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“This is my beloved Son, listen to Him.” (Matt. 3:17)

On July 27 we joyously will celebrate the feast of the

Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ, known in Arme-nian as Vardavar. As we learn from the Gospels, prior to the Transfiguration, Jesus asked His disciples who people thought He was. After a round of answers that He was either John the Baptist, or Elijah, or one of the prophets, Pe-ter spoke up and said that He is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus blessed Peter for this insight, and then re-vealed the prophecy of his own death and resurrection. From this time on, for the first time, they were enlightened with the secret of just how special Jesus was. And then we learn that Jesus went up

to the Mount Tabor with three of his disciples – Simon Peter, James and John Zebedee – to pray as the other tired disciples slept at the bottom of the mountain. It was there that Jesus began to assume a new appearance:

His face shone like the sun, and His clothes be-came as white as the snow. The three disciples were amazed when they saw His new appearance. Though it was nighttime, the disciples saw light coming from the sun in the sky. Among the light they saw two other men, said to be Moses and Elijah, who appeared

next to Jesus and were speaking to Him about His remaining time left on earth and the sacrifice he would soon make. Then a cloud came upon the group. The voice of God was heard, saying the same phrase that was heard when Jesus was baptized: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him.” After the

Winter—Spring, 2014 Newsletter

What’s inside?

Women’s Guild Update

3

Avak Group Update

5

Sunday/Armenian

6

Diocesan News 7

Parish Events 12

Calendar of Upcoming Events

13

News from our community members

14

Graduations & Promotions

15

FEAST OF The Transfiguration of Our Lord

Transfiguration Jesus asked His disciples not to talk about it until His coming Resurrec-tion. The light that was shown on Mount Tabor at His transfiguration was just a glimpse of the glory of His divinity. We see that 40 days before His crucifixion on the cross, our Lord was transfigured to show His disciples that He is truly the Son of God and to show them the glory of His divinity. In this way, when they would see Him captured, beaten and die on the cross, they would understand completely that His suffering was voluntary and He would do all this for our salvation. The Transfiguration is important because it clarifies whom we are dealing with. When we say that we are followers of Jesus Christ and when we confess that Jesus is our Lord, we are not saying something insignificant. We mean and confess that we are the follow-ers of the Son of God who is our creator. On the holy Mount Tabor, God reveals Him-self to us, and we, having beheld the light of His transfiguration, having received the cleansing of the sins through our baptism, and having received the Holy Spirit upon Chrismation, are called to imitate Christ. We

are called also to be transfigured by his light. He was transfigured by the light of His di-vinity; we are to be transfigured by His light which will lead us to pursue holiness and righteousness by His grace. We are to be transfigured by love, by peace, and by sacri-fice. We are to be transfigured by long suffe-ring and by patience. We are to be transfig-ured by forgiving one another, by helping one another, by sacrificing for the sake of one another and for the holy church. We are to be transfigured by the love of God, and transfi-gured not just for a moment but be transfi-gured for the rest of our lives. The feast of Transfiguration is a special day. On that special day we are always approach-ing God asking for the newness of life, ask-ing to be refreshed by His Holy Spirit, asking from Him the grace so that we can be re-newed and enlightened, and filled with His light, so that through His grace, by His com-passion, we may change our lives and bring forth fruits of the Holy Spirit because we be-lieve that whoever follows Him will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life (John 8:12). Amen.

Fr. Mesrob Hovsepyan

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Newsletter, Winter—Spring, 2014

Women’s guild update

T he Women’s Guild has been very busy thus far this year. A great Armenian

Christmas dinner and program on January 12, with 123 attendees, made this event a suc-cess. The children gleamed with excitement when Gha-ghant Baba (Santa) ap-peared during our dinner. After a special C h r i s t m a s program from our children with their beautiful voices singing songs,

each child received a gift from Ghaghant Baba. A delicious meal was prepared by Bedros Bandazian with a wonderful crew in the kitchen. Thank you everyone for making this day, Armenian Christmas celebration,

a very special day for all.

Our annual Lenten dinners began March 7 and ended April 11. A weekly spiritual discus-sion was held every Friday, given by Fr. Mesrob and parishio-ners Aram Arkun, Anne Norris, Artur Sa-akian, and Chris Grey.

Saintly Women’s Day &

Meeching Dinner was held March 28. This dinner was generously sponsored by Anahid Ghazarian and Sarah Arici, in memory of their daughter and mother, Hasmig. Lucy Grey gave a presentation on Saint Santukht as part of our Saintly Women’s Day Pro-gram. Seventy-Five percent of this dinner, $351, was sent to the Women’s Guild Central Council to be distributed to the FAR Vanad-zor Old Age Home in Armenia.

Our annual holiday bread baking day was April 15. Our thanks to Salpy Kevorkian and Lilly Thomas and their kitchen crew, which began preparations at 8 a.m. and produced 126 loaves that were baked to perfection.

Our Food Bank Project is now in progress. We have had two work schedules for May 28. The fourth

Wednesday of each month is being

scheduled for our Guild to volunteer their time. This will continue until we stop having volunteers. If anyone is interested in volun-teering, please contact Stella Bandazian at 741-8107 or Peruz Manoukian at 437-0417. The Food Bank is located at 1415 Rhoadmil-ler Street. Our hats off to all our volun-teers for doing such a great job.

The Women’s Guild hosted a Wellness Seminar on Satur-day, May 17, at the

Aram Arkun gives lecture during Lenten Dinner

Artour Saakian leads spiri-tual discussion during

Lenten Dinner

Fr. Mesrob, Marni Pilafian, Robert & Lilly Thomas volunteer at

Virginia Food Bank.

Anne Norris & Georgette Shadoyan volunteer at Virginia Food Bank.

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church hall. Our guest speakers were Dr. James Khatcheressian, a Richmond-area on-cologist who spoke about breast cancer, and Dr. Cynthia Maghakian, a Richmond-area psychiatrist whose topic was titled “I Am Women, Hear Me Roar: Am I Really Crazy?” Approximately 40 women attended from as far as northern Virginia to hear these infor-mative talks. A healthy and very delicious lunch was prepared by Liz Bandazian. The speakers answered the many questions posed by attendees and enjoyed what was a lively and educational afternoon.

The event was a big hit and something the Guild will strive to do again. A special heart-

felt thank-you to Cynthia Maghakian for also sponsoring the event.

We were fortunate this year to send two delegates to the Women’s Guild Central Council Assembly May 1-4 in NYC. Our thanks to Dale Baronian and Lilly Thomas who volunteered to attend. We look forward to hearing their reports at our next General Meeting.

Soon our Food Festival preparations will be-gin again. Thank you everyone for all your support throughout the year. Without you, there would be no Women’s Guild.

Women’s Guild Executive

Dr. James Khatcheressian with guests from northern VA & members of our community

Dr. Cynthia Maghakian, Stella Bandazian, & Dr. James Khatcheressian


T he AVAK group has had a busy second half of the year. We have participated in

a Christmas party, two luncheon BINGOs, and two luncheons at church. Our Feb-ruary luncheon was delayed a week due to one of our snow and ice storms. But we

prevailed, nothing stops us from eating!

Our February 20, BINGO was highlighted with Stella Bandazian and Melanie Kernek-lian joining us. It is nice to have new faces

join the group. Our luncheon BINGOs con-tinue to be a popular event with a third BINGO scheduled for May 8. Each BINGO brings more excitement, fun, and laughter! Our restaurant outing on March 13 at the Olive Garden offered us a special surprise.

One of our waiters was an Armenian who just moved here from Glendale, CA. She was surprised that there were Armenians in the South. That brings us to the final activity for this half—our annual indoor picnic on June 12. This picnic will have all the fixings of hot dogs, Armenian potato salad, cole slaw, chips, and desert, but without the ants and gnats.

Our monthly activities will end with the pic-nic, so we can begin cooking for the church's Armenian Food Festival. But, don't worry, we will resume in October with a whole new schedule. We look forward to more of you joining us. See Linda Sharigian or check the bulletin board for the scheduled events. Mark your calendars and join the fun! Hope to see you!

Avak group update

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D espite the cold winter, which seemed to last longer this year, the attendance

at St. James Sunday School was excellent. All the parents did their best to support us in every way possible, for which we thank them wholeheartedly.

We started the year with ordering books and supplies, and now all our students have their own new textbooks and workbooks.

We continued with our two new heritage classes—music and dance lessons that are greatly liked by our students. Children learn Armenian folk songs under the guidance of Avetik Topchian, an inspiring teacher. He drives every Sunday from Charlottesville to teach music in Sunday school and to sing in the church choir. Carol Chadoyan continues teaching Armenian dances. The parents and children also continue to meet with Der Hayr once a month in the sanctuary for a religion lesson and family worship. The lesson starts at 9:45 a.m. and is always well attended.

On May 18, students, parents, and teachers gathered to make 40 bagged lunches to assist one of the Caritas projects coordinated by St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. As Der Hayr talked to the students about the importance of reaching out to those in need, the children became very enthusiastic about putting their new lesson into practice and actively partici-pated in the lunch project (photos on p. 20).

We are now very busy preparing for the end-of-the-year program which will take place on June 8.

I would like to thank lead teachers Karine Papoyan, Armine Alaverdyan, and assistant

teacher Elena Avagyan for their dedication and hard work. Our appreciation also goes to Dorian Barsamian, who has been teaching religion for the past few years. She is very kind and knowledgeable, and the children love her lessons! Stella Bandazian, the treas-urer of Sunday school, has provided guid-ance, help, and support throughout the past couple of years. Heartfelt thanks to Yeretskin Rouzanna for being very much involved with every aspect of the Sunday/Armenian School. She has been our support line for years and is always there to lend a helping hand. Yeretskin has been helpful in planning and organizing events, substituting, devel-oping the school calendar and curriculum, and preparing for meetings.

It is of course not easy to function without financial support: we rely on donations, and our parents and church members have been helping us along the way. Rose and Florence Soghoian, among others, have been gener-ously supporting us financially.

This year we have developed reward cards and an extra-points system to encourage our children to study harder and learn more. Our teachers maintain attendance records.

We established a tradition of celebrating chil-dren’s birthdays by having a special pizza lunch at the end of each month.

Our Sunday/Armenian School is always open for new enrollments, and we are happy to accept new students. June 8 will be the last day of school. We will reopen our doors in September.

Noune Karapetian, Superintendent

Sunday/Armenian school update


A Parish Says Thank You

P arishioners at St. Mary Church of Wash-ington, DC, recently honored their pas-

tor, the Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapet-yan, on the 10th an-niversary of his or-dination into the priesthood of the Armenian Church.

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate

of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), visited the community on Sunday, February 23, where he presided over the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon.

At the conclusion of badarak, the Primate pre-sented Fr. Karapetyan with a pectoral cross and congratulated him on this milestone.

"A decade ago a young deacon entered the ranks of the priesthood in the Armenian Church," Archbishop Barsamian said, recall-

ing Fr. Karapetyan's ordination at St. James Church in Richmond, Va. "Today he contin-ues to be a dedicated servant of the Lord, one who is committed to helping his parish grow, and is, in turn, well respected by the Armenian community of Washington."

A requiem service was held in memory of deceased parishioners and victims of the 1988 pogroms in Azerbaijan, an event com-memorated in February.

Also that afternoon Archbishop Barsamian elevated three altar servers— Armen Chu-bukian, Aras Mermer, and Edwin Tilimian—to the rank of sub-deacon. Archbishop Bar-samian presented the newly ordained with crosses from Holy Etchimiadzin.

Following services, more than 200 people gathered in the church hall for a luncheon and program in celebration of Fr. Karapet-yan's anniversary.

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diocese Hosts Annual Clergy Conference & 112th Diocesan Assembly

Clergy Gather for Annual Conference

T he 112th Diocesan Assembly was pre-ceded by a clergy conference, held

April 28 to April 30, at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, NY. Archbishop Khajag Bar-samian, Pri-mate of the Diocese of the Arme-nian Church of America (Eastern), presided at the event where mem-bers of the clergy gathered for prayer, ser-vices, and a series of presentations on vari-ous aspects of the ministry.

In a written message, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, encouraged clergy of the Eastern Diocese to remain firm in their calling and to continue their service to the Armenian peo-ple.

Among the first presenters at the meeting were visiting priests from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Rev. Fr. Hovel Kamaghelyan and Rev. Fr. Markos Mankasaryan. Fr. Kamaghelyan ex-plained how the church in Armenia is working to estab-lish orphanages,

soup kitchens, and other social services. Fr. Mankasaryan spoke about youth programs offered by Holy Etchmiadzin.

Dr. Robert Gunn, director of the program in pastoral care and counseling at the Blanton Peale Institute and Counseling Center in

New York City, gave a presentation titled "Love and Loss: Counsel in g with the Be-reaved and

the Divorcing." He explained the experience of loss, and stressed the importance of the priest's role in the healing process.

The Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Di-ocesan Vicar, and Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian led a discussion on how the Women's Guild Central Council can continue to reach out to parish guilds. Clergy offered suggestions, which were later presented to the Central Council.

Presentations followed on Christian educa-tion programs at various parishes. Clergy spoke about activities they have offered and

shared ideas and advice on how to strengthen the faith of their parishioners. Among other topics discussed were litur-gical matters, the requirements for


ordination to the diaconate and sub-diaconate, the distribution of holy commun-ion during Lent, and Diocesan youth pro-grams.

On April 29, the Rev. Fr. Ghevond Ajamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy. A requiem service was offered for the souls of the Very Rev. Fr. Shnork Kasparian, Very Rev. Fr. Va-rujan Kabarajian, and Rev. Fr. Garen Gdanian.

In his message to the clergy, Archbishop Bar-samian reflected on the strength of the Arme-nian Church in America and commended the clergy for upholding the values of Christian brotherhood. He went on to speak about the importance of St. Nersess Seminary in pre-paring the next generation of priests for the Armenian Church in America, and noted the seminary's collaboration with seminaries in Jerusalem and Armenia.

He also encouraged the clergy to continue supporting the Armenian Patriarchates of Constantinople and Jerusalem by organizing parish pilgrimages to historic Armenia and the Holy Land. Turning to Holy Etchmi-adzin, Archbishop Barsamian said, "When Holy Etchmiadzin, our Mother See, is strong, we, too, are strengthened because we all be-long to one body-the Armenian Church. Holy Etchmiadzin is the stronghold of our faith, and a source of spiritual nourishment for every Armenian."

Vahan Janjigian presented the Diocese's new strategic plan, which was developed by the Diocesan Council to benefit parishes across the Diocese. The plan focuses on six key ar-eas: enhancing worship, offering continuing education opportunities for clergy, strength-

ening youth ministry, developing Christian and Armenian education programs, creating outreach initiatives to prospective members, and cultivating stewards.

Another highlight was a presentation by Dr. Lynn Cetin who introduced the Armenian American Health Professionals Organization (AAHPO) and invited its members to speak about what the organization offers to the Ar-menian communities in the United States and Armenia.

Diocese Introduces Strategic Plan at Annual Assembly

At the 112th Diocesan Assembly in New York, the Diocesan Council advanced the theme "Living the Gospel of Christ," intro-duced last year, by presenting a comprehen-sive strategic plan that would benefit pari-shes across six key areas.

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), presided over the meeting of more than 150 clergy and lay delegates, representing parishes from across the East-ern Diocese. The assembly was held at the Diocesan Complex in New York from May 1 to 3, and organized by a committee com-prised of parish leaders from the New York metro region.

In his message to delegates on Friday morn-ing, May 2, Archbishop Barsamian explained that the goal of the Diocesan theme "Living the Gospel of Christ" is to help Armenians understand who Christ is through the tradi-tions of the Armenian Church.

"Last year we explored ‘Living the Gospel' as individuals; now, I would like us to look into

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this concept from the lar-ger perspec-tive of our parishes and our commu-nity as a whole," he

said. "In the coming year, we will be work-ing, as a Diocese, to strengthen the parishes, and to strengthen their power to inspire the people."

Following the Primate's address, Diocesan Council chair James Kalustian outlined the new strategic plan, which was developed by the council and Diocesan staff to provide support to parishes as they continue to ex-plore the theme in their communities.

The strategic plan focuses on six key areas: enhancing worship, offering continuing edu-cation opportunities for clergy, strengthening youth ministry, developing Christian and Armenian education programs, creating out-reach initiatives to welcome prospective church members, and cultivating stewards.

Each area is further broken down into con-crete programs and resources the Diocese hopes to offer parishes to help realize the various components of the plan. For the com-ing year, the council suggested focusing on worship and Christian education.

Working in small groups, delegates reviewed the strategic plan and offered feedback to the council. Their ideas and suggestions will be considered as the Diocesan Council and staff prepare to implement the first phase of the plan in the coming month.

On Thursday and Saturday, delegates re-

ceived annual reports and had an opportu-nity to ask questions about various Diocesan organizations, including the Legate's Com-mittee, Armenian Church Endowment Fund, Fund for Armenian Relief, Ararat Center, St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, Women's Guild, ACYOA, and the Diocesan depart-ments. They also held elections for the Dioce-san Primate and various Diocesan boards.

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, was elected to an unprecedented 7th term of office, mak-ing him the longest-serving Diocesan Pri-mate on record. With his re-election this year, Archbishop Barsamian has become the longest serving Primate in the history of the Eastern Diocese. When his current term ex-pires in 2018, Archbishop Barsamian will have served as leader of the Eastern Diocese for 28 years—surpassing the previous record for continuous service in that role held by the late Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, who won six elections and served as Primate for 24 years (from 1966 to 1990), before depart-ing the Diocese to become the Armenian Pa-triarch of Jerusalem.

Another highlight was a discussion of plans underway for next year's commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Geno-cide. It was announced that the 2015 Dioce-san Assembly would be hosted by St. Mary Church in Washington, DC, where delegates would have the opportunity to take part in an ecumenical prayer service at Washington National Cathedral, attend a memorial con-cert, and demonstrate on Capitol Hill to seek support for Genocide recognition. Armeni-ans across the nation, including representa-


tives from the Western Diocese, are expected to converge in Wa-shington for the weeklong event. The 112th Dioce-san Assembly was chaired by Raffi Balian, of St. Mary Church of Washington, D.C., with Thomas Garabe-dian, of Holy Translators Church of Fra-mingham, Mass., serving as vice chair. Linda

Sharigian, of St. James in Richmond, VA, served as the secretary. The assembly host committee was co-chaired by George and Lorraine Marootian of St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, N.J. Other mem-bers included: Adi Abdo, Hilda Adil, Lynn Cetin, Lorig Chorluyan, Joyce Ishkanian, Suzanne Kasabian, Linda Keshishian, Ellie Krolian, Sylvia Kruizenga, Gregory Manuel-ian, Carol Papazian, Berdjouhi Parseghian, and Garo and Bertha Sekdorian.

Syriac Orthodox Patriarch Honored by Church Leaders at Diocesan Center

On Tuesday, May 13, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the

Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), hosted an ecumenical gathering at the Diocesan Center in honor of His Holiness

Mor Ignatius Aphrem II Karim, the former Met-ropolitan of the Syriac Archdiocese of the Eastern United States who was re-

cently elected as Patriarch of the Syriac Orthodox Church. Leaders of the Roman Catholic, Oriental Or-thodox, Episcopalian, and Eastern Orthodox churches came together at St. Vartan Arme-nian Cathedral for a prayer service, followed

by a reception to honor Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem. The assembled church leaders congratulated the new Patriarch on this latest calling in his ministry, and expressed their solidarity as he embarks on leading a church that finds itself beleaguered by the conflict in Syria. His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Arme-nians, visited New York after having traveled to Rome, where he met with His Holiness Pope Francis, presided over the gathering. His Holiness Karekin II presented Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem with medallions inscribed with Armenian crosses and etchings of churches.

His Holiness Mor Ignatius Aphrem II Karim & His Holiness Karekin II

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Parish Events

Winter—Spring, 2014

• January 5 & 6 – We celebrated the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ.

• January 9, Thursday – AVAK seniors “Snowflake luncheon” was a pleasant occasion. We had more than our share of snow before and after the lunch. But we enjoyed sharing a meal and chatting about the unusual snowy weather.

• January 12, Sunday—Armenian Christmas dinner and program was a success. The children gleamed with excitement when Ghaghant Baba (Santa) appeared during the lunch. After a spe-cial Christmas program from our children with their beautiful voices singing songs, each child received a gift from Ghaghant BaBa.

• February 13, Thursday – AVAK’s Bingo Lunch has gained popularity. At times, it’s more like a comedy hour and a “fun” outing.

• February 16, Sunday – Annual Parish Assembly took place after church and a light lunch. Steve Barsamian was the chairperson for the day. Thanks to his guidance it went along smoothly and productively with no casualties.

• March 2, Sunday – Poon Paregentan - Marti Gras dinner with music entertainment. The magic word was “Manti” and yes, the people came, and the Latin smooth Jazz music of the J. Smith Trio added to the relaxed ambience.

• March 7, Friday – First Lenten prayer service and dinner. The after dinner speaker was Aram Arkun and his topic was “The Origins of the Armenian people.”

• March 13, Thursday – AVAK’s lunch at The Olive Garden was not hampered by the snowy weather. We’re getting use to it, slowly but surely.

• March 14, Friday - After the Lenten prayer service and dinner, Anne Norris’ spiritual presen-tation “The Sheep and the Goats” was followed by discussion.

• March 21, Friday – After prayer service and Lenten dinner, Fr. Mesrob’s presentation—“Punishment: Does God Punish?” created some interesting discussion.

• March 28, Friday - Lenten Service was followed by the commemoration of Saintly Women’s Day. Lucy Grey spoke about “The Life of St. Santoukht.” A thoughtful presentation.

• April 4, Friday – Lenten prayer service and dinner. Artur Saakian gave a thoughtful talk about “Thomas’ Confession.” It was an informative evening.

• April 10, Thursday – AVAK’s spring luncheon at the Church hall. We walked in on a burst of color and spring flowers thanks to Linda. The lunch was good and tasty.

• April 11, Friday – This was the last Lenten prayer service and Lenten dinner. Chris Grey spoke to us about “Forgiveness.” Our thanks to the Women’s Guild for their creative and tasty din-ners during Lent.


Calendar of Upcoming Events • June 8, Sunday—Armenian/Sunday School End-of-Year program following the Badarak.

• June 12, Thursday—AVAK Indoor Picnic Luncheon, Church hall, 12:00 noon.

• June 22, Sunday—68th Annual ANCA Picnic on the church grounds. • July 27, Sunday—Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord (Vartavar). • August 17, Sunday — Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God. Blessing of the

Grapes. • September 14, Sunday—Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross. • September 18-21 — ARMENIAN FOOD FESTIVAL. • September 28, Sunday—First Day of Armenian/Sunday School. All children are welcome to

attend. For the complete list of the events, check the Calendar of Events on our website at

ww.stjamesva.org

• April 13, Palm Sunday – Our church was spruced up with palms and evergreens. Impressive! The service was lovely. The lunch, prepared by our highly experienced cooks who are also members of our Parish Council, was baked chicken with trimmings. It was quite good.

• April 20, Easter Sunday—The Church was packed with guests from various parts of the state: people from Tidewater Area, Hopewell, Chester, Charlottesville, Northern VA, Goochland, and Richmond. It is always great seeing them all in our little church to celebrate the Glorious Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

• April 27, Sunday—Memorial Requiem service took place at the sanctuary for the victims of the Armenian Genocide which followed by Armenian Genocide tribute luncheon with the showing of the Voyage to Amasia documentary, organized by the Armenian Education Center.

• April 29, Tuesday—Women’s Guild members volunteered at the Virginia Food Bank. Women’s Guild members continue volunteering at the Virginia Food Bank once a month. Con-tact Stella Bandazian to sign up and volunteer on behalf of our community.

• May 8, Thursday—AVAK Bingo Luncheon took place at the church hall. It was enjoyable to see all the ladies that afternoon.

• May 17, Saturday—Women's Wellness Seminar was organized by Women’s Guild. There were very informative presentations by Dr. James Khatcheressian (Oncologist) and Dr. Cyn-thia Maghakian (Psychiatrist).

• May 22, Thursday—V.A.N. Happy Hour took place at Hardywood Park Brewery. It was good to get together after the Lenten break.

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On May 3, I joined four busloads of World War II veterans for a trip to

visit various war memorials in Washington, DC. The trip was under the sponsorship of

Honor Flight, a national program of giving thanks to all veterans for fighting for our country. Veterans from all over the United States came to Washington, D.C., to be hon-ored for serving in the Armed Forces during the various wars.

Virginia veterans from Yorktown, Williamsburg, Jamestown and Richmond met at the Mechanicville VFW Post, where

the presentation of colors was made followed with breakfast for the entire group. The group boarded four buses and headed first to Dale City with an escort of about 15 motorcy-clists. At Dale City, we were met by local police who escorted us to Washington to be-gin our tour of the first monument, the Viet-

nam Veterans War Memorial. There was a mas-sive crowd of vet-erans there from other cities. We then went to the World War II Me-morial and spent a considerable amount of time observing the in-scriptions on the massive memorial. Former senator and World War II veteran Bob Dole and his wife greeted the veterans. After that, we enjoyed box lunches and relaxed on the beautiful lawns.

The next stop was the Air Force memorial, which is located adjacent to the Pentagon in Arlington. The memorial is a grouping of three stainless steel blades pointing to the sky—a striking monument. From there, we went to Arlington National Cemetery and were fortunate to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. There was a huge crowd of both Veterans and tourists taking many pictures of the event.

We then boarded our buses and headed south to Quantico to see the Marine Corp Museum. We were greeted by two long re-ceiving lines of marines who shook all the

Honor Flight, Trip to Washington D.C. by George Ovigian

George Ovigian (1944)


veterans' hands and thanked us for serving our country. After touring the site, we were served dinner at the cafeteria before board-ing the buses for home.

During the whole trip, our buses were es-corted by police. From each memorial and at each stop, locals and tourists met us with cheers.

D uring the month of March, many lucky theatergoers thoroughly enjoyed the

Broadway musical, “Grey Gardens”, at Live Arts, a theater in Charlottesville.

At the last performance on March 29, an ex-cited group were present to see Katie Wall playing Jackie Bouvier as a young girl. She, along with the entire cast, were terrific! It

a young performer

Katie Wall (far right) with her family and friends

Talene Pomfret, daughter of Kevin and Sona Pom-fret, graduated in December 2013 from Virginia Tech with a major in Marketing and a minor in Leadership and Social Change. She has moved to Arlington, VA, and is working for the Washington Nationals baseball team in the Marketing and Broadcasting department.

Logan Mason, daughter of Matt and Angela Ma-son, graduated from Longwood College with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in History and Educa-tion. She will be teaching 12th grade History at Thomas Dale High School the coming school year.

Kevork Ozbalik, son of Nubar and Janet Ozbalik, graduated in May 2014 from Virginia Tech and

University/College Graduates – 2013/2014

was a memorable night that none of us will ever forget.

After the spellbound performance, we cele-brated over dinner with Katie, her parents (Chris & Kathy Wall), her grandparents from Boston (Gary & Theresa Degermajian), and our group from Richmond. The musical was such a fabulous performance as was our eve-ning together.

Because Katie has been such a real asset to our wonderful young dance group at St. James for a number of years, it was very spe-cial for us to see her perform in theater. She has also performed in "East of the Sun", "West of the Moon" for Gorilla Theater; the Manassas Dance's "Nutcracker Ballet"; "Annie" for Black Box Theater; and numer-ous productions with Wachusett Theater. Needless to say, we very much look forward to seeing her future performances!

Florence Soghoian

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For: Ankin Kilerciyan & the souls of the departed in Christ of the Zurnaci, Kiler-cyan, Duman, Turpanciyan Families

By: Zurnaci Family For: All deceased Members and

Benefactors of the Armenian Relief Society

By: ARS Richmond “Hooys” For: Sahag & Haygouhi Garabe-

dian By Anahi Ghazarian & Family,

Lusene Salloum Family, Carol Garabetian, & Sarah Arici & Family

For: Virginia Greene (20th year),

Peter Greene (14thyear), Tony Velegris & the souls of the departed in Christ of the Ash-jian & Velelgris Families

By: Dianne, Maria, Nicholas, Jami & Natalie Velegris, Ron & Jean Green, & Stephanie & Kyle Martin, Linda Sharigian, John Baronian, Roxie Kricorian.

For: Paris Dedeian By: Charles & Sue Dedian , Melissa

& Kevin Burk, Roxie Kricorian, & John Baronian

For: Harry & Caroline Tatian (1 year)

By: Harry & Camille Tatian Jr., Terry & Robert Goodwyn and Steven & Dorian Barsamian

For: Yeretzgin Varteni Barsamian

(1 year), Shonork & Anjel Barsamian, George & Dora Diradour, and the souls of the departed in Christ of the Barsamian, Megerdichian, Diradour & Darhanian fami-lies.

By: Steven & Dorian Barsamian & Family

For: Alice Bouroujian & Arsha-

louys & Antranik Bouroujian and all deceased members of the Bouroujian Families.

By: Levon Bouroujian, Arpi Bou-roujian, Sirvart Sabounjian, Salpy & Richard Kevorkian, Lilly & Robert Thomas, Maria & Douglas Carden, Maral & Sam Haboush, and Nerses & Anahid Berberian.

For: Satenig Der Sarkisian &

Esther Kavafian By: Lucy Papazian and The Dean

Family

For: Emma Livingstone By: David Livingstone

Memorials

For: Manoog & Taquhi Gira-gosian, Archie Giragosian and Rose G. Jackson

By: John & Ruby Giragosian

For: Rev. Dr. Frank Stalfa, Pro-fessor of Pastoral Theology and husband of the Rev. Dr. Susan Minasian

By: Rose & Florence Soghoian

For: The Kainakian Family By: Mary Ann Pedigo

For: Mary Battle By: Gigi & Scott Harrell (Gatos, CA)

For: Henry Magarian By: Robert H. Timmins

For: Joyce Mandello By: Rose & Florence Soghoian

For: The Hayvagian Sisters,

Agnes Peebles, Isabelle Davidian & Helen Chekemian

By: Rose & Florence Soghoian

Hokehankist - Requiem

received his Bachelor of Science majoring in Food Science & Technology.

Chantal Jennifer Ghoussoub, daughter of John and Dalida Chadoian Ghoussoub, granddaughter of Georgette Shadoyan, graduated in May 2014

from Virginia Tech and received her Bachelor of Business/Finance and a minor in French.

Marni Pilafian, graduated from VCU's Paramedic Emergency Medicine program.


For: In memory of the parents Abe & Margaret Garian

By: Bobby Garian For: Margie Baronian, John Baro-

nian, Jr., Barkev Baronian, Nick & Elizabeth Baronian, Servart Ovigian and Aram Karabedian

By: Becky Greene For: Anaguil Jarikian, Khoren Ban-

dazian, and Karekin Jerikian By: John & Ardemis Jerikian For: Vartan Karian and Iskhouhe

Karian By: Louise Karian-Kimbler For: The deceased members of the

Kricorian, Avrigian, Egelanian, Attarian and Chookazian families

By: Roxie Kricorian For: Arshalous & Harry Darhanian By: Alice Darhanian LeVay For: All the deceased members of

the 1915 Armenian Genocide as well as the victims of all the Genocides and survivors of genocide who have since died.

By: Zadig & Lucille Setian For: The deceased members of the

Shahinian & Kleyan Families By: Dean Shahinian For: Harry B. and Arshalous K.

Darhanian, Krekor & Mannig Tootelian

By: Elizabeth D. Tootelian For: Zaroue Donigian, Garabed

Donigian, Nerses Kamajian,

For: Dikran Akseraylian, Sira-noush Akseraylian, Mr. & Mrs. Toros Akseraylian, Armenouhi Akserayulian, Armen Abad-jian, Antranik Akseraylian and Marie Akseraylian

By: Garabed Akseraylian For: Deceased members of the

Ohannessian Family By: Vicki Ohannesian Argie For: Deceased twin brothers of the

late Yeromig Kurkjian By: Alan Arikian, MD For: Hovsep Shmavon Balbalian,

Soghome’ Ketigian Balbalian, and Bedros Balbalian

By: Joseph Balbalian For: Khoren Bandazian, Vergin

Choolfaian-Ourfalian and Zaltar Choolfaian-Sohgian

By: Bedros & Stella Bandazian For: Nick & Elizabeth Baronian,

Naringul Bektimerian, Aram Karabedian and Paris & Berge Avakian

By: John Baronian & Family For: Deceased members of the

Baronian and Jegelian Families By: Dale, Alex & Nick Baronian For: Manoog & Takouhi Gira-

gosian, Archie Giragosian, Rose Jackson Giragosian, Eunice Adrooney, Caspar Ga-rabedian, Hagouhi Garabe-dian, Helen Garabedian, Miran Giragosian, John Kalajian and Aznive Kalajian

By: John Giragosian

and Amelia S. Kamajian By: Arthur Donigian For: The deceased members of the

Manoukian, Essayian, Se-ferian, Arabian, Diekranian, Kaprelian and Gurunian Fami-lies

By: Peruz Manoukian For: Antranig Bouroujian, Nishan

Bouroujian, Yeghishe Bourou-jian and other deceased mem-bers of the Bouroujian Fami-lies.

By: Levon Bouroujian For: Keghan Kevorkian, Antranig

Bouroujian, Marie Avakian and other deceased members of the Ajemian, Kevorkian, Be-deian and Bouroujian Families

By: Richard and Salpy Kevorkian For: Deceased members of the 1915

Armenian Genocide By: Isabel Vartanian For: Apel & Haiganoush Vartan-

ian, Perooz & Kevork Sou-karian, and deceased members of the Vartanian, Kasparian and Soukarian families

By: Isabel Vartanian For: Deceased members of the 1915

Armenian Genocide, and the survivors who are deceased

By: Pam Little, Angela & Andrew Basmajian

April 24, 2014-HOKEHANKIST - Memorial service

SEVAN

Joyce Soghoian

Altar Flowers Hasmig Schein (In memory of deceased members of her family) Marni Pilafian (In memory of James Pilafian and in honor of Shocky Pilafian) Sue & Charles Dedian (In memory of Paris Dedeian) Joyce Soghoian Christmas Poinsettias & Easter Lilies Roxie Kricorian Christmas Poinsettias & Easter Lilies Karen Karapetian & Nouneh Movsesian Rose & Florence Soghoian Altar Flowers in commemoration of the Armenian Genocide

The Education Center Arax S. Boghosian

Armenian/Sunday School

Rose & Florence Soghoian

Christmas Greetings & Happy New Year

(Continued from earlier mailing) Dorian, Steven & Drew Bar-samian and Der Arsen Bar-samian Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Balbalian (Salem, VA) Margaret Butler Nishan & Irene Bouroudjian (Raleigh, NC) Margaret Butler Jeanne Chapman Mary Chookazian, (Paramus, NJ) John Darhanian Harry Deloian Mr. & Mrs. Abraham Enfiedjian (Durham, NC) Theodora & Dwight Flammia Marleine & Haig Garabedian Becky Greene Der Mesrob & Ruzanna Hovsep-yan Ardemis & John Jerikian (Vienna, VA) John & Louise Karian Kimble (Savannah, GA) Dikran & Hermina Kabbendjian (Raleigh, NC) Alice LeVay

Diane Moogalian (Atlanta, GA) Mariam Nishanian (Leesburg, VA) George Ovigian

Christmas Yughakin John Baronian Diran & Esther Bezirdjian Anahid Ghazarian Der Mesrob & Yeretzgin Ruzan Hovsepyan Ardemis & John Jerikian Jerome Kambourian Salpy & Richard Kevorkian Roxie Kricorian Pamela Little Peruz Manoukian George Ovigian Linda Sharigian Joyce Soghoian

Special Donations

John Darhanian Pamela Little Karen & Satik Karapetian Charles Moogalian Annette Topian Onnik & Dorothy Tashjian Robert & Kathleen Vranian

Special donations

(Saint Lewis, IL) Jerome Kambourian

Salpi, Richard & Serar Kevorkian Roxie Kricorian

Pamela Little Alice LeVay

Peruz Manoukian Robert & Anne Norris

George Ovigian

Carolyn & John Burke Levon Bouroujian Mary Chookazian

(Paramus, NJ) Walton & Frances Egelanian

(Easton, MD) Mr. & Mrs. Donald Fergusson

Anahid Ghazarian Angeline Jamjamian

Paris Dedian Charles & Sue Dedian Melissa & Kevin Burke

Virginia & Hugh Abernathy Dale Baronian

John Baronian & Nancy Avakian Sam & Liz Baronian

Sam & Marion Baronian, Jr. Steve & Dorian Barsamian

In lieu of flowers


November 30, 2013 Henry G. Magarian

January 23, 2014 Paris Dedeian

SACRAMENTS

December 9, 2013 Vahram Grigor Ghazarian—Son of Vahe & Ruzanna Ghazarian

December 27, 2013 Julie Romella & Jamie Claire O’Toole—Daughters of James & Leila O’Toole

Christine Rose & Elizabeth Lyra Vranian—Daughters of Robert & Nelli Vranian May 18, 2014

Jude Isaiah Morton—Son of David Morton & Natalie Darakjian-Morton

October 12, 2013 Christopher Andranik Thomas & Monika Lindsay Cruz

October 13, 2013 Michael Stepan Rezendes & Katharine Arshalous Norris

April 26, 2014 Mihran Ozbalik & Helena Wilkins (Greek Orthodox Cathedral)

Pamela Little Peruz Manoukian

Anne & Rob Norris Janet Nubar Ozbalik

Linda Sharigian Joyce Soghoian

Rose & Florence Soghoian Lilly & Robert Thomas

Elizabeth Tootelian Robert H. Timmins

Dianne Velegris

Henry Magarian Hugh & Virginia Abernathy

Charles Ashjian John Baronian Dale Baronian

Steven & Dorian Barsamian Robert Garian

Anahid Ghazarian Roxie Kricorian

Alice LeVay

Margaret & Melton Owen Linda Sharigian Joyce Soghoian

Rose & Florence Soghoian Lilly & Robert Thomas Hugh & Victoria Tito

Dianne, Maria, Nicolas & Jami Velegris

Women’s Guild, St. James Armenian Church

SEVAN

The Cultural Committee and Women’s Guild members make manti for Poon Paregentan/”Manti” Gras celebration on March 1, 2014

We express our appreciation to Robert Thomas for po-lishing and refurbishing our Altar candle holders.

Thanks to his talented hands, the candle holders will con-tinue shining on the Altar of our church.

It would be hard to offer our Sunday worship services without these young members. Michael

Karapetyan (L) and Yesaie Saakian (R) have been serving on the Altar, and Anna Saakian is a ju-

nior member of our choir. We greatly appreciate their service to the church.


Sevan Donations

We thank the donors who answered our call this month to help offset the costs of our newsletter. A total of $340 was received from the following:

Virginia & Hugh Abernathy Andre & Angele Basmajian

John Baronian Margret Butler

Nerses & Anahid Berberian Nishan & Irene Bouroudjian

(Raleigh, NC) Mrs. Mary Chookazian

(Paramus, NJ) Theodora & Dwight Flammia Karen & Nouneh Karapetian

John & Louise Kimbler (Savannah, GA)

We thank you for your generosity. Please feel free to send us also your comments and suggestions regarding our publication.

ST. JAMES ARMENIAN CHURCH

MEMBERSHIP 2014 Name(s) ___________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________ Phone ____________________ ___ I/We wish to become a new voting member(s) of St. James Armenian Church. ___ I/We wish to be reinstated as a voting member(s) of St. James Armenian Church. ___ I have already paid my dues for the year 2014 My/Our check for $_____ ($200.00 per member, $100 per student) as my/our dues for the year 2014: ___ is enclosed ___ will be mailed before December 31, 2014

Please, make your check payable to St. James Armenian Church; Memo: Membership

ANNUAL STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE Thank you to those who have made their 2013 Annual Stewardship Pledges! Stewards are members who contribute to the church over and beyond the standard membership dues. Members are those who pay the standard membership dues of $200. Both stewards and members are considered part of the Stewardship Program. We thank you in advance for your continued support of St. James.

PLEASE NOTE: There is an expense of approximately $700 for pub-lishing and mailing each issue of the SEVAN. Any contributions sent to defray part of this cost are greatly appreciated. Please use this form to send your donation for this purpose. Please feel free to send us also your comments and suggestions regarding our publication.

St. James Armenian Church 834 Pepper Avenue, Richmond, VA 23226

Donation for Sevan in the amount of $ _______________

Name: _________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________

City: ___________________ State _______ ZIP _______

Please list occasion if any: ________________________

________________________________________________

ST. JAMES ARMENIAN CHURCH 834 Pepper Avenue, Richmond, VA 23226

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

RICHMOND, VA

PERMIT # 628

Parish Administrative Directory

WORSHIP HOURS Sunday Morning Service 10:00 a.m. Sunday Divine Liturgy 10:30 a.m. PASTOR Rev. Fr. Mesrob Hovsepyan Res: 9604 Craigs Mill Dr., Glen Allen, VA 23060 Home Phone/Fax: 804-270-3189 Direct: 804-405-9399 Email: [email protected] PARISH COUNCIL Rev. Fr. Mesrob Hovsepyan Rob M. Norris, Chairman Leiza Bouroujian, Vice-Chairperson Dale Baronian, Treasurer Steve Barsamian, Co-Treasurer Gregory Boyajian, Secretary Levon Bouroujian, Adviser Sona Pomfret, Adviser John Baronian, Senior Adviser CHURCH OFFICE Office Hours: 9:30—3:00pm Office closed on Monday. Phone: 804-282-3818 Fax: 804-282-2330 Email: [email protected] www.stjamesva.org

WOMEN’S GUILD Stella Bandazian [email protected] ARMENIAN/SUNDAY SCHOOL Nouneh Karapetian [email protected], Yn. Ruzanna Hovsepyan [email protected] CHOIR DIRECTOR Peruz Manoukian [email protected] SEVAN EDITORIAL BOARD Rev. Fr. Mesrob Hovsepyan Roxie Kricorian Linda Sharigian PASTORAL CARE: HOME AND HOSPITAL CLERGY VISITS The pastor is always available and would like to visit homebound and hospitalized parishioners. If you or someone you know is ill or hospitalized and would like to be visited, please call the church of-fice at (804) 282-3818 or (804) 405-9399 (direct). Please note: when asked about religion at a hospi-tal, patients should list themselves as “Armenian Orthodox” or “Armenian” not “other.”

sevan-2014-1 issue color - stjamesva.org - 2014 - 1 issue_color.pdfteaching armenian dances. the...

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