Pari Loor
A Publication of
Saint Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church
Granite City, Illinois
Spring 2017
Saint Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church
1014 West Pontoon Road Granite City, Illinois 62040
Church: 618-451-7884 Community Center: 618-452-1915
www.stgregorychurchgc.com
Pastor
Der Torkom Chorbajian
Board of Trustees
Executive
Jake Varadian, Chairperson
John Varadian, Vice-Chairperson
Andrew Asadorian, Secretary
Lynne Hagopian and Henry Ohanian,
Co-Treasurers
Advisors
Art Asadorian
John Donjoian
Jeff Hagopian
Steve Hagopian
National Representatives’ Assembly
Delegates
Greg Hightaian
Andrew Asadorian
Pari Loor Staff
Editor and Co-Editor
Rose Lesko and Nancy Avdoian
Contributing Staff
Andrew Asadorian
Lynne Hagopian
Stephen S. Hagopian
Stephen Hagopian
Janet Haroian
Jean Nalbandian
Church Faculty
Altar Staff
Dn. Edward Haroian
Dn. Jeffrey Hagopian
Dn. George Berberian
Mr. Yero Manoogian (subdeacon)
Mr. Stephen S. Hagopian (subdeacon)
Mr. Garo Mikayelian
Mr. Zaven Nalbandian
Dr. George Schweitzer
Mr. John Varadian
Mr. John Donjoian
Mr. Andrew Asadorian
Mr. Zaven Nalbandian (third)
Mr. Ryan Varadian
Ms. Sarah Varadian
Mr. Naz Donjoian
Holy Seraphim Choir
Melanie Keeney, Choirmaster
Andrew Asadorian, Organist
Ladies Guild
Colleen Varadian, Chairperson
Sunday School
Barbara Varadian, Director
Fellowship Club
Melanie Haroian, Co-Chairperson
Caroline Sarian, Co-Chairperson
Community Organizations
Armenian Relief Society
Janet Haroian, Chairperson
Armenian Youth Federation
Gabrielle Krikorian, Chairperson
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Surpazan’s Message To NRA 4-6
News from our Board of Trustees 9-11
News from our Church Organizations 11-15
Easter 2017 17-18
Requiems 19-22
Gifts to the church 22
Prayer Requests 22
News from our Community 24
Coffee Sponsors 24
Calendar of Events 25
The editor and staff of Pari Loor wish to apologize in advance for any errors in spelling, omission of names or
misrepresentation of facts in our newsletter. Any corrections or additions to the newsletter should be
directed to the Pastor or a member of the Board of Trustees.
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CHURCH SERVICES
DIVINE LITURGY:
Morning services start at 9:30 A.M. and the Divine Liturgy (Badarak) starts at 10:00 A.M. every Sunday
Every Saturday Great Vespers at 5:00 P.M.
Other Services by Special Announcement
ARMENIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES
Every Saturday at 3:00 P.M. in church classroom or via Skype
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Year round, for all children. 10:30 – 12:00 every Sunday morning.
Children’s Sermon first Sunday of every month.
BAPTISM
Church Service Members (Parents only) $100
Non-Member $150
Services of the Priest Honorarium
WEDDING
Church Service Members (Bride or Groom) $150
Non-Member $300
Services of the Priest Honorarium
Services of the Organist Honorarium
Services of the Soloist Honorarium
FUNERAL
Church Service Member (Deceased) $100*
Non-Member $250
Services of the Priest Honorarium
*Fee waived when 100% in lieu of flowers goes to St. Gregory The Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church. This
service is not available to non-members.
CHRISTMAS & EASTER HOUSE BLESSINGS
Services of the Priest Honorarium
MEMORIAL DAY GRAVE BLESSING
Services of the Priest Honorarium
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEE
Per Person $100
The dues-paying member has voting rights in the Annual Church membership meeting and can get discounts for
church services or community center rentals.
COMMUNITY CENTER HALL RENTAL
Full Hall Member $500
Non-Member $700
Half Hall Member $375
Non-Member $450
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ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN CHOLOYAN’s MESSAGE TO THE NATIONAL
REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY
Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
May 16-20, 2017 All Saints Church Glenview, Illinois
Dear Delegates,
Certainly all of you are aware that His Holiness Aram I declared 2017 as “The Year of
Renewal.” Renewal does not just mean renewing the “old,” or that which has become old. It
specifically means revisiting our programs, methods, and values utilizing modern and effective
methods with energetic and ardent effort.
In light of this initiative, our Prelacy’s Executive Council made every effort to implement the
directive to establish a separate department for Youth Ministry and for that purpose we invited
an experienced and qualified individual, Mrs. Annie Ohanessian, to work together with members
of the committee to guide our sons and daughters to learn the Armenian Church’s faith and
history. The formation of the youth ministry program will, of course, focus on the education of
the youth and the importance of knowledge. On the other hand we must consider “youth” to be
all those who do not have a complete understanding of the Armenian Church’s faith, history,
rituals, and traditions, and especially the Church’s previous role and vision for the future.
Without doubt, spiritual nourishment and lifestyle are necessary for the Christian faith. In other
words, faith must become a part of life and everyday occurrence through our deeds—deeds that
turn us into that kind of model examples whose presence and demeanor, aside from personal
success, brings spiritual peace, comfort, love, and honor, spread around us wherever we are. We
call this lifestyle spirituality that in its simplest form expresses humans’ inner spiritual world,
virtues and message of the divine commandments. Spirituality is a part of human nature from
birth and if spirituality is cultivated and grows with faith then it naturally binds humans to
principles of love and honor and the virtues of faith.
Spirituality on its own is not a religion, but rather an expression of spiritual understanding and
interpretation that can even be common to any religion.
Today, especially in western culture, it is often repeated that in order to believe in God we need
not follow a religion. It is enough to have spirituality that is a way for living and relationships.
Religion is a strong institution that advises and preaches an ethical lifestyle and where rituals
play a big role with great affect. Yes, often spirituality and religion share common traits, some of
which overlap. However, in collective expression they are different. Spirituality is personal,
whereas religion is a collective and communal group that can also become the specific trait and
identity of any nation. In this case religion becomes a nation’s possession just as it, Christianity,
has been the national possession of the Armenian people for centuries. Here a new understanding
is born that in past centuries, as a philosophical and sociological difference, was not noted in an
individual’s faith or a nation’s collective faith. That is to say that religion is an indicator of
belonging to a nation, differing from individual spirituality. Anyone can be spiritual wherever he
or she may live and whatever race they belong to. Racial originality and uniqueness are tied to
that race’s physiology, anatomy, and physical appearance, whereas ethnicity is the manifestation
of an individual or that person’s ethnic culture, that emanates from a geographical area and in
time the group—that is to say the nation—has its language, religion, habits and national
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uniqueness. In a word, its identity. In the case of the Armenian people in America, the picture is
clear. We call ourselves Armenian Americans. Our race is called hye and geographically the
Armenian race has flourished on its soil. In Armenia. If we in America cut our ties to our mother
land and lose the sense of belonging, that is to say, our language, religion, habits, ecclesiastical
and national traditions, and completely accept all facets of American culture, then we are
distanced from our source and we become American, rather than Armenian American.
Spirituality by itself can satisfy us as an individual, but the Armenian Church’s communal life
always binds us to our history and identity.
And here is the greater question. We could say the danger or challenge. Human beings have the
freedom to elect a more normal, pleasant and successful life; however, as Armenians and
Christian Armenians they lose their identity and identity becomes history.
Aside from these thoughts of spirituality, religion, race, and nation, I return to the first thought I
expressed when I spoke about the Youth Ministry, with the hope and assurance that this
Representative Assembly, the Religious and Lay Councils, Clergy Fathers, Boards of Trustees,
and all of our auxiliary organizations will make healthy spiritual education the focus, not only to
maintain and protect our Armenian identity—religion and ethnic—but also to improve and move
forward utilizing all professional means and making it the weapon of our struggle against any
assimilation and destructive attacks and power.
After the Armenian Genocide when we became a Diaspora, wherever we went in our struggle to
survive we made every effort to secure our livelihood. At the same time we built churches and
schools, surrounded by political, educational, cultural, athletic, and social institutions, because as
a natural defense after the horror and pain of the Genocide, we tried to keep all of our racial and
national qualities. And when we thrived and felt secure, we followed the voice of our race,
enhanced our quest for knowledge, and today we have hundreds of thousands of professionals—
generations of young people who found success and continue to succeed in various fields. At the
beginning they were content with a high school education. Later our sons and daughters earned
university and professional degrees, became independent and turned their attention to their
personal and family life. A university education, above all else, teaches us to have respect for the
thoughts of others in face of possibilities and decisions. This is a very respectful demeanor. This
became and remains a reason to have the freedom to make a choice in face of different situations.
As much as we value freedom of choice, we are equally concerned about our obligation to
present and pass on to our youth those values that have been the foundation of our nation’s
defense and survival. Freedom is a beautiful virtue, the right of all. However, we must not
convert it to anarchy and indifference, far from crystallized virtues gained by nations and
communities through which they are identified and defined. The Bible, which according to our
faith is a Godly revelation, is the best guide for the history of nations. God, by way of the Bible
and the Hebrew people, sends His message to all people.
The Bible is the way and guidance of our faith. It is our route and must be viewed with the
wisdom that God through the Bible and through the life of a people, presents to all people.
History shows us that before Christ from 607 to 537, the Hebrew people were uprooted from
their country. They were exiled to Babylon and became a Diaspora. Living on foreign land and
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adopting foreign habits, eventually they lost their national and religious sense of belonging; they
lost their language, they began worshipping foreign gods, and adopted foreign habits, and when
in 537 BC they were given permission to return to their country, they were already far removed
from their roots. During this time the messengers of God, the prophets Ezra, Nehemiah, and
Haggai with foresight and at times with toughness and reproach told those who had lost their
sense of belonging to return to their roots, keep their religion and language, maintain their
religious and national traditions and obligations. Read the 13th chapter of the prophet Nehemiah
and you will see how forcefully he speaks about racial authenticity, sanctity of the Sabbath, the
celebration of Holy Days, religion, and the worship of our Lord God. The Hebrew people
listened to the decisions of the prophets and after the fall of Jerusalem by the Roman Empire, in
spite of living as a dispersed people for 2,000 years, survived.
This lesson of history is also a lesson for us. Therefore, I highly commend our decision and
effort. By forming the Youth Ministry Committee and beginning its work, we must strive to
present the entire culture of the Armenian Church to old and young. Our culture, faith, language,
became the color of our skin; became our character like the unique physical attributes of a race.
With the message of the Bible as our directive, wherever we went, even before our homes we
built the fortress of our survival—the Armenian Church, that always stood by our people with
dedication and faithfulness to the culture always with sacrifice and faithfulness upheld our
people, our culture, that was gained through sacrifice and sweat of our fatherland that blossomed
with the blood of our saints and heroes. Sanctified with the word “mother,” our Mother Church
has been a genuine and upright mother, with a mother’s boundless love, affectionate nurturing,
and total devotion.
May this National Representative Assembly become the fertile soil of our thoughts, and for the
care you have for the children of our people. May the children under your care acknowledge our
rich spiritual and national posterity. Let us be renewed and let us by our collective effort become
more dedicated, more Christian, and complete Armenians, with a true and unique image, the
faith of the Illuminator, golden tongue, and immortal posterity. Success.
ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN Prelate
Armenian Apostolic Church of America
(Eastern Prelacy)
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THE COMMEMORATION OF THE 102nd ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN
GENOCIDE
ՀԱՑՈՅ ՑԵՂԱՍՊԱՆՈՒԹԵԱՆ 102 ԱՄԵԱԿԻ ՆՇՈՒՄ
On Sunday, April 23rd, The Armenian Community experienced the joy of having a Joint
Armenian Genocide Commemoration, with the joint efforts and the participation of St. Gregory
the Illuminator Armenian Church and Holy Virgin Mary & Shoghagat Armenian Church.
The Divine Liturgy and the Reception took place at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian
Church and St. Gregory Armenian Community Center. The celebrant of the Holy Badarak was
Very Reverend Father Mesrob Parsamyan and Reverend Father Torkom Chorbajian was the
preacher. During the Service, both Pastors blessed and installed a special Cross that holds the
remains of an unknown Genocide Martyr. At the end of the Services, the Community gathered
around the Khachkar - Monument, where a requiem service was held for the souls of the
survivors of the Armenian Genocide.
Following the banquet at St. Gregory Armenian Community Center, a great program was
organized by the Armenian Genocide Commemoration Committee. The program comprised
recitations and performances. The Guest speaker of the program was Mr. Armen Sahagyan who
stressed the importance of the next level of the Armenian cause, which is demanding justice and
reparations.
At the end of the program, Armen ran a workshop for those who were interested to know
more about the mission of Armenian National Committee of America and how they could
work in their local cities for the benefit of the Armenian cause.
We would like to thank everyone who organized and planned this event.
#armeniangenocide #turkeyfailed #keepthepromise
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NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY-2017 Glenview
ԱԶԳԱՅԻՆ ԵՐԵՍՓՈԽԱՆԱԿԱՆ ԺՈՂՈՎ-2017 Կլէնվիու
The Eastern Prelacy’s National Representative Assembly (NRA) was convened in Glenview,
Illinois, from Thursday May 18 to Saturday, May 20. The Clergy conference began earlier, on
Wednesday, May 17. This year’s Assembly was hosted by All Saints Armenian Apostolic
Church of Glenview’s community. Our Pastor, Der Torkom Chorbajian, alongside our two
National Representative Delegates, Mr. Greg Hightaian and Mr. Andrew Asasdorian,
participated in the meetings and represented our Church and community. This year’s theme was
the imperative of Renewal, as was declared by our Catholicos Aram I.
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Լուրեր Հոգաբարձութենէն –Andrew Asadorian
Our members of our Board of Trustees would like to thank God for his countless blessings, for
our continued good health, prosperity, and ability to serve the parishioners of St. Gregory parish.
We would also like to thank Vehapar Aram I, for his continued leadership at an international
level, our Prelate, Srpazan Oshagan Choloyan, Vicar General Anoushavan Tanielian, and the
Religious and Executive Councils for their leadership at a national level of the Prelacy. We also
wish to thank Der Torkom Chorbajian and Yeretsgin Shogher for their continued love,
leadership, and support of all our parishioners at the local level.
Our Board had a busy first quarter of the year. We, along with the rest of the parish were excited
to celebrate the birth of our Lord on January 5th
and 6th
. We thank Der Torkom, as well as our
altar servers and choir members, for the beautiful services they gave us, and continue to give us,
week in and week out. The members of our parish, also wish to thank our Fellowship Club for
once again organizing the annual after service luncheon at Fazzi’s, everyone who attended had a
wonderful time. Along with the services and fun meal at Fazzi’s, our Church hosted its first
annual Trivia Night, thank you to all who attended, volunteered for, and supported, in any
fashion, this event, we would love to see this continue to flourish in the future.
Our year of work began with a focus on Aram Vehapar’s message of Renewal. We spent many
hours discussing how to approach this topic and what it may look like in terms of practical
implementation. We continued our work on our community phone directory, and kept our focus
on local charity work. We were fortunate to have created a Bas Relief for one of our major
donors, and beloved parishioners, Grant Korkoyan. We were also able to finalize our new Cross
which includes the remains of an unknown Genocide Martyr.
We held our Dyarnuntarach service in February, during which we invited all parents with
newborn children to present them to the altar. After the service, we held our annual bonfire, all
those who attended had a wonderful time, after which we had a nice dinner at Ravanelli’s. Thank
you to Hagop Varadian for providing us with the wood for the fire as always, and to all those
who helped light the fire, joined us in song around the fire, and later helped extinguish the fire.
We held our annual membership meeting in March, during which we saw many changes in the
leadership and representation of our Church. Lynne Hagopian, Arthur Asadorian, and John
Donjoian completed their terms as Board of Trustees members, and we elected Stephen S.
Hagopian, Zaven Nalbandian II, and Andrea Giovando in their places. We would like to thank
Lynne, Arthur, and John, all, for their service to our parish and look forward to working with our
new board members as well. Andrew Asadorian was elected to the National Representative
Assembly term of 3 years, a position vacated by Dcn. Edward Haroian, we thank Eddie for his
service as Yerespokhan, and all his continued service to our Church parish.
Der Torkom began our Lenten services, which occurred on Sundays after Badarak, and Friday
evenings, we thank all those who attended, as well as the organizations who hosted the after-
Friday service refreshments for our parishioners. We also hosted our Holy Week services, which
included Palm Sunday, The Service of 10 Maidens (Tuesday), Washing of the Feet and Betrayal
of the Lord services (Thursday), Burial of our Lord (Friday), Reading of Scrolls and Easter Eve
(Saturday), with the culmination being the celebration of the glorious resurrection of our Lord on
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Easter (Sunday) morning. We thank all those who attended our Holy Week services, as it makes
them truly prepared to receive our Lord in his glorious resurrection.
Our parish joined with Holy Shoghagat during the week between Easter and April 24th
to
commemorate the 102nd
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Our two parishes had a week
full of events, from the showing of Orphans of the Genocide on Monday night at the Wildey
Theater in Edwardsville. We wish to thank Bared Maronian, the filmmaker who attended the
showing and took part in a Q&A session with all the attendees after. Also that week, we had
three showings of The Promise, first, on Thursday April 20th
, in Granite City, for which we thank
Casper Nighohossian and Lance Callis, for funding the event for us. On Friday, and Saturday, we
had showings in Edwardsville and St. Charles respectively, for which we wish to thank the
Thomas A. Kooyumjian Family Foundation for covering the cost(s) associated with that. The
week culminated with a joint Badarak, hosted in our Church, during with Hayr Mesrob
Parsamyan of Holy Shoghagat celebrated, and Der Torkom Chorbajian, of our parish, gave the
sermon. We thank Hayr Soorp, Der Torkom, all of the altar servers and choir members who
came together to provide us with a beautiful Badarak. We would also like to thank all those who
volunteered during the preparation of the Badarak, as well as those who attended from both
parishes. After the service, we held a program at our Community Center, where we had a
proclamation, presented by County Board Member Arthur Asadorian, and signed into effect by
Madison County Board Chairman Kurt Prenzler, who was in attendance, and has also been a
vocal and published advocate of Genocide recognition. Our program featured a reading of a
poem by Yeretsgin Shogher Chorbajian, as well as stories from students from both Sunday
Schools that focused on their ancestors’ stories. Hayr Mesrob, Der Torkom, Doreen Nersesian
and Jake Varadian also made speeches on behalf of both parishes. Armen Sahakyan spoke on
behalf of the ANCA to those in attendance, and also hosted a seminar after the program. We look
forward to next April, when we will join Holy Shoghagat at their Church for the joint
commemoration.
Our parish had three very painful losses early this year, as we had to say goodbye to Grant
Korkoyan, Sam Manoogian, and Arpie Sarian. All three were very longtime, and dedicated
parishioners to our parish, people who could brighten any room with their mere presence, and
will be sorely missed by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting them. Asdvads Hokin
Loosavoreh.
As always, we would like to again thank Der Torkom Chorbajian, and Yeretsgin Shogher, for
their countless hours of leading our parish to Christ. Also, thank you to all those who volunteer
their time for our parish, whether it be; my fellow members, the members of the Community
Center Committee, our Altar servers, Choir members, Church Office volunteers, Sunday School
teachers, those who help setup and cleanup before and after our Fellowship Hour after Badarak,
and Community Center volunteers, for Bingo and Weekend Rentals. Finally, and most
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importantly, thank you to the parishioners of our Church, who continue to support the Church,
whether it be through attendance at services, financially, or through living the word of Christ in
your daily lives, without faithful parishioners, a Church is just a building.
May God continue to Bless you all, throughout this Eastertide Season, and forever.
Լուրեր «Սրբոց Սերովբէից» Երգչախումբէն –Andrew Asadorian
The Holy Seraphim Choir has been busy since our last issue of the Pari Loor. We spent many
hours preparing for multiple feast days, and other important occasions, including: Armenian
Christmas, Holy Week, Easter, and the 102nd
Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.
Our Choir was very fortunate to have the time to host a refreshment hour after a Friday evening
Lenten Service, hold our annual Spring Retreat, the day before Palm Sunday, where we spent
hours cleaning the Church, along with members of the Fellowship Club, then more hours
rehearsing recurring and new Sharagans for Holy Week and Easter.
We wish to thank all members of the Holy Shoghagat Choir for joining us in preparation for the
102nd
commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, your contributions were most appreciated and
we look forward to working together again next year.
As always, we look forward with great anticipation with all the exciting things that the remainder
of 2017 may bring to us. We look forward to serving God, and our parish in whatever way we
can.
Finally, should anyone have an interest in joining the ranks of the Choir, please see Der Torkom,
or any Choir member. May God bless you all throughout this new year and in the future.
Jean Nalbandian
St. Gregory Sunday School has had a fun and productive Spring! We continue to learn the Word
of God through crafts, stories, songs, Bible readings and discussions. The older children in
particular have been discussing the challenges of maintaining a Christian life in upper grades and
middle school. Our younger ones made a spectacular Easter banner with the help of our older
students. Our Easter celebration was quite a success with breakfast, games organized by
Yeretsgin, and an Easter egg hunt! We continue to enjoy creative and fun first Sunday sermons
from Der Torkom. We welcome children from preschool age through 8th grade. Come join the
fun!
Lynne Hagopian
The Ladies Guild assisted with the Kharasoonk luncheon for Grant Korkoyan on April 2nd.
Grant was a gentle and loving man who always supported the Ladies Guild dinners and bake
sales. He especially loved the loosnags and simit cookies. He will be sorely missed.
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The Guild continued its tradition of dyeing and selling Easter Eggs along with delicious choreg
after Easter church services. Thanks to Barbara and Colleen Varadian for dyeing the Easter eggs
and thanks to the bake sale committee of Lori Saucier, Leslie Mikaelian and Takouhie Kakligian.
These ladies continue to volunteer year after year for these Easter activities.
Our church sponsored a joint commemoration of the Armenian Genocide on April 23rd
with Holy
Virgin Mary and Holy Shoghagat Armenian Church. Our Ladies Guild prepared a delicious
Madagh meal of roasted lamb, pilafs and salad. The desserts were prepared by the local ARS
chapter. Thanks to the committee of Lynne Hagopian, Janet Haroian, Susan Hagopian and
Colleen Varadian.
We had a Ladies Fun Day on Sunday, May 7th
with about 20 ladies participating. The ladies
were treated to a delightful luncheon of chicken salad sandwiches, various salads and breads.
Dessert was cupcakes individually decorated by each lady. The ladies participated in activities
and games, some of which resulted in some hilarious pictures. Many thanks to the committee of
Chairlady Yeretsgin Shogher, Janet Haroian and Barbara Varadian.
The Guild again organized the collection of personal care items during the month of May for the
Good Samaritan House in Granite City. The Good Samaritan House greatly appreciates these
donations.
Yeretsgin Shogher represented our Ladies Guild chapter at the National Association of Ladies
Guild annual meeting on May 17-19 in Chicago. Thank you Yeretsgin.
Future events include the annual Father’s Day luncheon chaired by Susan Hagopian, the
Blessing of the Grapes Picnic Bake Sale and a half day retreat in the Fall.
Լուրեր Եղբայրասիրական Միութենէն –
Andrew Asadorian The Fellowship Club of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church wishes to thank
all of our members, and all parishioners who have participated in our Club, or supported us in the
past.
During this most recent season, we hosted a refreshment hour after one of the Friday evening
Lenten services, and also held our annual Spring Cleaning at the Church the day before Palm
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Sunday. We would like to thank all those who attended and helped with the cleaning of our
Church.
As always, should you or anyone else you know have a wish to join our club, please see Der
Torkom, or any Fellowship Club member.
Janet Haroian
It has been a busy and exciting late winter/early spring for the Reubena members. We started
with the annual Souper Bowl Sunday, Soup and Bread luncheon on February 5th
which offered
10 different soups prepared by our members and friends. Thanks to all those who made and
donated the delicious soups and the bread consumed that day. The prize winners of the football
trivia won snacks for game time! Congratulations to Melanie Keeney, the Nalbandian family
and Schweitzer family for their prowess at football trivia. Funds raised at the event were initially
earmarked for a new whiteboard for the Armenian School classroom. Special thanks to Garo and
Leslie Mikaelian for their generosity by purchasing the board outright and donating it to the
school!! Funds generated at the event were then re-directed to other ARS relief programs and
projects.
The ARS Ungerouhies moved on to the month of March and sponsored the Lenten Agoump. It
was a meatless meal offered after the Lenten church services on March 31st. Thanks to Leslie
Mikaelian for chairing this event.
April 9th
was the ARS 107th
Anniversary dinner and program after Palm Sunday Badarak. ARS
Chairman Janet Haroian provided an update on the activities of the organization in the USA,
Armenia, Syria and the Stepanakert Sosseh Kindergarten building currently under construction.
The ARS Central Executive is organizing a trip to Armenia for anyone interested in attending the
opening and dedication of the new building. Those present at the dinner enjoyed a meal of
chicken, pilaf, salad and anniversary cake.
Also in April, the chapter co-sponsored the presentation of the movie, Orphans of the Genocide,
with the ARF, AYF and St. Gregory Armenian Church. It was shown at the Wildey Theatre
downtown Edwardsville, and the film director/producer, Unger Bared Maronian was present to
speak after the viewing of the movie. A question and answer session was held after the movie
and then movie viewers were invited to the theatre lobby for a reception offering a variety of
pastries, fruit, crackers and cheeses, and lehmejune. Thanks to all Ungerouhies that prepared
items for the reception table. We hope to work together again to bring Unger Bared’s newest
film, The Women of 1915, to the area. The ARS organization raised funds to help underwrite
the production of The Women of 1915.
The ARS members participated in the preparation of dessert items for the joint Genocide
Commemoration event held on April 23rd
at St. Gregory Armenian Church and Community
Center. Thank you to all who prepared the simit, paklava and other items donated by our
members.
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We are excited to announce that one of the winners of the annual ARS Armenian School Essay
Contest was Giselle Krikorian, of our Mesrobian Armenian School. Thank you Der Torkom
Chorbajian and Yeretsgin Shogher for organizing the language program and encouraging our
students to participate in the essay contest. There is always room for more students in class.
Contact Der Hayr if interested.
In the coming months, the ARS members will provide support to our Granite City Antranig AYF
Chapter by assisting with preparations for the AYF Midwest Junior Olympics. The Antranig
Chapter will host this family fun event July 14-15. There will be festivities for Alumni, current
members and of course, the future AYF ungers and ungerouhies! We will need mezze items for
the dance so watch for emails or other forms of contact as we get closer to the event.
The ARS Convention will be in Washington, DC, in July the week after the AYF Jr. Olympics if
any of our members are interested in attending. Contact Janet ASAP if interested so credentials
can be prepared and sent to the ARS Regional Board prior to the start of the convention.
If you are interested in joining the ARS, please feel free to contact one of the executive
members; Janet Haroian, Susie Hagopian, or Leslie Mikaelian, for information about the
organization and our mission. We are always looking for new members and new ideas they can
bring to the ARS.
Լուրեր Հ Յ Դ էնStephen S. Hagopian
The Granite City "Hrayr" Gomideh has had a great start to the 2017 spring! We partnered with
the local AYF, ARS and St. Gregory Church to bring the documentary "Orphans of the
Genocide" to the community in April of this year. The film was shown to a large crowd at the
Wildey Theatre in Edwardsville. We would like to thank all of the co-sponsoring organizations
and the community at large for supporting this film.
We were also excited to bring fellow Unger and ANCA Eastern Region Executive Director
Armen Sahakayan to the community for the joint commemoration of the Armenian Genocide
this year. This year’s event was sponsored by St Gregory and Holy Shoghagat churches and
Unger Armen was our Keynote speaker. We also had a busy few days with Unger Armen as
immediately following the joint commemoration we had a ANCA workshop with 13 community
members attending. It was a very informative workshop and gave many of our ANCA
(Armenian National Committee of America) members in Missouri and Illinois the skills to meet
with our locally elected officials. The day after our commemoration we had 2 meetings in
southern Illinois, with staff from Rep. Rodney Davis's office and Rep. John Shimkus's office
before heading over to Missouri. In Missouri that same Monday, we did a few "drop by's" with
Armen at Rep Clay's office and Rep Wagner's office before a meeting with Rep Luketmeyer's
office later that afternoon.
Since that week we have had two follow up meetings with U.S. Congressman Clay's office and
U.S. Congressman Wagner's office. Representative Clay agreed to sign on to house resolution
.220. We very much appreciate the support of the local community in all of our endeavors.
15
Լուրեր Հ Ե Մ էն Stephen Hagopian
The Granite City "Antranig" AYF Chapter has had a great start for the 2017 year. We co-
sponsored the film "The Orphans of the Genocide" along with the Granite City ARF, ARS and
St. Gregory Church. We almost had 100 people on the Monday night of the showing
and are looking forward to bringing further cultural events to the community in the coming
years.
The chapter has been hard at work getting ready for this year’s annual AYF Eastern Region Mid-
West Junior Olympics July 14-16 which we are hosting in the St. Louis Metro area. All events
are open to the whole community and we hope to see everyone that weekend! We will have a
picnic and social on Friday night at Township park in Edwardsville, IL. Saturday we will have
the track and field games at Edwardsville High School and on Saturday night we will have a
dance featuring the Nigosian Band from Detroit at the St Gregory Community Center. We will
also have a fabulous Mezza table and a 50/50 raffle that night.
Five of our young ungers and ungerouhis attended the annual AYF-YOARF junior seminar
educational weekend over Memorial Day weekend in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. We had 2 first
timers attend this event and they all enjoyed it thoroughly. We have a few comments from the
attendees below.
Gabby Krikorian (our lone senior member to attend)
"I learned that no matter what our interests are, there is always a way to use our skills and
passions to influence our Armenian community and even beyond it!"
Zaven Nalbandian (first time attending)
"I met a lot of cool people and had a lot of fun. My favorite lectures included sports and dance
and I was able to get the hang of several dances on Sunday night."
Mira Nalbandian (first time attending)
"I learned about the meaning of Hai Tahd and what we can do to help Armenia. I also really
liked the 2 lectures on education and sports."
Ryan Varadian (second time attending)
"I had a lot of fun, I met a lot of new people and had a great time and I want to go again"
The chapter would also like to thank John and Jake Varadian, former AYF members who drove
the kids to Pittsburgh this year. Thank you both.
We are always looking to include more young Armenians in our ranks so they can enjoy our
numerous activities throughout the year. If you know any Armenian youth, between the ages of
10-25 who would like to get involved, please reach out to our executive or advisors.
16
17
Happy Easter 2017
Chrisdos Haryav Ee Merelots
Orhnial Eh Haroutiunn Chrisdosi
For: Brothers & sisters at St. Gregory Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church
By: Iris Donjoian
For: Bill Fredrick & Becky Nalbandian For: Becky Nalbandian
By: Zaven & Jean Nalbandian and Family By: Zaven Nalbandian, Sr.
For: Marujan Karibian For: Andrew Hagopian
By: Stanley Karibian By: Deacon Jeffrey & Lynne Hagopian
For: Angeline Hagopian For: Larry Sanasarian
By: Deacon Jeffrey & Lynne Hagopian By: Mary Matoesian-Sanasarian
For: Helen & Abraham Sanasarian For: Verkin, Michael, & Krikor Donian
By: Mary Matoesian-Sanasarian By: Sam & Sue Spataro
For: Sabella & Raimondo Spataro For: Mr. & Mrs. Nishan Varadian
By: Sam & Sue Spataro By: Mr. & Mrs. Hagop Varadian
For: Mr. & Mrs. Harold Koch For: Nishan & Mariam Varadian; Harold
By Jacob Varadian and Mary Koch
By: Jacob Varadian
For: Andrew Hagopian, Angeline Hagopian, For: Michael Hagopian & Kathy Ovian
& Wallace Lee By: Stephen Hagopian
By: Stephen Hagopian
For: Andrew Hagopian, Michael Hagopian, For: Andrew, Angeline, & Michael
& Wallace Lee Hagopian
By: Mr. & Mrs. Paul Shirinian & Family By: Mr. & Mrs. Steve Hagopian
By: Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Hagopian & Family
For: Wallace Lee For: Harootyoon Kmoorjian
By: Mr. & Mrs. Steve Hagopian By: Chorbajian Family
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For: Karnick & Grace Ohanian For: Fred & Margaret Torigian
By: Henry & Connie Ohanian By: Vincent & Laureen Torigian & Family
For: Andrew (Tange) Torosian For: Sarkis & Louise Dolbashian; Jean &
By: Virginia Torosina Hana Burri
By: Denise Dolbashian
For: Louis & Alice Saucier For: Vartan Family
By: Lori Saucier By: Charles Vartan
For: Parsaghian Family For: Hightaian & Haroian Families
By: Charles Vartan By: Greg & Debbie Hightaian
For: Anna & John Stokes
By: Greg & Debbie Hightaian
Thank you to all who donated the lilies to beautify His Altar.
Easter Youghakeen – 2017 Jacob Varadian Deacon Ed and Laura Haroian
Graham & Melanie Keeney & Family Mary Haroian
Sam & Sue Spataro Michael Haroian
Rev. Torkom & YN Shogher Chorbajian Dennis & Denise Pates
David & Elizabeth Sarafian & Family John & Jennifer Donjoian & Family
Deacon Jeffrey & Lynne Hagopian Pam & Rich Asadorian
Mr. & Mrs. Greg Hightaian Yosefyan Family
Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Asadorian Hagop & Barbara Varadian
Mrs. Janet Haroian Lori Saucier
Manny & Sonya Ohanesian John & Colleen Varadian & Family
Dr. George & Soce Berberian & Family John & Christine Schweitzer
Beatrice Bazoian Joe Durham
Stephen & Susan Hagopian Karo & Leslie Mikaelian
Stephen S. Hagopian Rev. Stephan & YN Alice Baljian
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In Lieu of Flowers for Sam Manoogian Louie Miller
Phyllis Popmarkoff
Henry & Connie Ohanian
Harry Briggs
Iris Donjoian
Donald & Karen Bridick
Leo & MarLean Manoogian
Dick & Zabelle Vartanian
Pamela Dellamano
Janet, Melanie & Stephen Haroian
Rachael Friedel
Joseph & Jamie Schuler
Raffi Ovian
Stephen S. Hagopian
Richard & Pam Asadorian
Scott & Nancy Smallie
Diana Petrosian
Tamara & Jim Cluck
James & Sharon Parker
Patricia Gantt
Paul & Janet Bogosian
Vera Smolar, Devon & Laura Bridick &
Family, Carol & Rick Nolan, Jean & Larry
Zotti & Tim Smolar
Casper Nighohossian
Steve & Susan Hagopian
Clara & Russ Waterson
Jeff & Lynne Hagopian
Takhouie Kakligian
Edward Manoogian
Richard & Nancy Avdoian
Karo & Leslie Mikaelian
Deacon Ed & Laura Haroian
Annette Hagopian
Pearl & John Sarkissian
Roy & Joyce Dix
Karen Hagopian
Sam & Susan Spataro
Manny & Sonya Ohanesian
Ronald Moshoian
Gary Manoogian
Mathew & Sandra Kozyak
Paul & Kristi Batsios
Dave & Linda Ames
Terry & Beth Ravanelli
Mary Matoesian-Sanasarian
Mike & Matt Torosian
Garnett Moran & Family
The Smallman Family
Gail Fritzsche
Larry & Marian Wright
Elder & Disability Advocacy Firm of Christine
A. Alsop
TOTAL DONATION: $1,785.00
Հոգեհանգստեան Պաշտօն -Requeim Service Sunday, February 05
Andrew Hagopian, Angeline Hagopian,
Michael Hagopian, Kathy Ovian, Wallace Lee
By Stephen S. Hagopian
Sunday, February 12
Andrew Hagopian, Angeline Hagopian,
Michael Hagopian, Kathy Ovian, Wallace Lee
By Stephen S. Hagopian
Sunday, February 19
All deceased clergymen who served the Armenian Prelacy
By the Armenian Prelacy
Andrew Hagopian
By Greg & Silva Bedian and Family
Andrew Hagopian, Angeline Hagopian, Michael Hagopian, Kathy Ovian, Wallace Lee
By Stephen Hagopian
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Hagop Asadorian, Edward Asadorian
By Asadorian and Keeney Families
Sunday, February 26
All deceased members & benefactors of the A.R.S.
By the Armenian Prelacy
Victims of the massacres of Sumgait, Baku, and Kirovabad
By the Armenian Prelacy
Sunday, March 05
Harry Derderian
By Janet, Melanie and Stephen Haroian
Sunday, March 12
Der Vartan Kassabian,
Richard McClintock
By Asadorian and Keeney Families
Sunday, March 19
Verkin, Michael and Krikor Donian, Sabella and Raimondo Spataro
By Sam & Sue Spataro
Sunday, March 26
Zabelle Arzrouni, Rosa Asadorian Jones
By Asadorian & Keeney Families
Archdeacon Vahan Haroian
By Agnes Haroian, Richard and Nancy (Haroian) Tashjian, Christopher Tashjian, Brianne
Killoran, Nicholas Tashjian, Keith, Christine (Tashjian), Alexandra and Maxwell Holman,
Deacon Ed, Laura and Ani Haroian and Zachary, Allison and Julia Stauder
Vivian Killoran
By Ed and Laura Haroian & Family
Robert and JoAnn Mullen
By Ed and Laura Haroian & family
Gloria DeBlaze
By John and Christine Schweitzer
Sunday, April 02
The fallen Artsakh soldiers
By Granite City ARS Chapter
Grant Korkoyan and Manny Esayian
By Genevieve, Deborah and Gary Esayian and Families
Andrew Hagopian, Angeline Hagopian, Michael Hagopian, Wallace Lee, Kathy Ovian
By Stephen S. Hagopian
Sunday, April 23
Kathy Ovian
By Raffi Ovian
Arousiag Raisian
By John & Christine Schweitzer
Hrand Ansourian, Ararat Solakhian
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By Vardkes & Margarit Ter-Hovhannisyan
Eva and Krekor Hightaian, Hagop and Gooleg Haroian
By Greg & Debbie Hightaian
Garabed Sisoian
By Rick & Rose Lesko
Hagop and Mary Asadorian, Abraham and Hermine Kambarian
By Asadorian & Keeney Families
Nishan and Mariam Varadian
By Varadian Families
Andrew, Angeline, Michael, Sooren and Nevart Hagopian, Ohanes and Khanum
Manoogian, Wallace Lee, Wallace and Faye Elizabeth Lee, Lawrence and Mildred
Geisendorff, Avedis Alashaian
By Steve and Susan Hagopian
Verkin Phillipossian Donian
By Sam & Sue Spataro
Hemayak and Rahan Matoesian
By Davide & Janet Matoesian & Family
Dzaghig Asadorian, Armenag Bakaian, Guilnaz Bakaian, Seermeh Minassian, Hovsep
Stepanian, Shamiram Stepanian
By Deacon Ed and Mrs. Laura Haroian and Family
Svetlana Avakyan
By Karine and Boris Abadzhyan
Sunday, April 30
Boghos Muradyan, Hermine Kambarian, Virgil Kambarian
By Asadorian and Keeney Families
Astorian and Bogosian families
By Greg Bogosian
Arpy Sarian
By Rick and Nancy Avdoian
Sunday, May 14
Mary Asadorian, Hermine Kambarian, Ann Keeney, Alice McClintock, Angeline Hagopian
By Asadorian and Keeney Families
Angeline Hagopian, Mary Bedian, Khanum Manoogian, Nevart Hagopian
By Deacon Jeff and Mrs. Lynne Hagopian
Maryam Guirdjikian, Ozig Semerdjian, Mentouhi Ohanesian, Zabel Astorian, Beatrice
Kilndjian, Angeline Hagopian
By Manny and Sonya Ohanesian
Parentzem Manoogian
By Yero Manoogian
Margie Sisoian
By Rick & Rose Lesko
Kathy Ovian, Angele Hagopian, Mildred Geissendorf
By Stephen S. Hagopian
Mariam Varadian, Mary Koch
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By Hagop & Barbara Varadian
Pileg Kakligian, Zavart Kakligian, Rose Meharian, Lucy Avdoian, Anahid Maghakian,
Satenig Geragosian, Marguerite Manoogian, Mary Siuramy
By Takouhie Kakligian
Beulah Saucier, Nevart Hagopian, Alice Saucier
By Garo & Leslie Mikaelian
Sunday, May 28
Maroujon Karibian, Louise Kabbendjian, Pierre Kabbendjian, Vincenzo Deleonardis,
Vanouhi Mouradian
By Stanley Karibian & Family
Maroujan Karibian, Louise Kabbendjian, Pierre Kabbendjian
By Jeanine and David Sams and Family
Խնդրուածս Աղօթից - Prayer Requests Sunday, February 12 Sunday, April 16
Paul, Liz and Andie Marie Shirinian Christopher Warren
By: Stephen S. Hagopian By: Margaret Darakjian and Patrick Rieck,
Sunday, February 26 By: Mike and Matthew Torosian
Arpy Sarian Sunday, April 30
By: Zaven Nalbandian Sr. Megan Malloy
Sunday, March 19 By: Asadorian and Keeney Families
Jeff Homan and Dave Weede Rose Kehetian
By: Matthew Torosian By: Janet, Stephen, Melanie Haroian
Diane Changelian Sunday, May 28
By: Jeff and Lynne Hagopian McClintock, Asadorian, Hatcher and
Brown Families
Rose Kehetian By: Asadorian Family
By: Janet, Melanie, and Stephen Hagopian
Sunday, March 26
Arpy Sarian
By: Taniel and Rida Garabedian
Եկեղեցւոյ Նուիրատուութիւն-Gift to the Church
March 05
Takouhie Kakligian
Thanking everyone who sent prayers, cards,
Food, get well wishes after her recent surgery
Anonymous Bingo Player
March 26
Mitch Kehetian donated all the proceeds
of the purchase of two of his books to the Church
23
In Lieu of Flowers for Grant A. Korkoyan Dcn. & Mrs. Edward Haroian
Rev. YN Torkom Chorgajian
Karo & Leslie Mikaelian
Lori Saucier
John & Colleen Varadian
Hagop & Barbara Varadian
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Avdoian & Family
Annette Hagopian
Haig & Marie Ohanian
Emmanuel & Sonya Ohanesian
Gregory M. & Dorothy A. Wilson & Rosalie
Hadda
Tom & Deborah Herman
Gloria Korkoian
Marguerite Parkinson
Jeff & Lynne Hagopian
Williams-Keepers LLC, CPA
Henry & Leigh Bienen
Denise Fehrenbach
Charles Merzian
Henry & Connie Ohanian
Raffi Ovian
Takouhie Kakligian
Henry & Amie Nersesian
Ellen McCloskey
Mike Torosian
Dick & Zabelle Vartanian
Genevieve Esayian
Paradigm Financial Advisors, LLC
Paul & Janet Bogosian
Richard & Pam Asadorian
Dennis & Marilyn Benassi
Janet, Melanie & Stephen Haroian
Stephen & Susan Hagopian
Stephen S. Hagopian
Graham & Melanie Keeney & Family
Jeff Fiala Family & Virginia Heckwolf
Mary, Rosemary & Michael Haroian
Leo & MarLean Manoogian
Craig & Christine Korkoian
Alice Korkoian
Mike & Cindy Mamelian
Diana Petrosian
Sam & Susan Spataro
TOTAL: $3,246.00
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Community News
Births
Paul and Liz Shirinian, son in law and daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Steve and Susan Hagopian, gave birth
to their first daughter, Andie Marie Shirinian, on February 19, 2017. Congratulations to Paul and
Liz Shirinian and to the entire Hagopian and Shirinian Families.
Baptism
Theodore Asadorian, son of Mr. & Mrs. Rich and Lainey Asadorian, was baptized on May 28,
2017. His Godparents were Mr. and Mrs. & Joe and Alie Kirwen. Congratulations to the Asadorian,
Parsaghian and Smith Families.
Wedding
Mr. Tyler Alderson and Miss. Cristina Dolbashian were married on May 27, 2017. The couple
resides in Columbia, Missouri. Congratulations to the new couple and to Alderson and Dolbashian
Families.
Funeral
With great sorrow: Sam Manoogian passed on February 11, 2017. The burial services were held on
Thursday, February 2017, at Sunset Hill Cemetery. We want to extend our condolences to the
Manoogian and Moshoian Families and to their friends. We ask God to accept Sam into his heavenly
kingdom and grant his family the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
COFFEE HOUR SPONSORS
FEBRUARY 5 - ARS Super Bowl 12 - BOT
19 - BOT
26 - ARS
MARCH 5 - BOT – Membership Meeting
12 - Sam & Sue Spataro
19 - BOT
26 - Deacon & Mrs. Ed Haroian & Family
APRIL 2 - 40 Days – Grant Korkoyan Family
9 - ARS Palm Sunday
6 - Easter
23 - Martyr's Day
30 - Greg Bogosian
MAY 7 - BOT
14 - BOT Mother's Day
21 - Stanley Karibian & Family
28 - Pamela & Richard Asadorian
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CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS June 18 Father’s Day Luncheon organized by St. Gregory Ladies
25 Armenian Concert Organized by Lincoln Place Heritage Association
July 14-15 AYF Junior Olympics
23 Feast of the Transfiguration-Vartavar Water Games
August 13 Assumption of the Holy Mother of God-Annual Church Picnic
September 17 Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
ՕՐԱՑՈՅՑ ԳԱԼԻՔ ՏՕՆԵՐՈՒ ԵՒ ՁԵՌՆԱՐԿՆԵՐՈՒ
Յունիս 18 Հայրերու Տօնին նուիրուած տարեկան ճաշկերոյթ պատրաստուած
եկեղեցւոյս Տիկնանց Միութեան կողմէ
Յուլիս 23 Տօն Այլակերպութեան Տեառն Մերոյ Յիսուսի Քրիստոսի, Վարդավառի
ջրախաղ
Օգոստոս 13 Վերափոխումն Ս. Աստուածածնի, խաղողօրհնէք եւ տարեկան
դաշտահանդէս
Սեպտեմբեր 17 Տօն Վերացման Սրբոյ Խաչին եւ մեծահանդէս Թափօր Ս
26
Սբ. Գրիգոր Լուսաւորիչ Հայց. Առք. Եկեղեցի
St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church 1014 West Pontoon Rd, Granite City, IL- 62040 Tel: (618) 451-7884,
[email protected] , www.stgregorychurchgc.org
ՏԱՐԵԿԱՆ ԱՒԱՆԴԱԿԱՆ ԴԱՇՏԱՀԱՆԴԷՍ Սբ. Աստուածածնի վերափոխման Տօնին առիթով
ANNUAL BLESSING OF GRAPES & PICNIC Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Theotokos
Կիրակի, 13 Օգոստոս, 2017 ին, կ.ե. ժամը՝ 12:30 – 3:30 «Խաղողօրհնէք»ի արարողութիւնը ժամը՝ 12:00ին
Sunday, 13 August, 2016, 12:30-3:30 PM.
Order of Blessing of Grapes performed at 12:00 P.M.
Սբ. Գրիգոր Լուսաւորիչ Հայ Կեդրոն
St. Gregory Armenian Community Center
3501 Century Dr., Granite City, IL 62040
Համեղ Հայկական Ճաշեր եւ
Ուտելիքներ
Armenian Dinners &
Specialty Foods
Անուշեղէններ
Bake Sale
Բոլորդ հրաւիրուած էք մասնակից դառնալու մեր
տարեկան դաշտահանդէսին: Բարի
Եկաք:
Հայկական Պարեր եւ Խաղեր Bring your Family and
Armenian Dancing, Games & More! Friends to our annual Picnic.
Everyone is Welcome!
27
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St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church
1014 West Pontoon Road
Granit City, IL 62040
The Pari Loor staff requests community input. Your ideas and suggestions are welcome as we strive
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