volume xiv| issue 12| december 2014 Ձայն voice
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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
nazik.arisian@holytrinityfresno.org
Hagop Ohanessian, Office Assistant
hagop.ohanessian@holytrinityfresno.org
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
gahvejian@aol.com
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: dervahan@holytrinityfresno.org (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
8
9 Tues. Eve.
Bible Study at the
home of Der Hayr
and Yeretzgin
Gosdanian
10
14 Morning Service 9:00
Badarak 10:00 am
Sunday School
Christmas Program
1:00 pm
Hye’d Out 5:30 pm
15
16
Tues. Eve.
Bible Study at the
home of Charlie &
Siroon Vanoyan
17
21
Morning Service 9:00
Badarak 10:00 am
No Sunday School
22 23
No
Tues. Eve.
Bible Study
24
28
English Morning
Service 9:15am
Badarak, 10:00 am
No Sunday School
29
30
No
Tues. Eve.
Bible Study
31
New Year’s Eve
December 2014
19
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
Bible Study 10:00 am
(English)
12
Friday Morning
Bible Study
11:00 am
(Armenian)
13 Ladies’ Guild Christmas
Luncheon 11:45 am, Fort
Washington Country Club
Saturday Armenian School
10:00 am
18
Thursday Morning
Bible Study 10:00 am
(English)
19 Friday Morning
Bible Study
11:00 am
(Armenian)
20
Saturday Armenian School
10:00 am
25
OFFICE CLOSED
No
Thursday Morning
Bible Study
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No
Friday Morning
Bible Study
27
No
Saturday Armenian School
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.
23
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
26
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
5. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28; Luke 14:1-11
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
10. 2 Thessalonians 2:1-16; Luke 14:25-27
11. Proverbs 1:1-9; Nahum 2:1-7; Romans 5:1-5; Matthew 5:1-12
12. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18; Luke 15:1-7
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)
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
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