ST. SAHAG & ST. MESROB ARMENIAN · PDF filemember of the Communications Department of our own...

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ST. SAHAG & ST. MESROB ARMENIAN CHURCH

PARISH COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY

OFFICE 630 Clothier Road Phone 610.642.4212 Wynnewood, PA 19096 Fax 610.649.4892

Pastor Very Rev Fr. Oshagan Gulgulian, M. Div

Office Manager Anie Megerian

Website http://www.sahagmesrobchurch.org

E-Mail Office [email protected]

Pastor [email protected] Mer Doon [email protected]

Church Office Hours Pastor’s Hours 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Sunday Divine Liturgy Services Divine Liturgy – 10:00 a.m.

Choirmaster – Noubar Karagulian

Organists: Laraine Ballard Helen Parseghian

PARISH COUNCIL Laraine Ballard ................................................. Chair Mark Gulasarian ....................................... Vice Chair Joseph Brinker .......................................... Treasurer Robert Zakian ................................... Asst. Treasurer Seta Topakbashian .................. Recording Secretary Robert Cannuscio ............. Corresponding Secretary Steve Barsamian .......................................... Advisor Julyet Degirmenci ......................................... Advisor Steven Keytanjian ........................................ Advisor Janet Soghomonian ..................................... Advisor Robin Kazanjian Williams ............................. Advisor

Diocesan Delegates Jovia Keytanjian Lisa Manookian

Alex Topakbashian

Nominating Committee Auditing Committee Karen Cannuscio Margaret Ashekian Arpy Jones Elizabeth Barsamian Carol Leszczynski Edward Sarkisian

Sunday School Superintendants

Alice Pakhtigian Greta Wiley

Church Organization Chairpersons ACYOA Jrs. ...................................... Sarah Derderian ACYOA Srs. ..................................... Nanor Arabatlian Choir ............................................. Noubar Karagulian Men’s Club ........................................... Haig Geovjian Permanent Endowment Fund ...... Alex Topakbashian Women’s Guild ............................... Julyet Degirmenci

Robin Kazanjian Williams Youth Committee ............................. Sarkis Berberian

Parish Council Focus Group Coordinators Membership ................................. Janet Soghomonian Youth .............. Robert Cannuscio/Alex Topakbashian Sunday School .................................. Marc Gulasarian Stewardship .............................................. Arpy Jones

Communications/Website Technology Coordinator ....................... Marie Azadian Communications ................................ Lisa Manookian Web Photo Gallery ........................... Sarkis Berberian Web Assistant .................................. Steve Keytanjian

Mer Doon Advisory Committee Editor ................................................. Lisa Manookian Advisors ................................. Arpy Jones/Pam Brinker Special Features ....................................Lisa Kazanjian

Armenian Heritage Center Carol Leszczynski, Coordinator

Facilities Management

Robert Zakian, Parish Council Liaison Steve Barsamian, Grounds & Maintenance Liaison

Aris Topakbashian, Coordinator

mailto:[email protected]



St. Sahag & St. Mesrob Armenian Church Mer Doon Spring/Summer 2012

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The Pastor’s Corner Dear Parishioners and Friends: Every two years, the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin comes together at the Mother See for an annual conference. The theme for this year’s gathering centered on the usage of multi-media in outreach to our people, particularly the use of the social media. Leading the presentation was Dn. Artur Petrosyan, a member of the Communications Department of our own Eastern Diocese. The focus was on the use of You Tube, Facebook, Twitter and other platforms to spread the teachings of the Armenian Church. Also stressed was the growing number of mobile phone users and the need to develop religious applications for the mobile community. The gathering was held from June 3-10 and a total of 81 celibate priests took part, presided over by His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. The presentation was very timely and prepared us for a new initiative unveiled by His Holiness “One Day in the Diocese,” a one-day pastoral preaching program which was launched in the Diocese of Armavir and which will be continued once a month, until each Diocese in Armenia has been visited. The program’s aim is for a core group of clergy to travel to a different Diocese for one day each month, visiting that Diocese’s cities, towns and villages with a focus on (1) conveying the light of Our Lord Jesus Christ to the children of our nation; and (2) creating opportunities to establish person contract and discussions with clergymen. So, on June 8th, led by His Holiness, nearly 120 clergymen traveled from the Mother See to the village of Mrgashat in the Armavir region of Armenia. Following a joint prayer, each clergyman departed for a rural community assigned to him for that day. More than 70 rural communities were visited with special attention given to remote villages where there were no churches and where clergy visits were infrequent. We held meetings with the faithful, visited families of deceased soldiers and spent time with those with physical disabilities who could not leave their homes. We offered home blessing services and we visited educational and cultural institutions, hospitals, and community programs. At the end of that joyous day, we returned to Holy Etchmiadzin for evening worship at the Mother See. This program was spiritually uplifting in many ways. Though it was our responsibility to provide spiritual nourishment to our brethren, we received much more through witnessing their determination to live life to the fullest, despite their many struggles. My last visit was two years before and I saw many profound changes in Armenia and the Mother See, which gave me hope as we move forward as a nation and as a Church. While there is still much difficulty, we must always focus on the positive, even as we identify with the negative. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, as you go, disciple people in all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. And remember, I am with you each and every day until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19


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News from Around the World From Holy Etchmiadzin and Armenia Holy Etchmiadzin Brotherhood Meets in Armenia: During their meetings from June 3-10, members of the Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin discussed how to employ social media as a tool for evangelization and education. A total of 81 celibate priests took part in the meeting, which was presided over by His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and chaired by Fr. Nareg Berberian. At the invitation of His Holiness Karekin II, Dn. Artur Petrosyan, of the Eastern Diocese’s Communications Department, gave a presentation on social media. Dn. Petrosyan spoke about the use of YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and other platforms to spread the teachings of the Armenian Church. He also stressed the growing number of mobile phone users and the need to develop religious applications for the mobile community.

Statement on Armenian Azerbaijan Border Cease-Fire Violations: The Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin, led by His Holiness, issued a statement on the recent tragic events at the Armenian-Azeribjan border expressing their deep concern about the continued systematic violations of the cease-fire. “The Armenian Apostolic Church has always expressed its commitment to a peaceful and just settlement to the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict . . . and strongly condemns Azerbijan’s provocative actions, directed at the disruption of the region’s fragile cease-fire. The Brotherhood expressed their “condolences to the families of our soldiers who died in defense of the Homeland, asking that the Holy Spirit console mourning families and friends.

Gyumri's Octet Music School to be Rebuilt: When students at the Octet Music School in Gyumri gave a concert in early July, it marked the last time they would perform in the cramped aluminum trailers that have served as their classrooms since the 1988 earthquake. In the near future, the students will have a new facility, currently under construction. The concert was attended by participants in the ACYOA Armenia Service Program, who are volunteering to assist in the early phases of the building’s demolition. The ASP group was impressed by the skill and dedication of the students. The reconstruction of the school has been made possible thanks to the fundraising efforts of Mediamax; the Australian NGO Do Something; musicians Ian Gillan, Tony Iommi, and Serj Tankian; and Fund for Armenian Relief supporters Edward and Janet Mardigian.

In the Eastern Diocese Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian – 65 Years of Service: More than 200 people gathered at Holy Trinity Church in Cheltenham, PA, on Sunday, June 17 to mark Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian’s 65th anniversary of ordination into the holy priesthood. Archbishop Gizirian celebrated the Divine Liturgy. A luncheon and program followed the service in the church's Santerian Hall. Messages were read from His Holiness Karekin II, and Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian. Other clergy spoke about the humility and devotion that Archbishop Gizirian has brought to his ministry. The program also included a video highlighting Archbishop Yeghishe’s path to the priesthood, produced by the Diocese’s Communications Department, as well as a musical performance and poetry recitations. Antranig Garibian served as the master of ceremonies.

Paul Ignatius Gives Book Talk at Washington, DC Parish: This past spring, St. Mary Church of Washington, D.C., along with the Knights of Vartan-Ani Lodge and the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR), hosted a talk by Paul R. Ignatius, former U.S. Secretary of the Navy and Assistant Secretary of Defense, whose memoir, Now I Know


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in Part, was recently issued in a new edition by NAASR’s Armenian Heritage Press. Mr. Ignatius spoke about childhood memories and shared episodes from his professional experiences. A book signing and reception followed his presentation. Also in attendance was Mr. Ignatius’s son, Washington Post columnist, David Ignatius. Now I Know in Part explores Ignatius’s family history, his childhood in Glendale, CA, his military service during World War II, and the journey he made to historic Armenia in 2006.

110th Diocesan Assembly Held in Connecticut: Clergy and lay delegates from across the Eastern Diocese gathered in Windsor, CT, during the first week in May for the 110th Diocesan Assembly, hosted by St. Mark Church of Springfield, MA. The Assembly continued the Diocese’s focus on lay ministry—the “Ministry of the Faithful”—with special emphasis on parish efforts to encourage lay participation in the life of the church. In addition to reviewing organizational reports, delegates had the opportunity to share how they make the presence of Jesus essential in their lives and brainstormed ways to help others draw closer to Christ through parish activities.

On Friday, May 4, at the Grand Banquet held at the Basketball Hall of Fame, two distinguished members of the Armenian community were honored. The Armenian Church Member of the Year was bestowed upon Dr. Gregory Adamian, the long-serving president of Bentley University and a much-admired Armenian community leader, who has served on the boards of the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research and the Armenian General Benevolent Union, and as a Diocesan Assembly delegate from St. James Armenian Church of Watertown, Mass. The Rev. Dr. Olav Tveit, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, was the recipient of the Diocese's Friend of the Armenian Award. Dr. Tveit traveled to Armenia last year, where he met with His Holiness and visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial at Dzidzernagapert in Yerevan.

During the same weekend, the Women’s Guild hosted its Annual Assembly concurrent with the Diocesan Assembly and on Saturday, May 5, held its annual Woman of Wonder Luncheon honoring Julie Ashekian of St. George Armenian Church of Hartford, CT. Mrs. Ashekian was recognized for her dedication to the Armenian Church and for her work in helping the children of Armenia through the CASP and Mer Doon programs. (Established in 2005, Mer Doon is a home in Armenia for orphans who have outgrown the orphanage, and for other seriously disadvantaged young adults. The home offers a solid education and a loving and compassionate family environment, assisting the women as they transition into society. For many of these orphans and disadvantaged young adults, Mer Doon is the first family they have ever known.)

In the days prior to the 110th Assembly, clergy gathered in West Hartford, CT, to share advice and review the year’s focus on lay ministry during the annual Clergy Conference. Clergy of the Eastern Diocese welcomed a guest from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Rev. Fr. Markos Mangasaryan, and discussed the Divine Liturgy, education, and youth programs as representing the heart of the church’s mission.

Boston’s Armenian Heritage Park Opens to Public: On May 22, Armenian-Americans in the Boston area, as well as government officials and other dignitaries took part in a dedication program for the city’s newly-built Armenian Heritage Park. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, and Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the Diocese’s Ecumenical Director, participated in a blessing ceremony. Also present were Boston-area clergy. Representing the Republic of Armenia were Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian, Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan, and His Excellency Tatoul Markarian, Armenia’s Ambassador to the United States. James Kalustian, a member of the Diocesan Council and President of the Armenian Heritage Foundation, introduced Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, who offered remarks. Other speakers included U.S. Representative Edward Markey and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino. Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian was the master of ceremonies.

Armenian Heritage Park, located on Parcel 13 of the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway in Boston, commemorates the victims of the Armenian Genocide while celebrating the contributions of Armenian-Americans and other immigrant groups to the city and state. The park features an abstract sculpture commemorating the immigrant experience and the Armenian Genocide, as well as a labyrinth of grass and stone symbolizing life’s journey. His Holiness Karekin II presided over a groundbreaking ceremony for the park in September 2010. The park is a project of the non-profit Armenian Heritage Foundation, involving 38 Armenian parishes and organizations in Massachusetts. Visit www.armenianheritagepark.org to learn more.

Young Pilgrims Visit the Holy Land: During June 9-18, a group of 33 youth leaders from parishes throughout the Eastern Diocese visited the Holy Land. Led by His Eminence, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, they traced the footsteps of Jesus Christ through Bethlehem, Nazareth, Galilee, and Jerusalem, experienced the great sites of biblical history, learned about the Armenian presence in the Holy Land, and explored ways to strengthen their leadership. A daily account of the group’s experiences, with photos, appears in a blog on the Diocesan website.

http://www.armenianheritagepark.org/


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Dagley Scholarship Fund Seeks Support: St. Gregory of Narek Church of Richmond Heights, OH, has established a scholarship fund for the children of the late Rev. Fr. Haroutiun Dagley and the late Yn. Patricia Dagley. During the annual Clergy Conference earlier this month, the clergy collectively pledged $7,500 to assist with the college tuition fund of Fr. Dagley's children. Parishioners of the Eastern Diocese are encouraged to support the fundraising effort. St. Gregory of Narek Church has generously agreed to match the first $20,000 in personal donations made to the fund. Checks should be made out to St. Gregory of Narek Armenian Church (memo: “Sona and Sarkis Dagley Scholarship Fund”), and mailed to the church at 678 Richmond Road, Richmond Heights, Ohio 44143. For additional information, please contact the Rev. Fr. Hratch Sargsyan, Parish Pastor, at (440) 264-3541.

Diocese Announces Scholarship Recipients: The Eastern Diocese recently announced the recipients of the 2012-13 academic year Diocesan scholarships. The Diocese presents awards each year to students enrolled in four-year undergraduate programs who have demonstrated a high degree of scholarship and leadership in their local parishes. The program is supported by various endowment funds, including the Adrina Movsesian Scholarship, the Armine Dikijian Journalism Scholarship, the Mabel Fenner Scholarship, and the George Holopigian Memorial Fund. Garo Albert Cannuscio, son of Robert & Karen Cannuscio, was one of the recipients.

New Tutoring Dictionary Available: The Diocese is pleased to announce the publication of a new Tutoring Dictionary & Conversation book for learners of the Armenian language at all levels. The new volume combines a diverse vocabulary of Armenian words with a conversation section to draw students into more intermediate levels of spoken Armenian. It features more than 30,000 entries, with each word presented in Armenian, English translation, and English transliteration. The dictionary, which was prepared by Nubar Kupelian and Sylva der Stepanian, is available for purchase from the St. Vartan Bookstore.

Update on the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) Bone Health a Focus of FAR Effort in Armenia: Three medical centers in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabagh received bone densitometer machines—indispensable equipment in the evaluation of bone health—thanks to the generosity of Dr. John Bilezikian, Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology at Columbia University, and the Massachusetts-based Hologic Company. The machines arrived in 2011 in an effort coordinated by FAR. FAR is also helping organize the training sessions local doctors need to use the new equipment. This includes last month’s visit by instructor Larry Mowat of the Hologic Company to train medical staff. Dr. Bilezikian’s continued support of Armenia’s medical institutions has also included a lecture series he organized through FAR last fall on the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. The lectures drew a range of specialists from Yerevan and from Armenia’s provincial hospitals, and gave them the opportunity to become familiar with the latest methods in identifying and treating the bone disease.

ANSEF Prevents “Brain Drain” in Armenia: For the past 12 years, the Armenian National Science and Education Fund (ANSEF), sponsored by FAR, has enabled Armenia’s scientists to pursue cutting-edge research without having to leave their native country. This support has contributed to innovation and advancement in Armenia. A recent article by Florence Avakian in the Armenian Mirror-Spectator highlights the importance of the ANSEF program through interviews with one of its founders, Cornell University professor Dr. Yervant Terzian. A forum will be held at the Academy of Sciences in Yerevan on September 24, 2012, to celebrate ANSEF’s success.

FAR Banquet Benefits Children’s Center in Yerevan: On May 18, FAR hosted a banquet at the Diocesan Center in New York to benefit its Children’s Center in Yerevan. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian presided over the event, which was organized by the “Friends of the FAR Children’s Center”—a committee comprised of 12 caring women who support the work of the center. Established in 2000, the FAR Children's Center is the only institution in Armenia that performs crisis intervention and rehabilitation. It also offers children and families access to shelter, counseling, outreach services, healthcare, and legal assistance.

FAR Scholarship Recipients Give Back: Several of FARs Anoosh Mathevosian Scholarship Program beneficiaries took the initiative to begin a small library for schools in the Kashatagh region in Nagorno-Karabakh. The students collected books by Armenian, Russian, and other writers, in addition to historic reports and dictionaries. This new resources will expose young students to classic works of literature and help them become better acquainted with Armenian history. FAR’s Mathevosian Scholarship Program provides much-needed assistance to students from poor families. Through tuition coverage and a stipend, Mathevosian scholars have the opportunity to study at leading institutions in Armenia.


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Students Volunteer at FAR’s Vanadzor Old Age Home: FAR’s scholarship program recipients visited FAR’s Vanadzor Old Age Home in early June, where they volunteered with cleaning, painting, planting trees, and meeting with the home’s residents. Fellows of the FAR Provincial Doctors Training Program performed medical examinations and students of the Komitas State Conservatory and faculty of the Armenian State Pedagogical Institute organized a concert of national songs. Support for higher education is a major component of FAR’s work. FAR administers numerous scholarship programs, providing opportunities to Armenian students who wish to continue their education at public and private universities or vocational schools.

CASP Stipends Distributed in Armenia and Georgia: In early June, 432 families in the Armenian regions of Shirak, Syunik, and Tavush, and 100 orphans in Javakhk, Georgia, received spring 2012 stipends as part of the Children of Armenia Sponsorship Program (CASP). The much-needed financial support helps families purchase food, school supplies, clothing, and fuel. FAR is now preparing for the 2012 CASP summer camp. The camp will begin in July and provide opportunities to about 100 CASP beneficiaries to enjoy a program with their peers in one of the most picturesque parts of Armenia. FAR manages CASP, a special program of the Women’s Guild Central Council of the Eastern Diocese.

FAR Young Professionals Trip Includes Historic Visit to Armenian Lands in Turkey: The 2012 Young Professionals Trip took place in June and included a tour of historic Armenian lands in eastern Turkey, in addition to visits to religious and historic sites across Armenia. Participants visited Holy Etchmiadzin, Keghart, Khor Virab, and Noravank monasteries, and the Genocide Memorial at Dzidzernagapert. The group also visited FAR’s projects, including its Children’s Center in Yerevan and its agricultural initiative in Zangakatun. The trip provided an ideal opportunity for young professionals to go beyond a touristic itinerary and learn firsthand about Armenia’s place in the world. Participants engaged in dialogue with religious and government leaders, and gained an understanding of how Armenia’s future is being shaped with the support of the diaspora.

GTech Students Learn to Develop Android Apps: FAR’s Gyumri Information Technology Center (GTech) partnered with the Armenian-Indian Training Center and the Enterprise Incubation Foundation (EIF) to offer a series of seminars on Android app development and web technology. The seminars were conducted by experts from India. Students received a solid introduction to the Android development environment and learned about HTML, Java, and other languages. More than 25 GTech students participated in the seminars.

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IN MEMORIAM:

Ara Kalayjian Ara Kalaydjian, a prolific writer and editor, passed away on February 26. A native of Jerusalem, Mr. Kalaydjian served as editor-in-chief of Sion, the flagship publication of the Armenian Patriarchate. He also edited a number of literary collections, including a catalog of manuscripts of the Moush Monastery, and collections of works by Armenian clergy, poets, and writers. Mr. Kalaydjian settled in the United States in 1978, and went on to serve as the managing editor of the Baikar Weekly, and later as editor of the Armenian Mirror-Spectator, a position he held until 1997. Mr. Kalaydjian is survived by his wife Shoushanig, and his brothers Antranig, Alex, and Arek. Funeral services were held at St. James Armenian Church (465 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA) on March 2.

Lili Chookasian (1921-2012) Lili Chookasian, internationally renowned contralto, star of the Metropolitan Opera, and a longtime friend and supporter of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral passed away in her home in Branford, CT, on April 10, at the age of 90. A native of Chicago, Lili Chookasian sang in the local Armenian Church in her youth. She began her career in the 1940s as a featured soloist on the “Hymns of All Churches” radio program, and went on to perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Arkansas State Opera, New York Philharmonic, and the Met—where she was a beloved and admired performer for 25 years. Starting in the mid-1980s, Ms. Chookasian began teaching at Yale University's School of Music, and in 2002 she was awarded the university’s prestigious Samuel Simon Sanford Medal. In her personal life, Ms. Chookasian courageously battled breast cancer and became an inspiration to other women suffering from the disease at a time when it was considered a taboo subject in the prevailing culture. She always stayed close to her Armenian heritage, and was always willing to lend her gifts and warm enthusiasm to enrich the cultural life of New York’s St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral. In 2008, on the occasion of the cathedral’s 40th anniversary, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Khajag Barsamian presented Ms. Chookasian with the “St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Medal” for her dedication to the Armenian Church and her artistic achievements.

Metropolitan Constantine (1936-2012) Metropolitan Constantine, Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of America, passed away on May 21. He was 75. A native of Pittsburgh, PA, Metropolitan Constantine graduated from the Seminary of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Canada and continued his studies at St. Vladimir’s Seminary in New York and Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. He was consecrated a bishop in 1972 and elevated to the rank of Metropolitan 20 years later. In 1993, he was elected Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of America and went on to unify and strengthen the Ukrainian Church in the United States. Metropolitan Constantine was a member of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of America.

Aris G. Sevag (1946-2012) Aris Sevag, loving husband, father, educator, writer, editor, and translator passed away on April 28, 2012 in his home in Jackson Heights, NY after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in 1946, in Philadelphia, to Dr. & Mrs. Manasseh Sevag, his intellectual curiosity and commitment was evident from his early years. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, this curiosity took him around the country and around the world. Ultimately, he focused on his life’s mission: to serve his Armenian nation that he loved. In a lifetime of service as a teacher, educator, writer, activist, editor, and most notably, expert translator, his meticulous intensity, discipline, and passionate intellect allowed him to honorably and humbly serve his people throughout his distinguished literary career. His kindness, generosity, warm heart, passion for life, and robust sense of humor touched and inspired all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his loving wife Asdghig, son Armen, daughters Aida, Alice, and Ani, and brother Paul. A memorial service was held at St. Sarkis Armenian Church 865 234th Street, Little Neck, NY 11363 on April 30, 2012.


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DID YOU KNOW about st. Gregory

and the discovery of his relics?

On June 23, the Armenian Church observed one of the occasions associated with its patron saint, Gregory the Illuminator. The Feast of the Discovery of St. Gregory’s Relics takes us to the end of the saint’s life, and reminds us how his memory inspired subsequent generations. With the great experiences of his life behind him—his deliverance from the pit, his conversion of the kingdom of Armenia, his ecstatic vision of Christ ordering him to establish the Mother See of the Armenian Church—Gregory withdrew from the world. His final years were spent in solitude, among the Caves of Mané on Mount Sebuh (near Erzinjan). Shepherds eventually found his lifeless body, not knowing who he was, and buried him where he lay.

A century later, a hermit named Karnig was drawn to the site by a vision, unearthed Gregory’s mortal remains (his relics), and distributed these to various holy sites. The relics at the Monastery of St. John the Baptist in Pakavan played

a crucial role in Armenian history, just prior to the Vartanantz War, when they were brought forth by the common folk of Armenia to shame the nobles who had been willing to negotiate away Armenia’s Christian roots.

Today, at Holy Etchmiadzin, an arm-shaped reliquary containing bones of St. Gregory is used to bless the Holy Muron. Other relics reside at Jerusalem and Antelias, and in 2001 relics in the possession of the Roman Catholic Church were transferred to the Armenian Church as a tribute to the 1700th anniversary of Armenia’s conversion to Christianity.

While Gregory was certainly a witness to Christ (the literal meaning of the word “martyr”), he was not subjected to the violent, untimely death that we often associate with martyrdom. There is something beautiful, even hopeful, in this story of a man who, having completed his saintly purpose in life, was given the grace to live out his days to an advanced age, and die peacefully in God’s merciful hands.

Note: The above picture is an arm-shaped reliquary containing the bones of St. Gregory. It resides in the treasury of Holy Etchmiadzin.

DID YOU KNOW that armeNIa’s

master of songs is 300 this year?

He was born Haroutiun Sayatian, to a peasant family in the northeastern frontier of Armenia and Georgia. But the royal courts of his day—and eventually, the ages—came to know him as the “Master of Songs”: Sayat-Nova. Already as a boy, he had developed a reputation as a captivating singer, a creative interpreter of folksongs, and a prodigy on the kemenche (a violin-like instrument with three strings, played with a bow). But in the Georgian capital of Tiflis, Sayat-Nova was exposed to the rich performance tradition of the ashugh: the mystic troubadours who wandered the Caucasus singing odes to romance and chivalry. His fame as the greatest ashugh of the age brought him to the attention of Georgia’s King Heracle II, who summoned Sayat-Nova to his court as its royal musician and poet, and erstwhile diplomat. Sayat-Nova was known for his impressive command and creative use of the Armenian language. His fluency in Georgian, Persian, and Azerbaijani allowed him to perform for the widest possible audience. In middle age, he became a monk, and served at the great Armenian monastery of Haghbat, where he was killed by invading armies when he refused to denounce his faith. His body was returned to Tiflis, where it lies entombed in the St. Kevork Armenian Cathedral. Armenia’s Master of Songs was born 300 years ago—on June 14, 1712; the milestone is being marked with a festival in Armenia. September 22, 1795 marked the end of his mortal life. But by then, in every meaningful way, Sayat-Nova was already immortal.


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A MESSAGE FROM OUR PARISH COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON

Dear Parishioners and Friends:

Krisdos Haryav Ee Merelotz! Christ is Risen! Although Easter was back in April, I wanted to send all of you this very special greeting. It has been several months since I updated you on our church news and as always there is much to report. I will introduce you to the newly elected members of Parish Council, update you on the continued improvements being made to the facilities and grounds, the events that have taken place and plans ahead.

At the Parish Assembly on February 26, 2012, we welcomed three new members to the Parish Council: Steven Barsamian, Steven Keytanjian, and Seta Topakbashian, along with returning member, Robin Kazanjian Williams. We sincerely thank the efforts of Marie Azadian, Sarkis Etoian and Alex Topakbashian as they dedicated their time and energy to the success and growth of St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Armenian Church. The church will continue to benefit from their talents as each of them will remain actively involved in various aspects of church life, The newly elected officers have the following positions: Laraine Ballard (Chair), Mark Gulasarian (Vice Chair), Joe Brinker (Treasurer), Robert Zakian (Assistant Treasurer), Seta Topakbashian (Recording Secretary), and Robert Cannuscio (Corresponding Secretary). The remaining members, Steven Barsamian, Julyet Degirmenci, Steven Keytanjian, Janet Soghomonian, and Robin Kazanjian Williams will serve as Advisors and will have their hands full with many projects supporting our parish.

We hope you notice the improvements that are being made by the facilities and grounds committees to help beautify and preserve our church. The first phase of the planned renovation to Memorial Hall is near completion with only a few finishing touches left to be done. If you have not seen it recently, I encourage you to stop in during your next church visit. The built-in bar is complete with a beautiful granite counter top and hardwood cabinets, and the shrubs lining the patio outside the Fellowship Room have been pruned to allow for use of that space. This endeavor could not be achieved without your financial support and donations are still being accepted by the Stewardship Committee toward the renovation. Planning for the next phase is underway and you can read more about it the Stewardship Committee’s update by Arpy Jones, in this issue. Additional landscape work has been performed around the premises, including the pruning of shrubs in front of the sign at the corner entrance on Clothier Road to improve its visibility from the street and removal of shrubs in front of the retaining stone wall that once supported the portico. Many thanks to Steve Barsamian for coordinating our landscaping.

Your membership is vital to the future of St. Sahag & St. Mesrob Armenian Church. We rely on the payment of dues and other contributions help to offset the normal operating expenses to open our doors each and every Sunday to celebrate the Divine Liturgy. The first half of 2012 is now behind us and we kindly request payment be sent for at least half your dues to the church office. They can be paid by credit card as well. Church dues per person are:

Annual Semi-Annual

Regular $208 $104 Senior citizens/Students (ages 21 – 25) $104 $52

The Young Adults Social Network hosted its second event since inception in April. A night of bowling, camaraderie and good fun was enjoyed by over fourteen young adults who attended. Hayr Sourp also attended the event and enjoyed the opportunity to engage with the group. On June 3, 2012, the Parish Council hosted its second annual Graduation Service and Luncheon. Eleven of fourteen high school and college graduates attended to receive Holy Communion and a special blessing by Hayr Oshagan, and enjoy a luncheon program in their honor. We are all proud of the many accomplishments of our graduates. May God grant them good health and success in their endeavors. A full article with photos of the Graduation Service and Luncheon appears in our Parish News section along with a listing of all our church graduates.

A small change has been made to the way we report our Donations in the Mer Doon. With respect to the In Lieu of Flowers donations, those who make donations in memory of a parishioner will be listed in alphabetical order rather than


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according to dollar amount, with a total sum of all donations collected in the memory of a parishioner. With respect to all other donations, we will identify them by category and acknowledge in alphabetical order, with a total sum of all donations per category at the end of each list. It is our hope that loved ones, friends and fellow parishioners will continue to give from the heart as they always have and that this change will not impact their generosity.

Preparations for our annual September Picnic on Sunday, September 9, 2012 are underway with Steve Keytanjian at the helm once again. Last year’s picnic was a huge success and we hope to have a large crowd again to enjoy the delicious Armenian foods, kef music, and array of classic cars from days gone by, along with more fun and games. We will be holding Sunday School registration at the picnic as well. This is a fun committee to be a part of and I welcome you to contact me if you wish to help.

This year marks the 65th anniversary since the ordination of our beloved Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian to the priesthood. St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church will host a luncheon following church services on Sunday, September 23, 2012 in his honor. Please save the date to share in the celebration of our former priest and much loved Surpazan. More information about this special event will be available in the near future.

And as we begin our active fall season in September, we also begin preparations for our Annual Christmas Bazaar to be co-chaired this year by Tina Arutunian and Kristene Balabanyan McKee. Tina and Kristene will be forming their committee within the next two months. If you wish to assist, please let me know.

There is a lot going on at church and probably not enough space or time to mention each and every one. Check out the calendar of events and read up on what our various organizations are doing and planning for the rest of the year. I invite you to get involved in as much or as little as you are able. We understand that the demands of family, work and outside activities pull us in many different directions, but remember, the church is always here for you.

I wish you all a safe and restful summer,

Sincerely,

Laraine Kazanjian Ballard

Parish Council Chair

[email protected]

610.356.1891



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PARISH PAGES

Lenten Lecture Series

Our annual six-week Lenten series has drawn a consistent crowd who come to nourish their souls as well as their palate with an array of delicious Lenten dishes planned and prepared by members of the Women’s Guild. Dinner each week is donated by a parishioner (or parishioners) and each dinner is preceded by a short service and followed by a program featuring the Pastor or guest speaker.

This year’s series began on Friday, February 24 with guest speaker, Garnik Nanagoulian, the Executive Director of FAR, who updated the parish on FAR’s many programs in Armenia, Karabagh and Javakh. Dinner was donated by Anna Simonian, in memory of her husband Missak. Professor Abraham Terian, from St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, joined us on March 2 and shared some of Jerusalem’s contributions to the early church in Armenia. Melcon & Mary Arabatlian, donated the dinner in thanksgiving for her healthy recovery from a recent stroke.

On March 9, our Pastor, the Very Rev. Fr. Oshagan Gulgulian, spoke on Vahan Tekeyan’s Legacy and Western Armenian Poetry, with dinner donated by the Tekeyan Cultural Association. ACYOA Chair, Nanor Arabatlian presented on March 16, sharing with us some of the highlights of her journey to Jerusalem last year, with a delicious Falafel dinner donated by her parents, Mania & Lou Arabatilan, in memory of Mania’s uncle, Zohrab Marashlian. Noted author and photographer, Ara Oshagan (Father Land) joined us on March 23, sharing his photographs of Karabagh and the poetry of his late father, Ara Oshagan. Dinner was donated by Mr. & Mrs. Ohannes Meguerian. Hayr Sourp Oshagan closed out the series on March 30 with a presentation on The Armenian Community of India, with dinner that evening donated by Papken & Anahid Megerian, in honor of Hayr Sourp’s 25th Anniversary of Ordination to the Holy Priesthood.

The series was a well-collaborated effort from many within our parish, particularly Maro Arutunian and Julyet Degirmenci, who coordinated most of the meals, with assistance by Chuck Ajamian who did all of the shopping. Every Thursday, Maro and Julyet were assisted by a group of volunteers to help prepare each Friday’s meal. Many thanks to Marie & Migirdich Azadian, Michelle Baltaian, Maritza Berberian, Lucy Boornazian, Mary Boyajian, Rosine Gouveia, Arpy Jones, Vicky Mirzayan, Janet Soghomonian and Laura Zakian. We also acknowledge the following individuals for assisting with meal preparation and service on Fridays – Marie Azadian, Alice Sarajian Denty, and Diana Etoian. Special thanks to Karin & Cedric Luhman, who came early each Friday to set the tables and buffet tables, and coordinated the clean-up at the end. The Pastor and Parish Council acknowledge everyone for the time and generosity put into this past year’s series and the esteem it has created throughout the entire Philadelphia Armenian community.


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Palm Sunday and Holy Week

Palm Sunday and Holy Week began another series of traditional events, beginning with the ACYOA’s Annual Palm Sunday Luncheon and Variety show. On Holy Thursday, the Women’s Guild hosted the traditional Holy Thursday Dinner, which preceded the Washing of the Feet service and the Vigil of the Passion of Our Lord (Khavaroom). This year’s re-enactment of the Washing of the Feet included two generations (see pictures below). Christ’s Burial Service took place on Friday evening and on Holy Saturday, the Easter Eve Divine Liturgy and Candlelight Mass (Jurakhalooytz) were celebrated, followed by a special reception hosted by the Tekeyan Cultural Association.

Annual Parish Assembly

This year’s Parish Assembly was held on Sunday, February 25, 2012 with 87 dues-paid members in attendance. Steve Barsamian was elected Assembly Chair and Karen Aznavourian Cannuscio was elected Assembly Secretary. Reports were received from the Pastor, Parish Council Chairman and Treasurer, Nominating and Auditing Committees, and all church auxiliary organizations. Below is a short summary of some of the highlights:

ACYOA Jrs.: It was reported that the ACYOA Jrs. made $14,000 net profit from the Jr. Sports Weekend, a joint affair with our sister parish, Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Cheltenham.

Youth Committee: In addition to supporting our youth by funding many recreational activities, the Youth Committee works with the youth in giving back to the church in many ways. They also sponsored two children through the Women’s Guild’s Children of Armenian (CASP) Sponsorship Program; an ACYOA Srs. retreat; subsidized the tuition for children attending St. Vartan Camp; reignited the Jr. Choir program, which presently has 15 members; and supported Operation Christmas Baskets, a charitable project headed by Joe Brinker.

Pastor’s Report: During 2012, there were 6 baptisms, 9 weddings, and 16 burials. The Pastor highlighted his efforts in working with our parish organizations to enhance many of our activities and for the spiritual betterment of our parish. In addition, Hayr Oshagan has participated in community ecumenical activities with our local Armenian clergy, and the greater Philadelphia ecumenical community.

Parish Council’s Report: During the course of the past year, our parish: (1) increased its dues-paid membership; (2) launched the Young Adults Social Network; (3) rejuvenated the Jr. Choir; (4) planned for the renovation of Memorial Hall and collected over $70,000 in pledges; (5) saw our ACYOA Srs. host a successful General Assembly and Sports Weekend; (6) organized another exceptional Lenten Lecture Series; (7) hosted a highly successful September Picnic and Christmas Bazaar; and (8) began accepting debit and credit cards as forms of payment.

Finances/Treasurer’s Report: Joseph Brinker and Laraine Ballard presented the financial report and proposed budget for 2012, which was adopted by the Assembly.

Permanent Endowment Fund: In 2011, the PEF realized a net gain of $15,715 in all funds and began moving funds held in annuities to low cost mutual funds. Their goals for 2012 include continuing to educate our parishioners about the Fund; to distribute the funds as per the wills; and to continue to move investments out of variable annuities and into mutual funds.

Membership Dues: In 2011, the parish membership increased from 247 to 282. It was noted that our parish has not raised dues in 17 years. After much serious discussion, a motion was passed to increase the dues in 2013 from $204 to $250 for adults; from $104 to $150 for Seniors (65+); and $95 for students.

Election Results: Elections were held for the Parish Council, Diocesan Delegates, and Nominating and Auditing Committees:


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Elected to the Parish Council were: Steve Barsamian, Steven Keytanjian, Janet Soghomonian, Seta Topakbashian, and Robin Williams. Grant Mazmanian is the first alternate.

Elected to represent the parish at the Annual Diocesan Assembly were: Jovia Keytanjian, Lisa Manookian and Alex Topakbashian. Shake Derderian is the first alternate.

Elected to the Nominating Committee were: Karen Cannuscio, Arpy Jones, and Carol Lesczcynski. Antoine Bazarbashian is the first alternate. Margaret Ashekian was elected to the Auditing Committee whose other members are Elizabeth Barsamian and Edward Sarkisian.

Sunday School Update

In the last issue, we updated you on our active fall season. Since then, we saw our children participate in another lovely Christmas Pageant in December and spent the Lenten season collecting money for two organizations, Feeding America and a FAR-sponsored soup kitchen, Nor Hajn. In April, the Men’s Club once again made Easter Communion Breakfast for the children and we had our annual Easter Egg Hunt.

Our Sunday School store has been faithfully run every month Beth Gallagher and Patty Mefford. We couldn’t have had a Sunday School if it weren’t for the

commitment of the teachers and various other valuable help, including our Treasurer, Sarah Kapikian. During the school year, our students learned about various Bible stories, Christian living, Armenian Saints, the Nicene Creed and the Divine Liturgy. We want to thank each of our teachers: Ed Sarkisian, Diane Hoplamazian, Zabelle Zartarian, Nancy Der Simonian, Valerie Hagopian, Elda Chamberlain, Adrienne Ashbahian, Stephanie Vartanian, Dn. Mihran Toumajan and last but not least, Sossi Avrigian, our Assembly Coordinator. We also thank them for agreeing to come back next year to continue to teach and mentor the students. Our hearts and thoughts are also with the family of the late Jane Hadjinian, who was a committed Sunday School teacher for over 50 years and passed away earlier this year. She was a wonderful teacher with a beautiful smile and a warm and caring soul. She was a strong advocate of the Sunday School and of Christian education and will be missed.

This past May, four of our students graduated from high school: Julia Cecco, Alexander Etoian, David Kodokian and Brett Wiley. All four students were active participants of the Sunday School over the years and contributed to the Sunday School in various wonderful ways. We wish them all of God’s blessings as they continue in their endeavors.

All the students that participated in the essay contest did a wonderful job. While it was hard to choose 1st and 2nd place, we do thank Dn. Mihran Toumajan for reviewing and choosing the winners. We hope you enjoy viewing the results of the students’ hard work, as much as we did! We are proud of our students, and hope and pray that the students continue to learn and grow in the Sunday School. If you wish to have your child join our Sunday School family, please contact Greta Gurdikian-Wiley at [email protected] or Alice Pakhtigian at [email protected]. Have a wonderful and blessed summer!

Alice Pakhtigian & Greta Wiley

Women’s Guild Update

Prior to the summer break, the Women’s Guild engineered another success with their annual spring affair, the musical The Hye Legion – the Gamavor Story, an original musical written by Hourig Papazian-Sahagian and performed by her ensemble of performers from New Jersey. Co-chaired by Marie Azadian & Diane Kapikian, the event also paid homage to the memory of our late beloved Women’s Guild member and past chair, Charlotte Ajamian, whose two-year dream was to bring this musical to our parish. Her untimely passing in January made the Women’s Guild increase their desire and impetus to fulfill her wish.

The story of the Gamavor Movement recounts the true-life adventures of daring rescue missions during the Genocide years. At that time, an alarm sounded throughout the U.S: the Turks were killing survivors and torching their villages again. A group of selfless Gamavor men, Genocide survivors themselves, left the safety of their homes in the U.S. and returned to historic Armenia, facing almost certain death, to search and rescue for survivors and orphans. Though set in the 1920s, the play’s final scene ends on a hopeful note, pointing to a future of freedom and independence for Armenia. While the play is filled with intrigue, adventure, and romance, it also features a dozen songs we all know and love. Harach Nahadag, was composed by Maestro Parsegh Ganachian specifically for the Gamavor Movement.




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Along with the play and the delicious lunch which preceded it, attendees viewed an exhibit prepared by the Armenian Library & Museum of America, in Watertown, which documented pictures and memories of the courageous American Gamavors of the French Foreign Legion. Committee members included Alma Alabilikian, Victoria Anton, Maritza Berberian, Rosine Gouveia, Carol Keosayan Leszczynski, Rita Khachadourian, Sema Ohanian Mellian, Linda Preske and Nanette Zakian. Special thanks go to Sema Ohanian Mellian for donating her original canvas painting of Armenag Mellian, her father-in-law, who was a Gamavor and also to her husband, Meroojan Mellian, for taking the photos for that day.

Another highlight for this year’s Women’s Guild was the initiation of their Stitching Club, which made and delivered over 30 handmade blankets to Lankenau Hospital for use in their Oncology Department for those receiving chemotherapy treatments for cancer. Much thanks to the crew for their warm-hearted contributions for such a worthy cause and to Victoria Anton for delivering them to Lankenau Hospital.

Fall plans include family nights in September, October and November and restarting the various clubs the Guild began this past year. We ask that our members remember the need for the delectable sweets to fill our pastry table at this year’s September Picnic on September 9 and save some of their energy for Election Day in November when we will be having a bake sale during voting hours. We thank all of our women for continuing to assist our parish with the wonderful enthuasiasm with which they did this past year. Many new members have joined our group and we welcome many more to participate. There’s something for everyone!

Julyet Degimenci & Robin Williams

Stewardship Update

Since our last update, we have completed the initial improvements to Memorial Hall! We acknowledge everyone who has donated to the Stewardship drive for 2011/2012 and we have provided a breakdown below on how much has been spent toward this project. Initial improvements include the replacement of carpeting, addition of new draperies for the stage, refinishing of the dance and stage floors, drywalling, painting, and wallpapering the walls, enlarging the opening to Fellowship Hall, replacing the ceiling, adding new ceiling fans, and changing six sets of double doors. We have also made the following additional upgrades:

Completely replaced the HVAC system (including the conversion from oil to gas) $ 70,000.00 Updated the electrical system 9,000.00 Installed a new sound system 9,000.00 Added a new built-in bar 7,000.00

Our goal is to raise $200,000, of which $135,000 has been pledged. We are grateful to PAND for giving us a one-time donation of $40,000 last year, and we also acknowledge Finley Catering for his donation of $25,000. We are now ready to embark on the next phase, which includes renovating the foyer, building a new outside facade over the entry, replacing the glass door entranceway, replacing the concrete in front of the hall and church, and rejuvenating the shrubbery. We still need to raise $65,000 toward our $200,000 goal. Let’s all help make this dream come true in time for the 50th Anniversary Commemoration of St. Sahag & St. Mesrob Armenian Church in the Fall of 2013!!

Remember, this is a two-year campaign, and will run through December 2012. Please send in your pledges, and be a part of this exciting project. No donation is too large or too small. You will soon be receiving a pledge form in the mail. If you have any questions about these projects or about the Stewardship Drive in general, please feel free to contact Arpy Jones at 610.565.2324. We wish to acknowledge the following donors for their stewardship contributions through June 2012


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ACYOA Srs. Ms. Alma Alabilikian Mr. & Mrs. Charles Alyanakian Mr. Sam Arthin Mr. & Mrs. Migirdich Azadian Mrs. Alice Aznavourian Mrs. Hripsime Babikian Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Ballard Mr. & Mrs. Albert Baltaeff Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Baltaian Ms. Dolores Barasatian Ms. Elizabeth Barsamian Mrs. Millie Barsamian Mr. Steven Barsamian Mr. & Mrs. Sarkis Berberian Mr. George Boyajian Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Brinker Mr. & Mrs. Robert Cannuscio Mr. & Mrs. Haig Dadourian Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Degirmenci Mr. & Mrs. Antranig Derderian Mrs. Alice Dertadian Mr. & Mrs. George Devletian Mr. & Mrs. George Dulgerian Mr. & Mrs. John Eskandarian Mrs. Vartouhi Etoian Mrs. Terrie Gaspar Mr. & Mrs. Mark Gulasarian V. Rev. Fr. Oshagan Gulgulian

Mr. & Mrs. John Hagopian Mrs. Shirley Hajinian Hayr Sourpr’s 25th Anniversary Banquet Committee Mr. & Mrs. Harry Hoplamazian Mr. & Mrs. Jack Hoplamazian Mr. Edward Hoplamazian Mr. & Mrs. Aram Jerrehian Mrs. Rose Jingozian Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Jones Mrs. & Mrs. Aram Kailian Mr. Noubar Karagulian Mrs. Siran Karagulian Mr. Charles Kazanjian Mrs. Florence Kazanjian Mr. Michael Kazanjian Mr. & Mrs. Richard Kazigian Mrs. Rita Khachadourian Mrs. Berjouhi Kitabjian Mr. Hagop Kitabjian Ms. Audrey Klijian Dr. & Mrs. Alexander Mamourian Mr. & Mrs. Marcus Mamourian Mr. & Mrs. Harry Manawelian Lisa Manookian Mr. & Mrs. Gevorg Marashlian Ms. Lucy Markarian

Mr. & Mrs. Grant Mazmanian Dr. & Mrs. Garo Megerian Mr. & Mrs. Papken Megerian Mr. & Mrs. Ohaness Meguerian Mr. Richard Melikian Mr. & Mrs. George Mesigian Dn. & Mrs. Minas Mihranyan Dr. & Mrs. Diran Mikaelian Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Mikaelian Dr. & Mrs. Levon Nazarian Ms. Mary Odabashian Mr. & Mrs. Mesrob Odabashian Mrs. Brigitte Poulatian Mr. & Mrs. George Ramoundos Mr. & Mrs. Robert Riser Mrs. Sallee Rush Mr. & Mrs. Charles Simonian Mrs. Janet Soghomonian Ms. Adrienne Tajirian Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Takoushian Dr. & Mrs. Gabriel Tatarian Mrs. Veronica Torcomian Mr. & Mrs. Hirant Torunyan Mr. Ronald Weller Whitekettle Family Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Williams Dr. & Mrs. Ara Yeramian Mrs. Jean Zacker Mr. & Mrs. Paul Zakian Mrs. & Mrs. Robert Zakian Mrs. Nauver Zerounian

****TThhiiss lliissttiinngg mmaayy bbee iinnccoommpplleettee aass ooff tthhiiss pprriinnttiinngg.. IIff yyoouurr nnaammee iiss mmiissssiinngg,, pplleeaassee ccoonnttaacctt aa mmeemmbbeerr ooff tthhee SStteewwaarrddsshhiipp CCoommmmiitttteeee,, aanndd bbee aassssuurreedd tthhaatt iitt wwiillll bbee

iinncclluuddeedd iinn tthhee nneexxtt iissssuuee..**** Arpy Jones, Stewardship Chair

Graduation Announcements

In this issue of the Mer Doon, we feature our 2012, middle school, high school, and college graduates. While our volunteers have spent a great deal of time gathering this information, it is possible that we may have missed some. If you have graduated or have a son, daughter or grandchild who has graduated, please forward the following to the office’s attention and we will highlight the achievements in the next issue of the Mer Doon: name, school graduated from, major, future plans, names of parents and grandparents, and any other information which you wish to include such as honors, awards, and hobbies.

A special graduation luncheon was organized by Parish Council Vice Chair, Mark Gulasarian. Parish Council Chair, Laraine Ballard welcomed the graduates, their families and friends and


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each graduate introduced themselves, identifying where they graduated from and what their future plans included. Keynote speaker, Dr. Garo Megerian began by stating that the phrase “it takes a village to raise a child” is especially true in the Armenian community. “As you move forward, enjoy yourselves – new friends, new people, new experiences. But always remember that your true friends will be your Armenian friends, who will always have your back.” He stressed that our graduates continue to be involved, in some way or another, in Armenian causes. He shared that it was the 1988 earthquake in Armenia which resulted in his involvement but asked that it not take an earthquake for them to rise to the challenge, stating “don’t let the flames put in you by your families burn out.” Dr. Megerian also cautioned that when it comes time for marriage, make sure your future spouse respects your heritage, but first – make sure that YOU respect it.” And finally, Dr. Megerian requested that our graduates find a way to give back to their local community.

Hayr Sourp provided the closing remarks, acknowledging the community for coming together with the graduates. Each graduate was given The Book of Proverbs, which was written by our former pastor, the late Rev. Dr. Paree Metjian. The Parish Council thanks Ygn. Angel Metjian and the Metjian family for donating the books as gifts to our graduates.

Many thanks to Hrair Megerian and Manny Manawelian who cooked up a great bar-b-que and to Jovia Keytanjian, Brigitte Poulatian, and Janet Soghomonian for assisting with the food preparations.

AND HERE THEY ARE……………….

OUR GRADUATES Christopher Ballard graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honors in Mathematics and a minor in Economics. Christopher was a member of the Dean's List for three years and was also inducted to the Phi Beta Kappa Society for his academic excellence. Christopher wrote a thesis titled Compactly Supported Wavelets on mathematical functions used in signal and data processing. He served as a teaching assistant in mathematics for two semesters and studied at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland for one semester. Christopher was the captain of the Men’s Ultimate Frisbee team at the University of Pennsylvania as well as a member of the Penn Undergraduate Mathematics Society. He will work at Veritable LP, a wealth management firm in Newtown Square, starting in August. Christopher is the son of Bruce & Laraine Ballard and the grandson of Florence Kazanjian, and the late Edward Kazanjian and Howard & Marie Ballard.

Victoria Gulasarian graduated from The College of William and Mary with a Bachelor of Arts in History and minors in combined Art and Art History. During her college career, Victoria was a member of the Dean’s List and Phi Alpha Theta, the history honor society. She also played on the College intramural tennis team in Women’s Doubles. Victoria is continuing her education at Temple University’s Beasley School of Law where she is the recipient of a Merit Scholarship. Victoria is the daughter of Mark & Jeanne Ellen Gulasarian and the granddaughter of Helen Dervishian, and the late Jean Dervishian and John & Sarah Gulasarian.

Julie Hagopian graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. Julie was a student in the university’s 5-year Bachelor of Architecture Program, completing her Architectural Thesis Project Spatial Entrail: Biological Architecture. She won the Alumni Thesis Prize – the highest deemed honor that awards the student with the most outstanding Thesis Project, a $3,000 travel Scholarship. She also received the Architecture Program Memorial Award, an award given to the student who has achieved excellence in the pursuit of undergraduate studies and has demonstrated a deep commitment to the field of architecture. Julie is currently seeking employment in the field of Architecture and


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Engineering where she hopes to pursue her dreams of becoming a licensed Architect. Julie is the daughter of Vahe & Valerie Hagopian and the granddaughter of the late Fr. Arsen & Marie Hagopian and John & Sarah Gulasarian.

Matthew Hagopian graduated from West Chester University with a Bachelor of Science in Education for Secondary Mathematics. He has worked with students in the Philadelphia schools and tutored Math students in the University he attended. Matthew successfully completed student teaching at East Norriton Middle School and North Penn High School, and he plans on teaching high school Mathematics. Matthew is the son of Vahe & Valerie Hagopian and the grandson of the late Fr. Arsen & Marie Hagopian and John & Sarah Gulasarian.

Gregory Mazmanian graduated from Villanova University with a double major in Secondary Education and History. Greg was inducted into the following Honor Societies:

Phi Alpha Theta, National Historical Honor Society and Kappa Delta Pi, National Educational Honor Society. He was also the Vice President of the Villanova Student Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA). Greg is looking for a career in teaching and as well as coaching football and wrestling. Greg is the son of Grant & Lucille Mazmanian and the grandson of Bettie & John Arslanian and the late, Dearon & Lucy Mazmanian.

Haig Minassian graduated from Haverford College with a B.A. in Music (Concentration: Classical Saxophone Performance) and Pre-Med. During his college career, he completed a biochemical research internship in peptide-porphyrin nanowire design at Haverford College, per a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). He also completed a translational research internship in the Pediatric Oncology Department at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, per a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). During this time, he also wrote a professional review article in hereditary cancer predisposition. Haig also gave several acclaimed classical music performances on saxophone during his time at Haverford. He was an active member of the Swarthmore College Wind Ensemble, 2011 second-place winner of the Haverford Concerto Competition, 2012 first-place winner of the Haverford Concerto Competition, and co-founder and frequent performer in the Haverford-Bryn Mawr College Student Recital Series (which raises money for the Kardon Institute for Creative Arts Therapy in Philadelphia). For his senior capstone project, Haig organized and performed a senior recital on classical saxophone which received high departmental honors and was professionally recorded. In late November 2011, Haig was accepted to the MD program at Jefferson Medical College, where he will pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a physician. He will begin his first year at Jefferson in early August 2012. Following the footsteps of his father, Dr. Shahab Minassian, Haig wishes to maintain medicine and music, his two greatest intellectual passions, as significant parts of his professional and personal life. Haig is the son of Shahab & Joanne Minassian and the grandson of Elda Chamberlain and the late Leon Chamberlain, and the late Arch Deacon Shahab & Mary Minassian.


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HIGH SCHOOL

Isabella Anton graduated from Lower Merion High School and will be attending the University of Wales: Trinity St. David, in the United Kingdom. She was awarded a Scholars Diploma at graduation because she took more courses than were recommended during her four years at high school. She also received a Varsity credit in Lower Merion Players (theatre program). Isabella’s hobbies include ballroom dancing, tennis, and volleyball. She plans pursue her studies in Medieval Studies and Archaeology. Isabella is the daughter of Stefan & Victoria Anton.

Armen Berberian graduated from Haverford Senior High School in the top 1% of his class. He has been on the Honor Roll his entire academic career and was one of a select few students who won the President’s award for Academic Excellence. Throughout high school, Armen maintained a rigorous academic schedule and was involved in numerous extracurricular activities. These included the National Honor Society, Aware Club, Bowling Club, and the Ping Pong Club where he was the school champion in his Junior year. As a member of the High School Robotics team, Armen had two ideas that led him to invent two individual specific mechanisms that earned the team the very prestigious GM industrial design award. He also participated in the PA Math League Contest in his senior year, which culminated with a ranking of 4th in his school. Armen has been in scouting since age 6 and this past January attained the highest rank in scouting to become an Eagle Scout where less than 1% of all boys who join ever reach this very prestigious honor. He has been an active member of ACYOA Juniors and is currently vice chair. Over the past years Armen could be seen helping at Church on numerous occasions from picnics to the Bazaar or wherever needed. Armen will be attending Cornell University in the fall, where he has been accepted into the School of Engineering. He plans on pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. Armen is the son of Sarkis & Martiza Berberian, and the grandson of John & Dr. Vicky Berberian and Araxy Gokberk.

Julia Cecco graduated from Great Valley High School. In the fall, she will be attending The University of Pittsburgh, where she will pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. Julia is a member of the National Honor Society and has been recognized as a 2012 Student Achiever. She was awarded student of the month by the Exton Rotary Club for academic achievement and volunteerism in the community. She has been active in the Latin Junior Classical league, competing at the state level. Julia has a love for horseback riding and has won many a blue ribbon in equestrian competitions. She was an active member of the Sunday School since she was in preschool and has served as an Acolyte and Bible reader. Julia is the daughter of Frank & Mary Cecco and the granddaughter of the late Shakeh & Kevork Manawelian.


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Dean DerSimonian graduated from Radnor High School. Throughout his four years at Radnor, he played on the soccer and basketball teams; participated in the school play, Beowulf; tutored elementary children in reading; and was a leader in a character building club called Rachel’s Challenge. He was the first student from Radnor to receive the Markward Award for basketball. Dean will be attending Ursinus College in the fall where he will be majoring in science or business, and playing on the school’s soccer team. Dean is the son of Nishan & Nancy DerSimonian, and the grandson of Florence Kazanjian, and the late Edward Kazanjian and Simon & Ovsanna DerSimonian.

Sarah Derderian graduated from Notre Dame de Namur High School, where she was active in theater, mock trial, and the French Club. She also served as a yearbook executive and as a Campus Ministry Executive. At graduation, Sarah received the Distinguished Service Award for exemplary and selfless passion of service. Sarah will be entering Saint Joseph’s University in the fall, double majoring in Elementary and Special Education. Sarah is the daughter of Boghos & Shake Derderian and the granddaughter of Chuck Ajamian, the late Charlotte Ajamian and Armen & Marie Derderian.

Alexander Etoian graduated from Archbishop John Carroll High School and will be attending Montgomery County Community College, majoring in Liberal Arts. Alexander is an active member of our ACYOA Jrs. and is the son of Sarkis & Diana Etoian and the granddaughter of David & Sybil Ahakinian and the late Toros & Vartouhi Etoian.

Carly Gulasarian graduated from West Chester East High School. During her high school career, Carly played on t team. She received the Second Team All-Chesmont for soccer and the Coaches Award for East Girls’ Basketball. She was also inducted into the National Art Honors Society. Carly will attend Penn State University in the fall. Carly is the daughter of Mark & Jeanne Ellen Gulasarian and the granddaughter of Helen Dervishian, and the late Jean Dervishian and John & Sarah Gulasarian.

Zack Hackett graduated from Haverford High School. During his high school career, Zack was a team member on many of the school and local athletic teams. He played for Haverford High School's Varsity Soccer and Track & Field teams, and the Marple Club Soccer team. In addition, Zack served as coach and referree in the Haverford and Marple Youth Soccer

programs. Zack was also a member of the Haverford High School Christian Youth Club. He will be attending Eastern University in St. Davids on a Presidential Scholarship and studying the fields of Athletic Training and Sports Management. Zack is the son of Mark & Maria Hackett and the grandson of Wayne & Elaine Hackett and Rose Bidoyan.

Amy Hoplamazian graduated from Unionville/Chaddsford School District, and will be attending Drexel University Business School this fall where she will major in Entrepreneurship. Amy has started a business, www.kidspartygym, doing children’s birthday parties. She also has been teaching self defense and boxing classes to children for the past three years. Amy is the daughter of Vaughn & Adrineh Hoplamazian and the granddaughter of Asdghik & Souren Edgarian, Victoria Hoplamazian and the late Harry Hoplamazian.

David Hagop Kodokian graduated from Unionville High School, where he was a very active member in the diving and track and field teams. He will be attending Temple University in the fall as a Kinesiology major leading to his doctorate in Physical Therapy. David is a member of our ACYOA and is the son of George & Gail Kodokian and the grandson of Benjamin Tashjian and the late Shirley Tashjian, and Sona Gudukian and the late Hagop Gudukian.

http://www.kidspartygym/


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Brett Wiley graduated from George School in Newtown, PA. Brett was on the varsity cross country team and the varsity swim team for four years, and also wrote for the school newspaper. When Brett was not in school, he was actively involved in the Boy Scouts where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He is also a member of the Order of the Arrow which is a National Scouting Honor Society.. Brett has also been a lifeguard for three years and he enjoys his summers by the pool. Brett’s true obsession throughout his life since he was 4 years old has been Meteorology. This passion has been so strong that during his high school years, he began and maintains his own weather website – www.coyoteweather.com. Brett will further his knowledge of the weather in the fall

where he will attend Cornell University, majoring in Meteorology. Brett is the son of Greta Gurdikian-Wiley & Jeffrey Wiley and grandson of Eleanor Gurdikian and Nila Wiley.

ARMENIAN SISTERS ACADEMY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADUATES

The Pastor and Parish Council also wish to acknowledge the following students who graduated from the Armenian Sisters Academy and other area schools and will be attending High School in the Fall.

Celine Arabatlian graduated from the Armenian Sisters Academy and will be attending Villa Maria Academy in the fall. Celine is the daughter of Ohan & Ronia Arabatlian and the grandson of Harutyun & Fairs Mentcherian and the late George & Zevart Arabatlian.

Meline Avrigian graduated from the Armenian Sisters Academy and will be attending Haverford High School in the fall. Meline is the daughter of Melcom & Sossi Avrigian and the granddaughter of Marion Avrigian and Araxie Boyadjian, and the late George Avrigian and Krikor Boyadjian.

Jack Brinker graduated from St. Mary Magdalen School and received the Kathleen M. Bonner Strength of Character Award at graduation. While attending St. Mary Magdalen, Jack was selected to serve as the first school mascot, was involved in the Challenge Program, Mathletes, Student Council, and various other activities. Jack

http://www.coyoteweather.com/


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will attend Archbishop John Carroll High School on an academic scholarship. Jack is the son of Joseph & Pamela Brinker and the grandson of Shirley Hajinian and Doris Brinker and the late Jack Hajinian and Thomas Brinker.

Stepan Cannuscio graduated from the Armenian Sisters Academy where he earned the Academic Excellence and Armenian Excellence awards. He will be attending high school at The Episcopal Academy in the fall. Stepan is the son of Robert & Karen Aznavourian Cannuscio and the grandson of Alice Aznavourian and the late Garo Aznavourian and the grandson of Alice Postian Cannuscio and the late Albert Cannuscio.

Isabella Etoian graduated from Mother of Divine Providence Catholic School, where she was on the volleyball, basketball, softball, track and cheerleading teams. Isabella was also on the yearbook committee, and a member of the computer club, Reading Olympics, forensics club and the Girl Scouts. She will be attending Archbishop John Carroll High School in the fall. Isabella is an active member of our ACYOA Jrs. and is the daughter of Sarkis & Diana Etoian and the granddaughter of David & Sybil Ahakinian and the late Toros & Vartouhi Etoian.

Katharine Wiley graduated from Newtown Friends School. In school, she was on the field hockey and basketball teams, and on the yearbook committee. Out of school, she has been very active in dance, Girl Scouts, the Sunday School and piano. She has been studying dance for 11 years and has been on the dance competition team for 6 years. A Girl Scout for 9 years, she has earned the Bronze and Silver awards. Currently, she is pursuing the highest award in Girl Scouting, which is the Gold award. Katharine will be attending The George School (a private Quaker school in Newtown, PA) in the fall. Katharine is the daughter of Greta Gurdikian-Wiley & Jeffrey Wiley and the grand-daughter of Eleanor Gurdikian and Nila Wiley.


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excerpt from

Vartan Gregorian's Com m encem ent Speech at Clark

University

Today we must be reminded that what is unique about each of us should be celebrated and cherished, that we must not forget that we also belong to a larger community, society nd, indeed, humanity. As Americans and as human beings we have an obligation to contribute to the well-being of our communities; hence, to the public good.

I hope as you climb the ladder of success, you will always remember the dictum & quot; From those to whom much has been given, much is expected.& quot; In conclusion, I would like to offer you just one last thought about our shared human condition. Today information floods over us, and a millisecond later in comes another flood of data and information, and then another and another. Images of pleasure and pain, fear and joy, love and hate assault us from all the angles. The world around us is full of raucous chatter and noise. Amid all this cacophony, it's hard to see ourselves as part of a larger whole, a continuing eternal harmony, that music of the spheres that the ancients thought we would hear only in our inner ear. Well, today I would like to remind you of your connection to history. Try to listen with your inner ears to those who went before you, parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and on and on, who all wanted to be good ancestors to you.

As an historian, educator and a fellow student, I feel bound to remind you that the time has come for you to return the favor. You have to learn to be good ancestors to the future.

Today's commencement marks the beginning of many other beginnings for you, many other commencements in your life. Many mornings, many beginnings are before you. The future is waiting for you with open arms. I wish you good luck, great success and great humanity.


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GROUP 1 – KINDERGARDEN

First Place – Seta Bardakjian Second Place – Victor Georgiev Third Place – Lily Barsamian Fourth Place – Grace Kasto


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GROUP 2 – THIRD GRADE

First Place – Sona Bardakjian

Why Should We Be Thankful? We should be thankful for our food and water. We are also thankful fo our families and our God, who created the world and us. We can be thankful for many other things, like our homes and our wonderful church. Unlike others who have nothing. We should be thankful for our ancestors, who fought for our religious freedoms. God and Jesus speak to us through the Bible, telling us to be thankful, satisfied, and not be greedy. We learn from God to be like him.

Second Place – Jonie Mefford

Why Do We Pray? We pray to thank God for giving up his life to us. Sometimes we pray for the bad things we have done. We can also pray together. I think we all should pray because it is giving God a message of the things we need. My family prayer before dinner is “God is good, God is great, let us thank him for this food, Amen.” I am happy to have food every night with my family so I pray to thank God for that.

Third Place – Luke Barsamian

Why We Pray? We pray for forgiveness, watch over people, safety, good health, love, care, and to be better people. Every day people shold try to be better people to make God happier.

GROUP 3 – FIFTH & SIXTH GRADES

First Place – Georgette Avrigian

The Lord’s Prayer: What is the Lord’s Prayer and how did it come to us Christians? The Lord’s Prayer is the prayer that Jesus taught to His disciples, when they asked, “Lord teach us to pray.” Jesus taught this prayer to his disciples in order to give them a guideline as to, how to pray and to grow, with an understanding about prayer. The Lord’s Prayer helps to show Christians how they should begin their prayer and how they should end their prayer.

Jesus began the Lord’s Prayer by saying, “Our Father who art in heaven.” He said this so as, to tell us to call God as our Father because he has done so much for each one of us and has made us part of His Kingdom. Also, by beginning with, “Our Father who art in Heaven,” it tells us that we, as Christians, are not only praying alone, but with God sitting right next to us. The next line that Jesus introduces when saying the Lord’s Prayer is “Hallowed be thy Name.” This means that God is higher than the most powerful human being in the world. His name should be honored and praised about all over the world for He is great and created us in His image. The third line which states, “They Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven,” means that God is the King of the whole world and is sinless. God’s Kingdom was brought to us by Jesus, preaching God’s Word to others, on Earth. When we recite these lines we should be praying for the time when God’s Kingdom comes and Jesus comes for the second time to Earth, to find love and peace in our hearts. We should also be praying for those who do not know Jesus, and thinking about what we can do to bring God’s Kingdom to them; which is filled with happiness, hope, and peace to Earth. In doing this, many people will come to know the meaning of Christ, and who God really is.

The next phrase Jesus says in the Lord’s Prayer is “Give us this day our daily bread.” Jesus is saying this because in the first lines of the Lord’s Prayer, we are praising God’s name, however, now, we are asking for something from God. We are asking Him to give us our daily needs and everything we need to survive. These lines in the Lord’s Prayer are also asking God for something – “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” As we say this, we should remember that


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Jesus died on the cross for our sins and that God will forgive us for all of our wrong actions because He is caring and loves us all so much. The last lines are, “And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.” These are very important words because it shows that we are asking the Holy Spirit to watch over us and lead us onto the right path towards Heaven. These are the meanings of the words that Jesus says during the Lord’s Prayer.

After Jesus had gone to Heaven, followers of Jesus created these words, for Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever; Amen. This was written to end the prayer praising God for all of the wonderful deeds He has done for us and continues to do so all the days of our lives. Amen!

Second Place – Lena Bardakjian

The Lord’s Prayer: The Lord’s Prayer is important to Christianity. It is so important to our religion because Jesus, the son of God himself taught it to us. You will be able to find the story of him teaching the apostles the prayer in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. Today, almost every Christian knows the “Our Father” which is recited every Sunday in various languages during mass. Jesus taught us this prayer because when he was with his disciples they asked him “Lord, how do you pray”? He answsered in these words, “This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive our debts, as we have also forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” These simple words summarize all of Jesus’ basic teachings. For example, believing in God, our Father, to be satisfied with what we have, to be forgiving, and to always strive to be good or do good works as he did.

Third Place – Melina Asslanian

Why Do We Pray? Do you know why we pray? I think we pray because we open our hearts to God, and show him that we care. I learned that when we pray, we communicate to God. For example, Thanksgiving is about giving thanks as we do in church give thanks to God for every thing he gave us. We also thank God for sacrificing his life for us. When you take confession, we tell God we are sorry for what we have done. You may like to pray because the music is soothing not too loud and not too soft. It’s perfect to sing the Hayr Mer. That is why we pray.

GROUP 4 – SEVENTH & EIGHTH GRADES

First Place – Katharine Wiley

The Significance of the Nicene Creed in the Armenian Church

When I think of the Nicene Creed, I think of what I and the Armenian Church believes. The English translation of

Havadamk is “We Believe” and that is essentially our faith. The Nicene Creed begins with “We believe in one God, the

Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of things visible and invisible.” I think this is the most powerful part of the

Nicene Creed. I feel that with this as the introductory part of the creed, it brings the congregation to the core of our

belief, and it should be the most elaborately expressed part.

The Nicene Creed is a very important part of Badarak, baptism, and marriage. The Nicene Creed was devised in the First

Ecumenical Council of Nicea in 325 A.D. It was concluded in the Second Ecumenical Council of Constantinople in 381

A.D. Two different forms of the Nicene Creed were formed from 325 A.D and 381 A.D. For example, the Creed of 325

A.D begins “We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Makes of all things visible and invisible.” The Creed of 381

A.D begins “We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and

invisible.” Throughout the Creed of 381 A.D, you can find several other changes. While reading them side-by-side, you

assume that the Creed of 381 A.D was a much more in depth version of the Nicene Creed. The Nicene Creed was

officially part of the Badarak in the 5th century. Saint Athanasius changed the creed slightly to what is the Armenian’s

version that we recite together during the Divine Liturgy.


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The Nicene Creed is a firm belief, and there is no capacity for opinion. The Nicene Creed strictly states what the

Armenian Church believes, and there is no way of disagreeing or challenging their ways. I think it’s important that the

Nicene Creed is so strict. This way, even young children can understand and practice the beliefs of the Armenian

Church.

The congregation chants the Nicene Creed at every Badarak so that we can be unified with the same conception of who

God is. It is recited during the segment of the Badarak that is called the Synaxis, which is known as the teaching portion

of the Divine Liturgy. The congregation traditionally places their palms together with their fingers closed, and the right

thumb over the left. By doing so, it shows the congregation’s faith and unity as the body of Christ.

The Nicene Creed is also said during baptism. The Nicene Creed states “in one baptism.” This is an important part of the

Nicene Creed, because you can only be baptized once in the Armenian Church. In other forms of Christianity, you may

be “born again” if you sin. In other forms of Christianity, you can go to your priest and ask to be baptized again. I believe

that this would never occur in the Armenian Church because when we are baptized, we receive the Spirit of God and that

will stay in us for eternity.

In the early Christian Church, participating in the Divine Liturgy and taking Holy Communion validated the marriage

of Christians. They did this so they could experience the union with Christ as husband and wife. This takes place the

Sunday before the wedding as the couple gathers with the church congregation. While participating in the Divine

Liturgy, they also repeat the Nicene Creed.

The Nicene Creed has always been an important part of the Badarak. But of course it is also an important part of all

Christians in the world. For the last 1700 years, we Christians have been reciting the Nicene Creed. This makes our

Christian family larger and even more powerful as a voice preserving our Christianity. This formal statement, which is

the principle doctrine of the Christian churches all over the world, is a very strong testimonial of our faith.

Second Place – Ana DerSimonian

The Nicene Creed

The definition of “creed” is a brief authoritative formula of religious beliefs. The Nicene Creed is our creed that tells

Christians what to believe in. The Nicene Creed was first written in the year 325. That is around 1,700 years ago, and

we still follow the Creed today. The Nicene Creed is important to us because it has our beliefs in it. We say it every

Sunday to remind ourselves that this is what we believe in and that we are Christian.

At a christening, the baby gets bathed in water that is blessed with holy oil, so it is very clean that day. The priest says

the Nicene Creed, because that is the day the baby becomes Christian, and the priest wants the baby to hear the beliefs as

a new Christian. A christening is a really holy day.

At a wedding, two people get married and start a new life with each other. The priest says the Nicene Creed at a

wedding, so the husband and wife don’t forget who they are as Christians.

The Nicene Creed is really important, because it taught me the beliefs of a Christian. Important beliefs are that we belive

in one God, in Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God. Jesus was crucified to save us from our sins and rose again on the

third day. Jesus will come again, we will have everlasting life, the Holy Spirit in one Church, in one baptism and in the

Kingdom of heaven.

GROUP 5 – HIGH SCHOOL

First Place – Brett Wiley

A Day in the Divine Liturgy

The Divine Liturgy, which is the main worship service of the Armenian Church, presents Jesus Christ to the people in

two forms. The first, his Word, is in the form of the Holy Gospel; the second, his Holy Body and Blood, is in the form of

Holy Communion. These two can be thought of as the pillars or building blocks of the Divine Liturgy. Supported by

these two pillars is a spectacular structure of words, music, symbols, and rituals. One could spend millions of dollars

trying to buy the peace and solace that God gives us, only to find that the Divine Liturgy acts as a great medicine that

gives us true meaning and direction in our lives.


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Before the Divine Liturgy begins, we can prepare ourselves physically and spiritually. Customarily, the way in which we

do this is to fast from all food and drink from the time we wake up on Sunday morning until we receive Holy

Communion. This helps us to focus our minds and hearts on the spiritual nourishment we will receive in Holy

Communion.

The Divine Liturgy begins in silent prayer in the vestry. During this time, the priest and deacon alternately recite the

verses of Psalm 131. Afterwards, the Priest prays to God, acknowledging his own sinfulness and the extraordinary

privilege given to him by God to be permitted to lead His people. The last process that takes place in the vestry is the

clothing of the priest. As the articles of clothing are handed to the priest by the deacon, the priest speaks a prayer for each

one. As he puts on each successive garment, the priest prays that God will also clothe him with the grace and virtues to

preside worthily at the Badarak.

The Divine Liturgy begins among the people with the acknowledgement, by the Priest, of his weakness and human

frailty. He then turns towards the people and confesses his sinfulness, asking them to pray that God forgive them. On the

altar, the priest offers the exquisite prayer of St. Gregory of Narek to the Holy Spirit, which is intended to be a profound

reflection in preparation for receiving the Holy Communion. After the priest has finished his prayer, the faithful have

been prepared and the priest receives the Eucharistic bread and wine from the deacon. At this point, the curtain closes.

The main reason for this is so that the people will not be distracted from their prayer and reflection by the liturgical

housekeeping taking place on the altar.

When the curtain opens and the priest makes his way around the church, the faithful come up to him and say,

“Remember me, too, before the immortal Lamb of God.” This procession marks the beginning of the Liturgy of the

Word, which concerns the Word of God, Jesus Christ. In the Liturgy of the Word, every prayer, hymn, psalm, and ritual

is related to Jesus Christ as the Word. This part of the service begins with a hymn to Jesus Christ, “Only-begotten Son

and Word of God.” These words of this ancient hymn express our conviction that Jesus Christ is the immortal Son of

God. In the Gospel Procession that follows, the deacon lifts the Gospel book up over his own head. This action is a sign

of the authority of God’s Word over our lives. When we commit ourselves to the wisdom of the Bible, we find a

powerful source of meaning and direction. The next major portion of the service is the Nicene Creed, which is the official

declaration of the principal doctrines of the Church. We chant the Nicene Creed at every Divine Liturgy so that those

participating in the Badarak are unified by the same understanding of who God is, and who we are relative to Him.

After the Liturgy of the Word, the Eucharist begins. The Eucharist is the sacrament of the Lord’s Body and Blood,

offered exclusively to those who have made a life commitment to God. Although it is not practiced in our church, at this

point it is traditional for the deacons to dismiss the unbaptized and others who have not committed themselves fully to

the Church. For those who remain, they take part in the Kiss of Peace. This is a visible sign of the church community’s

unity and common vision of love in Jesus Christ. In the Kiss o f Peace, the person offering the greeting says, “Christ is

revealed to us.” The person receiving the greeting responds, “Blessed is the revelation of Christ.” This reminds us of our

personal responsibility to “live peaceably with all” [Romans 12:18]. The deacons then invite the people to give their

undivided attention to the Eucharistic Prayer, the main prayer of the Badarak, which retells the whole story of our

salvation. The prayer is referred to as “Eucharistic” because our salvation in Christ pivots around Christ’s last Supper.

When we pray of the last Supper, we recall God’s repeated attempts to coax mankind back from the vain and sinful

distractions of this life to the loving security of God. This culminates in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who died on the

Cross and resurrected to heaven as a redemption for our sinfulness.

After the Intercessions, in which we pray to our heavenly Father for all our daily cares and concerns, we confess of our

sins before God. Before receiving Holy Communion, we have the opportunity to examine our lives and confess to the

priest whatever we have done and failed to have done that has distracted us from the life in Christ. The priest in turn

prays for God to absolve us of our sinfulness and to restore our status as children of God. Through this divulgence of our

inner demons to someone, we can take control of them and be renewed. Finally, we stand before the priest, make the sign

of the cross and say, “I have sinned against God.” The priest then places a small piece of our Lord’s Body and Blood

directly into our mouth. We once again make the sign of the Cross and step aside for others to approach the blessed

sacrament.

Sunday School will be beginning the 2012-2013 school year on Sunday September 16th at 10am. There will be a Sunday School registration table at the church picnic but you can also register on September 16th. If you have

any questions, please contact Greta Gurdikian-Wiley at [email protected] or by phone (215) 968-7388



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FOCUS ON

THE ACYOA

AND OUR YOUTH

ACYOA Holds General Assembly and Sports Weekend

Young Armenian-Americans from across the Eastern Diocese gathered in Chicago for the 66th Annual ACYOA General Assembly, where they held elections for the ACYOA Central Council, and brainstormed ways to intensify the activity at the annual gathering of youth leaders. The two-day meeting was held May 24-25 at the Hotel Sax in the Windy City. The General Assembly was followed by the annual Sports Weekend activities, during May 25-28.

Eighty delegates and observers from 23 parishes, including 13 clergy, participated in this year’s General Assembly. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, presided.

The General Assembly and Sports Weekend were hosted by the ACYOA Seniors Chapter from St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church of Chicago, with assistance from the ACYOA chapters of St. James Armenian Church in Evanston, Ill., and Sts. Joachim and Anne Armenian Church of Palos Heights, Ill. Sam Mrofcza and Shant Paklaian of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church led the Sports Weekend committee as co-chairs.

Next year’s General Assembly and Sports Weekend will be held in Providence, Rhode Island.

ACYOA Juniors Gather for Hye M'rtsoom in Watertown

This past Memorial Day Weekend, the youth of St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Armenian Church parish and other neighboring parishes traveled to Watertown, MA for their annual ACYOA Jrs. Hye M’rtsoom Weekend. Chaperoned by Sarkis Berberian, Rob & Karen Cannuscio, and Shake Derderian, twenty young people joined close to 200 youth from many parts of the country in fellowship, camaraderie, and sports competitions. The Youth Committee paid for the transportation.

Our youth reconnected with friends from past Sports Weekends as well as establishing new friendships which will most likely last a lifetime. Our “kids” played volleyball, basketball, and individual sports like tavloo and ping pong. All our kids stayed with host families in the Watertown area, increasing their opportunities to make new friends, and having a chance to eat with local families. The host families brought the kids back and forth between the events and provided lots of food and lodging for the kids. They truly treated our kids as part of their family. In addition to the daytime sports events, the youth dressed up for dances on both Saturday and Sunday nights. Saturday night’s dance was held at the church hall. Sunday night’s banquet and dance was held at the top of the Hilton in Cambridge with a magnificent view of the city of Boston.

One of our co-ed volleyball teams won first place and our girls’ basketball team won second place. Armen Berberian won first place in ping pong! Congratulations to all of our ACYOA Jr. participants! Pictures will be posted in Hayatian Hall in the next few weeks. Please take a moment to look at our kids in action.

Our ACYOA Jrs. are part of the Armenian Church Youth Organization of America comprising youth between the ages 13 through high school. If you have children that are interested in becoming a members or would like more information, please contact Sarkis Berberian at (610) 996-6243.


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COMMUNITY CLIPS

Art & Jazz SpringFest Benefits Birthright Armenia

A committee of dedicated volunteers from throughout the Philadelphia Armenian community successfully engineered to success Birthright Armenia’s premier Philadelphia event, Art & Jazz SpringFest on the Main Line, which took place on Saturday, May 5, 2012 in St. Sahag & St. Mesrob Armenian Church’s newly renovated Memorial Hall

The event showcased over 130 pieces of original artwork by 32 artists of Armenian descent, with a portion of their sales graciously benefiting Birthright Armenia. In addition to the fabulous art, the evening featured delicious hors d’oeuvres, luxurious raffle items, an open bar for the first hour, and the first area appearance of Boston’s Black Sea Salsa band. Led by composer and trumpeter Dan Teager, Black Sea Salsa is a 15-piece world-music group made up of six horns, four vocalists and a five-piece rhythm section, playing an original blend of Latin jazz and blues that can best be described as “Armenian salsa.”

The artists, who hailed from the U.S., Canada, and Armenia were: Virginia Arakelian, Alice Aznavourian, Margaret Boyajian, Elizabeth Derderian, Areg Elibekian, Robert Elibekian, Vagharshag Elibekian, Tigran Ghuylan, Lynne Dian Gulezian, Armen Gyulamiryan, Sayyat Hacikoglu, Hakob Hakobian, Lucy Kalian, Rosanne Kaloustian, Armen Kankanian, Jackie Kazarian, Monique Kendikian-Sarkessian, Mher Khachatryan, Roudolf Kharatian, Jeanette Koumjian, Rose Manteghian, Sema Ohanian Mellian, Adrienne Minassian, Varteni Mosdichian, Rudik Petrosyan, Mary-Roud, Simon Samsonian, Serli, Christina Vandian, Irene Vandian, Armen Yepoyan and Ara Zeibarian. The works of Vagharshag Elibekian and Simon Samsonian, both deceased, are noted collectibles in the art world.

Close to 300 individuals attended and over 25% of the artwork was sold, netting a profit of over $40,000 which will enable the organization to send another 20 volunteers to Armenia. The next Art & Jazz SpringFest is slated for Saturday, May 3, 2014.

Founded eight years ago, Birthright Armenia’s mission is to strengthen ties between the homeland and Diasporan youth, by affording them an opportunity to be part of Armenia’s daily life and to contribute to Armenia’s development through work, study and volunteer experiences, while developing life-long personal ties and a renewed sense of Armenian identity. To date, over 600 young adults from close to 30 countries have embarked on the Birthright Armenia experience.

For additional information, please visit http://www.birthrightarmenia.org.

THE LAKE OF VAN

SPEAK, O lake ! why ate thy waters silent ? Wilt thou not lament with luckless me ?

Move, ye zephyrs, move the rippling wavelets With this lake my tears shall mingled be.

Tell me, lake, — for thou hast been a witness

Of our history from the earliest day, — Shall Armenia, that was once a garden,

Always be a thorny desert gray ?

Shall our hapless fatherland forever By a foreign master be down-trod ?

Are the Armenians and their sons unworthy, Judged before the righteous throne of God ?

Is a glad day coming, when a banner

Shall on Ararat its folds expand, And from every side Armenian pilgrims Hasten to their beauteous fatherland ?

http://www.birthrightarmenia.org/


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SACRAMENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Baptisms & Chrismations

November 27, 2011 Mila Jordan McKee

Daughter of Kevin & Kristine (Balabanyan) McKee Godfather – Edward P. News

Godmother – Tina Arutunian Heimbach

March 10, 2012 Gregory Augusto Metjian

Son of Ara & Hilda (Morillas) Metjian Godfather – Adam Lusk Godmother – Suzel Broe

March 11, 2012

Ava Barbara Checchia Daughter of David & Devon (Schwarz) Checchia

Godfather – Derrick Schwarz Godmother – Lauren Leszczynski

April 15, 2012

Michael Charles Gortian IV Son of Michael & Ariana (Seropian) Gortian III

Godfather – Steven Anastasia Godmother – Alexis Seropian

April 22, 2012

Sebastian Edmon Markaryan Son of Yianni & Marina (Markaryan) Gerasimidis

Godfather – Cleanthes Papadoupoulos

Wedding

May 26, 2012 Ross Sinclair Norian & Xuexuan

Godfather – Haig Norian

Funerals

George (Kevork) Arabatlian passed away on May

28, 2012. George was the loving husband of the

late, Zevart Arabatlian, and is survived by his sons

Loutfi (Mania) and Ohan (Ronia); grandchildren

Kevork, Nanor, Celine and Lara; his brother

Melkon Arabatli; his sister, Anjel Zarikian, and

many nieces and nephews. Funeral services were

held on May 31, 2012 at St. Sahag & St. Mesrob

Armenian Church. In lieu of flowers,

contributions in George Arabatlian’s memory may

be made to the church.

Judith Baltaeff passed away on June 4, 2012.

Judith was the beloved daughter of the late George

& Rosemary Baltaeff; sister of George (Joanne) and

Tom; the loving aunt of Christina (Sal) Triolo; and

Great Aunt of Salvatore and Christopher. She is

also survived by her Uncle Al and Aunt Linda.

Funeral services were held on June 14 at St. Sahag &

St. Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church. In lieu of

flowers, contributions in Judith Baltaeff’s memory

may be made to the Church.

Vartouhi Etoian, wife of the late Toros Etoian,

passed away on June 4, 2012. She is survived by her

son and daughter-in-law, Sarkis & Diana; daughter,

Mary-Ann Ayrandjian; and grandchildren, Jacob

Ayrandjian, Jordan Ayrandjian, Alexander Etoian,

Isabella Etoian. Services were private. In lieu of

flowers, contributions in Vartouhi Etoian’s

memory may be made to the Permanent Endowment

Fund of St. Sahag & St. Mesrob Armenian Church.

Andrew Jingozian passed away on May 19, 2012.

Born on December 20, 1943 to Luke and Rose

Jingozian, Andrew was the oldest of three boys

(brothers, Luke and Ken). Andy’s career in the

food industry started at a very young age. Around

age 11, he was taught to be a skilled butcher. Andy

graduated from Haverford High School in 1961 and

attended Villanova University for a short time. He

was the Chair of the ACYOA and met wife Nancy

through the organization. They were married in

1965. He proudly served his country in the Army

Reserves for six years and spent several decades

mastering his craft in the food business. In 1992, he

and Nancy moved to Florida. Andrew is survived

by his wife, Nancy; his sons Michael and Steve and

grandson, Tyler. Funeral services were held at St.

Sahag & St. Mesrob Armenian Church on May 26,

2012. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Andrew

Jingozian’s memory may be made to St. Sahag & St.

Mesrob Armenian Church.


Page 35

Peter Manookian passed away on April 2, 2012.

He is survived by his wife, Nevart; and his

daughters, Lisa, Catherine and Jacqueline.

Internment was private. In lieu of flowers,

contributions in Peter Manookian’s memory may

be made to St. Sahag & St. Mesrob Armenian

Church.

Hovhanes Nazaryan passed away on May 24, 2012.

He is survived by his wife, Sonya; his daughter,

Yeranouhi; his sister, Mari Nazaryan; and nieces,

Parouhi Ovsepyan, Nevart Buldukyan, Dikranouhi

Kakramanyan; and his nephew, Aris Buldukyan.

Funeral services were held at St. Sahag & St.

Mesrob Armenian Church on May 30, 2012. In lieu

of flowers, contributions in Hovhanes Nazaryan

memory may be made to the Church.

Karpis Solakian passed away on June 27, 2012.

Karpis was the husband of the late Alice Solakian

and is survived by his daughter, Araxi Solakian; his

son, Onik Solakian and their families; his brothers,

Yorgo and Panioti and their families; and many

nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held on

July 3, 2012. In lieu of flowers, contributions in

Karpis Solakian’s memory may be made to the

Church.

Please notify the

Pastor whenever you

know of anyone who is

sick,

whether at home or in

the hospital.

GIFTS TO THE CHURCH

General Donations Mr. & Mrs. Krikor Mardikian For serving as the Godfather for Turnpatsek Mr. & Mrs. Ohannes Meguerian For Paschal candles on the Holy Altar Mrs. Takouhi Yenovkian In honor of her son’s success

Mer Doon Donations Lucy & Harold Guveyian

Memorial Donations In Memory of Arthur Azarik

Mannik Azarik

In Memory of Garo Aznavourian

Elizabeth Gregorian

In Memory of Noubar Mousaderian Edik & Karin Estepani Raffi & Hourig Stepanian

In Memory of Rose Takoushian Mr. & Mrs. Charles Kurkjian

Easter Youghakin Donations Chuch & Charlotte Ajamian Mr. & Mrs. Peter Alexanian Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Alyanakian Leslie Alyanakian & Francesca D’Amico Mr. & Mrs. Harry Amirian


Page 36

Mrs. Alice Arakelian Mr. & Mrs. Simon Ashekian Mrs. Alice Aznavourian Mrs. Hripsime Babikian & Family Mr. Albert Baltaeff Mrs. Dolores Barasatian Ms. Elizabeth Barsamian Ms. Millie Barsamian Mrs. Sona Bejian Mr. & Mrs. Edward Berg Mr. & Mrs. Robert Cannuscio & Family Ms. Mary Boyajian Mr. & Mrs. Carlos Chimchirian Mrs. Margot Clayton Mr. & Mrs. Haig Dadourian Ms. Sonia Deravedisian Mrs. Alice Dertadian Mr. & Mrs. George Devletian Ms. Sonia Djanikian Ms. Simone Djevharian Ms. Christine Droesser Mr. Charles Durgerian Fumento Family Mrs. Terrie Gaspar Ms. Eleanor Gurdikian Mr. & Mrs. Harold Guveyian Mrs. Shirley Hajinian Mr. & Mrs. Harry Havnoonian Diane & Vicky Hoplamazian In Memory of her father, Harry Hoplamazian, Sr.: her grandparents, Hagop & Varsenig Hoplamazian, Hagop & Parantzen Hoplamazian, and Melki & Mariam Sarkisian; her godmother, Satenig & Joseph Hoplamazian, Sr., her aunt Rose, her aunt Kathryn, and her uncles, Sam, John & Aram Mr. & Mrs. Nubar Igidbashian Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Jones & Family Mr. Noubar Karagulian Mrs. Siran Karagulian Mr. Charles Kazanjian

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Keytanjian Mr. & Mrs. Diran Keytanjian Mr. & Mrs. Raffi Khatchikian Mrs. Berjouhi Kitabjian Mr. Hagop Kitabjian Mr. & Mrs. Antranig Kordzian Mr. & Mrs. Gevorg Marashlian Mr. & Mrs. Krikor Mardikian Mr. & Mrs. Patrick McNelis Mr. & Mrs. Ohannes Meguerian Ygn. Angel Metjian Dn. Mihran & Kohar Mihranyan Dr. Mrs. Diran Mikaelian Ms. Victoria Mirzayan Ms. Dorothy Mooradian Mr. & Mrs. Alex Nagy Ms. Mary Odabashian Mr. & Mrs. Mesrob Odabashian Mr. & Mrs. Sahag Odabashian Mr. & Mrs. Raffi Petrosian Mr. & Mrs. George Ramoundos Mrs. Sallee Rush Ms. Vickey Sagherian Mr. Albert Seraydarian Ms. Elizabeth Seraydarian Mr. & Mrs. Diran Shakarjian Mrs. Anna Simonian Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Sohodski Daniel & Norma Takoushian Dr. & Mrs. Gabriel Tatarian Mr. & Mrs. Jack Tefankjian Mrs. Veronica Torcomian Mr. & Mrs. Hirant Torunyan Mr. & Mrs. David Walsh Mrs. Laura Zakian Mrs. Zabelle Zartarian Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Zeibari Zerounian Family

Remember Saint Sahag and Saint Mesrob Armenian Church

In Your Will


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IINN MMEEMMOORRIIAAMM IINN LLIIEEUU OOFF FFLLOOWWEERRSS

Sincere sympathy is extended by the Pastor and Parish Council to the families of those parishioners who have departed from this life. May God receive the souls of all the departed into His everlasting kingdom and send the heavenly consolation of His Holy spirit to those who mourn.

In Lieu of Flowers In Memory of

Charlotte Ajamian

ACYOA Jrs. Mr. & Mrs. David Ahakinian Mr. Chuck Ajamian Mr. & Mrs. Vartan Ajamian Mr. Harry Ajamian Mrs. Hermine Ajemian Alma Alabilikian & Peter Paone Mr. Carl Allen Mr. Levon Altiparmakian Mr. & Mrs. Harry Amirian Mr. & Mrs. Vahik Andonian Mrs. Elise Antreassian Nevart & Taline Apochian Mr. & Mrs. Melkon Arabatli Mr. & Mrs. Loutfi Arabatlian Mr. & Mrs. Ohannes Arabatlian Mrs. Alice Arakelian Mr. & Mrs. Dikran Aramyan Mr. & Mrs. Armen Arutunian Ms. Angele Arutunian Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Ashbahian Mr. & Mrs. Simon Ashekian Mr. & Mrs. Melcom Avrigian Ms. Jean Aydinian Mr. & Mrs. Migirdich Azadian Ms. Lynn Baboujian Mr. Mark Badach Mr. Noubar Baldadian Balian Family Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Ballard Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Baltaian Mr. & Mrs. Nerces Bardakjian Ms. Elizabeth Barsamian Mrs. Millie Barsamian Mr. Steven Barsamian Mrs. Maida Basil Ms. Nancy Basmajian

Antoine, Rose, Armen & Vicken Bazarbashian Mrs. Nadia Bazirganian Mrs. Sona Bejian Matt Belluardo & Lisa Melian Mr. & Mrs. Jack Bendian Mr. & Mrs. Sarkis Berberian Ms. Ardo Besnilian Mr. & Mrs. Haroton Beylerian Ms. Susan Biramian Mr. & Mrs. Carl Boloyan Mr. & Mrs. Edward Boyajian Mr. & Mrs. David Brann Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Brinker Mr. & Mrs. Mel Burnis Mr. & Mrs. Robert Cannuscio Mr. & Mrs. Alain Chamoun Mr. & Mrs. Edward Chapian Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Dadekian Mr. & Mrs. Haig Dadourian Ms. Anne Dardarian Mr. Sahag Dardarian Rosemary & Mary Davis Mr. & Mrs. Mikail Degirmenci Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Degirmenci Mr. & Mrs. Yeprem Degirmenci Mr. & Mrs. Charles DeMirjian Mr. & Mrs. Antranig Derderian Mr. & Mrs. Armen Derderian Mr. & Mrs. Boghos Derderian Mr. & Mrs. Dikran Derderian Mr. & Mrs. Jacques Derderian Mrs. Nancy Derderian Ms. Beatrice Derdiarian Mr. & Mrs. Jacob DerHagopian Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence DerHagopian Mrs. Rubina DerMartirosian DerSimonian Family Mrs. Alice Dertadian Mr. & Mrs. Chris Deukmedjian Mr. & Mrs. George Devletian Mr. Richard Doudoukjian Ms. Mary Dulgerian Mr. Charles Durgerian Dyer Law Office

Mr. & Mrs. Faouzi Elchemmas Mr. & Mrs. John Eskandarian Etoian Family Mrs. Vartouhi Etoian Mr. & Mrs. Howard Frankel Ms. Mathilda Frounjian Ms. Mary Garabedian Ms. Rose Garabedian Garo & Cece Garibian Mr. & Mrs. Michael Gortian, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Michael Gortian III Mr. & Mrs. Clive Gouveia Deborah & Claude Greenip Mr. & Mrs. Mark Gulasarian Mrs. Shirley Hajinian Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Haratunian Mr. & Mrs. Dickran Haroian Mr. & Mrs. Ohannes Hashas Mr. John D. Haytaian Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Heretakis Ms. Anahid Hilbert Mr. & Mrs. Vaughn Hoplamazian Mr. & Mrs. Steven Hovnanian Mr. & Mrs. Brian Hoyle Mr. & Mrs. Nubar Igidbashian Mrs. Araxie Ishkhanian Ms. Lena Ishkhanian Mr. & Mrs. Edward Jamie Mrs. Azniv Jebejian Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Jehanian Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Jones Ms. Anne Kachigian Corinne & Steven Kachigian, Talene Kachigian & Matt Derbabian Ms. Lisa Kailian Mrs. Silva Kailian Mr. & Mrs. Vartan Kalanyan Mr. & Mrs. Saro Kalayjian Ms. Lisa Kalustian Sarah & Diane Kapikian Mrs. Alice Kalustian Mr. Noubar Karagulian Mrs. Siran Karagulian Mr. & Mrs. Kaloust Karakelian


Page 38

Dr. & Mrs. Albert Karnig Mr. & Mrs. Aram Kazanjian Mrs. Florence Kazanjian Mr. & Mrs. Hagop Kazanjian Rev. Fr. Yeprem Kelegian Mr. & Mrs. Richard Keshgegian Mr. & Mrs. Edwin Keusey Mr. & Mrs. Charles Keytanjian Mrs. Rita Khachadourian Mr. & Mrs. Raffi Khatchikian Mrs. Berjouhi Kitabjian Mr. & Mrs. Harout Kitabjian Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Knudson Mr. & Mrs. George Kodokian Ms. Karen Kouzoujian Mr. & Mrs. Sarkis Kouzoujian Mr. & Mrs. Albert Kzelian Ms. Dean Sarah Walter Lafferty Mr. & Mrs. Khai Le Mrs. Carol Keosayian Leszczynski Mr. & Mrs. Henry Loshigian Mr. & Mrs. Noubar Mahdessian Mr. & Mrs. Herayer Manawelian Mr. Manawel Manawelian Lisa Manookian Mr. William Manookian, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Gevorg Marashlian Mr. & Mrs. George Marootian Mr. David Marshall, Jr. Mr. Douglas Ara Martaian Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Martaian Mr. & Mrs. Grant Mazmanian Mr. & Mrs. Bill McMahon Mr. & Mrs. Patrick McNelis Mr. & Mrs. Aram Megerian Dr. & Mrs. Garo Megerian Mr. & Mrs. Hrair Megerian Mr. & Mrs. Noubar Megerian Mr. & Mrs. Papken Megerian Dr. & Mrs. Raffi Megerian Ms. Talene Megerian Mr. & Mrs. Ohannes Meguerian Mrs. Rozaline Meguerian Arpi C. Mekhjian Mr. David Melian Mrs. Ruth Melian Ms. Evelyn Meranshian Ms. Gohar Merdjanian Mr. & Mrs. Mardi Merjian Yn. Angel Metjian Dn. Minas & Kohar Mihranyan Mr. & Mrs. Aret Minasian Mr. & Mrs. Asadur Minasian Mr. & Mrs. Serge Minassian Ms. Victoria Mirzayan Mrs. Helen Misk

Mr. & Mrs. Set Momjian Mr. & Mrs. Paul Movsesian Mr. & Mrs. Armen Movsisyan Mr. & Mrs. Frank Murphy Ms. Berjoohy H. Murray Dr. Louis Najarian Mr. & Mrs. David Nalbantian Ms. Mary Odabashian Mr. & Mrs. Mesrob Odabashian Mr. & Mrs. Sahag Odabashian Mr. & Mrs. Steve Odabashian Arthur & Richard Ohnikian Mr. & Mrs. Richard Ohnikian Mr. & Mrs. Robert Ohnikian Mr. & Mrs. Kosrof Pakhtigian Mr. & Mrs. Ara Panosian Mr. Robert Paretchan Dr. Grant Parnagian Mrs. Mary Parnagian Ms. Barbara Peters Mr. Larry Peters Mr. & Mrs. Raffi Petrosian Mr. & Mrs. Tigran Petrosian Mr. & Mrs. Charles Pinajian Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Placido Mr. & Mrs. George Postian Mrs. Linda Preske Mr. & Mrs. George Ramoundos Mrs. Beatrice Rechelian Mr. & Mrs. Tom Repetti Ms. Hourig Sahagian Ovsanna & Therese Sajonian Mr. & Mrs. Mark Santerian Mrs. Merle Santerian Mr. & Mrs. Michael Santerian Mr. & Mrs. Robert Sarkisian Mr. & Mrs. Adam Schreiner Mr. & Mrs. Mayis Seapan Mr. & Mrs. Adam Selverian Mr. & Mrs. David Semerjian Ms. Elizabeth Seraydarian Seropian Family Mr. Dean Shahinian Mr. & Mrs. Diran Shakarjian Ms. Diane Shamlian Mickey Sherian Mrs. Margo Silk Mrs. Marie Simonian Mr. & Mrs. Stanford Smilow Mrs. Janet Soghomonian Mr. & Mrs. Onik Solakian Mr. Benjamin Tashjian Mr. Oscar Tatosian Mr. & Mrs. Greg Tenbekjian Edwig Basil & Garabed Teberian Mr. & Mrs. George Terkanian

Mr. & Mrs. Edgar Toma Ms. Patricia Toofangjian Mr. & Mrs. Aris Topakbashian Mr. & Mrs. John Torcomian Mr. & Mrs. Tom Torcomian Mrs. Veronica Torcomian Mr. & Mrs. Karnig Torossian Mr. & Mrs. Hirant Torunyan Mr. & Mrs. Mihran Toumajan Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Tortorice Mr. & Mrs. Donald Uber Mr. & Mrs. David Waxler Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Williams Women’s Guild Central Council of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Yazujian Mr. & Mrs. Armen Yepoyan Mr. & Mrs. Garabed Yepremian Mrs. Laura Zakian Mr. & Mrs. Robert Zakian Mr. & Mrs. Andre Zeibari Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Zeibari Zerounian Family Total Contributions in Charlotte Ajamian’s Memory: $16,930


George (Kevork) Arabatlian Gohar & Angel Adjemian Mr. Chuck Ajamian Mr. & Mrs. Harry Amirian Mr. & Mrs. Nurhan Antilian Mr. & Mrs. Loutfi Arabatlian & Family Mr. & Mrs. Ohan Arabatlian & Family Mr. & Mrs. Trdat Aramyan Mr. & Mrs. Melkon Arabatli Mr. & Mrs. Aret Aras Mr. & Mrs. Levon Arslanyan Ms. Angele Arutunian Mr. & Mrs. Armen Arutunian Mr. & Mrs. Simon Ashekian Mr. Kegham Avedissian Mr. & Mrs. Malcom Avrigian Ms. Lynn Baboujian Mr. & Mrs. Nerces Bardakjian Mr. & Mrs. Antoine Bazarbashian Mr. & Mrs. Edward Boyajian Ms. Antoinette Brunsgard Mr. & Mrs. Haig Dadourian


Page 39

Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Degirmenci Mr. & Mrs. Mikail Degirmenci Mr. & Mrs. Antranig Derderian Mr. & Mrs. Armen Derderian Mr. & Mrs. Boghos Derderian Mr. & Mrs. Dikran Derderian Mrs. Nancy Derderian Mrs. Alice Dertadian Mr. & Mrs. Nishan DerSimonian Mr. Antranik Dokmanian Mr. & Mrs. John Eskandarian Mr. & Mrs. Sarkis Etoian Mr. & Mrs. Keith Feerrar Mr. Andrew Gider Ms Bertha Guiragossian Mr. & Mrs. Clive Gouveia Mr. & Mrs. Nubar Igidbashian Dr. & Mrs. Vartan Igidbashian Mrs. Araxie Ishkhanian Mr. & Mrs. Hagop Ishkhanian Ms. Lisa Kailian Silva & Ara Kailian Mr. & Mrs. Vartan Kalanyan Mr. & Mrs. Gary Kalaydjian Mr. & Mrs. Sam Kaloustian Diane & Sarah Kapikian Mr. & Mrs. Kaloust Karakelian Mr. & Mrs. Vartan Karakelian Mr. & Mrs. Aram Kazanjian Mrs. Florence Kazanjian Mr. & Mrs. Richard Kazigian Mr. & Mrs. Shant Kehyayan Mr. & Mrs. Charles Keytanjian Mr. Steven Keytanjian Mr. & Mrs. Raffi Khatchikian Mr. & Mrs. Haig Khararjian George, Harout & Vasken Khorozian Mrs. Berjouhi Kitabjian Mr. & Mrs. Harout Kitabjian Mrs. Carol Keosayian Leszczynski Mr. & Mrs. Hagop Loshikian Ms. Lisa Manookian Mr. & Mrs. Berdj Mazmanian Mr. & Mrs. Grant Mazmanian Mr. & Mrs. Hrair Manauelian Mr. Manuel Manuelian Mr. & Mrs. Zakar Manauelian Ms. Lisa Manookian Mr. & Mrs. Gevorg Marashlian Ms. Alice Mardikian Mr. & Mrs. Krikor Mardikian Dr. & Mrs. Garo Megerian M. & Mrs. Hrair Megerian Mr. & Mrs. Noubar Megerian Mr. & Mrs. Papken Megerian

Dr. & Mrs. Raffi Megerian Mr. & Mrs. Garen Meguerian Mr. & Mrs. Ohannes Meguerian Mrs. Rozaline Meguerian & Family Mr. & Mrs. Hartout Mentchcherian Yn. Angel Metjian Mr. & Mrs. Paul Mihranian Dn. Minas & Kohar Mihranyan Dr. & Mrs. Pierre Mouradian Mr. & Mrs. David Nalbantian Mr. & Mrs. Mesrob Odabashian Mr. & Mrs. Kosrof Pakhtigian Mr. & Mrs. Michael Pansini Mr. & Mrs. Rafael Petrosian Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Placido Ovsanna & Therese Sajonian Mrs. Merle Santerian Mr. & Mrs. Robert Sarkisian Mr. & Mrs. Mayis Seapan Mr. & Mrs. Adam Schreiner Mr. & Mrs. George Selverian Mr. & Mrs. John Semerjian Seropian Family Mrs. Anna Simonian Edwig Basil & Garabet Teberian Mr. & Mrs. Aris Topakbashian Mr. & Mrs. John Torcomian Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Torcomian Mrs. Veronica Torcomian Mr. & Mrs. Karnig Torossian Mr. & Mrs. Mihran Toumajan Mr. & Mrs. Mihran Vartanian Dr. & Mrs. Gerald Williams Mr. & Mrs. Krikor Yeremian Mr. & Mrs. Robert Zakian Mr. & Mrs. Andre Zeibari Zerounian Family Total Contributions in George (Kevork) Arabatlian’s Memory: $ 6,825

In Lieu of Flowers In Memory of Judy Baltaeff

Mr. John Chalikian Mr. & Mrs. Nishan DerSimonian Mrs. Florence Kazanjian Ms. Lisa Kazanjian Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Killian Pearl & Mary Jamgochian Ms. Cynthia Oursler Mr. Chicko Ruggia Ms. Louise Ruggia Charles & Dina Simonian

Mr. Salvatore Triolo Mr. & Mrs. Jack Vishab Mr. & Mrs. Richard Vishab Dr. & Mrs. Gerald Williams Total Contributions in Judy Baltaeff’s Memory: $420


Jane Hadjinlian Mr. & Mrs. Simon Ashekian Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Jones Mr. & Mrs. Diran Keytanjian Mr. & Mrs. Patrick McNelis Ygn. Angel Metjian Ms. Mary Odabashian Mr. & Mrs. Mesrob Odabashian Mr. & Mrs. Steve Sarrafian Daniel & Norma Takoushian Total Contributions in Jane Hadjinlian’s Memory: $230


Andrew Jingozian Mr. John Arslanian, Sr. Mr. & Mrs. Geroge Devletian Mr. & Mrs. Edward Hoplamazian Mr. & Mrs. Michael Gortian Mr. & Mrs. Jack Hoplamazian Mrs. Victoria Hoplamazian Mr. & Mrs. Harry Jingozian Ms. Rose Jingozian Mr. & Mrs. James Kesdekian Mr. & Mrs. Grant Mazmanian Mr. & Mrs. Sahag Odabashian Mr. & Mrs. John Semerjian Ms. Dolores Zambino Total Contributions in Andrew Jingozian’s Memory: $465


Peter Manookian Alma Alabilikian & Peter Paone Mr. & Mrs. Harry Amirian Babikian Family Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Ballard


Page 40

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Brinker Mr. & Mrs. Robert Cannuscio Duane Morris LLP Mr. & Mrs. John Eskandarian Sarah & Diane Kapikian Kedeshian Family Mr. & Mrs. Charles Keytanjian Mr. & Mrs. Raffi Khatchikian Manookian Family Mr. & Mrs. Patrick McNelis Ms. Mary Odabashian Mr. & Mrs. Mesrob Odabashian Mr. & Mrs. Mark Santerian Ms. Mary Sheshedian Daniel & Norma Takoushian Mr. & Mrs. Aris Topakbashian Total Contributions in Peter Manookian’s Memory: $1,075


Dorothy Melikian Mr. & Mrs. Alex Alexanian Mr. & Mrs. Mamas Alexanian Deborah & Gail Alyanakian Mr. & Mrs. Harry Amirian Mr. & Mrs. Aret Aras Arlington Cemetery Mr. & Mrs. George Arslanian Mr. & Mrs. Gregory Arslanian Ms. Edna Avedesian Mr. & Mrs. Michael Ayjian Mr. & Mrs. Migirdich Azadian Mr. John Bahian Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Ballard Mrs. Millie Barsamian Ms. Stephanie Barsamian Steven Barsamian & Children Beneficial Bank Mr. & Mrs. Edward Buchakjian Mrs. Ayshe Chakmaklian Mr. & Mrs. Albert Chavooshian Mrs. Alice DeRose Mr. & Mrs. Nishan DerSimonian Mr. Samuel Devedjian Ms. Mary Dulgerian Ms. Rose Garabedian Mr. & Mrs. Michael Gortian, Jr. & Family Mr. Martin E. Grossman Mr. & Mrs. Mark Gulasarian Mr. & Mrs. Roupen Gureghian Mrs. Helen Guveyian

Mr. Robert Guveyian, Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Michael Hajatian Mrs. Shirley Hajinian Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Heaton Ms. Diane Hoplamazian Mrs. Victoria Hoplamazian Mr. & Mrs. Jack Hoplamazian Ms. Kim Jehanian Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Jehanian Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Jones Juliana Cleaners Ms. Maryann Karagelian Mr. Arik Kazanjian Mr. Charles Kazanjian Mrs. Florence Kazanjian James Kazanjian & Lisa Gaudio Ms. Lisa Kazanjian Mr. Michael Kazanjian Mr. & Mrs. Richard Kazigian Mr. Charles Kendikian Mr. & Mrs. James Kesdekian Ms. Margeret Keshgegian Mr. & Mrs. Richard Keshgegian Mr. & Mrs. Charles Keytanjian Mr. & Mrs. Albert Louisinian Krikor & Janice Mardikian Mr. & Mrs. Grant Mazmanian Ms. Therese Sadjian-Mears Mr. & Mrs. Noubar Megerian Mr. & Mrs. Papken Megerian Mr. & Mrs. Ohannes Meguerian Mr. Richard Melikian Mr. & Mrs. John Meterissian Ms. Rose Minassian Mr. & Mrs. Richard Mukalian, Jr. Ms. Anna Nalbandian Mr. & Mrs. George Nazarethian Mrs. Ann Papazian Mr. John Ohanian Mr. & Mrs. Robert Ohnigian Mr. & Mrs. Kosrof Pakhtigian Mrs. Mary Parnagian Mrs. Linda Preske Mr. & Mrs. Robert Riser Mrs. Victoria Sagherian Mr. & Mrs. Robert Sarkisian Mr. & Mrs. Jon Sarkisian Mr. & Mrs. John Semerjian Mrs. Elizabeth Seraydarian Mr. & Mrs. Ara Shakarjian Mr. & Mrs. Diran Shakarjian Mr. & Mrs. Charles Simonian Vasgen & Rose Solakian and Sons, Scott and Marc Mr. & Mrs. James Tashjian & Family

Brian Tavakalian & Family Mr. & Mrs. Paul Tefankjian Mr. & Mrs. George Terhanian Mr. & Mrs. Aris Topakbashian Mr. & Mrs. John Torcomian Mrs. Veronica Torcomian Mr. & Mrs. John Tosoian & Family Mr. & Mrs. Michael Dolik and Family, Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Rosenthal Mrs. Rose Tourigian Mr. & Mrs. James Walter Dr. & Mrs. Gerald Williams Mr. & Mrs. Berj Yeretzian Mr. & Mrs. Robert Zakian Zerounian Family Total Contributions in Dorothy Melikian’s Memory: $7,090


Hovhanes Nazaryan Nurten Akgor Mr. Antranik Dokmanian Mr. & Mrs. Burhan Gider Mr. & Mrs. Hovig Gregorians Total Contributions in Hovhanes Nazaryan’s Memory: $150


Armine Shamlian Mr. & Mrs. Albert Chapjian Mr. John Kash Mr. & Mrs. George Semerjian Total Contributions in Armine Shamlian’s Memory: $ 300


Varoujan Shirinian Aramyan Family Arlington Cemetery Ms. Angele Arutunian Mr. & Mrs. Armen Arutunian Mr. Arthur Arutunian Mr. & Mrs. Antoine Bazarbashian Mr. & Mrs. Jacques Derderian


Page 41

Mr. Charles Durgerian Mr. & Mrs. Richard Guaraldo Mr. & Mrs. Michael Injaian Mrs. Araksi Ishkhanian Mr. & Mrs. Gevorg Marashlian Mr. & Mrs. Papken Megerian Mr. Rafael Petrosian Ms. Anne Shirinian Mr. & Mrs. Paul Traband Mr. & Mrs. Krikor Yeremian Zerounian Family Total Contributions in Varoujan Shirinian’s Memory: $2,785


Missak Simonian Mr. & Mrs. Loutfi Arabatlian Arlington Cemetery Mr. & Mrs. Armen Arutunian Ms. Lynn Baboujian

Ms. Vartouhi Berberian Mr. Steven Barsamian Mr. & Mrs. Antoine Bazarbashian Mrs. Sona Bejian Ms. Sose Bejian Mr. & Mrs. Hagop Bezdikian Tina & Roy Binnion Baby Coco Binnion Mr. & Mrs. Mark Candidi, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Degirmenci Mr. & Mrs. Antranig Derderian Mr. & Mrs. Boghos Derderian Mr. & Mrs. George Devletian Clive & Rosine Gouveia Mr. Armen Kailian Ms. Lisa Kailian Mrs. Silva Kailian Mr. & Mrs. Sevag Kalaydjian Mrs. Berjouhi Kitabjian Mr. Garo Kitabjian Mr. & Mrs. George Kitabjian Mr. & Mrs. Harout Kitabjian Mr. Hagop Kitabjian

Michaelle & Derenig Kostikian Mr. & Mrs. James Makoulian Mr. & Mrs. Hrair Megerian Mr. & Mrs. Papken Megerian Mr. & Mrs. Ohannes Meguerian Mrs. Rozaline Meguerian Mr. & Mrs. Michael Oulouhojian Mr. & Mrs. Simon Oulouhojian Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Placido Mr. & Mrs. Adam Schreiner Harout & Elizabeth Simonian Mrs. Anna Simonian Mrs. Janet Soghomonian Mrs. Zabelle Zartarian Mr. & Mrs. Karnig Torossian Mr. Edward Zeibari Zerounian Family Total Contributions in Missak Simonian’s Memory: $2,585

Rest in Peace

I thought of you with love today But that is nothing new.

I thought about you yesterday And days before that too.

I think of you in silence. I often speak your name. All I have are memories,

and your picture in a frame.

Your memory is my keepsake, which I’ll never part.

God has you in His keeping. I have you in my heart.

Author Unknown


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YOUR ADVERTISEMENT

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR PATRONS For More information please call

610-642-4212 or

Mer Doon : [email protected]


Page 45

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Monday, September 3, 2012 Labor Day

Sunday, September 9, 2012 Annual September Picnic

Registration for Sunday School

Sunday, September 16, 2012 The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

First Day of Sunday School

Sunday, September 23, 2012 Luncheon in Honor of Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian’s

65th

Anniversary of Ordination to the Holy Order of

the Priesthood

Friday, September 28, 2012 Special Reception (details to follow)

Sunday, September 30, 2012 Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak

Monday, October 8, 2012 Columbus Day

Sunday, October 28, 2012 Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross

Annual Founders Day Celebration

SPRING/SUMMER 2012 ST. SAHAG & ST. MESROB NON-PROFIT ORG. ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH U.S. POSTAGE PAID 630 Clothier Road UPPER DARBY, PA 19082 Wynnewood, PA 19096 PERMIT NO. 6137

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