September 2013 - St. Vartan Armenian Church
Transcription
Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan September, 2013 Letter to Parents Bible Readings Sept. 1 Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Sept. 29 Mark 4:35-41 Mark 7:31-37 John 3:13-31 Mark 10:1-12 Matt. 24:30-36 The True Cross was first elevated by St. James the Apostle, the first Bishop of Jerusalem, who lifted the cross with the words, “We bow before thy cross, O Christ.” It’s again September and schools are back in session. Kids are again busy, or we are keeping them busy. They have too many things to do; you can see them in sports teams, at their relatives, and with their friends. Even though they are busy, they have time for everything else, except... except the Church. Dear Faithfull, each time when we are talking or thinking about the Holy Gospels, we are focusing ourselves on the last three years of our Lord’s earthly life, when our Savior preached, healed, and showed all His power. And it’s understandable, because the Gospels are not talking a lot about Jesus’ childhood. However, our Lord started preaching when He was twelve years old, when He was so young, when He was our children’s age. There is one great story in the Gospel of St. Luke which brings to light our Lord’s childhood. After three day’s seeking, St. Mary and Joseph found Jesus in the temple sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. “And when they saw Him they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, ‘Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously.’ And He said to them, ‘How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?’” (Luke 2:41-52) This is one of our Lord’s greatest teachings for all of us, and especially for our children. The twelve-year-old child found his peace and comfort in His Heavenly Father’s house. He didn’t stay with his relatives, he didn’t join any sports teams or enjoy his time with his friends, but he was in his Father’s house sitting among the teachers. My dear Ones, God gave us our children to enrich our lives. He gifted us our children as angels to live with us and to change our lives. As loving parents, we are trying to do every good for them. We even sacrifice ourselves for them to make their lives easy without any problems. We are trying to do everything alone, forgetting about God, His promise and His help; “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him?” (Matt.7:9-11) Jesus was in His Father’s house because He knew that everything good comes from Him. Dear Parents, the greatest responsibility for all of us is to take care of our kids, to seek their physical and mental growth. I agree with all of you, and I am one of you, letting our kids to play on sports teams, be involved in other activities, spend time with their friends and so on. However, we should not forget about their spiritual life, also. Spiritual life is much more important. Today, we need to teach our kids that with all of the goods that we have in our lives there is one important place in our neighborhood that we have to go, where we need to be. It is called God’s house, our Heavenly Father’s house; and more than blessed are those whose children will give the same answer that Jesus gave to His parents; “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” Talk to them—explain to them why is it important to be in church. And like God’s faithful apostles guide them to His house, because they are the true tenants of that house, and because; “When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth; anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.” (Mark 10:14-16) Let them come and receive God’s blessing in His house and be in His presence at St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church. Let them participate in our wonderful Sunday School program and become strong soldiers of the kingdom of God. Amen. The Voice by E-mail Would you like to receive the St. Vartan Voice via e-mail rather than regular mail? The Voice newsletter is available via e-mail! It's easy—simply call the church office (510) 893-1671, or email us at [email protected] with your request and you can help our church save paper, copying and mailing costs. If your phone number or address changes, please notify the church office at 510-893-1671 or [email protected], so we can keep our files updated. Save the Date Family Worship Day October 13, 2013 Divine Liturgy at 10:30 am Features a special sermon for the entire family by Fr. Hovel Service followed by complimentary lunch Provided by Parish Council Wartkes Hagopian, Charlie Kezerian, Zaven Kanneian and Anto Cingoz join Fr. Mikael Kyeregyan after church on Sunday, July, 21. Fr. Mikael celebrated Divine Liturgy at St. Vartan on July 21 and August 4. Thank You St. Vartan Church would like to thank Dn. Vartan Berberian and Dn. Chris Yaldezian, who led our church services while Fr. Hovel was on vacation. We appreciate all our deacons and acolytes for all their service to God and our church throughout the year. St. Vartan Church Parish Council gratefully acknowledges the following donations: In Honor of Mike & Virginia Madajian’s 60th Wedding Anniversary to Choir Fund—Lori and Andy Hill Education Fund—Anonymous Bazaar Leg of lamb—June E. Demerdjian, Arto & Nadya Yagjian, David & Nairy Colello, Richard & Cynthia In Memory Nikssarian, Archie & Joyce Kamian, Vahe & Hilda Mener, † Margaret Sherinian Kathleen Demerdjian, Hagop & Georgette Derghazarian June E. Demerdjian, Craig & Suzie Bazigian Case of Tan—David & Nairy Colello † George Rustigian Game Booth—David & Nairy Colello Louise & Steven Noroian Miscellaneous—Nejdeh Shahbazian † Armen Boyd Case of Wine—Richard & JoAnne Koobatian June E. Demerdjian Tent—Paul & Ani Bazigian News From Our St. Vartan Family Birth Announcement Aurelia Sophie Jensen was born on June 30, 2013 in Reno, Nevada to Christina Henesian and Erik Jensen. Her grandparents are Mark and Maida Henesian of St. Vartan Church and great-grandparents are Aram and Ronnie Henesian of St. Andrew Armenian Church, Cupertino, CA Wedding On July 20, 2013 Matthew Edward Vasgerdsian and Kimberly Ann Craig were joined in Holy Matrimony by Fr. Vartan Kasparian. Matthew is the son of Edward and Suzanne Vasgerdsian and grandson of Diana Toomajian. The bride’s parents are Francis and Nancy Leidenfrost. On August 17, 2013 Fr. Hovel performed the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony for Lorena Michelle Ojakian and Shaunt Joseph Azizian at St. Vartan Church. The bride's parents are Ronald and Elizabeth Ojakian. Parents of the groom are Ara and Angel Azizian. Herant Azizian served as best man and Tiana Santos was the maid of honor. Congratulations Chaz and Chuck Charles Leonard IV (Chaz), age 9, grandson of Sonia Chilingarian, has been studying Kajukenbo in Vallejo, California with Grandmaster Woody Sims of Sims Kajukenbo for just over 2 1/2 years. Chuck Leonard III, father of Chaz, has been studying with the same instructor off and on for over 27 years. In Chaz’s short time he has excelled. Chaz is currently a purple-white belt with two black tips. Chaz was encouraged to compete in tournaments after only three months of training and did really well. Chaz took a first place trophy in sparring for his age and belt group at the time and was hooked from that day on. Chaz and Chuck compete regularly in various California tournaments. Chaz competes in the 8-9 year old Intermediate Division, while Chuck competes in 18-39 year old Brown Belt and Below Divisions. On Feb. 16, 2013 Chuck and Chaz competed in a Golden State Karate Tournament in Antelope, CA where Chas took second place in Kajkengo Forms and first place in sparring; and Chuck took first place in both Kajukenbo Forms and Traditional Okinawian/Japanese Forms. Voice Newsletter Deadline September 15, 2013 St. Vartan Church’s Lost and Found includes a brass-colored ring and a silver men’s watch. If either of these items are yours, please contact the church office at 510-893-1671. Other lost and found items include sweaters, jackets, and umbrellas. Calling all parishioners Our annual bazaar is rapidly approaching. Staffing help is needed in the following key areas. If you would like to help out, please contact one of the following committee members or bazaar co-chairmen, Zaven Kanneian or Harout Hagopian: Setup/Takedown - Zaven Kanneian Grandma's Attic - Lida Mazmanian Door/Admission Booth - Don Manoogian Bar - Sevag Kevranian Raffle - Jim Taylor or Kim Bardakian Cashier at Food Line - Greg Mazmanian Food Line Serving - Patti Rosenthal Games Prize Booth - Marie Hagopian BBQ - Bob Kezerian Hye Cafe - Hasmig Cingoz Dessert Booth - Janet Yeghissian Games - Sevan or Tanya Jindoian Khanoot - Arlene Hovsepian, Nora Hanoian or Suzanne Abnous You can also contact Rachel in the church office, and she will get your name to the right person. BAZAAR ALERT! Bazaar Donation Requests Items Requested Leg of Lamb Tent Admission Booth Newspaper Advertising Case of Wine Case of Armenian Tan Game Booths Case of Armenian Beer Armenian Coffee Program Guide Number of donors 100 12 1 4 10 2 5 12 2 5 Item Cost $40 $250 $250 $100 $50 $50 $50 $30 $30 $25 Donations Received 46 12 1 2 5 1 1 7 2 5 Still needed 54 0 0 2 5 1 4 5 0 0 Bazaar Food Servers Needed If you are at least 16 years old and interested in helping us serve at this year’s Annual Bazaar, October 5-6, please contact Patti Kezerian Rosenthal at 415-613-9363 or pattipie60@ yahoo.com. Please specify which day you prefer to work. Bazaar Envelope Stuffing Party August 29, 2013 at 6:00 pm Church Hall Join us as we prepare the bazaar mailing, which we send to almost 4,000 households. This is a fun night of work and fellowship. We want to have enough pizza and beverages for everybody so please RSVP to either Kim Bardakian (kbardakian @yahoo.com) or Jim Taylor ([email protected]) Dinner will be provided. Grandma's Attic is back from retirement! Grandma’s Attic needs your gently used household items, glassware, pottery, china, pictures, rugs, furniture (small pieces only), toys, jewelry, books, CDs, misc., etc. So, almost anything! Please NO computers, monitors, printers, TVs, or broken or nonworking items, clothing or shoes. Donations can be dropped off at church Monday through Friday between 9:30 am and 1 pm or any Sunday after Church Services. For large donations pick-up service can be arranged. If you have any questions, please call Lida Mazmanian at 925-254-9021 or the church office at 510-893-1671. Thank you for your donations. 2013 Bazaar Workdays Thursday, Sept. 12 Sunday, Sept. 8 Saturday, Sept. 14 Saturday, Sept. 28 Luleh Kebab Meat Beoreg Imam Bayildi Imam Bayildi 9:30 am 1-3:30 pm 9 am-2 pm 9 am-2 pm Wednesday, Oct. 2 Thursday, Oct. 3 Roll Sarma Plate & Box Sarma, Prepare Shish Kebab, Box Boorma, Peel/Chop Vegetables Misc. Food Prep 9 am 9 am Friday, Oct. 4 9 am-evening 9 am-1 pm Friday & Saturday, Oct. 4 & 5 BAZAAR Fr. Hovel Visits with Orphans and Priest in Armenia While in Armenia, Fr. Hovel and Yn. Anahit visited the orphanage in Yerevan, House of Hope-Mer Hooys, which St. Vartan Church supports with the Orphan Fund. Mer Hooys offers young women from state-run orphanages, ages 13-18, a clean, safe home, family environment, language and job skills training, computer instruction, college preparation and education, religious foundation, life skills training, psychological support and counseling, and hope, confidence and love. Without support these girls are at risk for homelessness, prostitution, human trafficking and domestic violence after they turn eighteen and no longer qualify to live in their state-funded orphanage homes. House of Hope works in close partnership with the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America and the Mother Church in Etchmiadzin. While in Armenia Fr. Hovel was visited by Rev. Fr. Raphael Khachikyan, parish priest of St. Vartan’s sister church in Armenia, St. Marianne. Bazaar Dessert Booth We are seeking donations for the Dessert Booth at the Bazaar, which will be held this year on Friday October 4, and Saturday, October 5, 2013. The Dessert Booth relies on donations from Sunday School families and other parishioners to make it a success. The Sunday School will gladly accept donations of Armenian delicacies, such as paklava, bourma, kadayif, choreg, or any other specialty you would like to share. The more donations we receive, the more we will be able to help the church, so please support our church by contributing your specialty to the Dessert Booth this year! A special note for those of you who are unable to attend the scheduled cooking days for the bazaar— please know that you can still use your cooking skills to help the church by baking at home and providing a favorite dessert for the Dessert Booth. Please drop off your dessert at the Dessert Booth on Thursday or Friday before the Bazaar officially commences or at any time during the event. Please consider working a shift or two in the Dessert and Drink Booth, as well. The dessert crew will be getting together in late August and September to make Khadaif and . . . If you are able to help, please contact me so I can fill you in after the dates have been finalized. Feel free to contact me with questions or recipe ideas. Thank you in advance for your help. Janet Yeghissian [email protected], (510) 528-1807 Exaltation of the Holy Cross (Khachveratz) In the Armenian Church there are five great annual feasts which are called Daghavars. They are: Christmas, Easter, Transfiguration or (Vartavar), Assumption of Saint Mary, and Elevation of the Holy Cross. The Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross is the last one of these five Daghavars. This Feast commemorates the emancipation of the Cross of Christ from Persia and elevation of it on the Calvary in Jerusalem. The story of this event is as follows: When the Persian King, King Khosrov, occupied Jerusalem in 610 (AD.), he carried also the Cross of Christ with him to Persia as a bondage in order to insult the Christian community. In 628 (A. D.) Emperor Heracles of Constantinople conquered Persia and emancipated the Cross of Christ from the bondage and brought it back to Jerusalem. The Armenian people also have their own share in this event. When the Cross was emancipated from Persia, it was brought first to Garin (a city in Armenia), and it was carried through Armenia into Constantinople and then to Jerusalem. One mountain top of Garin is called Khachapayd (the wood of the Holy Cross). When the Cross was carried from Persia to Jerusalem, the carriers passed through a road on this mountain. This is the reason why this mountain top is called the Khachapayd. Also, for the same reason an Armenian convent near the City of Garin is called Khachga Vank (the Convent of the Cross). Patriarch Zakariah of Jerusalem decorated the Cross with roses and flowers and erected it on the Hill of Calvary. On this occasion the Church of Jerusalem celebrated the emancipation of the Cross of Christ with great honor and much enthusiasm in order to inspire the people with the spiritual meaning of the Cross. To date, the Armenian Apostolic Church, on that feast day decorates the crosses with fragrant basil (Rehan) and distributes some to the believers after church. According Armenian oral tradition, when the emancipated cross was being returned to Constantinople through Armenia, Armenians welcomed the cross with bunches of basil. On that Sunday the liturgy is marked with an antasdan service (blessing of the fields) during which the processional cross is adorned with basil (a symbol of royalty) and the four corners of the church are blessed as a sign of the sanctification of the world. The aromatic herb basil has long been associated with the Holy Cross. Etymologically, it is related to basileios, the Greek word for king. According to a pious legend, the Empress Saint Helena found the location of the True Cross by digging for it under a colony of basil. Basil plants were reputed to have sprung up at the foot of the Cross where fell the Precious Blood of Christ and the tears of the Mother of Sorrows. A sprig of basil was said to have been found growing from the wood of the True Cross. The Roman Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Elevation of the Cross on September 14th, whether that day falls on one of the weekdays or Sunday. The Armenian Church celebrates it on the Sunday nearest to September 15th. Fr. Hovel Delivers Ancient Church Treasures to Holy Etchmiadzin During his trip to Armenian Fr. Hovel visited the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin where he was honored to present His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians with three church manuscripts. The rare manuscripts were donated to the Church by Richard, Judy and Steven Sharafian. The manuscripts, a 17th century Bible, a 15th century service book and 13th century hymnal were rescued from St. Garabed Monastery in Moosh, Armenia (now Turkey) during the 1915 Armenian Genocide by Alexan Movsessian. They passed for safekeeping into the hands of Barsam Movsessian, who originally took the books to Persia, and eventually Oakland, California. Christine Movsessian, Barsam’s daughter protected the books until she passed away in 2002, and they were given to her cousin Steven Sharafian and the Sharafian family. The Movsessian family wanted these valuable church relics to be reunited with the Church. Author-Photographer to Present Armenia and Karabakh: The Stone Garden Travel Guide at St. Vartan on October 20 Author-Photographer Matthew Karanian will present a photographic slide show and author talk about his latest book, Armenia and Karabakh: The Stone Garden Travel Guide, at 12:30 pm on Sunday, October 20, 2013, at St. Vartan Armenian Church. The presentation will feature a slide show of stunning photography from Armenia and Artsakh. Karanian will tell the story of how he and co-author Robert Kurkjian created Armenia’s first travel guide more than a decade ago, and how that guide has grown and evolved through three editions to become the awardwinning book that was recently released. Karanian says they created the book to introduce Armenia to Armenians and non-Armenians alike who might otherwise not be familiar with the country or who might be intimidated about traveling to such a distant and unfamiliar land. “The beauty of Armenia never ceases to amaze me,” Karanian says. “I want to do what I can to help share it with as many people as possible.” This latest book was released earlier this year, and was featured in an April 28 story in the Los Angeles Times, which included an interview with Karanian. The Times tells the story of how Karanian had a “wild idea” to travel to Armenia in 1995, and described the book that ultimately resulted as “a fresh view on ancient Armenia.” This book Armenia and Karabakh: The Stone Garden Travel Guide is a comprehensive 320-page guide book, and features 150 color photographs and 30 detailed color maps. It is now the top-selling Armenia title in bookstores and on Amazon.com. Further details are available online at www.ArmeniaTravelGuide.com. Admission to the event is $15, which includes lunch, and the public is invited. Karanian will be available to sign copies of the book following the event. St. Vartan Church is located at 650 Spruce Street in Oakland, Calif. Thank you We would like to thank Ellen Sarkisian Chesnut for donating books to our St. Vartan Library. These books, as well as hundred more, are available for our parishioners to check out. The library is located downstairs in the Church Hall. We also want to express our appreciation to Barsamian Brothers, CMC Farms, Dn. Vartan Berberian, and Dn. Zarik Savadians who donated grapes for the Grape Blessing Service August 18. St. Vartan Church Picnic Sunday, August 11, 2013 St. Vartan Armenian Church September 2013 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Morning Service 10 am Divine Liturgy 10:30 am 8 Labor Day 9 16 22 29 Morning Service 10 am Divine Liturgy & Sunday School 10:30 am Armenian History Slide Presentation & Lunch noon 17 AIWA Event Church Hall 5 pm 11 12 13 14 Parish Council Meeting 6:30 pm Bazaar Workday Luleh Kebob 9:30 am 18 19 20 21 25 26 27 28 Bazaar Workday Imam Bayaldi 9 am Armenian Language Class 7 pm Morning Service 10 am Divine Liturgy & First Day of Sunday School 10:30 am Exaltation of Holy Cross Morning Service 10 am Divine Liturgy & Sunday School 10:30 am Autumn Begins 10 Armenian Language Class 7 pm Morning Service 10 am Divine Liturgy 10:30 am Bazaar Workday Meat Boereg 1 pm 15 Armenian Language Class 7 pm 23 24 Armenian Language Class 7 pm 30 Welcome Back to Sunday School! The first day of St. Vartan Sunday school will be September 15, 2013. This is also the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, one of our church’s feast days. Our teachers are getting ready to see you. We will also have a new curriculum this year from the Diocese. We are looking forward to see our students from last year and to welcome any new families and new students to our Sunday School. Bazaar Workday Imam Bayaldi 9 am St. Vartan Cultural Committee Brings Back by Popular Demand ARMENIAN HISTORY IN JERUSALEM Part II A Slide Presentation by Don Schmidt SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2013 12 Noon ST. VARTAN CHURCH HALL 650 Spruce St., Oakland, CA 94610 $15.00 Admission Includes Lunch For More Information: Liz Ojakian 510-351-6754 / [email protected] Zaven Kanneian 510-528-1807 / [email protected] Save the Date Family Worship Day October 13, 2013 Special Sermon & Complimentary Lunch The Voice Newsletter is published once a month by St. Vartan Armenian Church 650 Spruce Street, Oakland, CA. 94610, Phone (510)893-1671, Fax: (510) 893-2102 Email: [email protected] Website: www.stvartanoakland.org The deadline for all articles is the fifteenth of each month. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan, Parish Priest and President of All Church Organizations Parish Council Chair: Jack Papazian Jr. Parish Council Treasurer: Anto Cingoz Parish Assembly Chair: Don Manoogian Choir Director: Beverly Nalbandian Organist: Virginia Madajian, Ida Mazmanian, A. Rodriguez ACYO Chair: Sevan Jindoian Sunday School Superintendent: John Eknoian and Janet Yeghissian Ladies Society Chair: Lisa Manoogian Athletic Committee Chair: Mike Boloyan Cultural Society Chair: Liz Ojakian Club Hye Chair: Paul Dermenjian Hokejosh: Nora Hanoian Church Maintenance: Jim Taylor, Zaven Kannaian and Arto Yagjian Newsletter Editors: Arlene Hovsepian and Rachel Harger Wedding Coordinator: Carol Rustigian Church Secretary: Rachel Harger Altar Flowers: Diana Toomajian and Sue Barsamian Church Custodian: Wartkes Hagopian Divine Liturgy Service—Sundays 10:30 a.m.
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