st. james armenian church 834 pepper avenue paid …stjamesva.org/publications/sevan-7 issue -...

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ST. JAMES ARMENIAN CHURCH 834 Pepper Avenue

Richmond, VA 23226

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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 Email: [email protected] PARISH COUNCIL Rev. Fr. Mesrob Hovsepyan Leiza Bouroujian, Chairperson Rob M. Norris, Vice-Chairman Dale Baronian, Treasurer Steve Barsamian, Co-Treasurer Gregory Boyajian, Secretary Murad Kerneklian, Adviser Levon Bouroujian, Adviser John Baronian, Senior Adviser CHURCH OFFICE Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Office closed on Monday. Phone: 804-282-3818 Fax: 804-282-2330 Email: [email protected] www.stjamesva.org

WOMEN’S GUILD Lucy Grey [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 Lucy Grey 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.”

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SEVAN

By the time you receive this newsletter, you would be en-

gaged in preparations to celebrate Christmas and the New Year. The Christmas season and the New Year are both the busiest and the happiest season of the year. Many of us are focused on preparing for our various holiday gatherings, on getting our Christmas lights up, our Christmas trees. We are focused on the vari-ous gifts we intend to buy. Of course, there is nothing wrong with getting and giving gifts. People love gift ex-changes and it is in our nature to give gifts and be appreciated for that, but we will receive much ap-preciation especially when we find the people who really need our gifts.

When I was looking through a book entitled “Christmas is for Celebrat-ing” by Melvin E. Wheatley, I no-

ticed that the author was very much disagree with the criticism that is all too easy to level at this season – that we are too focused on the glitz. The author writes that indeed rather than

being a distraction, these various activities which we engage in during this Advent sea-son are activities that can assist us if we are intentional about engag-ing them appropriately. He pointes out that the lights, the food with their tastes and smells, the gatherings, the writ-ing of Christmas letters, the receiving of cards

and greetings are really about the sense of joy and meaning, here and now, in this very physical world. At its essence, all of this is about the Incarnation of God’s love in the form of a baby, reminding us that God is not separated from this world but is very connected to it – not through

CHRIST IS BORN AND REVEALED! BLESSED IS THE REVELATION OF CHRIST!

Fall-Winter, 2010 Newsletter

What’s inside?

Women’s Guild Update

3

Sunday/Armenian School Update

4

52nd Annual Food Festival

5

Avak’s Group Update

8

News from the Mother See

9

Parish Events 14

ACYOA/FAR Initiative: Holi-day Outreach

16

Diocesan An-nual Appeal

17

Calendar of Upcoming

19

judgment but through love and grace. So then as we engage in these various activities of this season, if we are mindful, they will indeed assist us in our preparation.

It was about 2000 years ago that we received our precious gift, a gift of life, a gift of love, and a gift of hope. “I came that you may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10), - says Jesus Christ. He was the first that shared His love with us: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:15-17). By this action of love Je-sus gave us a hope, a hope of the eternal life.

The Gospel proclaims that Jesus Christ is born for all. He is not born for his own sake, but He is born for the world’s sake and for each and every one of us.

In the gospel of Matthew when Jesus talks about those who inherit the kingdom of heaven, He calls them and says: “Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the king-dom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you vis-ited me.” Then the righteous asks him, “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave

you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?” And the king answers them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matt 25:34-40).

As we approach the Christmas season and the end of the Year, it is a good opportunity for us once again to reflect and remember that Christmas is not only about presents, no matter how enjoyable they are; but at Christ-mas we respond to the awesome possibility that the son of God became the son of man so that the sons of men might become the sons of God, and if we are sons of God, it means that we are a family. If we are a family, we have to take care of each other. And if we take care of each other, we take care of Christ, and we do it for the God’s sake. Amen.

Happy New Year and Merry Christmas!

øñÇëïáë ÌÝ³õ »õ Ú³ÛïÝ»ó³õ. Ø»½ »õ ձ»½ Ù»Í ²õ»ïÇë:

Christ is born and revealed! Blessed is the revelation of Christ!

SEVAN

ÐáíÇõùÝ »ñ·»Ý ÁÝ¹ Ññ»ßï³Ïë,

î³Ý ³õ»ïÇë ³ßË³ñÑÇ:

ÊáñÑáõñ¹ Ù»Í »õ ëù³Ýã»ÉÇ,

àñ Û³ÛëÙ ³õáõñ Û³ÛïÝ»ó³õ.

Page 23 Newsletter, Fall-Winter 2010

Sevan Donations

We thank the donors who answered our call this month to help offset the costs of our newsletter. A total of $420 was re-ceived from the following: Nerses & Anahid Berberian (CA) Suren & Tereza Paravyan (Charlottesville) John Berberian (Virginia Beach) George Donigian Armen & Denise Melikian (Williamsburg) Salpi & Richmond Kevorkian Angie Jamjamian (St. Lewis, MO) Milton & Margaret Owen 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 2010 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 2010 My/Our check for $_____ ($200.00 per member, $100 per student) as my/our dues for the year 2010: ___ is enclosed ___ will be mailed before December 31, 2010

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

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: ________________________

________________________________________________

SEVAN

Sevan Publication Deadlines Sevan Newsletter is a publication of St. James Armenian Church. Submissions are welcomed and should be sent to the church of-fice or emailed to Fr. Mesrob at [email protected]. All texts should be electronic format, preferably MS Word. Editorial board reserves the right to modify or reject any submis-sions. All materials must be received no later than the published deadlines below:

Winter-Spring 2011 Articles Deadline Saturday, March 6

Layout & Proofreading Saturday, March 7 -March 26

To Printer Monday, March 28

Diocese Searches for Executive Director

The Eastern Diocese is searching for candidates for the position of Executive Director. Based in New York City, the Executive Director will be responsible for the manage-ment of the administrative and operational functions at the Diocese, in accordance with the policies established by the Primate and the Diocesan Council. Responsibilities will encompass the areas of finance, administration, development, communications,

education, and facilities management. A complete job description and list of qualifications can be found on the Diocesan website. Applicants should send a resume and cover letter to [email protected].

ANNUAL STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE Thank you to those who have made their 2010 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.

NEW DIOCESAN VOTING POLICY

According to the Diocesan bylaws, dues-paid members of a parish must pay their Annual Parish dues by December 31 of a given year in order to be able to vote at the Annual Parish Assembly.

Contact the church office should you have any question.

WOMEN’S GUILD UPDATE

W ednesdays from June to mid-September, Women’s Guild members

gathered at church for daylong sessions of making khouabia, spinach borag, simit, cheese

borag, holiday bread, and bourma for the annual food festival. The turnout every week was great. St. James is blessed to have such dedicated women, and a heartfelt thank-you goes out to each one. Each item the guild was

tasked with making required a great deal of

coordination, p l a n n i n g , prep work, and addi-tional days in the kitchen; the following women, in their roles as “coordinator” should be lauded for their steadfast commitment, expertise, and follow-through: Janet Ozbalik, Linda Sharigian, Hasmig Schein, Lilly Thomas.

After recovering from the festival, the guild hosted a cultural night, on October 29, that featured the screening of All-Time Armenian Favorites: Kohar Symphony Orchestra and Choir. Attendees were very grateful for the oppor-tunity enjoy the music and dancing per-formed by this internationally renowned group. With songs like Hele, Hele, Geroungner, Yerevan-Erepouni, and Manoushag, the DVD lived up to its name of “all-time favorites” and was enjoyed by all.

On Saturday, November 6, five members traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend a daylong symposium hosted by the Women’s

Newsletter, Fall-Winter 2010

SEVAN

Guild Central Council. Topics included “Giving of Yourself,” “Women’s Roles in this New Era,” and “The Power of Prayer.” The

trip was a great opportunity for fellowship, learning, and inspiration.

Coming up . . . a general meeting will take place on Sunday, November 21, after Bada-rak. On that same Sunday, the WG executive requested a Hokehankeest for all deceased WG members. Lastly, the guild will close out the year with its annual Christmas Party. Mem-bers and their family are invited for a festive potluck dinner on Saturday, December 4; proceeds benefit CASP.

Lucy Keshishian Grey, Chairperson

W hat a wonderful turnout was on Fri-day, October 7. Nearly 16 families

attended the Pizza gathering and Family night organized by our School Committee.

Children of ages between 2-12 en-joyed the art & crafts and games, and had fun play-ing together.

They all enjoyed the delicious pizza provided by Pepi-celli’s Pizza of Ashland.

It is with great joy and excitement that we would like to inform you that St.

James Sunday/Armenian School has opened

SUNDAY/ARMENIAN SCHOOL UPDATE


(Sovereign Imports) Gardner Orthodontics Charlie Diradour (Lion's Paw Development) Douglas & Maria Carden Richard & Stephanie Soghoian Rose & Florence Soghoian Pamela Little Sharigian Family Janet & Nubar Ozbalik Arshaluys Zerukoglu Sam & Maral Haboush (World Foreign Car Service) Dr. Jeffrey Norrgard Rose Marie Inn Bandazian & Holden Josh & Seza Aldrich Cynthia J. Maghakian M.D. Isabelle H Vranian Haike & Betty Giragosian Charles Moogalian Suren & Tereza Paravyan John & Ruby Giragosian James & Laura Khatcheressian Ed & Sheri Harabedian

Managed Benefits, Inc. Managed Senior Services Dorian Diraduour Barsamian Diran & Esther Bezirdjian Shocky & Marni Pilafian Karen & Nune Karapetian Piascik & Associates Optima Health Cantor, Stoneburner, Ford, Grana & Buckner Studi K (Kambourian Jewelry) Ronnie Greene (Seltek, Inc.) Telfian Family (Creative Con-tracting Inc.) Pamela Little Rob & Anne Norris (Premier Planning Group) Levon Bouroujian H. H. Alexanian John Baronian & Nancy Ava-kian Paul & Pam Mazmanian (CPE Inc.) Barkev & Dale Baronian Leiza & Yeghia Bouroujian

Joyce Soghoian Howard Donigian Sirvart Sabounjian Robert Garian Nerses & Anahid Berberian Joseph Balbalian Alice & John LeVay Agnes Peebles Zadig Setian Jamie aned Margaret Accashian Richard & Salpy Kevorkian Roxie Kricorian Stepan & Anjella Stepanian Chris & Lucy Grey Fr. Mesrob & Yn. Ruzan Hovsepyan Ross A. Sternheimer Ann Markarian In Kind Sponsors are the following: General Mills C F Sauer Company Martin's Creative Contracting

52TH ANNUAL FOOD FESTIVAL SPONSORS LIST

Discretionary Fund Elizabeth Tootelian Jennie Azhderian Roxie Kricorian Women’s Guild

Robert & Anne Norris Nubar & Janet Ozbalik

Rose & Florence Soghoian Anahid Deese

Sunday School

Karen & Nouneh Karapetian

St. James Softball Team

Steven & Dorian Barsamian

Blessing of the Grapes Service (Grapes)

Lucy & Chris Grey Janet & Nubar Ozbalik

Joyce Soghoian

Madagh Arshalous Zerukoglu

Altar Flowers Virginia Abernathy

Pamela Little Aram & Nvart Topjian

John Baronian Haig Manoukian & Michele Piso,

Tagvor & Shelby Nishanian Elizabeth Tootelian, Anne Norris

& Karen Westermann Marni Pilafian

SPECIAL DONATIONS

SEVAN

Yeretzgin Araxie Elizabeth Manoukian

Arleen Akseraylian Margie Ashjian

Dale & Barkev Baronian Sam & Liz Baronian

Steven & Dorian Barsamian Carol Chadoyan

Salpi & Richard Kevorkian Roxie Kricorian

Milton & Margaret Owen Linda Sharigian

Rafayel & Anahid Petrossian Rose & Florence Soghoian

Joyce Soghoian Lilly & Robert Thomas

Elizabeth Tootelian Dianne & Tony Velegris

John Azhderian

Mr. & Mrs. Osborne Kenneth, (Irvine, CA)

Haig & Ani Basdekian (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) Elizabeth Tootelian

Lilly & Robert Thomas Joyce Soghoian Roxie Kricorian

Alice Bouroujian

(Continued from last Sevan) Harut & Sevana Ayvazian

Alice S. Moogalian Elizabeth Blevins

Dorian & Steven Barsamian Sendella Collins

Zarouhi & Harry Deloian Mariam Doucette,

(Lawrenceville, GA) Harry & Mariam Eretzian

(Frezno, CA) Grensted Family & Nicholas Strathas

(Davis, CA) Murad & Melanie Kerneklian

Shirley & Albert Kapigian (Park Ridge, NJ) Roxie Kricorian

Paul & Grace Shahinian (Alexandria, VA) Linda Sharigian

Rose & Florence Soghoian Elizabeth Tootelian

Vicky Tsiantar (Plantation FL)

John Kelejian Linda Sharigian Roxie Kricorian

Joe Dedeian

The Dedeian Family Roxie Kricorian

Tony & Dianne Velegris Mark & Mary Chookazian

(Paramus, NJ) Virginia & Hugh Abernathy

Aram Babertzian Alice & GregoryAjemian

(Westbury, NY) Bedros & Stella Bandazian

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Boyajian Thomas & Annette Christensen

(Bayside, NY) Alan Colke

Pat Davidson Zarouhi & Harry Deloian

Rose Z. Garabedian (Westmont, NJ) Anahid Ghazarian

Warren K. Holopigian Hagop & Lucy Ishkanian

(New York, NY) Lynn & Edward Jamie Jr.

Murad & Melanie Kerneklian Roxie Kricorian

Ed & Nancy Muserlian (Westfield, NY)

Serge & Ann Krikorian (Wyckoff, NJ) Elizabeth Pattinian

Albert & Florence Paparian (Latham, NY)

Ms. Margaret Parsekian (Hillsville, NY)

Ptatosian Family (Long Island, NY) Jack & Carol Rasnic

Rose & Florence Soghoian Harry & Kathy Tavitian

(Ray Brook, NY) Lucy Tatosian (Bayside, NY)

Elizabeth Tootelian Hagop & Lucy Tanikian

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS

Aram Babertzian Alice Moogalian Garabed Kelejian John Azhderian


52ND ANNUAL ST. JAMES ARMENIAN FOOD FESTIVAL

2010 Armenian Festival gets great reviews from the attendees again.

H ave you noticed the word “food” has been dropped from our festival adver-

tising? The Armenian Festival is recognized as one of the best food festivals in Richmond.

The crowd seemed larger this year and other than a few pastries all the food sold out! We heard familiar comments from many our patrons that “this is the best of all the festi-vals; your food is so good, we feel like every-one cares.” Those comments tell us we are doing a good overall job.

We were blessed with dry weather, some-times a little warm, but that has not stopped people from coming out, standing in line, enjoying the music and good atmosphere we created..

The Richmond Children’ Choir was received very well and complimented our dance

group and wonderful band. We appreciate the hard work that goes into our first class entertainment.

Everyone in our community is to be thanked for the work starting on Wednesday’s in July by the Women’s Guild right through the end on Sunday night with everyone who put in many hours and lots of effort to pull off our festival.

The sponsors, donors, contributors and do-nors-in-kind (Martins, Pillsbury, etc) make this financially successful. Gross sales were up from 2009 and financial contributions were also up. Expenses are higher each year, but we did exceed our net profit from the prior year and everyone is to be congratu-lated for helping to make that happen.

There are always improvements to be made and over the coming months the committee will be working on improving the 2011 Ar-menian Festival. R. N.

its doors once again for a new academic year to offer classes in Armenian Language and Religion to our youngsters.

The classes started on Sunday, October 31. The schedule consists of lessons in Armenian Language (10:00-10:45 a.m.), and Religion (10:50-11:35 a.m.). Following the classes chil-dren are guided to the sanctuary to partici-pate in the Divine Liturgy.

This year we have three groups: Pre-K (3-4 year olds), Kindergarten (5-6 year olds), and Elementary (7-10 year olds). We are also ex-ited to welcome our dedicated teachers: Nouneh Karapetyan, Karine Papoyan and

Yn. Ruzanna Hovsepyan are instructing the Armenian Language classes, and Christine Saakian, Marni Pilafian, Vahe M. Ghazarian, Chris Grey, and Dorian Barsamian are teach-ing the Religious lessons.

We are looking forward to have a productive academic year with our hard-working and dedicated school staff. We thank everyone for supporting our School and giving us the opportunity to teach the essentials of the Bi-ble, as well as helping our youngsters to un-derstand and embrace the distinctive faith-experience of the Armenian people.

SEVAN Page 19 Newsletter, Fall-Winter 2010

VtÄxÇwtÜ Éy hÑvÉÅ|Çz XäxÇàá December 4, Saturday – Women’s Guild members Christmas Party - proceeds will benefit CASP.

December 16, Thursday—Avak’s Luncheon, 12:00noon

December 16, Thursday—V.A.N. Happy Hour, 5:30 p.m. at Arianna’s Grill where we started a year ago. Join us for our 1st annual holiday celebration.

December 24, Friday—Feast of St. Stephen the Protomartyr. Vespers & Candlelight Service at 5:00 p.m.

January 5, 2011, Wednesday – Eve of the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ. 6:00 p.m. – Evening Service, 6:30 p.m. – Divine Liturgy of Light – J’rakaylootzee Soorp Badarak

January 6, 2011, Thursday - Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ 10:00 a.m. – Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. – Divine Liturgy

January 9, 2011, Sunday—Holy Badarak to include the Blessing of the Water followed by Christ-mas Lunch in the Church Hall.

January 21, Thursday—V.A.N. Happy Hour.

February 13, Sunday—Choir Appreciation lunch after the Divine Liturgy (details to follow).

February 14, 2011, Monday – Life Line Screening in St. James church hall, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

March 4, Thursday— V.A.N. Happy Hour

March 6, Sunday—Poon Paregentan

March 7, Monday—Beginning of Great Lent

April 24, Sunday—Easter Sunday

Aaron Burghardt; Yeghia, Leiza & Sosy Bouroujian

For: Diseased members of St.

James Women’s Guild By: Women’s Guild Executive

Committee

April 24 Requiem (Continued from last Sevan)

Laura & Kenneth Dean Lucy Papazian Steven & Dorian Barsamian

For: Roxanna Parvanian, Vah-ram Movsesian, Vahan Movsesian

By: Karen & Noune Karapetyan For: Betty Carden By: Douglas and Maria Carden

For: Archalouys & Antranik

Bouroujian By: Lilly, Robert, Chris & Raffi

Thomas; Salpy, Richard & Serar Kevorkian; Maria & Douglas Carden; Levon & Arpi Bouroujian; Liza &

Memorial In Memory of: Gerry Sharighian Kenneth & Linda Butler Jamie & Margaret Accashian

SEVAN

Mr. & Mrs. Shant Topjian and Mr. & Mrs Krikor Top-jian

For: Angelina Iskenderian By: Ara Iskenderian For: Aram Papazian By: Lucy Papazian and Laura &

Kenneth Dean & Family For: Alice Moogalian – 40th By: Diane Moogalian, Barbara &

Manual Pascal, Carl & Terri Moogalian, Vickie & Joe Buffo & Family

For: Gerry Sharigian – 1 year By: Linda Sharigian, Armen II,

Nancy & Armen III Sharigian For: Moorad Mooradian – 1

year By: Lillian Mooradian & Family For: Garabed Kilerciyan By: Servart & Krikor Zurnacian For: Margie Baronian and John Baronian, Jr. By: John Baronian & Family For: Kevork Zeroukouglu and

Zarker Havilian By: Janet & Nubar Ozbalik For: Yeretzgin Araxie Elizabeth

Manoukian - 40th By: Peruz Manoukian, Lucia

Manoukian, Mariam Nisha-nian, Haig Manoukian, Mich-

For: Antranig Andonian, Haroutoun Andonian, Armenouhi Abajian & An-tranig Akseraylian

By: Shakeh & Susan Andonian For: Sarkis Ghazarian, Ava

Ghazarian and other de-ceased members of the Se-merjian, Garabedian, Shamassian Families

By: Anahid Ghazarian Family For: Artin & Martha Mikirdits-

ian By: The Barsamian Families For: Jack Tootelian – 1 year By: Elizabeth Tootelian, Anne &

Rob Norris & Family, Karen & Lee Westermann, Steven & Dorian Barsamian

For: Elizabeth & Robert Norris By: Rob & Anne Norris & Family For: Harutyun Duman – 40th By: Sirvart & Krikor Zurnacian Anahid Ghazarian For: Aram Babertzian – 40th By: Eva Babertzian, Barbara &

Kerry Jorgenson, and Linda Georgiadis & Family

For: Garabed Topjian By: Aram & Nvart Topjian,

Yeran Topjian, Sirvart Sabounjian, Levon Bourou-jian, Avedis & Vartouhi Gara-betian, Anahid & Zabel Ghazarian, Araxie Topjian,

ele Piso, Tagvor & Shelby Nis-hanian, and Alina Nishanian

For: Wilfrid Schein, Archa-

louyse & Ara Garabedian, and Serpouhi Vartanian

By: Hasmik Schein & Family For: Avedis Sabounjian, Top-

jian, Arakelian and Bour-oujian Families

By: Sivart Sabounjian, & Topjian, Arakelian, and Bouroujian Families

For: Peter Green, Arshalous &

Alice Bouroujian , Garnik Gralian, Berberian, Dekir-mandjian, Oley, Haboush, Knadjian, Baronian, Ban-dazian, Green, Ghazarian, Akseraylian, Garabedian, Darakjian families

By: Nerses & Anahid Berberian For: Assadour Antreasian By: Yeghia, Leiza & Sosy Bourou-

jian, Seza and Josh Aldrich, Sona Antreassian

For: Hovhannes (John)

Azhdarian - 40th By: Jennie Azhderian For: Taquhi Giragosian By: Archie, Haike & John Gira-

gosian For: Mihran Ozbalik By: Nubar & Janet Ozbalik

HOKEHANKIST - REQUIEM


SEVAN

On May 20, the AVAK Seniors cruised the canals of Richmond receiving a

history lesson of our city from the ship’s cap-tain.

Even though we snacked along the way, there was plenty of room for lunch at the Greek Islands Restaurant.

We closed our year on June 17 with a quiet lunch at the newly renovated Virginia Mu-seum. We were spoiled by the servers in our private room with a beautiful view of the grounds.

After a summer break and preparation for the annual Food Festival, the luncheon gath-erings resumed on November 18 with a Wel-come Back celebration in the Church Hall. We are working on scheduling our gather-ings for December – June.

L. S.

AVAK’S GROUP UPDATE


Virginia’s Armenian Network

Diocesan Annual Appeal: Track Our Progress Since the launch of the 2010 Annual Appeal this fall, generous support-ers have contributed $342,559 to the effort.

Diocese is almost halfway to reaching its goal of raising $750,000 to help the Diocese meet its budgetary needs. And we need your help.

For our 2010 Diocesan Appeal, a generous donor has issued a “Matching Contribution Initia-tive.” The donor has agreed to contribute up to $100,000—matching dollar-for-dollar every contribution received by the Diocese this fall!

The success of the Diocese depends on donations large and small, from people who want to seize this opportunity to double the impact of their contributions to the Armenian Church of America.

Whether you’re one of the Diocese’s much-appreciated longtime donors, or someone who’s been looking for the right time to give, you won't want to let this opportunity slip away!

SEVAN Newsletter, Fall-Winter 2010

A fter a year of construction, the new Tatev Monastery aerial tramway officially opened in Armenia. His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armeni-

ans, took part in the opening-day ceremony on Saturday, October 16, and offered a prayer of

On October 31, in the St. Gregory the Illumi-nator Mother Cathedral of Yerevan, His

Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Ca-tholicos of All Armenians presided over the cele-bration of Divine Liturgy and the offering of the sacrament of ordination and consecration of priests. The celebrant and ordaining Bishop was His Grace Bishop Mkrtich Proshian.

During the celebration of Divine Liturgy, sixteen novices of the Armenian Church were ordained into the Holy Order of Priesthood.

Bishop Mkrtich consecrated the foreheads, then hands of the new priests with Holy Chrism (Muron) and gave them new spiritual names.

Afterwards, the Members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin led by the Armenian Pontiff ascended the altar and congratulated the new priests, kissing the newly consecrated clergyman on their foreheads and hands.

The same day, the Granting of the Cowl service was offered during Evening Services. From sixteen new priests four were granted the monastic cowl (veghar) and became members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin.

ORDINATION OF PRIESTS IN THE ST. GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR MOTHER CATHEDRAL OF YEREVAN

TRAMWAY PROVIDES NEW ACCESS TO TATEV MONASTERY

SEVAN

On Thursday, November 4, His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All

Armenians, presided over a celebration dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the Vaskenian Theological Seminary

Clergy, seminarians, faculty members, seminary benefactors, government officials, and guests took part in the event, which was held at the Pontifical Residence of Holy Etchmiadzin

Located in Sevan, Armenia, the Vaskenian Theological Seminary was established in 1990 by His Holiness Karekin II, who was then the Primate of the Araratian Diocese in Armenia. The institution bears the name of His Holiness Vasken I, the late Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

At this month’s celebration, His Holiness Karekin II offered a prayer asking that “our spiritual seminaries nurture priests who will justify the hopes of our nation and realize the oath which will glorify the name of His Holiness Vasken I of blessed mem-ory. May God send His blessings that the seminary keep the name and sacred memory of our beloved Pontiff vibrant."

Since its inception, 142 young men have graduated from the seminary.

The Vaskenian Theological Seminary

VASKENIAN SEMINARY CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY

thanksgiving on the occasion.

Known as the “Wings of Tatev,” the tramway stretches 3.5 miles. It connects the Goris-Yerevan highway with the 9th-century Tatev Monastery in Syunik (the word “Tatev” means “to give wings”).

One of the project’s main sup-porters was Ruben Vardanian of

Russia, a benefactor of Holy Etchmiadzin who also serves on the Supreme Spiritual Council. Also taking part in the ceremony was Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan and other government officials.

St. Astvatsatsin and St. Karapet monasteries on the peninsula, Lake Sevan

Tatev monastery, 9th century


THANK YOU We would like to thank a devout member of our community, Murad Kerneklian, who professionally and perfectly made the new church-shaped tomb, kerezman, which we will henceforth be using every year during the Good Friday Burial service of the Holy Week, and crafted the new podium for the social hall.

Also, our special appreciation to Levon Bouroujian for his continuous assistance and support during the crafting processes. May God multiply your talents and gifts.

The kerezman is a liturgical object used in the Armenian Church during Holy Week to represent the tomb of our Lord. On Holy Friday, the tomb is decorated with flowers and candles, a cross is placed in it, where it remains until Easter Eve. The empty tomb is displayed between Easter and the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord as a symbol of the Resurrection.

WOMEN’S GUILD NURSERY PROJECT

We would like to express our gratitude to our Women’s Guild for completing the furnishing of the Nursery. Our special appreciation to Lucy Grey for coordinating the project, and to Anne Norris for selecting the furni-ture and the items most of which were donated by Ann Markarian from Markarian Endowment Fund. Also,

to the following people who donated the rest of the items: Nouneh Karapetyan, Dale Baronian, Marni Pilafian, Servart Ovigian, Esther Bezirdjian, Peruz Manoukian, Roxie Kricorian, Fr. Mesrob & Yn. Ruzan Hovsepyan.

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June - October, 2010

June to September - Preparation for the 52nd Armenian Food Festival took place every Wednes-day all day and several Fridays and Saturdays. This was a community project that involved the Women’s Guild and Parish Council and many volunteers that faithfully contribute their time each year.

September 16–19 - St. James Armenian Church 52nd Annual Food Festival took place on the Church grounds. We had wonderful weather and the largest crowd attendance on record. The Greater Richmond Children’s Choir was our guest entertainers this year along with our St. James Dance Group and the talented Hye Notes band.

September–December, Wednesdays – Armenian Language Classes for adults. Our community members met for ten weeks in the Church social hall to learn conversational Armenian. We are fortunate to have Norik Chekosky as our instructor who has thirty years teaching experience.

October 2, Saturday – Badarak service was celebrated with the member of Tidewater Mission Parish in Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, Newport News, VA.

October 7, Thursday – Family Night was organized at the church social hall with games, crafts, music and Pizza. Twenty families with their children participated on this fun night.

October 14, Thursday – The Virginia’s Armenian Network’s Happy Hour took place at Champps’ restaurant at the Stony Point Fashion Mall. This is a relaxing time for this multiage gathering during the busy week.

October 16, Saturday – Food Festival Appreciation Dinner was organized for the volunteers that truly worked hard to help make this event a success. We received many complements from the numerous non-Armenians who support our festival each year.

October 29, Friday – St. James Women’s Guild hosted screening of Kohar Sympony orchestra and choir. This was an enjoyable evening to watch the performance of Armenian folk songs by Kohar Sympony orchestra and choir.

October 31, Sunday - St. James Sunday/Armenian School opened its doors once again for a new academic year to offer classes in Armenian Language and Religion to our youngsters. The schedule consists of lessons in Armenian Language and Religion. Following the classes children are guided to the sanctuary to participate in the Divine Liturgy.

November 18, Thursday - Avak’s Group enjoyed welcome back luncheon after the long break due to the Food Festival preparations.


T he nineteenth session of the General Assembly of

the St. James Brotherhood of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, convened on No-vember 15-18, 2010 under the presidency of His Beatitude Arch. Torkom Manoogian, the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusa-lem, with the participation of 28 members of the Brother-hood.

His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America was elected as the co-Chairman of the Assembly, and conducted it with efficiency.

During the meeting various issues and proposals of interest to the Brotherhood con-cerning real estate, finances, Bylaws were discussed, and an election was held to re-place members of the Executive Council whose terms had expired.

During the meeting, His Beatitude the Patriarch presented a written Memorandum to the officers of the Assembly, and in accordance with the wishes of His Beatitude, the Chairman of the Assembly read the Memorandum. In summary, the Memorandum stated that taking into consideration the state of his health and the future of the Church, His Beatitude suggested that the Assembly consider the electing a Patriarch Coadjutor, and prepare articles addressing canonical issues. He directed His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, as Chairman of the meeting, to chair a committee that will address this section of the by-laws. It is the wish of His Beatitude, that the articles of the by-laws be ratified by March of 2011.

In addition to this committee, the Assembly elected а new committee to amend the by-laws of the Holy See during the coming year. After discussing a project to construct a profit generating guest house on property the Patriarchate owns on the Mount of As-cension, the Assembly gave its approval to that project.

ST. JAMES BROTHERHOOD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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