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Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan June 2015

A Bible For Graduation

A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many

months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and

knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted as a

graduation gift. As graduation day approached, the young man awaited signs

that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation,

his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he

was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed

his son a beautiful wrapped gift box.

Curious, but somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and

found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young man's name embossed in

gold. Angrily, he raised his voice to his father and said, "With all your money

you give me a Bible?" And stormed out of the house, leaving the Bible.

Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business.

He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very

old, and thought perhaps he should go visit him. He had not seen him since that

graduation day. Before he could make arrangements, he received a call telling

him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son.

When he arrived at his father's house, sadness and regret filled his heart.

He began to search through his father's important papers and saw the still new

Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began

to turn the pages. His father had carefully underlined a verse, Jeremiah 29:11,

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you

and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

As he read those words, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It

had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had

desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words... paid in full.

Spiritual Story by Unknown

Bible Readings

June 7 John 10:22-30

June 14 Matt. 12:1-8

June 21 Matt. 12:38-45

June 28 Matt. 13:24-30

Yet for us there is one

God, the Father, from

whom are all things and

for whom we exist,

and one Lord, Jesus

Christ, through whom are

all things and through

whom we exist.

1 Corinthians 8:6

After Badarak

on May 17, the

St. Vartan Sunday

School presented a

closing program.

Fr. Hovel also

presented Bibles

to students and

thanked our teach-

ers for their service.

News From Our St. Vartan Family Condolences

Our condolences to the family of John Marukian. Fr. Hovel joined John’s family and friends at a me-

morial service for him in Berkeley on April 24.

Fr. Hovel conducted funeral services for Yoland Mireille Agopian-Balouny on Sunday, April 26 at

Chapel of the Chimes Funeral Home in Hayward. Our condolences to Yoland’s two daughters, Lisette

Balouny Poole and Christiane Balouny, and her granddaughter Jennifer L. Poole-Rinehart, as well as her neph-

ews, nieces, friends and family. Yoland’s family were involved in founding the AGBU in Egypt, so the family

requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to AGBU.

A funeral service was held for Armine Ozan on May 15. Father Hovel conducted the service at St.

Vartan Armenian Church. Our condolences to Armine’s three daughters and son-in-laws, Aznif Mayda and

Kevork Telfeyan, Hilda and Vahe Mener, Nadya and Arto Yagjian; her grandchildren, Dr. Dikran Telfeyan,

Artur Telfeyan, Allis Sullivan, Karen Mener, Allan Yagjian, Andrew Yagjian; her great-grandchildren, Kevork

Telfyan and Stephanie Telfeyan, her nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Baptism

On May 14 Zachary Schmid was baptized by Fr. Hovel Ohanyan at St. Vartan Armenian

Church. Zachary is the son of John Schmid and Karan Simoni and

the stepson of Janet Schmid. Richard Demirjian is Zachary’s godfa-

ther.

Birth Announcement

Tom and Lenya Montoya welcomed their third son, Augustus Osmond

Montoya on April 14. Augie joins his big brothers Berj and Toros. He is the

grandson of Harvey and Nora Hanoian and Kathy and Dennis Montoya.

Attention Graduates The St. Vartan Voice would like to

honor all of our graduates. If you or a

loved one is graduating this spring, please

forward information and a photo to

[email protected] by June 15, 2015.

Greg and Seta Tcherkoyan and Nora and Harvey Ha-

noian joined Fr. Hovel in representing St. Vartan Church at

the Diocesan Assembly Meeting April 30—May 3.

Fr. Hovel and the Northern California cler-

gy of the Western Diocese attended the Dioc-

esan Assembly Meeting.

College Scholarship The John M. Azarian Memorial Youth

Scholarship Fund has extend the deadline to

submit applications to July 31, 2015. To

download an application, please visit:

www.azariangroup.com/scholarship.html.

St. Vartan Church Parish Council gratefully acknowledges the following donations:

Easter Yughakin--Edward and Sylva Manougian, Jeff and Julie Masoian, Benik Sargsyan, Mary Wiley, Zvart

Shahbazian, Suren and Sona Dakessian

In Honor of Father Hovel Ohanyan—Mary Ann Sievers and Elizabeth Barsamian (Priest Discretionary

Fund), Karnig and Silva Mikaelian in appreciation of his singing “Praise and Request” at the end of the Bay

Area Ecumenical Prayer Service on May 3, 2015, Harry and Carol Dokouzian in honor of his graduation

(Priest Discretionary Fund)

Endowment Fund—Elizabeth Barsamian

In Memory

† Grace and Charles Izmirian

Kathleen Scherba-Nielsen (St. Vartan Voice Newsletter),

† Hagop Khatchikian

Greg and Seta Tcherkoyan, Seta Khatchikian (Sunday School Fund, The St. Vartan Voice Newsletter,

Landscaping Project)

† George Rustigian

Mary Ann Sievers and Elizabeth Barsamian (Landscaping Fund)

† Lisa Brenkman

Mary Ann Sievers and Elizabeth Barsamian (Landscaping Fund)

† Anna Arpine Topalian

Mary Ann Sievers and Elizabeth Barsamian (Landscaping Fund)

† Victims of Armenian Genocide

Ardemis and Fred Tajirian

† Nubar Tashjian

Richard Aginian Family (Michigan)

† Michael Madajian Zvart Shabhazian and Family

† Krikor Soghikian Lisa and Walter Kran

† Armine Ozan

Abram Ohannesyan, Berch and Janis Balaban and Debora Ent, Gary and Satenik Eldemir,

Armen and Jermen Gollu, Greg and Seta Tcherkoyan, Sylvia Gozurian

† Armine Ozan to Orphan Fund

Nora and Harvey Hanoian, Takvor Tamitian and Mari Gamitian, Sylvia Alexanian and Family, Nurhan and

Mary Donikian, Rouzanna Ohanjanian, Arshaguhi E. Papazyan and Family, Christiane Balouny and Lisette

B. Poole, Sarkis and Hera Kestekyan, Agavni Hamamciyan, Berc and Alice Eldemir, Ani Amoore,

Hilda Basmajian, Zohrab and Elizabeth Markarian, Evelyn C. Boyd, Adrienne Baker

† Leo Manoogian

Greg and Seta Tcherkoyan

ENDOWMENT FUND

In Memory

† JoAnn Koobatian

Mary Ann Sievers and Elizabeth Barsamian

† Rev. Fr. Shahe Altounian

Mary Ann Sievers

† Grace and Charles Izmirian

Mary Ann Sievers and Elizabeth Barsamian

† Armine Ozan

Barry and Judy Toomajian

Congratulations Graduates! Trent Charles Capurro is graduating from Campolindo High School in Moraga, CA, where he was a member of the Cross Country and Track & Field teams, and an award-

winning woodworker. He will be attending the University of Oregon in the fall majoring in Mathemat-

ics. Trent is the son of John and Sandi Capurro, and the grandson of Charles and Dorris Kezerian.

Melanie Broussalian, daughter of Jim and Beth (Rustigian) Broussalian, will be graduating with hon-ors from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Melanie has double majored in Religious Stud-ies and Comparative Literature, with a minor in Music. She has been an active participant in UCSB’s Wind Ensemble and Flute Choir. She is the recipient of the CAPPS Center scholarship for a paid internship at the Santa Barbara Food Bank. Melanie will be attending graduate school at the London School of Economics and University of Southern California, studying Global Communications. She is the granddaughter of Carol Rustigian and the late George Rustigian, and Marie Broussalian and the

late Dr. Vartkes Broussalian.

Clayton Hovsepian, son of Darren and Holly Hovsepian of Cornelius, North Carolina, graduates from William Hough High School, where he participated on the Hough High Varsity Golf Team. He will be attend-ing East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C. in the fall, and plans to pursue a Pre-Med degree. Clayton’s grandparents are Vartan and Arlene Hovsepian of Danville, and Rick and Gloria Frank of Walnut

Creek, CA.

Joey Layshock will be graduating from Acalanes High School in Lafayette, CA, in June. Joey is the son of Steve and Joanne Layshock, and grandson of Margaret Layshock and the late John

Layshock. He will be attending the University of Oregon in the fall.

Madelyn King, daughter of Janet Demirjian Schmid and Conway King, and granddaughter of Richard and Dorothy Demirjian, will be graduating from Ygnacio Valley High School in Concord, CA, on June 8, 2015. Maddie was involved in leadership clubs, musicals and singing groups, as well as lettering in volleyball, soccer, and swimming during her high school years. She is the Sen-ior Class President and is nominated for the “Golden Warrior” Award at Ygnacio Valley High. Mad-die will be attending the University of Nevada, Reno, majoring in Community Health Science with a

Kinesiology emphasis, and hopes for a career in either athletic training or physical therapy.

Juliana Rose Combs is graduating with a BA degree in Anthropology and minors in Philosophy and

Political Science from the University of California, Merced. Juliana is the daughter of Mark and Di-

ane Combs, and the granddaughter of Al and Mae Kaljian.

Alicia Rae Harger, daughter of Rachel and Steve Harger, graduated summa cum laude from Con-

cordia University, Irvine, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Behavioral Science with an emphasis in

Sociology and a minor in History on December 13, 2014. Alicia received the “Senior of the Year”

award for Behavioral Science. She was also the editor-in-chief of her college paper for the 2013-

2014 school year. Alicia plans to attend graduate school to study sociology this fall at UC Irvine.

Jared Antranig Avakian graduated from St. Mary’s College of California with a

BA Degree in Kinesiology. Jared’s passion is physical training and nutrition. He has accepted a posi-

tion, and is currently in training, with Sci-Fit Corporation in Pleasanton, CA, as a Neuro Exercise Spe-

cialist. He will be working with patients that have had serious spinal injuries. Parents Vartkes and

Kerrie Avakian, and grandparents Lena Avakian, Wayne Toler, and Zeda Bertozzi, and his sister Mi-

randa, are extremely proud of him and his many accomplishments.

Ani Phelps is graduating from Encinal High School in Alameda, CA. She will be attending UC Davis

in the fall. Ani is the daughter of Armen and Nayree Phelps, and the granddaughter of Seta

Khatchikian.

Tanner Dekock will be graduating from Alameda High School on June 12, 2015. He will be attending

UC Berkeley in the fall as an Electrical Engineering Computer Science major. Tanner’s parents are

Pieter Dekock and Sharrese Dekock, and his grandparents are Ralph Kalibjian and the late Lillian

Kalibjian.

Fr. Hovel Graduates with Theology Degree On May 7 Fr. Hovel graduated from the Patriarch Athe-

nagoras Orthodox Institute with a Masters of Arts Degree in

Theology. The ceremony was held at Berkeley. Fr. Hovel

would like to thank everyone for their support for his educa-

tion, with donations, prayers and encouragement.

We don't stop going to school when we graduate. - Carol Burnett

1.5 Million Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide Canonized On April 23, 2015, 1.5 million martyred Armenian souls will rest in the abode of the heavenly saints.

On Thursday, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians accompanied by

His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia officiated the biggest canonization service in

history. The two hour ceremony, held outside of the Cathedral of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, pro-

claimed the martyrdom of those killed for their faith and homeland. The historic day marked the first time in

400 years that the Armenian Church has used the rite of canonization. The ceremony was attended by Armeni-

an President Serzh Sargsyan and other high-ranking dignitaries and ecumenical guests. Twelve bishops and

archbishops of the Armenian Apostolic Church participated in the ceremonial rite.

During the canonization ceremony, by order of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Ca-

tholicos of All Armenians, the following fourteen Holy Relics, out of the numerous Holy relics of the Armeni-

an Church, were used during the landmark service.

1. The Holy Lance ‘Geghard’ The Holy Lance is the tip of the metal spear which was used by the Roman soldier to pierce the side of

our Lord Jesus Christ while he hung on the cross. According to historical tradition, the Apostle St. Thaddeus,

one of the 12 disciples of Christ, brought this sacred relic of the Lord to the Armenian world in the first centu-

ry. For centuries the Holy Christian relic has been kept at different monasteries in Western (historical) Arme-

nia, and in Ayrivank since the 13th century, which later was renamed Geghardavanq (the Monastery of Holy

Geghard) after the Holy Lance. In the second half of the 18th century the Holy Lance was brought to the

Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and is still kept in the spiritual center of All Armenians. The Holy Lance is

also one of the three Holy Relics used to bless and consecrate the Holy Chrism (Muron) of the Armenian

Church.

2. The Right Hand of St. Gregory the Illuminator The Right Hand of St. Gregory the Illuminator is the symbol of the highest spiritual authority of the

Armenian Church, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. The newer silver gilded reliquary

was made in 1657, on which is depicted the twelve sufferings of the Illuminator. The Right Hand is also one

of the three Holy Relics used to bless and consecrate the Holy Chrism (Muron) of the Armenian Church.

3. Relic of the True Cross The Reliquary of the True Cross, made in 1651, contains a small piece of the life-giving wooden cross

of our Lord Jesus. The Cross relic is one of the three Holy Relics used to bless and consecrate the Holy

Chrism (Muron) of the Armenian Church.

4. Reliquary of Skevra One of the priceless gems of Armenian ecclesiastical art is the reliquary of Skevra which was made in

Cilician Armenia in 1293, and is kept in the State Hermitage in St. Petersburg. The reliquary contains the rel-

ics of 18 saints: the Apostles St. Paul, St. Peter, St. Thaddeus and St. Bartholomew; St. Gregory the Illumina-

tor, Patriarch James of Nisibis, Saint John Chrysostom, St. Catherine, and others. In 2000, during a Pontifical

visit of the Catholicos of All Armenians to the Armenian Diocese of New Nakhichevan and Russia, the Her-

mitage returned the relics of the 18 saints to the Armenian Church, and they were placed in a duplicate reli-

quary that had been specially made.

Quotes About Fathers

It is not flesh and blood but the heart which makes us fathers and sons. ~Johann Schiller

He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. ~Clarence Budington Kelland

My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, "You're

tearing up the grass." "We're not raising grass," Dad would reply. "We're raising boys." ~Harmon Killebrew

Father! - to God himself we cannot give a holier name. ~William Wordsworth

Small boys become big men through the influence of big men who care about small boys. ~Anonymous

Dad, your guiding hand on my shoulder will remain with me forever. ~Author Unknown

5. The Right Hand of St. Stephen the Proto-Deacon and First Martyr of the Church The silver Right Hand reliquary, from the XVII-XVIII centuries, contains the relic of St. Stephen the

Proto-Deacon, the first Christian martyr.

6. The Right Hand of the Virgin St. Hripsime The silver gilded Right Hand reliquary contains the relic of the virgin St. Hripsime. The relic dates back

to the XVII-XVIII centuries.

7. The Right Hand of the Apostle Ananias The seventeenth century silver gilded Right Hand reliquary contains the relics of the Apostle Anania,

one of the 72 disciples of Jesus Christ.

8. The Right Hand of Catholicos St. Sahak I Parthev The XVII-XVIII centuries Right Hand reliquary contains the relic of the 10th Catholicos of All Armeni-

ans, St. Sahak I Parthev (387-428). The Right Hand of Catholicos Sahak Parthev was brought to the Mother

See of Holy Etchmiadzin from Western Armenia, Anapat Armenian Monastery, Lim Island, Lake Van, Turkey.

9. The Right Hand of St. Sarkis the Warrior The Right Hand reliquary was commissioned in 2008 by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch

and Catholicos of All Armenians. The silversmith is Mamikon Mkhitaryan. The reliquary contains the relics of

St. Sarkis the Warrior, which were discovered during excavations of the St. Sarkis Monastery in Ushi, in the

Aragatsotn Province of Armenia.

10. The Right Hand of St. Gevork the Warrior The reliquary contains the relics of St. Gevork the Warrior. The Right Hand reliquary was made in Kol-

kata, India in 1928, and is silver gilded.

11. Cross-reliquary of St. Thaddeus and St. Virgin Sandukht The eighteenth century made cross-reliquary contains the relics of the Apostle St. Thaddeus, one of the

Armenian first illuminators, and the relic of the first Armenian Martyr St. Sandukht the Princess.

12. Cross-reliquary of St. John the Baptist The cross-reliquary, created in Cilician Armenia in the fourteenth century, contains the relics of St. John

the Baptist.

13. St. Gregory of Narek and other Saints Made in the nineteenth century, the octagon star-shaped reliquary contains the relics of St. Gregory of

Narek and the relics of other Pan-Christian Saints. The relic was presented to the Catholicos of All Armenian in

2012 and given to the Armenian Church.

14. The Gospel of Zeytun

The Gospel of Zeytun was written in Hromkla in 1256 by Toros Roslin, the most prominent Armenian

manuscript illuminator in the High Middle Ages. It is one of numerous treasures kept in the The Mesrop Mash-

tots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts (Matenaderan). The manuscript was commissioned and received by the

69th Catholicos of All Armenians, Constantine I of Bartzrapert (1221-1267). The Holy Gospel was donated to

the Matenadaran by the Catholicos of All Armenians Vazgen I.

The rite of canonization concluded at 19:15, (7:15 pm local time - Yerevan), a time specifically chosen

to symbolize the year of the Armenian Genocide. At the conclusion of the historic canonization rite, church

bells also tolled in cities around the world including New York, Moscow, Strasbourg, Madrid, Venice, Berlin

and the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Bay Area Armenian Churches Celebrate Divine Liturgy & Ecumenical Service Armenians throughout the world joined together to commemorate the Centennial of the Armenian Gen-

ocide. Hundreds of thousands of Armenians participated in marches and attended concerts, Ecumenical ser-

vices and other events. For Bay Area Armenians this was no exception. One of their commemorative events

took place on Sunday May 3, as all the Bay Area Clergy of the Armenian Churches came together to celebrate

Divine Liturgy and offer thanks to God for the resurrection of the Armenian Nation at St. John Armenian

Church. The service was exceedingly well attended, and additional seating was provided at the Paul Family

Hall where attendees were able to follow the simulcasted service.

It was a moving tribute to the Saints of the Armenian Genocide as

the clergy of the Bay Area collectively offered their service unto God. The

event was orchestrated and hosted by Rev. Fr. Mesrop Ash. Archpriest Rev.

Fr. Khoren Habeshian, the Parish Priest of St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic

Church celebrated the Divine Liturgy. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan, Parish Priest of

St. Vartan Church, served as the Liturgical Coordinator of the services.

Archpriest Rev. Fr. Datev Harutyunian, Regional Vicar and Parish Priest of

St. Andrew Armenian Church, presided and offered the Spiritual Message

on the occasion. Rev. James Kizirian, of the Bethel Congregational Church,

attended and offered the reading from the epistles. A short intermission fol-

lowed the sacrament in order to prepare for the Ecumenical Service.

As the Ecumenical Service commenced religious leaders from throughout the Bay Area joined all the

Bay Area Armenian Church clergy to pray and remember the Saints of the Armenian Genocide. The newly es-

tablished Holy Icon of the Saints of the Armenian Genocide was presented on the Holy Altar decorated with

beautiful flower arrangements.

Fr. Mesrop Ash welcomed the clergy and the faithful and ex-

pressed his gratitude to all the religious leaders for their support and par-

ticipation to this historic event, as well as the hard work of the parishion-

ers of St. John, and all those who devoted their service to the Centennial

Events. The service started with the glorious hymn Krisdos Haryav ee

Merelotz, followed by the Blessing of the Lamp. Three of St. John Sun-

day School students dressed in traditional Armenian costumes in the col-

ors of the Armenian flag and brought the light to the altar, while the

choir sang Oorakh Ler, Rejoice Holy Church. A special service of the

Remembrance of the Saints was conducted, and Fr. Hovel Ohanyan sang

the special Hymn of Remembrance.

A series of remarks were offered by guests. Rabbi Pamela Frydman offered remarks on behalf of the

Board of Rabbis of Northern California as well as Yazidi International. Rev. Fr. Michael Barota spoke on be-

half of the Assyrian Community. Finally Rev. Fr. Stephen Kyriacou spoke on behalf of the Bay Area Greek

community. Each of these speakers represented a community which has suffered or currently is suffering great-

ly for the sake of their faith.

Fr. Datev Harutyunian delivered the moving spiritual message on behalf of the Armenian Clergy and

expressed his gratitude to the community that honored the Saints of the first Genocide of the 20th century.

St. Vartan Ladies Society Mother’s Day Luncheon

On May 7 the St. Vartan Ladies Society served a delicious Mother’s Day

Luncheon in the Church Hall. After lunch and the annual raffle, St. Vartan member,

Diane Paskerian, spoke about Frank Sinatra and other performers. Her presentation was

followed by a Frank Sinatra impersonator performing for the group.

St. Vartan Shares History with Hollywood St. Vartan Armenian Church shares a special history with the Golden Age of Hollywood. Before the

church was built at 650 Spruce Street in 1957, there was a large mansion with the address of 880 McKinley

Avenue on the corner. St. Vartan’s concrete retaining walls and the stairway are part of the original mansion

property. This house was part of the famous Borax Smith estate.

According to the Oakland Main Library History room, the owner in 1925 was the Peck family. The

assessed value of the house was $7,000. In 1929, son Jesse Lydell Peck married Hollywood film actress Ja-

net Gaynor, of San Francisco, at the mansion. They lived in this

home, which was once on the site where the church stands today.

At one point the carriage house of the mansion was the St. Vartan

Church’s social hall.

Coincidentally, Janet Gaynor had just won the Academy

Award for Best Actress of 1929 in May, and then married Peck in

September. She was the first Best Actress Academy Award win-

ner, ever. She won for Seventh Heaven and two other films. Back

then, the Oscar was given for a body of work, not just one film.

Now we have our own little bit of Hollywood history

right here at St. Vartan. Sadly, the couple who married in this

house, Janet Gaynor and her husband, Jesse Lydell Peck, were

only married for four years and divorced in 1934. She later went

on to marry famed costume designer "Adrian" of Metro-Goldwyn

-Mayer fame.

Thanks to Barry Barsamian for this fascinating history of

the church and to Dorothy at the Oakland Public Library History

room and further substantiation by Diana Toomajian and her

family, who moved to the neighborhood in the mid-1930s.

Actress Janet Gaynor and her hus-

band Jesse Lydell Peck from 1929, the

year they were married at the house

previously occupying the site of St. Var-

tan Church.

Grandma’s Attic Are you spring cleaning? Are you looking to get rid of you unwanted items? Please donate your quality unwanted items to Grandma’s Attic, the St. Vartan Church Annual Bazaar Rummage Sale. Grandma’s Attic is an extremely popular

rummage sale, which relies on your donations to make it successful. Please bring your donation of gently-used items on Sunday mornings, or week-days between 9 am and 1 pm. Grandma’s Attic needs your gently used house-hold items, glassware, pottery, china, pictures, rugs, furniture (small pieces only), toys, jewelry, books, CDs, etc. So, almost anything! Please NO comput-ers, monitors, printers, TVs, or broken or non-working items, clothing or shoes. If you have any questions, call Marie Hagopi-an at 510-708-3366.

St. Vartan Armenian Church was well-represented at the Mt. Davidson Cross Genocide Commem-

oration and Youth March in San Francisco on April 19.

Bazaar Workday Schedule Workdays begin at 9:30 am, except for the

week of the bazaar.

Thurs., May 21 Large Beoreg

Thurs., June 4 Small Beoreg

Wed., June 17 Kufta

Tues., June 23 Small Beoreg

Thurs., July 9 Large Beoreg

Wed., July 15 Kufta

Tues., July 28 Small Beoreg

Wed., August 5 Simit

Thurs., August 6 Simit

Sat., August 8 Luleh Kebab (for picnic)

Wed., August 12 Small Beoreg

Wed., August 26 Kufta

Wed., September 30 Sarma (9 am start)

Thurs., October 1 Plate & Box Sarma,

Prepare Shish Kebab,

Box Boorma (9 am start)

Friday & Saturday, Oct. 2 & 3 BAZAAR

Please join us in preparing food for the St.

Vartan Bazaar. This is the Church’s main

fundraiser, and it relies totally on volun-

teers—This Means You! No experi-

ence is necessary. After the work-

day, we share a potluck lunch, so

please bring a dish to share.

Hye Camp 2015 Week 1 July 12-July 18

Week 2 July 19-July 25

Week 3 July 26-August 1

Week 4 August 2-August 8

www.hyecamp.com

Bazaar Donation Requests Items Requested # of Donors Item Cost

Leg of Lamb 100 $40

Tent 12 $250

Admission Booth 1 $250

Game Booths 5 $200

Newspaper Advertising 4 $100

Case of Wine 10 $50

Case of Armenian Tan 2 $50

Case of Armenian Beer 12 $30

Armenian Coffee 2 $30

Program Guide 5 $25

Upcoming Events Thursday, June 4 Bazaar Workday-Small Beoreg 9:30 am

Saturday, June 6 Choir Rehearsal 11 am

Wednesday, June 10 Parish Council Meeting 6:30 pm

Sunday, June 14 Deacon Service 10:30 am

Wednesday, June 17 Bazaar Workday-Kufta 9:30 am

Saturday, June 20 Choir Rehearsal 11 am

Sunday, June 21 Special Father’s Day Coffee Hour 12 noon

Tuesday, June 23 Bazaar Workday-Large Beoreg 9:30 am

Sunday, June 28 Deacon Service 10:30 am

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: Barry Toomajian Parish Assembly Chair: Harry Sherinian

Choir Director: Artin Der Minassians Organist: Ida Mazmanian, A. Rodriguez

ACYO Chair: Sevan Jindoian and Tanya Jindoian Sunday School Superintendent: Janet Yeghissian

Ladies Society Chair: Gail Kezerian and Caroline Arakelian Cultural Society Chair: Liz Ojakian

Hokejosh: Nora Hanoian Church Maintenance: Jim Taylor and Arto Yagjian

Newsletter Editors: Arlene Hovsepian and Rachel Harger Wedding Coordinator: Gail Kezerian and Stacey Shartzer

Church Secretary: Rachel Harger Altar Flowers: Carole Chang

Church Custodian: Wartkes Hagopian Divine Liturgy Service—Sundays 10:30 a.m.

1st Day of Summer

June 21, 2015