Volume XIV| Issue 12| December 2014 Ձայն Voice

Volume XIV| Issue 12| /December 2014

Ձայն -Voice

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Varoujan Der Simonian, Chair 224-1000W

Levon Baladjanian, Vice-Chair 439-6601H

Mary Ekmalian, Secretary 1.310.291.3550C

Hagop Krioghlian, Treasurer 439-0865W Berj Apkarian 324-7847H

Richard Bedoian 264-7734H

Ara Jierian 436-0291H

Barbara Mortanian 431-6902H

Michael Sarabian 493-2900W

DELEGATES

Berj Apkarian 324-7847H

Levon Baladjanian 439-6601H

Varoujan Der Simonian 224-1000W

Hagop Krioghlian 439-0865W

Serpouhie Messerlian 298-0445H

Bill Sahatdjian 438-4233H

Mark Shirin 226-5318W

LADIES’ GUILD

Alice Gureghian, Chair 440-9463 H

MEN’S SOCIETY

Richard Bedoian, Chair 264-7734H

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Garo Poladian, Chair 237-8230W

ADMINISTRATION

Nazik Arisian, Secretary 486-1141W

[email protected]

Hagop Ohanessian, Office Assistant

[email protected]

Lisa Der Simonian, Bookkeeper

Diana Shirin, Volunteer Coordinator

Tomas Santoyo, Custodian 355-0816C

CHOIR

Shoghig Papoyan Aladjian, 277-0888H

Director 304-0888C

Serpouhie Messerlian, Chair 298-0445H

ORGANIST

Naira Shahsouvarian 323-0457

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Sato Sanikian, Superintendent 486-0111

Leslie Antazo, Secretary 486-0111

YOUTH GROUP

Jason Davis 433-7066

WEDDING COORDINATOR

Lucille Gahvejian 431-4534H

[email protected]

Ս. ԵրրáրդութÇւն Հայաստանեայց Առաքելական

Մայր Եկեղեցի

Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Mother Church 2226 Ventura Street - Fresno, California 93721

Ðá·»õáñ ÐáíÇõ – Parish Priest ²ñÅ. î. ì³Ñ³Ý øÑÝÛ. Îáëï³Ý»³Ý - Fr. Vahan Gosdanian

E-mail: [email protected] (559) 492-3423 H (559) 260-6556 C

OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Friday 9:00AM-5:00PM

Church: (559) 486-1141 - FAX: (559) 486-1939

Sunday School (559) 486-0111

www.holytrinityfresno.org

Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate 818-248-7737

Executive Council Representative - Deacon Mark Shirin 559-265-4326

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Pastor’s Message

The First

Enlighteners “Go and make disciples in all the nations,

baptizing them into the name of the Father,

and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Mt. 28:19

On the last Saturday of November, the Armenian Church commemo-

rated the Feast of Christ’s two Apostles, Sts. Thaddeus and Bartholo-

mew, who were the first to bring the Light of Christ into Armenia.

According to History, King Apkar of Armenia was the first faithful to

accept Christianity. King Apkar was suffering from an incurable dis-

ease. When he heard the name of Jesus frequently mentioned and of

his miracles which were attested by all, he sent a message to him by a

letter carrier in which he wrote, “Apkarus, King of Armenia, sends

greeting to Jesus the excellent Savior, who has appeared in the borders

of Jerusalem. I have heard the reports respecting You and Your cures

as performed by You without medicines and without the use of herbs.

For as it is said, You make the blind see again and the lame walk. You

clean the lepers, and You cast out impure spirits and demons. You heal

those that are tormented by long disease, and You raise the dead. And

hearing all these things of You, I concluded in my mind one of two

things: either that You are God and having descended from heaven do

these things, or You are the Son of God. Therefore, now I have written

and beseech You to visit me and to heal the disease with which I am

afflicted. I have, also, heard that the Jews murmur against You and are

plotting to injure You; I have, however, a very small but noble state,

which is sufficient for us both.”

When the letter carriers could not reach Jesus in Jerusalem, they asked

apostle Philip to see Jesus; and, Philip told Andrew about it, and they

went together and told Jesus. After reading King Apkar’s letter, Jesus

sent him a letter saying. “Blessed are you, O Apkar, who, without see-

ing, have believed in me.

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“For it is written concerning me, that they who have seen me will not

believe, that they who have not seen, may believe and live. But in re-

gard to what You have written, that I should come to you, it is neces-

sary that I should fulfill all things here, for which I have been sent.

And after this fulfillment, thus to be received again by Him that sent

me. And after I have been received up, I will send to you a certain one

of my disciples, that he may heal your affliction, and give life to you

and to those who are with you.”

After our Lord’s Ascension into heaven, St. Thaddeus went to Armenia

and went to King Apkar. When he came, his nobles were present and

stood around. Immediately on his entrance, something extraordinary

appeared to King Apkar when he saw apostle Thaddeus, but all around

were amazed; for they did not perceive the vision which appeared to

King Apkar alone: he then asked King Apkar whether he were truly a

disciple of Jesus the Son of God, who had said to him, I will send one

of my disciples to you, who will heal your sickness, and will give life

to you and to all your connections? And King Apkar replied, “I believe

in Him so much that I had resolved to take forces, in order to destroy

those Jews who had crucified Him.” St. Thaddeus replied, “Our Lord

and God, Jesus the Christ, have fulfilled the will of his Father, and hav-

ing fulfilled it, was taken up again to his Father.” King Apkar said to

him, “I have believed both in Him and in His Father.”

Then St. Thaddeus said, “Therefore, I place my hand upon you in the

name of the same Lord Jesus.” And this being done, he was immedi-

ately healed of the sickness and sufferings with which he was afflicted.

Many of the same city were also healed by the same apostle, who per-

formed wonderful and great deeds and proclaimed the word of God.

Prior to their martyrdom, Sts. Thaddeus and Bartholomew ordained

many bishops, priests, and deacons to continue preaching the Gospel of

our Lord Jesus Christ in Armenia.

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Message from the Board Varoujan Der Simonian, Chairman

Our Generation

Thanks to the tireless efforts of the centennial banquet committee co-chaired

by Michelle Asadoorian and Leslee Minas, along with numerous dedicated

church members, whose names were listed in the commemorative booklet, on

November 1, 2014 we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the consecration of

the sanctuary with style! On behalf of Der Vahan and Board of Trustees,

congratulations to all of you!

I closed my remarks at the Banquet by recalling how a “few years ago, while

conversing with a good friend about the future of the Armenian Church, the

question came up of what would become of our next generation, where he

said to me: “What next Generation?! Talk about us as the Genera-

tion!” And with this, I challenged myself as I do my peers.”

In Ecclesiastes 2: 17-23, we read how concerned the Psalmist was about those

who will follow and carry the fruits of his toil “…because I must leave them

to the one who comes after me. And who knows whether that person will be

wise or foolish?”

If we are to preserve our church community and our traditional way of life, it

is incumbent upon us to train and prepare ourselves in following the footsteps

of our senior and experienced generation. These range from practicing our

faith and attending church services, to cooking and serving for our social

needs, and to educating ourselves of our cultural heritage.

With this in mind, we have focused our efforts on our Sunday school children

and Church’s youth members in order to pass on the torch so that our Church

can continue to thrive and serve the Lord.

In Deuteronomy 11:18-19, we find the guidance and the wisdom that applies

to us: “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols

on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children,

talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road,

when you lie down and when you get up.”

The key is to go beyond simply talking about it or suggesting what we need to

do, but actually practicing and in doing so, train others alongside. We are

grateful to our Lord who has granted our parish with extensive knowledge and

the ability to pass the torch to a wiser generation. Let us join our resources in

making this our collective priority and resolution for the New Year.

With warmest regards on behalf of the Board of Trustees I wish all of you a

Happy New Year!

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Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church

Christian Education Committee

Second Space Theatre

928 East Olive Avenue Fresno, CA 93728

Sunday Matinee December 7, 2014

Hors d’Oeuvres & Wine Reception

Silent Auction 1:00 p.m.

Curtain at 2:00 p.m.

Desserts & Coffee at Intermission

Donation $20

Call Patty at 559-591-2217 for tickets

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∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞

Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church

Traditional Armenian Christmas Eve Dinner

Monday, January 5, 2015, 7:00 p.m.

Church Social Hall - after the Holy Badarak

Menu: Vartabed Soup, Fish, bulgur pilaf, and Vegetable Soufflé

Tickets: $14 Adults, $7 for 12 and under

Call 559-486-1141 for tickets

Please either purchase your tickets in advance or RSVP no later

than

January 2, 2015. Priority will be given on a first-come basis.

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Co-Chairs: Michelle Asadoorian, Leslee Minas, and MC, Ani Hovannisian

Varoujan Der Simonian, Chairman of the Holy Trinity Board of Trustees;

His Eminence. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy;

Fr. Vahan Gosdanian, Holy Trinity Church Pastor; and

Vahe Hovaguimian, Chairman of the Western Prelacy, Executive Council.

Centennial Celebration Banquet

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Those who attended the Centennial Celebration Banquet received a

beautifully crafted ornament illustrating our Church Sanctuary, as a

souvenir. It was so well received that we have placed an additional

order. These items will be available for purchase and pickup at the

church office during the week of December 15. Each ornament will

cost $12 and can be used as a keepsake, to decorate your gift boxes

and or your Christmas trees.

Kevork Ajamian, Lauren Sarabian, Naira Shahsouvarian, and The Mazmanians

Harout Pamboukjian entertaining the crowd

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Internationally renowned soprano, Isabel Bayrakdarian mesmerized

the Fresno community with her stunning performance of Armenian sa-

cred and folk songs. The performance took place on Saturday, November

8, 2014. Bayrakdarian was joined with the 40 member Coro Piccolo of

the Fresno Community Chorus, and 60 member Fresno State Concert

Choir. Dr. Anna Hamre of Fresno State University was the conductor for

both groups. They were accompanied by a string quartet. Dr. Hamre

magnetized the audience with her 105 participants, of which only 5 were

Armenians, presenting our faith and culture in a magnificent perform-

ance. The reaction from the audience was phenomenal. Dr. Bernie

Karian remarked, “Congratulations on a well executed and fantastic

event last evening.” "Exquisite! A most wonderful concert that we at-

tended," said Margaret Shirin, and added "it was the power of music at

its best!" "Last night was unbelievable!" wrote Melissa Pilavian, "I have

goose bumps that wouldn't go away!" The program, My Songs, My

Heritage, unprecedented in its kind, included works of Gomidas, Yek-

malian, Ganachian, Arutiunian and Kradjian. It was curated by Juno-

award-winning and Grammy-nominated Canadian-Armenian Pianist and

Composer Serouj Kradjian. Following the performance, a reception, CD

signing and fellowship took place in a joyful atmosphere that lasted some

two hours. This was one of the most eloquent ways of concluding our

celebration by glorifying the Almighty for protecting our sanctuary for

the past 100 years!

The Grandiose Success of My Songs, My Heritage

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Isabel Bayrakdarian, with composer Serouj

Kradjian, and Dr. Anna Hamre, Conductor

Isabel with Board members Mary

Ekmalian, Barbara Mortanian,

and Margaret Sahatdjian-Shirin.

Michelle Tutelian, Robert Boro, Dr. Ishkhan Bayrakdarian. Isabel with Sossie

Djabrayan, Der Vahan and Yeretsgin Sossy Gosdanian and Serouj Kradjian.

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Arev’s Legacy to the Holy Trinity Church

On Nov. 1, 2014, over 640 parishioners at the banquet gave a standing ovation to Arev

Petrosyan when she unveiled her magnificent 30ft x 8ft mural titled Spiritual Musings

of a Century dedicated to the centennial celebration of the Holy Trinity Church. The

donation represents a century of service and devotion to our faith and heritage.

Arev with Der Vahan Gosdanian, Varoujan Der Simonian and Erin Parnagian-Melkonian

Arev and her son Tigran with Parnagian family Alberta, Jack, Richard, Edwin, Levon and Philip

Vache Soghomonian, Dr. Abraham Terian, Father Vahan. & Yertsgin Sossy Gosdanian,

Artur Galstian, Arev, Philip Parnagian and Erin Melkonian

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BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Congratulations to David & Laurie Surabian

on the birth of their son ALEXANDER HAIG

SURABIAN who was born on October 3,

2014. Congratulations to grandparents Margos

& Barbara Gooboian and Ron & Carol Sura-

bian of Reedley and great-grandmother Mar-

garet Surabian of Reedly. May God bless baby

Alexander.

Congratulations to Sevag & Anna Jierian

on the birth of their daughter CLARA

JIERIAN who was born on October 22,

2014. Congratulations to grandparents Ara

& Shoghik Jierian and Artur & Silva

Manukyan. May God bless baby Clara.

Congratulations to Carlo and Tabitha

Kelejian on the birth of their daughter,

CARLY ALINA KELEJIAN, who was

born on Wednesday, October 1, 2014. We

also would like to congratulate grandpar-

ents Hagop and Shake Kelejian, and Toni

Kazarian. Congratulations to uncles and

aunt Hagop and Arsho Kelejian and T.J.

Kazarian. Carly is also the granddaughter

of the late Ted Kazarian. May God bless

baby Carly.

Congratulations to Bryce & Jennifer

Hovannisian on the birth of their son

BENJAMIN EDWARD HOVANNISIAN

who was born on September 23, 2014.

Congratulations to grandparents David &

Linda Hovannisian and Dennis & Evelyn

Hamamjian. May God Bless baby

Benjamin.

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Olive Oil $15 each;

2 for $25

Church Replica

$150 Each Collector’s item

Limited Edition

3.9” Cast Iron in

Commemoration of

Sanctuary Centennial

Bazaar News By: Lucille Gahvejian

It takes a village or, a Parish of dedicated and talented parishioners

and friends of Holy Trinity Church that were responsible and deserve

accolades for the very successful annual Church Food Bazaar held on

October 10. We thank everyone who helped in every capacity it takes to

organize this event. Those from set up to clean up from barbequers to keep-

ing up with the food service preparation and service lines. The hours of

preparation before hand, the many hours of cooking, baking, planning,

talented items presented, the various committee heads who worked tirelessly

for months to prepare the traditional foods that are looked forward to by the

many people who attend our traditional food bazaar every year. You

exceeded our reputation. I would like to also thank the office staff for their

help and support in preparation for the Bazaar. The torch has been passed

successfully from those before us who had the foresight to plan this event in

sharing our Armenian food and traditions year after year. Thank you all

again and May God continue to bless us year after year.

Lucille Gahvejian and Frances Tusan

Co-chairmen

We have for sale frozen cheese borags for $10 a dozen

and sou-borag for $25. Please call the church office for your orders.

Support our Youth and your Church—Gift Items for all Occasion

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

1 2

Tues. Eve.

Bible Study at the

home of Hagop &

Silva Arikian

3

7

Morning Service 9:00

Badarak 10:00 am

Sunday School

10:30 am

Hye’d Out 5:30 pm

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9 Tues. Eve.

Bible Study at the

home of Der Hayr

and Yeretzgin

Gosdanian

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14 Morning Service 9:00

Badarak 10:00 am

Sunday School

Christmas Program

1:00 pm

Hye’d Out 5:30 pm

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Tues. Eve.

Bible Study at the

home of Charlie &

Siroon Vanoyan

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Morning Service 9:00

Badarak 10:00 am

No Sunday School

22 23

No

Tues. Eve.

Bible Study

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28

English Morning

Service 9:15am

Badarak, 10:00 am

No Sunday School

29

30

No

Tues. Eve.

Bible Study

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New Year’s Eve

December 2014

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Thursday Friday Saturday

4

Thursday Morning

Bible Study 10:00 am

(English)

5

Friday Morning

Bible Study

11:00 am

(Armenian)

6

Saturday Armenian School

10:00 am

11

Thursday Morning


(English)

12

Friday Morning

Bible Study

11:00 am

(Armenian)

13 Ladies’ Guild Christmas

Luncheon 11:45 am, Fort

Washington Country Club


10:00 am

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Thursday Morning


(English)

19 Friday Morning

Bible Study

11:00 am

(Armenian)

20


10:00 am

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OFFICE CLOSED

No

Thursday Morning

Bible Study

26

No

Friday Morning

Bible Study

27

No


Deadline for

“Voice” submission

December 2014

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FUNERAL/GRAVESIDE SERVICES

May God Bless Their Souls

Sunday Morning Services

in English from 9:15 am - 10:00 am

in our Church Sanctuary

Prior to Badarak

On the last Sunday of each month.

(The next one will be on November 30 & December 28)

Please invite your family and friends to attend.

Funeral Services were held for VAROUJ MANDIKIAN on

Wednesday, November 5, 2014. Our sincere condolences to

his wife Mona Sweidy, his son Sasha Mandikian, his

daughter Danielle Mandikian, his brother Vartan Mandikian,

his sister Vera Haitayan and her husband Serge, his

grandchildren Mazzy and Vera, his nieces and nephews

Christine, Dalia, Nadia, Vatche, and Ben.

Opportunity Available

On-call, evenings, and weekends position available to

manage the church hall activities and perform sexton duties.

Submit resumes to the church office to the attention of

Board of Trustees

Graveside Services were held for JACK KAZAR HAGOPIAN on

Saturday, November 22, 2014. Our sincere condolences to his wife

Louise Hagopian, his son Brian Hagopian and his wife Teresa, his

daughter Tina Hagopian and his grandchildren..

We would like to express our condolences to Mrs. Pat Bouloutian on

the passing of her sister, Mrs. Ann Solakian.

Get Well Soon!

The Pastor and the Board of Trustees wish to

express to all church members who are ill and not feeling well

(listed or not listed below), a speedy recovery.

Lalig Bayrakdarian Jack Bedoian

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Spotlight on Sunday School By: Barbara Mortanian

Sato Sanikian, our Sunday school superintendent, is the youngest of 6 children born

to Kevork and Serpouhie Ohannessian. She was born in Beirut, Lebanon and immigrated to

the United States at the age of one. Her family lived in Kenosha, Wisconsin until she was 7

years old. When her family lived in Wisconsin, they attended church at St. Hagop Armenian

Apostolic Church in Racine, Wisconsin and also

St. Paul Armenian Apostolic Church in Wauke-

gan, Illinois. Sato comes from a long line of

musically gifted family members. Her three

older sisters sang (and still do) in the choir and

her two uncles served as deacons. Sato’s family

drove from Wisconsin to Fresno, California with

their arrival on the doorstep of Der Hayr &

Yeretzgin Yaralian on a Saturday. The follow-

ing day, the Ohannessian’s attended church at

Holy Trinity. All the children attended Sunday

school and, in later years, Sato joined the Youth Group and also sang in the church choir for

over 10 years. As a child, she regularly attended church and received many perfect attendance

awards in Sunday school. Sato was baptized at Saints Karasnits Mangants Church(Nor

Marash, Bourj Hammoud) in Beirut, Lebanon. Her paternal aunt and uncle, Hagop and Eliza-

beth Ohannessian, are her godparents.

Sato graduated from Central High School and attended CSU, Fresno, earning a BS

in Business Administration-Option in Marketing with a Minor in Armenian Studies. During

her years at CSUF she was a staff writer for Hye Sharzhoom and served as secretary and vice-

president of Armenian Students’ Organization. Additionally, she earned a postgraduate MBA

from CSUF and continued her studies at National University for a Professional Clear Single

Subject Teaching Credential in Business; Professional Administrative Clear Administrative

Services Credential; M.S. in Educational Administration. Sato is truly a master of her craft.

She entered the field of education in 1996 as a Business Teacher at Selma High

School. After three years of teaching, she ventured into school administration as the Coordi-

nator of Valley ROP serving five high school districts. In 2002, Sato returned to Selma High

School as a Learning Director. In her current position as Head Learning Director, she over-

sees all of the guidance & counseling services for over 1700 students at Selma High School.

Sato’s effectiveness in counseling students obtained her the highest UC/CSU “A-G” course

completion rate and highest four-year college acceptance rate for graduating seniors in Selma

High School’s history. Way to go Sato! Sato Ohannessian married Richard Sanikian on No-

vember 16, 1996 in the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church officiated by Very Rev.

Muron Aznigian and Der Hayr Hrant Serabian.

Leading a very busy life as a high school administrator leaves her little free time, but what

remains, is filled with time to spend with her darling family. Sato and Richard are the proud

parents of Aren, who is 13 years old and an 8th grader at Granite Ridge Intermediate School

and daughter, Armani, 10 years old and a 5th grader at Fugman Elementary in the Clovis Uni-

fied School District.

Sato began volunteering in the Sunday school as Parent Faculty Club President from

2006-2010, then Sunday School high school teacher for one year and has been serving as

Sunday School Superintendent since 2011 Her favorite Bible passage is Matthew 19:13-14.

Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray;

and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder

them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Holy Trinity,

and especially our Sunday school, is fortunate to have the expertise and leadership of such an

effective, kind and patient individual such as Sato Sanikian.

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HOKEHANKIST

will be said for

DECEMBER 14

KARNIG SOGHOMONIAN, as requested by his wife Arpine

Soghomonian and her children and their families.

DECEMBER 21

AZNIEV VARJABEDIAN KALENIAN on the 2nd year of her pass-

ing, DIKRAN, VARSENIK, & ARAM KALENIAN, AND MEHRAN &

YEGHSAPET MAZMANIAN, as requested by husband Ghazaros Kalenian,

sister Loucin Varjabedian, Sarkis & Knar Mazmanian and their son, Dickran,

Krikor & Georgette Kalenian and their children Talin & Jirayr, and Kegham &

Marie Varjabedian. ALTAR FLOWERS & COFFEE HOUR REFRESH-

MENTS ARE DONATED IN HER MEMORY.

DECEMBER 28

ARMENAG & MARIE SEVOIAN, GEORGE SEVOIAN, CAROL

LYNN SEVOIAN, HARRY & MARIAM BALIGIAN, JACK “HAGOP”

HALEPIAN, CHRISTY ARAMIAN, AND MIHRAN APRAHAMIAN, as

requested by Patricia Sevoian. CHRISTMAS TREE IN THE LARGE HALL IS

DONATED IN THEIR MEMORY.

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Light lunch will be served at 12:30 PM

$15 for adults, $7 for 12 years and under

Please R.S.V.P. by January 8, 2015

by calling 559 486-1141

Please let us know if you need child care.

Dr. Abraham Terian is Professor Emeritus of

Armenian Theology and Patristics at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, New Rochelle,

New York. Before coming to St. Nersess in 1997, he was Professor of Intertestamental

and Early Christian Literatures at Andrews

University and a recurring Visiting Professor for Armenian and Hellenistic Studies at the

University of Chicago. He is an internation-ally renowned expert in the fields of intertes-

tamental, early Christian and Armenian theo-logical literature, fields in which he has

published extensively. In 2005 he became the

first recipient of the Fulbright Distinguished Chair in the Humanities award by the Fulbright Foundation, the Council for International

Exchange of Scholars (CIES) of the US Department of State, and the US–Israel Educational Foundation (US–IEF). In 2008 he was elected a

Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia.

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IN-LIEU OF FLOWERS DONATIONS

Are made in Memory of...

BOB KEVORKIAN Sunday School

DEE MARLIN Gary & Cheryl Hanoian

LAURA PETROSSIAN Mary Egoian

Varoujan & Naira Der Simonian

Mary Mortanian

Richard & Anna Sadoian

Mr. & Mrs. Milton Torigian

VICTORIA SHIRINIAN

Richard & Joan Ahronian

Nazik Arisian

John Atmajian

Beverlee Bargamian

Bagdasar & Diana Bedoian

Richard Bedoian

Tarjian Bedoian

Della Benbow

Gerald & Margaret Conkle

Anna Terzian da Silva

Maria, Lee, & David Denton

Virginia Derian

Donna Emerzian

Jack & Lucille Gahvejian

Virginia Garabedian

Vars & David Gaston

Ladies’ Guild

Mike & Annette Gulian

Garo & Alice Gureghian

Harry & Marian Habib

Mary Hokokian

Gladys Jamgotchian

Paul Jamushian

Mary Kazanjian

Arlene Kazarian

Virginia Larrabee

Marilyn Narlian McMains

Gladys Melikian

Virginia Meltickian

Aram & Alice Michigian

Rosemary Minasian

Alice Mooradian

Paul & Diane Mosesian

Cecil & Rose Samoulian

Virginia Sarabian

Patricia Sevoian

Hasmig “Jessy” Shahbazian

Mildred Shirin

Richard & Diana Shirin

Marsha Smith

David Stokes

Berg & Elaine Sudjian

Jack & Elizabeth Terzian

John & Kathy Terzian

Joyce Terzian

Sharon Toroian

VAROUJ MANDIKIAN Garo & Flora Istanboulian

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AGNES MARGOSIAN

IN-LIEU OF FLOWERS DONATIONS

HASMIG MEGERDICHIAN

Patricia Bouloutian

Dr. Harry & Georgia Chambas

Gerald & Tammy Chooljian

Christopher & Nora Der Manuelian

Varoujan & Naira Der Simonian

Donna Djovich

John & Ann Erysian

Garo & Alice Gureghian

Haig & Shoushig Hagopian

Louise Hagopian

Melvin Kevorkian

Hagop & Ashkhen Krioghlian

Hartune & Rose Sirabian

John & Kathy Terzian

Joseph & Louise Tomassian

Raffy & Sonna Zanontian

Stella Ananian

Robby & Blanche Antoyan

Paul & Dolores Armo

George & Gail Bedrosian (Voice)

Harriet Boghosian& Family

Doug & Jerri Cordoza & Family

Aram & Barbara Garabedian

Sandra Gavroian (Voice)

Dr. Dennis & Paulette Kalebjian

Rose Kasimian

GARO WASSILIAN Garo & Alice Gureghian

Are made in Memory of...

HOKEHANKIST DONATIONS

KASPAR & SIROON HOVANNISIAN Vernon & Carol Hovannisian

ARSEN & GLADYS APKARIAN, KENNETH APKARIAN,

HAMPARTZOOM & VICTORIA MANOOGIAN Aram & Peggy Manoogian

APKAR KOJAARTINIAN Sevag & Lisa Der Simonian David & Lena Kojaartinian

JOSEPH & ANOUSH KALPAKJIAN AND ALICE MANUKIAN Dennis & Evelyn Hamamjian

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GENERAL Berj & Arpy Apkarian

Dr. Ishkhan & Arda Bayrakdarian

(Sponsorship of the reception at the My Songs My Heritage Concert)

Carlatta Bedrosian

Dennis & Evelyn Hamamjian

Sevag & Anna Jierian

Dr. Stephen & Judy Krikorian

Dennis Lewis & Margaret Lewis (In memory of Alma Margosian, Joe Sahakian, &

Lilyan Chooljiian)

Anita Malkasian

David & Queen Pashayan

Richard & Anna Sadoian (Get well wishes for Zorik Berberian)

GURGEN GEORGE SAFARIAN Richard & Anna Sadoian Hartune & Rose Sirabian

ZVART NOROIAN Ashot & Armenoui Hagopian

ARAM TOUTIKIAN & LEVON TOUTIKIAN

ARTHUR VARTANIAN, MR. & MRS. SIMON VARTANIAN,

MR. & MRS. LEVON SARKISIAN, DURKEN VARTANIAN,

CARL KEOSHEYAN

Alice Vartanian

Philip Vartanian

Mr. & Mrs. Steven Vartanian

Brian Vartanian

Mr. & Mrs. Justin Vartanian

Mr. & Mrs. John & Christine Datian

Varoujan & Hanadi Kevorkian Anto & Vartina Kalanjian

Sarkis & Vicky Kalanjian

HOKEHANKIST DONATIONS con’t

HASMIG MEGERDICHIAN Haig & Sonia Avakian Serop & Aznive Vartanian

PAT OURLIAN Bryan & Pam Arakelian

RUBYE MANOOGIAN

Dick & Jennifer Manoogian

Harry Manoogian

John Manoogian

Victor & Arlyne Sahatdjian

27

Hye’d Out News

We thank Patricia Sevoian for donating

the very beautiful Christmas Tree that is in our large hall,

in memory of Armenag & Marie Sevoian, George Sevoian,

Carol Lynn Sevoian, Harry & Mariam Baligian, Jack

“Hagop” Halepian, Christy Aramian, Mihran Aprahamian.

God bless you Patricia Sevoian!

Hello Everyone,

The season Of Jesus’ birth has come upon us. What a blessing

it is to celebrate the love that God has for us by sending his Son to

come to earth for the redemption of humanity. May we take time to

reflect on God’s love and the amazing turning point in human history.

The Sunday School is getting ready to do their annual Christ-

mas Program that will be held after church on December 14. This will

be a great time to see our Sunday School Students present the story of

Christmas to us. I would encourage you to support our young people

as they prepare this production for you.

Our Sunday Night Youth Groups are continuing their way

through the Book of Acts. We are looking at how the early church

started and the obstacles that they faced and the obstacles that some

tried to place on others. Our Junior High Youth Group is for those

from grades 6-8 and our High School youth group is for grades 9-12.

If you have children or grandchildren in those ranges we encourage

you to have them give youth group a try.

Our Tuesday Night Basketball and Bible Study has finished 1

Samuel and moved onto 2 Samuel. We have seen how the first King of

Israel has failed and we now look into 2 Samuel to see how David will

do as King.

Our College and Career group is finishing up the Book of

James and we have talked about how destructive our tongue can be and

how as Christians we are supposed to be lifting each other up and not

tearing each other down.

In His Service,

Jason Davis

28

PASS IT ON… Submitted by: Krista Parnagian

A Beautiful Christmas Story

About a week before Christmas my family bought a new nativity scene.

When my mom unpacked it she found two figures of the Baby Jesus. "Someone must

have packed this wrong," Mother said, counting out the figures. "We have one Jo-

seph, one Mary, three wise men, three shepherds, two lambs, a donkey, a cow, an

angel and two babies. Oh, dear! I suppose some set down at the store is missing a

Baby Jesus because we have two. You two run back down to the store and tell the

manager that we have an extra Jesus. Tell him to put a sign on the remaining boxes

saying that if a set is missing a Baby Jesus, call 7126. Put on your warm coats, it's

freezing cold out there."The manager of the store copied down mother's message

and the next time they were in the store they saw the cardboard sign that read, "If

you're missing Baby Jesus, call 7126."

All week long they waited for someone to call. Surely, they thought, some-

one was missing that important figurine. Each time the phone rang Mother would

say, "I'll bet that's about Jesus," but it never was.Father tried to explain there are

thousands of these scattered over the country and the figurine could be missing from

a set in Florida or Texas or California. Those packing mistakes happen all the time.

He said to put the extra Jesus back in the box and forget about it."Put Baby Jesus

back in the box! What a terrible thing to do," said the children. "Surely someone will

call," Mother said. We'll just keep the two of them together in the manger until

someone calls."When no call had come by 5:00 on Christmas Eve, mother insisted

that Father just run down to the store to see if there were any sets left. "You can see

them right through the window, over on the counter," she said. "If they are all gone,

I'll know someone is bound to call tonight."

"Run down to the store?" Father thundered. "It's fifteen below zero out

there!""Oh, Daddy, we'll go with you," Tommy and Mary began to put on their

coats. Father gave a long sigh and headed for the front closet. "I can't believe I'm

doing this," he muttered. Tommy and Mary ran ahead as father reluctantly walked

out in the cold. Mary got to the store first and pressed her nose up to the store win-

dow. "They're all gone, Daddy," she shouted. "Every set must be sold.""Hooray!"

Tommy said. "The mystery will now be solved tonight!"Father heard the news still

a half block away and immediately turned on his heel and headed back home. When

they got back into the house they noticed that Mother was gone and so was the extra

Baby Jesus figurine. "Someone must have called and she went out to deliver the

figurine," Father reasoned, pulling off his boots. "You kids get ready for bed while I

wrap Mother's present." Then the phone rang. Father yelled "Answer the phone and

tell 'em we found a home for Jesus." But it was mother calling with instructions for

us to come to 205 Chestnut Street immediately, and bring three blankets, a box of

cookies and some milk. "Now what has she gotten us into?" father groaned as we

bundled up again. "205 Chestnut. Why that's across town. Wrap that milk up good in

the blankets or it will turn to ice before we get there. Why can't we all just get on

with Christmas? It's probably 20 below out there now. And the wind is picking up.

Of all the crazy things to do on a night like this."

29

When they got to the house at 205 Chestnut Street it was the darkest one

on the block. Only one tiny light burned in the living room and, the moment we

set foot on the porch steps, mother opened the door and shouted, "They're here,

Oh thank God you got here, Ray! You kids take those blankets into the living

room and wrap up the little ones on the couch. I'll take the milk and cook-

ies.""Would you mind telling me what is going on, Ethel?" Father asked. "We

have just walked through below zero weather with the wind in our faces all the

way." "Never mind all that now," mother interrupted. "There isn't any heat in this

house and this young mother is so upset she doesn't know what to do. Her hus-

band walked out on her and those poor little children will have a very bleak

Christmas, so don't you complain. I told her you could fix that oil furnace in a

jiffy."Mother strode off to the kitchen to warm the milk while my brother and I

wrapped up the five little children who were huddled together on the couch. The

children's mother explained to Father that her husband had run off, taking bed-

ding, clothing, and almost every piece of furniture, but she had been doing all

right until the furnace broke down."I been doin' washin' and ironin' for people

and cleanin' the five and dime," she said. "I saw your number every day there, on

those boxes on the counter. When the furnace went out, that number kept going'

through my mind. 7162 7162. Said on the box that if a person was missin' Jesus,

they should call you. That's how I knew you were good Christian people, willin'

to help folks. I figured that maybe you would help me, too. So I stopped at the

grocery store tonight and I called your misses. I'm not missin' Jesus, mister, be-

cause I sure love the Lord. But I am missin' heat. I have no money to fix that fur-

nace."

"Okay, Okay," said Father. "You've come to the right place. Now let's

see. You've got a little oil burner over there in the dining room. Shouldn't be too

hard to fix. Probably just a clogged flue. I'll look it over, see what it needs."Mother came into the living room carrying a plate of cookies and warm milk. As

she set the cups down on the coffee table, I noticed the figure of Baby Jesus lying

in the center of the table. It was the only sign of Christmas in the house. The chil-

dren stared wide-eyed with wonder at the plate of cookies my mother set before

them.Father finally got the oil burner working but said, "You need more oil. I'll

make a few calls tonight and get some oil. Yes sir, you came to the right place",

Father grinned. On the way home Father did not complain about the cold weather

and had barely set foot inside the door when he was on the phone. "Ed, hey, how

are ya, Ed? Yes, Merry Christmas to you, too. Say Ed, we have kind of an un-

usual situation here. I know you've got that pick-up truck. Do you still have some

oil in that barrel on your truck? You do?"

By this time the rest of the family were pulling clothes out of their clos-

ets and toys off of their shelves. It was long after their bedtime when they were

wrapping gifts. The pickup came. On it were chairs, three lamps, blankets and

gifts. Even though it was thirty below, the father let them ride along in the back

of the truck. No one ever did call about the missing figure in the nativity set, but

as I grow older I realize that it wasn't a packing mistake at all.Jesus saves, that's

what He does.

30

2.

1:12- ; 6:6-13

. 5:1-11; 13:10-17

12.

17.

19.

31

DAILY BIBLE READING

DECEMBER–

1. Isaiah 35:4-8; 2 Corinthians 3:18-4:6; Luke 21:12-19

2. Wisdom 1:1-7; Jeremiah 16:16-21; Acts 1:12-14; Mark 6:6-13

3. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; Luke 13:10-17

4. Paulus, Paul, Magar, Evagrius, John (Kpetsi), John the Short, Nilus,

Arsenius, Siseos, Daniel, Serapion, Macarius, Poeman, and the other

Holy Fathers of Egypt Proverbs 21:15-25; Isaiah 19:19-21; Hebrews

11:32-40; Matthew 10:37-42


6. St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

Ezekiel 3:16-19; 2 Timothy 3:10-15; John 10:11-16

7. Third Sunday of Advent (Eve of the fast of St. Hagop)

Isaiah 37:14-38; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12; Luke 14:12-24.

8. St. Minas Proverbs 15:33-16:7; Isaiah 18:7; Philippians 1:27-2:4;

Matthew 10:37-42

9. Conception of the Holy Virgin Mary Song of Songs 6:3-8;

Malachi 3:1-2; Galatians 3:24-29; Luke 1:39-56


11. Proverbs 1:1-9; Nahum 2:1-7; Romans 5:1-5; Matthew 5:1-12


13. St. Hagop (James) of Nisibis Wisdom 7:12-20; Isaiah 44:1-5;

Hebrews 13:17-21; John 9:39-10:10

14. Fourth Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 38:1-8; Hebrews 1:1-14; Luke 17:1-10

15. Sts. Ignatius of Antioch and Addai

Wisdom 5:1-8; Jeremiah 6:16-21; 1 Corinthians 4:9-16;

Mark 9:32-36

16. Proverbs 24: 1-12; Jeremiah 15: 19-20; Hebrews 12:1-7;

Matthew 10:26-33

17. Hebrews 2:1-10; Luke 17:11-19

18. Wisdom 3:1-8; Jeremiah 30:18-22; 1 Peter 4:12-19; John 15:17-25

19. Hebrews 3:12-4:10; Luke 18:1-8

20. King Apkar Wisdom 6:2-10; Isaiah 45:1-2; 1 Timothy 2:1-7;

Luke 7:1-10

32

21. Fifth Sunday of Advent Isaiah 40:18-31; Hebrews 4:16-5:10;

Luke 18:9-14

22. Wisdom 5:16-18; Lamentations 3:22-56; 2 Timothy 3:10-15; Luke

12:32-40

23. Sts. David the Prophet and James the Apostle

2 Samuel 5:1-10; 1 Kings 2:1-11; Ezekiel 34:20-27; James 1:1-12;

Matthew 22:41-46

24. Hebrews 5:11-6:8; Luke 18:18-27

25. St. Stephen the Proto-Deacon and the First Marty Acts 6:8-8:2;

John 12:24-26

26 Hebrews 6:9-7:10; Luke 19:1-10

27. The Holy Apostles Peter and Paul Wisdom 9:13-10:2; Isaiah

28:16-19; 2 Peter 1:12-19; 2 Timothy 4:1-8; John 21:15-22

28. Sixth Sunday of Advent Isaiah 41:4-14; Hebrews 7:11-25; Luke

19:12-28

29. Sts. James the Apostle and John the Evangelist (Eve of the Fast of

the Nativity) Wisdom 7:21-24; Jeremiah 16:16-21; Acts 12:1-11,

James 1:1-10; 1 John 1:1-7; John 21:20-25

30. First Day of the Fast of the Nativity Hebrews 7:26-8:13;

Luke 20:1-8

31. Second Day of the Fast of the Nativity Hebrews 10:1-18; Luke 20:9-18

33

"I REMEMBER - I DEMAND"

34

PASTOR’S BIBLE STUDY

Are you looking for a unique

Christmas or hostess gift item? Well,

look no further. We have a limited

supply of 100% cotton, 30"x 30" flour

sack dishtowels embroidered with an

Armenian cross in three colors at a

cost of $10. each or 3 for $25. These

are the same beautiful towels that we

sold out of at the Bazaar. Contact

Barbara Mortanian,559-284-8478,

for purchase.

The Outreach committee meets on the 2nd Sunday of every month

unless specified. We will be meeting on December 14, 2014 after

Church at 12:45 in the Sunday School assembly room. All Church

members are always welcome. We would like to see Young Adults

at our meeting to give input to our work program. I would like to

thank everyone for their help. Harry Buchaklian (Chair)

tel:559-284-8478

35

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

DECEMBER 6:

10:30 am Bake Sale, 12:00 Noon, St. Paul Ladies’ Society Annual

Christmas Luncheon. Haig Berberian Hall. For reservations call

Alberta at 559-875-4458.

DECEMBER 7:

1:00 pm Second Space play “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”

hosted by the Christian Education Committee. See pg.8

DECEMBER 13:

11:45 am Ladies’ Guild Christmas Luncheon, Fort Washington Coun-

try Club, guests welcome $30 RSVP to Ruby 559-439-3319.

DECEMBER 14:

1:00 pm Sunday school Christmas Program in large Social Hall.

JANUARY 5:

7:00 pm following Badarak Christmas Eve Dinner. See pg. 9

JANUARY 11:

1:00 Christian Education Committee Lecture by Dr. Terian. See pg.

23

JANUARY 24:

7:00 pm Hamazkayin "Sayat Nova Choir" concert at the First

Armenian Presbyterian Church. For tickets call Serpouhie at

559-298-0445.

Life Insurance, For all ages up 90, Agent is in Fresno

Beautiful Holiday Gift Packs $25, call CKACS at 559-3231955

Volume XIV| Issue 12| December 2014 Ձայն Voice

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