental sector in

Armenia who are promoting the rights of women. Featuring one of the remarkable Armenian women of the Past, Mimi

Malayan, Executive Producer of the documentary, “The Unknown Force of Her People,” showed a short clip that high-

lighted the remarkable life of Dian Apcar.

It was an honor to have members of the founding executive committee members from the AIWA Los Angeles

affiliate in attendance. A special acknowledgement was given to Elizabeth Agbabian, Flora Dunaians, Hermine Janoyan

and Savey Tufenkian as well as, Nora Shirikian, the Director of the Armenian School in the East Bay, for their outstand-

ing work and commitment to the Armenian community.

The AIWA SF affiliate is already planning upcoming events for the Bay Area women.

Dear St. Vartan Parish Council members, On behalf of the AIWA San Francisco Executive Committee, we would like to extend our gratitude for your generous support and trust. Our AIWA SF launch celebration on September 8th in the St. Vartan Church Hall was a great success and it proved yet again the essential and invaluable nature of our community’s unity. For AIWA SF, this event marked the first step toward our remarkable and challenging journey that we believe can become a catalyst for change in the lives of many women and children in Armenia. We will continue to organize opportunities for dialogue and action in our community through events and workshops that will strengthen and solidify the existing dynamic relationship between AIWA SF, St. Vartan Armenian Church, and the greater Armenian community in the Bay Area. Thank you again and we look forward to continuing this crucial partnership in the years to come.

Sincerely, AIWA San Francisco Executive Committee

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Holy Women of the Armenian Church St. Shooshan the Martyr

The story of St. Shooshan (or Shooshanik) is the oldest surviving work of Georgian literature, and is believed to have

taken place in the mid-5th century. St. Shooshanik descended from a distinguished line of Christian saints that traces itself

back to St. Sahag. St. Sahag's daughter, Sahaganoosh, who married Hmazasb Mamigonian, bore a son St. Vartan, who, in turn,

had a daughter Shooshanik.

Shooshanik's marriage to Antipatros (cf. Varsken the Pitiakhsh), a prince and leader of the Georgians, proved to be a

tragic one. He had joined the Zoroastrian pagan religion of the magi, partly to seek favor from the Persian king, but also be-

cause of his own sinful ways. His unnatural lust for his own daughter brought much suffering

and pain to Shooshanik.

She reproached her husband and warned of God's righteous judgment, which punishes

those who break these laws. Because he dismissed these reproaches and denied the True God,

Shooshanik refused to share his bed. Enraged, he harassed, beat, and inflicted unspeakable tor-

tures upon her. For six years he tormented the blessed woman. Holding true to her Christian

faith, she patiently bore his cruelty.

As death neared, she summoned the chief bishop Samuel and his associate Hohan, who

had supported her throughout the long ordeal. They came and gave her their final blessing. Sim-

ilarly, all the noble lords, princesses, and gentry, as well as the common people, witnessed the

blessing and praised her as a valiant defender of the faith and a confessor of Christ. Bishops and

generals fought over who should receive the chains that had been on her feet, as a token of

blessing.

The blessed princess' response to all the commotion was a humble one: "I am unworthy

of all this, but do as you wish in accordance with your love of God ....Let Christ our God, who is

my Lord and hope, accept me and bless all of you and give good gifts according to each one's labor." She ordered her remains

to be buried at the site from which she was first dragged.

Until her final moments, she praised God for giving her strength to endure the tortures suffered in His name, and she

offered her prayer for God's mercy to be accepted into God's eternal kingdom. After her final "Amen" to all, her body was

cleaned and wrapped in fine linens and escorted with great honor by priests, deacons, and the people to the prepared tomb.

With psalms and thanksgiving they praised God through the night. The Passion of St. Shooshanik is commemorated on the

Tuesday of the week of the Lent of Holy Cross of Varak. The Orthodox Church celebrates the day on August 28/September 10

each year.

St. Santoukhd, the First Martyr

The story of St. Santoukhd, the first Armenian saint, is inextricably bound to that of Saint Thaddeus. Thaddeus, one of

Christ's holy disciples, was charged by Peter, leader of the disciples, to spread Christianity in Armenia in the 1st century A.D.

In his travels to Urfa, St. Thaddeus healed King Abgar, king of the Armenians and Assyrians. This miracle, witnessed by oth-

ers, led to the king's conversion as well as the baptism and conversion of all the people of Edessa. Here St. Thaddeus built a

church and ordained priests and deacons.

After leaving Urfa, the apostle traveled to northern Armenia, bearing the spear given him by Peter and a letter from

King Abgar. He finally arrived at the town of Shavarshan, where King Sanadroug lived in the province of Arda. He preached

the Word of Life, performed many astonishing miracles there, and baptized many believers.

One night the young and beautiful Princes Santoukhd, the king's daughter, went to see Thaddeus to find out about the

new religion herself. According to accounts, she changed her royal garments and dressed in ordinary clothes and was led by a

servant to a house where these early Christian meetings were held. Santoukhd received instruction from Thaddeus, and when

she declared her belief in Christ and was baptized, a sign from heaven designated her as a holy virgin.

Those who witnessed this event immediately believed. The news enraged her father, King Sanadroug, who ordered all

believers to be slain. As the soldiers were about to kill Thaddeus, a tremor and bright light streaked across the sky, frighten-

ing the unbelievers and sparing the apostle. Some time after this, however, the king's soldiers

came and arrested Thaddeus as well as Princess Santoukhd.

Despite the king's punitive actions, the number of Christians increased. Even some of

the king's soldiers who witnessed the miracles of Thaddeus became believers and convert-

ed. Further enraged, yet feeling some pity for his daughter, the king summoned Santou-

khd from prison to give her a last chance to renounce her new faith and to claim allegiance to

her father and his pagan gods.

Santoukhd was forced to choose between the crown and the sword. Because of her decision to stand firm in her Christian faith and reject her father's false gods, she was subject-

ed to torture and ultimately ordered to be executed. During these times when she was

weak and at her lowest, she drew strength from St. Thaddeus who encouraged her to hold

fast, reminding her that she was a holy virgin and would soon see Christ face to face.

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One account of her death states that immediately after one of the soldiers thrust his sword into the holy virgin's

heart "a sweet fragrance filled the air and a light shone from heaven in the form of a fiery pillar that hovered over Santoukhd's

body for three days and three nights." The more than 2,000 people that witnessed these events, it is said, all converted and

were baptized that night. St. Santoukhd's body was buried and entombed by St. Thaddeus at the same site.

St. Santoukhd was martyred on the 15th of December, and the apostle St. Thaddeus, eight days later.

Tamar of Mogk St. Tamar, a Christian woman from Mogk, was martyred for confessing her faith in Christ in 1398 A.D. In her life,

she took on the name Kohar, meaning precious gem.

It was believed that the devil caused a Kurd from the same district of Mogk as Tamar to be fixated on her beauty. He

had a strong desire to take her away from her husband, Tuma, and to kill him. When word of this reached Tamar—a woman of

great faith—she fled with her husband and their children to the island of Aghtamar on Lake Van.

Years later, Tamar and her husband came out of hiding, but the Kurds recognized them and took them to the local

governors, Emir Azdin and his wife Pasha Khatun. Pasha Khatun promised generous gifts to Tamar

if she agreed to give up her Christian faith, but warned that if she refused, Tamar would face a se-

vere death.

Tamar did not hesitate in telling Pasha Khatun that she would never forsake Christ. She

asked Pasha Khatun to inflict extreme tortures upon her immediately, declaring that she would die

for Christ before accepting even the most lavish gift for denouncing Him. Enraged, Pasha Khatun

imprisoned Tamar and subjected her to starvation.

Still, Tamar stood firmly by her faith. Christians came to Pasha Khatun offering large sums

of money for Tamar's release, but instead Pasha Khatun had Tamar taken out of town to be stoned.

At the place of execution, Tamar was repeatedly asked if she would abandon her faith, but

she replied with even greater profession of devotion to Christ. Just as she confessed this, she began

to be struck with stones.

Message from Bazaar Chairmen

As co-chairmen of this year’s Bazaar, we are extremely grateful to everyone who made donations to our Wish List. As many of you know, this event is our largest fund-raiser of the year and vital to us meeting our annual budget. As we make final preparations for the big weekend, we give special thanks to our Bazaar Planning Committee. They have worked diligently to make this 60th anniversary a very special event. The Ladies Society has worked overtime on the food preparations, which have been underway for months. You and all of the volunteers that work so hard are greatly appreciated.

This year’s event will feature all of your favorite foods and activities, plus music on our outdoor stage both Friday and Saturday evenings. We well have additional dance performances, more games and activities for the kids, additional vendors, cooking demonstrations and the best prizes ever for our raffle drawing. The Church and hall will be decorated and bathed in special lighting both inside and out to highlight this event.

Please bring your family and friends, we are sure you will have a great time and also support St. Vartan Church.

Sincerely, Zaven Kanneian and Pete Barsamian

Food Servers Needed for the Bazaar If you are at least 16 years old and interested in helping us serve at this year’s Annual Bazaar, Oct. 5-6, please

contact Patti Kezerian Rosenthal at 415-613-9363 or [email protected]. Please specify which day you prefer.

Bazaar Dessert Booth The Sunday School is seeking donations for the Dessert Booth at the Bazaar, which will be held this year on

Friday, October 5, and Saturday, October 6, 2012. The Sunday School will gladly accept donations of Armenian delica-

cies, such as paklava, bourma, kadayif, choreg, or any other specialty you would like to share.

Please drop off your dessert at the Dessert Booth on Thursday or Friday before the Bazaar officially commences

or at any time during the event. You may consider working a shift or two in the dessert & drink booth, as well.

Feel free to contact me with questions or recipe ideas at [email protected] or (510)528-1807.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Janet Yeghissian

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WANTED

People to help make Sarma – Yalanchi For the Church Bazaar

Wednesday Oct. 3, 2012 9:00 AM SAVE THE DATE

Your Church Needs Your Help

Any Questions, Call Margaret

Sherinian 925-846-7067

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31

St. Vartan Church—October 2012

Morning Service

9:30 am

Divine Liturgy &

Sunday School 10

am

Morning Service

9:30 am

Divine Liturgy &

Sunday School 10

am

Morning Service

9:30 am

Divine Liturgy &

Sunday School 10

am

ANNIVERSARY

BANQUET 12:00

noon

Morning Service

9:30 am

Divine Liturgy &

Sunday School 10

am

Discovery of the

Holy Cross

Bazaar Workday

Sarma 9 am

Bazaar Workday

box sarma and

boorma, prepare

shish kebab 9 am

BAZAAAR

5:30—midnight BAZAAR

Noon—

midnight

Parish Council

Meeting 6:30

pm

We Will Serve Bar-B-Qued Hamburgers

Please Bring A Side Dish To Share

Bazaar Workdays

Oct. 3, 2012 - 9 am

Roll Sarma

Oct. 4, 2012 - 9 am

Plate & Box Sarma,

Prepare Shish Kebab,

Box Boorma

Columbus Day

Halloween

Save the Date

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The Voice Newsletter is published once a month by St. Vartan Armenian Church 650 Spruce Street, Oakland, CA. 94610, Phone (510)893-1671, Fax: (510) 893-2102 Email: [email protected] Website: www.stvartanoakland.org The deadline for all articles is the fifteenth of each month.

Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan, Parish Priest and President of All Church Organizations Parish Council Chair: Jack Papazian Jr. Parish Council Treasurer: Anto Cingoz Parish Assembly Chair: Don Manoogian Choir Director: Beverly Nalbandian Organist: Virginia Madajian, Ida Mazmanian, A. Rodriguez ACYO Chair: Tamar Tatoian Sunday School Superintendent: John Eknoian Ladies Society Co-chairs: Suzanne Abnous and Suzanne Vasgerdsian Athletic Committee Chair: Mike Boloyan Cultural Society Chair: Liz Ojakian Club Hye Chair: Paul Dermenjian Hokejosh: Nora Hanoian and Pat Barsamian Church Maintenance: Vartan Hovsepian, Jim Taylor Newsletter Editors: Arlene Hovsepian and Rachel Harger Wedding Coordinator: Carol Rustigian Church Secretary: Rachel Harger Altar Flowers: Diana Toomajian and Sue Barsamian Church Custodian: Wartkes Hagopian