êºô²Ü SEVAN J esus said to her, "...Go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Fa- ther, to my God and your God.'" Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he had said these things to her. (St. John 20:17-18) IT WAS STILL DARK, EARLY IN THE MORNING of the first day of the week: a Sunday, close to 2,000 years ago. To most of the world, the sun would rise on a day no different from any other. Only a handful of people would later realize that some- thing of importance had occurred. But those few people understood that overnight, the world had changed. Three pious women rose early to bear spices and burial ointments to the grave of their departed teacher and friend. But approaching the tomb, they sensed that something was wrong. The grave was open: its sealing- stone pushed away. And inside the tomb they found, not a dead body, but a mysterious fig- ure—an angel—who beckoned them to draw closer. Here is how St. Matthew tells the story: The angel said to the women: "Do not be afraid. For I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here. He has risen, just as he said! Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He is risen from the dead.'" (Mt 28:5-7). Some 2,000 years later, we use the very same words to remember the miracle of that Sunday morning: Krisdos haryav ee merelotz! Christ is risen from the dead! And as Chris- tians we celebrate Easter to mark the most important, most joyous, most glorious day in all of human history. But think again of what it must have Primate's Easter Message Winter-Spring, 2012 Newsletter What’s inside? Women’s Guild Update 4 Sunday/ Armenian School Update 6 Avak Seniors Update 7 ACYOA News 8 Profiles 9 Puppet Theater from Armenia Visits St. James 12 Diocesan News 13 News from the Mother See 16 Parish Events 18 Great Week and Easter at St. James 19 Calendar of Upcoming Events 22
Transcript
êºô²Ü
SEVAN
J esus said to her, "...Go to my brothers and say
to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Fa-ther, to my God and your God.'" Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord!" And she told them that he had said these things to her. (St. John 20:17-18)
IT WAS STILL DARK, EARLY IN THE MORNING of the first day of the week: a Sunday, close to 2,000 years ago. To most of the world, the sun would rise on a day no different from any other. Only a handful of people would later realize that some-thing of importance had occurred. But those few people understood that overnight, the world had changed.
Three pious women rose early to bear spices and burial ointments to the grave of their departed teacher and friend. But approaching the tomb, they sensed that something
was wrong. The grave was open: its sealing-stone pushed away. And inside the tomb they found, not a dead body, but a mysterious fig-ure—an angel—who beckoned them to draw closer. Here is how St. Matthew tells the story:
The angel said to the women: "Do not be afraid. For I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here. He has risen, just as he said! Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He is risen from the dead.'" (Mt 28:5-7).
Some 2,000 years later, we use the very same words to remember the miracle of that Sunday morning: Krisdos haryav ee merelotz! Christ is risen from the dead! And as Chris-tians we celebrate Easter to mark the most important, most joyous, most glorious day in all of human history.
But think again of what it must have
Primate's Easter Message
Winter-Spring, 2012 Newsletter
What’s inside?
Women’s Guild Update
4
Sunday/Armenian School Update
6
Avak Seniors Update
7
ACYOA News 8
Profiles 9
Puppet Theater from Armenia Visits St. James
12
Diocesan News 13
News from the Mother See
16
Parish Events 18
Great Week and Easter at St. James
19
Calendar of Upcoming Events
22
been like on that first Easter Sunday. In the darkness before dawn, when the pious oil-bearing women set off on their journey to our Lord's tomb, things must have looked very different.
Two nights earlier, the women had watched in horror as Jesus endured the torments of crucifixion. They had stood in silent witness, as his lifeless body was brought down from the cross, wrapped in a burial shroud, and placed in a tomb. All their hopes and dreams had come to ruin. Their Master was dead. His mission was over. The salvation of man-kind had failed. The women approached the tomb that morning, fully expecting to find Jesus buried within.
But—he was not there.
Instead, the women discovered that their greatest hope had come to pass: "Christ is risen from the dead!"—just as he had prom-ised.
Imagine the overwhelming joy, the incredi-ble sense of hope, the feeling of limitless pos-sibility that swept over the women at that moment. They must have been bursting with excitement—eager to share this news with others.
And indeed it was these women—the first witnesses to the resurrection—who brought the Good News to the disciples. Through them, the Gospel mission began: they were the first link in a great chain of evangelism that would eventually encompass the world, and transform our own homeland with its message of love, hope, and victory over sin and death.
A beautiful service of the Armenian Church
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shows how very close we still are to these events, despite the obvious gulfs of time and space. Taking place in the early hours of Easter Sunday, the service is dedicated to the oil-bearing women: the "Myrophores" in Greek, or "Yughaperitz Ganaykh" in our own tongue. The Yughaperitz service culminates in a reading from the Gospel of St. John (John 20:1-18), which begins "Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark..." and ends with Mary Magdalene's ecstatic announce-ment to the disciples: "I have seen the Lord!"
And here is the astonishing thing: History indicates that this service originated in the early centuries of the Christian movement, in Jerusalem itself—perhaps at the very site of Christ's tomb!—where the celebrants would gather at dawn, just as the women had done, to re-enact their world-changing discovery. Through this beautiful ritual, preserved over many centuries by the Armenian Church, the voices from that original Easter Sunday echo down to us, as if for the first time.
It is surely significant that the oil-bearing women held no exalted or privileged status in the world of their day. Indeed, even the disciples refused to believe them when they came to the upper room, breathless, to relate what they had witnessed. Yet it proved that these women, even from their humble sta-tion, were the ones who had seen the truth with clear eyes. Certainly it was their humi-lity, their willingness to rise before dawn to perform a ministry of love and respect at a friend's grave, that placed them in the right place to receive this truth. Perhaps it was the same attitude of humble ministry to our Lord which prepared their minds to believe in it, and prepared their hearts to share it.
Page 3 Newsletter, Winter-Spring 2012
Armenian history is filled with similar stories of people—often from the most powerless and marginalized stations of their surround-ing societies—who saw and heard; who be-lieved and shared; and ultimately who trans-formed their worlds from within. That is the power and the promise that genuine Chris-tian ministry—the "Ministry of the Faithful," as we have been calling it in our Diocese this year—can bring to our churches and commu-nities, to our families and our individual lives. It starts with those simple announce-ments of joy and amazement: "He is not here; he has risen!" "I have seen the Lord!" Or in the words of our beautiful Easter greeting. Krisdos haryav ee merelotz!
Orhnyal eh harootiunun Krisdosee!
Christ is risen from the dead! Blessed is the resurrection of Christ!
This Easter, let us proclaim those words loudly, with conviction to everyone we meet. Even "while it is still dark," let us pierce the darkness with our song of joy. And through it, may our Risen Lord draw forth the trans-formative ministry that truly brings Light to the world.
With prayers,
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian Primate
The Feast of holy Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ Blessing of water service
Chris Grey, a member of
our community, served as godfather
(gunkahayr) of the cross during the "Blessing of Water" service.
Page 4 SEVAN
Women’s guild update
In the late 1930s, Armenian women li-ving in Richmond banded together to
begin fundraising efforts for what they hoped would one day be land on which to build a church for themselves and for future generations. In 1941 the Lady’s Auxiliary (today’s Women’s Guild) was able to pur-chase the first land to realize the dream of community members. Fifteen years later, St. James was built. That is why in November of last year, at the church’s anniversary ban-quet, the Women’s Guild of St. James was honored with a plaque commemorating over 70 years of service. In honor of the vision and
determined spirit of those women, the Women’s Guild of today carries the torch for future generations. If you would like to be-come a member or if you would like to rejoin the ranks, the Women’s Guild needs you.
In December, the annual Christmas party
was open to members and friends of the Guild. The festivities included a potluck din-ner, a surprise DVD presentation honoring the Women’s Guild, and an even bigger sur-prise—ballroom dancing as performed mas-terfully by Lucia Manoukian and her dance partner. Attendees were also asked for vo-luntary donations that were collected for Families of the Wounded Fund, a local cha-rity. The Guild collected an amazing $1,000
Women’s Guild Executive Commettee: L to R: Lilly Bouroujian Thomas, Sona Pomfret, Linda Sharigian, Peruz Manoukian, Lucy Keshishian Grey,
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Hovsepyan, Stella Bandazian
Lucia Manoukian and her dance partner
L to R: Marni Pilafian, Lucy Keshishian Grey, Shocky Pilafian
Page 5 Newsletter, Winter-Spring 2012
for the very worthy cause.
The annual Ar-menian Christ-mas lunch took place January 8 when pari-shioners cele-brated the Ar-menian Christ-mas Divine Lit-
urgy and Bless-ing of the Water
service. The highlight of the day was of course the visit from Santa Claus who de-lighted young and younger with his jolly demeanor. There are too many to thank here for the success of the event, but a sincere thank-you must be expressed to Jamie Ac-cashian for always being so kind, gracious, and willing to help with a very special as-signment that was requested of him.
During the Lenten season that was just com-pleted, the Guild hosted weekly Friday din-ners and baked holiday bread. Hasmig Schein coordinated the bread making. As
always, she did an outstanding job. The Lenten dinners were prepared by different volunteers every Friday. To all the women who gave so graciously of their time and ta-lent, we thank you for coming through for us yet again!
Lastly, a spe-cial note of thanks—two outgoing exe-cutive mem-bers deserve our expres-sions of grati-
tude. Lilly Bouroujian Thomas and Linda Sharigian completed their terms at the end of 2011. We thank both women for their stead-fast commitment to the Women’s Guild and for their dedicated service over the years. This year’s executive committee is made up of the following members: Stella Bandazian, Chair; Seran Kerneklian, Vice Chair; Sona Pomfret, Treasurer; Nvard Topjian, Rec. Sec-retary; Peruz Manoukian, Corr. Secretary; Sheri Harabedian, Adviser; and Lucy Grey, Adviser.
LKG
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Hovsepyan & Anahid Ghazarian
Page 6 SEVAN
S unday School has been quite busy this fall and winter.
We had a fun costume party on Sunday, Oc-tober 30th. After attending the Badarak, about 20 children dressed up as pirates and prin-
cesses, cowgirls and cowboys, bugs and ani-mals. We en-joyed our tradi-tional hot dog lunch, prepared by Steve and Dorian Barsam-
ian, face painting, led by Knarik Arkun, and games, organized by Kathy Wall and Dorian Barsamian. This was a very successful event and we are looking forward to having an-other one next October.
On Saturday, January 14, Sunday School chil-dren and parents came together to watch the renewed version of the "Beauty and the Beast" movie and had a lunch. This was a very exciting and memorable outing for both the children and the parents.
Our biggest event was a Talent Show held on Poon P a r e g e n -tan, February 19.
We had 11 performers who showed off their talents playing the piano, violin, cello, sing-ing and reciting poems in Armenian. There were classical pieces and Ar-menian/folk p e r f o r m a n -ces. Everyone who attended was amazed to discover the talents of the children. For the parents, it was heart-warming and rewarding to see the results their children's hard work. The program was
organized and coordinated by Raffi Bandaz-ian and Der Hayr. The delicious luncheon was prepared by Sunday School teachers and parents.
R.K.
Armenian/Sunday school update
Mark Arkun Yesaie Saakian
Raffi & Aren Bandazian Michael Karapetyan
Page 7 Newsletter, Winter-Spring 2012
T he AVAK seniors have been busy tra-veling around town these last few
months. After an enjoyable Christmas Party with delicious food and wonderful prizes for everyone, AVAK members filled their gas tanks for luncheon outings.
In January, we gathered at the Cracker Barrel on Mayland Court for some southern coun-try food. Orders ranged from salmon to good ole grits! Our next stop was across the street
at O’Charleys for a Valentine celebration in February. Then, in March, we christened the new Olive Garden in Short Pump. Atten-dance was very good at each event. Everyone seemed happy, content and full.
On April 18, we will return to church for a
Luncheon Grocery BINGO with pizza and salad. May’s event has not been determined but June 21 will host our annual Indoor Pic-nic with Hot Dogs and all the trimmings.
Once again, we will not meet during the months of July, August and September as the AVAKs are busy at church helping to pre-pare for the annual Armenian Food Festival.
The AVAK group meets monthly to engage in fellowship and fun. We look forward to more of you joining us. All events are posted in the Church Hall, the Sunday Bulletin and the church’s website. Come and join in the fun! Hope to see you soon!
L.S.
Avak seniors update
Vahan Hakobyan Nareh Hovsepyan Maria Avagyan Anna Saakian Zina Avagyan
Page 8 SEVAN
Acyoa news
On January 13-15, Sosy Bouroujian and Rachel Semerjian attended the
fourth annual ACYOA Chapter Workshop in Boca Raton, Florida, representing the St. James ACYOA. There were also thirty-five other young Armenians from parishes throughout the Eastern Diocese present.
The theme of the weekend was “We’re All in This Together.” The focus was for everyone to get together and discuss the successes and struggles with other chapters to help each other build stronger ACYOA chapters.
“One of my favorite activities, during the workshop was when we were separated into groups based on where our parishes are lo-cated to plan future events with each other. We were paired with the St. Mary’s ACYOA group and they told us about many of their fun and successful activities that they have done. They have a big chapter and are well
established so it was extremely helpful and informative to work with them. In addition, we tried to plan events that our chapters can do together which we are very excited about.
“It was great to see other chapters who have more youth than we do struggling with some of the same issues. It taught me that it does not necessarily matter how many members you have, all that matters is that you have a
group of people who are dedicated and will-ing to work to have a relationship with one another and with the Armenian Church. I learned what it takes to have a strong and healthy chapter and I am looking forward to implementing what I learned and applying it to our newly formed ACYOA chapter here.” (Sosy Bouroujian)
“We learned many tactics on reeling mem-bers in and keeping them which to our sur-prise was an issue that many ACYOA chap-ters were facing and it was nice to know that we were not alone. One main focus was to point out our strengths and weaknesses as a group and individually assess our position in our ACYOA. Whether we were better at leading, collecting information, or if we were the ‘doers’ we learned that every member had a place and responsibility.
“I personally got so much from this retreat, both as an individual and a youth group leader. I learned that we are not the only ones struggling and there is hope for even the smallest youth group. In the near future we hope to make more plans with the Char-lotte and D.C. ACYOA chapters. We have a lot of faith in our Richmond youth and we hope to keep having events and give back to our St. James family.” (Rachel Semerdjian)
Page 9 Newsletter, Winter-Spring 2012
Betty and Haike Giragosian: When ‘I Do’ Really Means Forever
Printed in The Armenian Weekly on
February 18, 2012 by Betty
Apigian-Kessel.
“I loved the Armenian culture and wanted to be part of it,” says Betty Franck Giragosian.
“There was nothing about it that bothered me. I loved Armenian food. It is so satisfying and delicious. In answering your questions, I am getting an even better understanding of my mother-in-law. She would be pleased she is occupying so much of my thoughts.”
Betty Jean Franck was brought up in the fine tradition of the genteel Virginia south. Her family was of German, French, and English heritage. She describes her life thusly: “I grew up in my grandparents’ house. My pa-rents lived with them. I had a wonderful childhood filled with love, books, and music. We had a quiet, simple life. I excelled in my studies.”
Haike Giragosian was the American born son of Armenian Genocide survivors Manoog and Takouhie from Kharpert, who settled in Richmond, Va. They were success-ful restaurant owners. Their photo reveals a
very attractive couple with Mrs. Giragosian being especially beautiful.
It was on their third date that the handsome Haike and lovely blonde 19-year-old Betty decided to marry, a fact unknown to either of their parents. Betty says, “I met his parents after the third week and I am sure they must have wondered what to do with this foreign teenager.”
“The fact I was an odar did not seem to be a problem. It certainly helped that his parents spoke excellent English.” (Odar is the term she uses.)
Betty was not immediately aware of any hur-dles to encounter with her in-laws. “I did sense there was a strong bond of love be-tween Haike and his mother. He made it clear his mother was very important in his life. I may have even been a bit jealous. She was such a perfect housekeeper and cook.” Even clearer was that the elder Mrs. Gira-gosian thought her golden Armenian son deserved the best in food, care, and nurtu-ring.
Betty and Haike were married in the chapel of Highland Park Methodist Church in Rich-mond by her minister uncle. St. James Arme-nian Church did not exist at the time. “I don’t believe there was resentment that I was
Page 10 SEVAN
not Armenian. It was just hard for his mother to let him go, and believe me it was just as hard for my parents to let me go.”
“That was one sad wedding. Both sets of pa-rents did not want us to marry but the diffe-rence in cultures really had nothing to do with it,” says Betty.
“For the first few years there was no close-ness between us and often a feeling of almost friction existed” with her mother-in-law. All of that changed because of Betty’s sincere interest in Armenian culture and tradition. “There was never a cross word between us. We became very fond of each other. We be-haved like ladies.”
“I remember the first time I took her to a La-dies Aid meeting. I was going to leave, but decided to stay and had such a good time that thereafter I always went with her until her health failed. Once afterwards I went alone but couldn’t wait to get home because I discovered how much I missed Queenie [Takouhie] not being with me.”
Unlike most odar harses Betty learned it all. “My mother-in-law was an excellent cook and did teach me Armenian cooking: lahma-joun, Kharpert kufta, sini kufta, sarma, dolma, kheyma, and vegetable dishes. I loved the food and wanted to learn. My mother-in-law wanted her son to have Armenian food. I can remember my father-in-law being astonished at how well I made the kuftas. She taught me all her secrets. I think she praised me to her friends.”
Through the years Betty has had a leadership role in the United Daughters of the Confed-eracy. She is an organist and pianist and has served in that capacity in her church since
1963. Haike is a retired general manager and treasurer of the Cadillac dealership in Rich-mond. They’ve given financial support to both the Methodist Church and St. James Armenian Church.
They participate in the huge annual Arme-nian Food Festival of Richmond, which draws in thousands. Betty describes it “as a spirit of brotherhood, fun, and respect. It is an enormous amount of work for the mem-bers but they do it, the younger generation having now taken over for the older one.”
The road to happiness with her immigrant Armenian in-laws did not happen overnight. It was her sweetness and genteel personality coupled with true love for Haike that led to a smooth, gratifying relationship. “I love my husband dearly and would do nothing to hurt him.” She was a wise woman who was determined to win over his parents and in the end it paved the road to contentment for all. Everyone was a winner.
Sixty-two years of serene marriage, two sons, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchild-ren, the Giragosians have set an example of how people from different backgrounds can have true happiness.
Here is a clue to the character of the wise Betty Giragosian: As she says, “I feel very humbled to be the subject of your paper. I hope I have honored my Armenian parents by marriage.”
The reality is she has honored us all by em-bracing our Armenian culture when she could have just turned her back on it all. That Haike is one lucky Khatpertsi.
Don’t you just love a good love story?
Page 11 Newsletter, Winter-Spring 2012
A vagyan family is one of a few families that moved to Richmond recently. They
came to Richmond in October 2010 where Ruben is employed as an Energy Engineer with Honeywell Industries.
Ruben Avagyan was born in Yerevan, Arme-nian, and his wife, Yelena Avanesyan, was born in Baku, Azerbaijan. She was forced to leave Baku and escaped to Armenia due to political unrest and war in Azerbaijan. Ye-lena met Ruben while she was a secretary for a company where Ruben worked. They were married in Yerevan and have two daughters, Maria and Zina.
Ruben’s parents were both engineers by pro-fession. His mother passed away in 2006, and his father lives in Yerevan, Armenia.
Ruben received his B.S. degree in Geophysics in 1993 from Yerevan State University, M.S. degree in Industrial Engineering from the American University of Armenia in Yerevan in 2006, and PhD in Industrial Engineering from University of West Virginia in 2010. He has also served the Armenian Army for two years.
Ruben is a member of the Institute of Indus-trial Engineers, American Society of Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engi-neers, and the Association of Energy Engi-neers. He is a co-owner of Prom Systems, Ltd., an engineering firm in Armenia. He was involved in constructing forty distribu-
tion plants in Armenia; one oil refinery and dozens of beverage production facilities.
To balance his academic achievements, Ruben is talented in painting. As a young student he attended the School of Art in Ye-revan for five years. He enjoys camping and hiking, and he is interested in history, arche-ology and paleontology.
Yelena’s parents died several years ago. She has a sister living in Abovian, Armenia and a sister and brother living in Moscow. Yelena’s talents include knitting and decorating. She enjoys the outdoors, hiking, camping and teaching kids and communicating with peo-ple.
Maria is 13 years old and attends Pocahontas Middle School as an 8th grader. Her favorite subject is Social Studies and she likes tennis, piano and hip hop.
Zina is 6 years old and attends Nuckols Farm Elementary School. She likes ballet, basket-ball and she is a great conversationalist for her age.
Ruben and his family have traveled in Russia and the United States.
They are a talented, warm and friendly fa-mily, and we are pleased and blessed they are a part of our Armenian community in Richmond, VA.
R.K.
Ruben & Yelena, Maria & Zina Avagyan
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Yerevan’s Hovhannes Tumanyan State Puppet Theater Visits East Coast
F or the first time ever, the Hovhannes Tumanyan State Puppet Theater of Yer-
evan visited the United States this January. Its East Coast performance tour began on January 20 at St. James Armenian Church and continued to various Armenian churches and communities in the Eastern Diocese. A five-member ensemble of the group, inclu-ding its artistic director, performed Robert Arakelian’s short story, “The Birthday Gift,” in Armenian, and Hovhannes Tumanyan’s “The Foolish Man” in English with floor puppets. The initial presentation was di-rected in particular at younger children. The four actors of the ensemble also sang a med-ley of lively Armenian traditional and folk songs.
The Richmond premiere was well attended, with some 65 Armenians in the audience, including a strong contingent of children. St. James pastor, Fr. Mesrob Hovsepyan, intro-duced the performance, explaining the im-portance of introducing various aspects of Armenian culture to Armenian children (and adults) in the United States. The two stories had important moral messages for children. The animals of “The Birthday Gift” showed the importance of giving and not just receiv-
ing, while the famous Tumanyan short story, “The Foolish Man,” based on a folk story, depicted a man who was unable to recognize and take advantage of good fortune.
The Tumanyan Puppet Theater was founded in 1935 and has a building as its headquar-ters in Yerevan along with a distinguished history. With a large staff, its presentations can include as many as 17 performers.
The Republic of Armenia’s Ministry of Cul-ture provided subventions for the East Coast tour of the theater. Thanks to a number of local Armenians (Chuck Ashjian, Bedros Bandazian, Sam & Maral Haboush, Garen & Nouneh Karapetyan, and Harry Deloian) the Richmond performance was subsidized. Also, the local company Party Perfect do-nated the stage equipment for the perform-ance. Short videos of the performances can be viewed on the St. James website.
This is an abridged version of the complete article by Aram Arkun which was printed in
The Armenian Mirror-Spectator, January 28, 2012 issue.
P arishioners of St. David Church of Boca Raton, Fla., gathered to honor their pas-
tor, the Very Rev. Fr. Nareg Berberian, on the 20th anniversary of his ordination to the holy priesthood.
The celebration began on Satur-day, January 21,
with a banquet in the church's Mardigian Hall. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Dioce-san Primate, presided over the event, which drew more than 250 guests.
A native of Beirut, Lebanon, Fr. Berberian grew up in a pious family and attended church on Sundays. Inspired by his parents Kevork and Nevart, and by relatives in the priesthood, he decided to begin seminary studies at an early age.
He entered the seminary at Holy Etchmi-adzin, was ordained a deacon, and traveled to the United States in 1988 to continue his education at St. Nersess and St. Vladimir's seminaries in New York. He was ordained to the holy priesthood at St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral on July 26, 1992.
Fr. Berberian holds master's degrees in divin-ity and sacred theology, and a doctorate de-gree in ministry. He served parishes in Hous-ton, Texas; Richmond, Va.; and Hartford, Conn., before being assigned as pastor of St. David Church of Boca Raton in 2002.
Parish council vice chair Carol Norigian pre-sented Fr. Berberian with a Michael Aram decorative piece on be-half of the parish coun-cil. She stressed Fr. Ber-berian's gift for bring-ing together the com-munity by organizing spiritual and cultural activities.
Before concluding the evening, Archbishop Barsamian presented Fr. Berberian with a plaque in recognition of his milestone.
On Sunday, January 22, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy. During the service, Gregory Merjian was or-dained to the order of sub-diaconate and Arlen Avedyan to the order of diaconate. Both worked with Fr. Berberian to prepare for their new duties.
Page 14 SEVAN
Very rev. Fr. Oshagan Gulgulian: 25 Years of Service
On Sunday, February 12, the commu-nity of St. Sahag and St. Mesrob
Church of Wynnewood, Pa., came together to celebrate its pastor's 25th anniversary of ordination to the holy priesthood. The
c h u r c h ' s newly reno-vated hall looked regal with more than 320 pari-s h i o n e r s , c o m m u n i t y
members, and friends in attendance to congratulate the Very Rev. Fr. Oshagan Gul-gulian on this milestone.
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, presided over the celebration. Karinne Andonian began the afternoon with renditions of the American and Armenian national anthems. This was followed by an invocation from Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian.
Committee co-chair Sarah Selverian welcomed everyone and offered a toast on the occasion, followed by greetings from parish council chair Laraine Ballard. Ballard spoke of Fr. Gulgulian's outreach to the entire community and the many events he has helped to initiate working side by side with the parish organizations. She also spoke of the admiration of many for his knowledge of Armenian history and church doctrine, which has greatly enriched his sermons and lectures.
Dinner was served by the ACYOA Juniors
and Seniors, who also assisted with the room setup. A beautiful program filled the afternoon, featuring vocal and choral selections and dancing, interspersed with inspirational remarks.
The Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan spoke on behalf of the area Armenian clergy and shared his first encounter with Fr. Gulgulian when they were both serving in Germany. Archbishop Gizirian then spoke of Fr. Gulgulian's devotion to the Armenian Church.
Banquet co-chair Elizabeth Barsamian pre-sented Fr. Gulgulian with a pair of gold cuf-flinks embossed with the image of Holy Echmiadzin. This parish gift was handmade by Khosrof Pakhtigian. Fr. Gulgulian expressed his gratitude and said that if he were to start his life anew, he would again choose the path of the priesthood in the Armenian Church.
Archbishop Barsamian spoke of Fr. Gulgu-lian's service to the Armenian Church and observed that this milestone served as an opportunity to bring the community closer together. Steve Barsamian served as the master of ceremonies.
Page 15 Newsletter, Winter-Spring 2012
Easter Celebrated in New York
E aster morning was cool and sunny in New York, as hundreds gathered at the city's St.
Vartan Armenian Cathedral to celebrate the most important day of the year in the church calendar.
More than 2,000 people participated in services on April 8. Early on, pews began to be filled and
when seats had become scarce, many stood at the back or spilled onto the plaza, where audio speakers broadcast the Badarak from the sanctuary.
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the homily. He spoke about the three women who were the first to witness the miracle of Christ's Resurrection.
This episode is remembered in the Armenian Church through the Yughaperitz Ganaykh, or the "Oil-bearing Women" service—an ancient tradition that is performed every Sunday before the start of the Divine Liturgy.
Armenia’s Minister of Defense Visits Diocesan Center
On Wednesday, March 21, Armenia's Minister of Defense Seyran
Ohanyan visited the headquarters of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America in New York. He was welcomed by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate, who led him and his delegation on a tour of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral.
In the sanctuary, Mr. Ohanyan and his wife Ruzanna lit a candle and joined the Primate and cathedral dean, the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, in reciting the Lord's Prayer.
The delegation included Deputy Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan; Ambassador Garen Nazarian, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Armenia to the United Nations, and his wife Nana; and Colonel Mesrop Nazarian, Armenia's Defense Attaché in Washington.
In the Diocese's reception hall, the guests were welcomed by about 25 leaders of the Eastern Diocese. Among these were Diocesan
Council members Oscar Tatosian, Dr. Raffy Hovanessian, and Papken Megerian; Dr. Edgar Housepian and Dr. John Nercessian of the Fund for Armenian Relief, and FAR's executive director Garnik Nanagoulian.
After his welco-ming remarks, the Primate presented Mr. and Mrs. Ohanyan with two gold crosses crafted by jeweler and longtime
community leader Hirant Gulian. At the conclusion, Mr. Ohanyan presented Archbishop Barsamian with a medal.
Mr. Ohanyan was on an official visit to the United States, where he was scheduled to meet with various U.S. government officials, including his counterpart, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta.
Page 16 SEVAN
Requiem Service for His Holiness Shenouda III, Patriarch of the Coptic Orthodox Church
On March 21, in the Mother See of Ho-ly Etchmiadzin, under the Presi-
dency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, a requiem service was offered for the recently departed His Holiness Shenouda III, Patri-arch of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Pope of Alexandria and the Patriarch of All Africa on the Holy Apostolic See of Saint Mark.
Present for the service were His Eminence Archbishop Marek Solczynski, Apostolic Nuncio to Armenia and Georgia of the Ro-man Catholic Church; His Eminence Archbishop Rafael Minassian, leader of the Armenian Catholic Church in Armenia, Georgia and Eastern Europe; Sergei Manasarian, Vice-minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia; and representatives of the Egyptian and Lebanese Embassies to the Republic of Armenia.
At the beginning of the service, the Catholicos of All Armenians reflected on the blessed mem-ory of Patriarch Shenouda, leader and shepherd of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and his pro-ductive decades of service. “Through His efforts and devotion, the Coptic Orthodox Church experienced a renaissance through the founding of new churches, dioceses, parishes, and edu-cational and charitable institutions. His pontificate was marked by a revival of the ancient mo-nastic tradition of the desert fathers,” His Holiness stated in part.
His Holiness highlighted the departed Pope’s significant role in inter-church and inter-religious relations as an active participant of the ecumenical dialogue and proponent of unity for Christian and inter-faith solidarity.
His Holiness, on behalf of the Supreme Spiritual Council and the Brotherhood of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, once again expressed his condolences to the Coptic Orthodox Church and the Authorities of Egypt.
Newsletter, Winter-Spring 2012 Page 17
W ith the blessings of His Holiness Ka-rekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Ca-
tholicos of All Armenians, the second phase of the program “Aid to Families” has been launched. The program is a joint effort of the Christian Education Department of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the ecu-menical organization Acting by Churches Together (ACT) and the Armenian Round Table Foundation, in cooperation with Mr. Armen Ashotian, Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Armenia.
The aim of the program is to strengthen the connection of church-school-family, and to pro-mote spiritual, national, and moral values. The first phase of the program was implemented during the 2010-2011 educational year.
The Armenian Apostolic Church, with the cooperation of regional Armenian dioceses and lo-cal authorities, has been organizing informational meetings in roughly 100 schools throughout the regions of Armenia, with clergy and parents within the communities. During periodically held meetings, clergy have analyzed the diversified domestic challenges facing families in the context of the value system of the Armenian Church, as well as discussed problems on domes-tic violence, and answered questions that are concerning parents. As a supplementary re-source, the “Modern Christian Family in Society” informational pamphlet has been distributed to schools and parents.
As part of the second phase, a conference was held in Tsaghkadzor, March 5-7, with the theme “The Spiritual Outlook on Violence.” Thirty-five clergy from various Dioceses in Armenia that are directly involved in the program were in attendance.
During the conference, His Grace Bishop Arakel Karamian, Primate of the Diocese of Kotayk, and His Grace Bishop Markos Hovhannisian, Primate of the Diocese of Gegharkunik, spoke and offered their blessings. Reverend Father Vartan Navasardian, Director of the Christian Educational Center of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and Dr. Karen Nazarian, Director of the Armenian Church “Round Table” Foundation both made presentations and facilitated discussions.
Sergei Borzov, Senior Advisor at the National Foundation for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, analyzed the psychological basis of family issues. He highlighted the importance of the role of the parish priest in resolving issues of domestic violence and in providing education on these topics to children and adults.
The Second Phase of the Program “Assistance to the Families” Launched
Page 18 SEVAN
Parish Events Winter – Spring, 2012
• November 17 – The AVAK Seniors Bingo luncheon took place in the Church Hall and it was fun. Linda Sharigian at the helm did a great job.
• November 20 – The Pre-Thanksgiving food sales after church services was successful. • December 2 – The Virginia Armenian Network (V.A.N.) happy hour was held at the Virginia
Museum of Fine Arts. The group enjoyed live music and entertainment at the museum. • December 3 – Women’s Guild Christmas party at the Church hall was a warm, pleasant eat-and
-drink occasion. The dinner was buffet style with soft music in the background. Great food, great fun.
• December 9 – Our newly formed ACYOA organized the Friday Family Night for all young families with children. It was a fun evening with lots of games and activities.
• December 11 – The Virginia Holocaust Museum’s grand opening and reception of The Ongoing Armenian Genocide - Death, Denial & Desecration exhibit hosted a packed crowd. The guest speakers were Aram Arkum from the Mirror-Spectator staff and Dr. Roger W. Smith who is-Professor Emeritus of Government of The College of William and Mary. The members of the Virginia Holocaust Museum and the Armenian Education Center shared their joint vision for the development of a permanent Genocide exhibit.
• December 15 – AVAK Seniors Christmas party luncheon was fun. The food was great and sen-iors received a surprise gift.
• January 5 & 6 – Christmas Eve and Christmas Day – Feast of the Nativity and the Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
• January 8 – Holy Badarak and Blessing of the Water followed by Christmas lunch hosted by the Women’s Guild and a visit by Santa Claus.
• January 20 – We were pleased to have the Hovhannes Tumanyan Puppet State Theater of Yere-van’s Puppet Shows & Concert for the first time in Richmond at our church hall. Those that at-tended were pleasantly surprised. The children were captivated by the performance and were laughing and singing along.
• February 19 – Poon Paregentan Badarak was followed by the Blessing of the Children Service at the end of Divine Liturgy. It was a day to honor the children, parents, grandparents and godpar-ents. Poon Paregentan Lunch & Talent Show was held in the church hall after Badarak. The lunch was delicious and the talent show was, indeed, something to see. The children were well rehearsed and performed beautifully. The talent show included recitations, singing, and playing of various musical instruments. It was a joy to watch them.
• March 15 – The AVAK Seniors met for lunch at The Olive Garden Restaurant in Short Pump at the far west end on Henrico County. It was an interesting drive and the food and company was good.
• February 24-March 30 - Friday Lenten Services and Dinners were organized by St. James Women’s Guild with the participation and sponsorship of our members.
• February 26 - Annual Parish Assembly was held in the church hall.
Newsletter, Winter-Spring 2012 Page 19
Page 20 SEVAN
Aaron Burghardt; Servart Topjian; Salpi, Richard & Serar Kevorkian; Lilly, Robert, Christopher & Raffi Thomas; and Douglas & Maria Carden
sana Kibinian For: George & Dora Diradour By: The Diradour and Barsamian Fami-
lies For: Satenig Der Sarkisian & Esther
Kavafian By: Lucy Papazian and the Dean Family For: Sahag & Haygouhi Garabedian By: Anahid Ghazarian & Family,
Marlene & Haig Garabedian & Family and Lusene & Fadi Salloum
For: Elizabeth Pattinian By: Patricia Davidson For: Manuk & Zinaida Margaryan,
Vladimir & Araxia Avanesyan By: Ruben & Yelena Avagyan For: John Dermanjian &
Janet Caporale By: Zevart & Anthony Caporale
For: Zarouhi DerKrikorian Deloian (40 days)
By: Harry Deloian & Family For: Ossanna Vahanian By: Gilda & Edward Arslanian For: His Eminence Archbishop Mes-
rob Asjian By: Lucy Papazian & the Dean Family (Fredericksburg, VA) For: Lousaper Keshishian By: Chris & Lucy Grey For: Alexan & Nvard Iskandarian, Anjelina Iskandarian By: Ara Iskenderian For: Haig Markarian By: Ann Markarian & Family For: Kevin Jacobe By: Sarah Jacobe-Arici & Family For: Marie Akseraylian By: Arlene Akseraylian & Family For: Mihran Ozbalik & Kevork
Zeroukoglu By: Nubar & Janet Ozbalik and Arsha-
louys Zeroukoglu For: Alice Bouroujian By: Levon, Arpi, Liza Bouroujian;
Patricia Davidson In loving memory of her mother, Elizabeth Pattinian Chris, Katherine, & Katie Wall Krikor & Servart Zurnacian & Family The Bouroujian Family
In loving memory of Alice Bouroujian Ann Markarian In loving memory of Haig Markarian Roxie Kricorian In loving memory of Apraham & Mary Kricorian, John Kricorian, Sr., Taguhi Kapamackjian, & Marshall Knox Joyce Soghoian—Christmas Poinsettias & Easter Lilies Yeran Topjian – Easter Lilies
CHURCH
Robert & Barbara Roe John & Ruby Giragosian Anahid Deese
EASTER YUGHAKIN
Alan & Veronica Arikian Queen Benson (Newport News, VA) Margaret Butler (Hopewell, VA)Vartouhi & Avedis Garabedian Robert & Martha Garian Vahe & Ruzanna Ghazarian Fr. Mesrob & Ruzanna Hovsepyan Garen & Nouneh Karapetyan Richard & Salpi Kevorkian Roxie Kricorian Peruz Manoukian Mary & Joseph Melton Charles Moogalian Zadig & Lucille Setian (Williamsburg, VA) John & Ruby Giragosian Becky & Stephanie Green Victoria & Hugo Tito Isabel Vartanian (Hopewell, VA) Linda Sharigian
EASTER LUNCHEON SPONSORS
Nubar & Janet Ozbalik Garen & Nouneh Karapetyan
Special donations
Page 22 SEVAN
Calendar of Upcoming Events • April 19, Thursday - V.A.N. Happy Hour at Cafe Caturra , 5:30pm. • April 22, Sunday - Memorial Requiem Service followed by a short program for the victims of the
Armenian Genocide. Submit the names for the Requiem Service by April 19th. • April 25, Wednesday - Bible Study Morning Group, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Come to explore together the pathways of the New Testament and to increase our faith and spiritual fulfillment through study of the Gospel of Matthew.
• April 25, Wednesday - Annual Armenian Genocide Observance on Capitol Hill, 6:00 p.m. Everyone is welcomed to join our small group from Richmond attending the Congressional event in Washington D.C. We will depart from the church parking lot at 13:00 p.m.
• April 28, Saturday - Armenian Relief Society—Golf & Tavloo tournament. • April 29, Sunday - Women's Guild General Meeting, 12.30 p.m. • May 5, Saturday - Spring Clean-Up Day. Join us to clean up and dust the church sanctuary, 8:00 a.m. • May 6, Sunday - Screening of "From Ararat to Zion" documentary following the Divine Liturgy &
light luncheon, 12:30 p.m. • May 9, Wednesday - Bible Study Morning Group, 10:00-11:00 a.m. • May 16, Wednesday - Bible Study Evening Group, 6:30-7:30 p.m. • May 19, Saturday - Women's Guild Fashion Show hosted by Stein Mart, 8:30 a.m. • May 23, Wednesday - Bible Study Morning Group, 10:00-11:00 a.m. • May 30, Wednesday - Bible Study Evening Group, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
BIBLE STUDY Come to explore together the pathways of the New Testament and to in-crease our faith and spiritual fulfillment through studying of the Holy Scriptures with Der Mesrob. We have morning and evening groups and meet twice a month on Wednesdays. Feel free to join one of the groups.
Page 23 Newsletter, Winter-Spring 2012
Sevan Donations
We thank the donors who answered our call in the previous issue to help offseting the costs of our newsletter. A total of $520 was received from the following: Virginia & Hugh Abernathy Harry & Mariam Eretzian – CA Joyce Soghoian Harry Deloian Dikran Kabbendjian Family – NC Hayk & Hamest Melikyan – NC G. & T. Degermajian - NC Phil & Marilynn Guzelian – CO John Baronian Andre & Diane Karakashian Arsh & Shirley Kapigian –NJ Richard & 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
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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 Rob M. Norris, Chairman Leiza Bouroujian, Vice-Chairperson Dale Baronian, Treasurer Steve Barsamian, Co-Treasurer Gregory Boyajian, Secretary Jamie Accashian, Adviser Nubar Ozbalik, Adviser John Baronian, Senior Adviser CHURCH OFFICE Office Hours: 8:30-11:30am, 12:30-3:00pm 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.”
