St. Vartan Voice. A Publication of St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church

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1 St. Vartan Voice A Publication of St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan May, 2010 Pentecost Bible Readings May 2 John 7:14-24 May 9 John 9:39-41; 10:1-10 May 16 John 12:12-23 May 23 John 14:25-31 May 30 Luke 4:25-30 Ephesians 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother (this is the first commandment with a promise), that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land. Dear Faithful, Fifty days after the Glorious Resurrection of our Lord and 10 days after His Ascension, as He promised before, the Holy Spirit came upon the Holy Apostles and all those gathered with them in a new and different way. For the first time, the Holy Spirit actually took up residence within the human soul. Before this the Spirit of God would descend upon a person for various reasons such as when one of the prophets was inspired to speak or write or act in a particular way so that God's will might be known to His people, but He did not make His abode within their soul. But something new happened at Pentecost, something wondrous, something marvelous God came and dwelt not only among us as our Lord Jesus Christ, but within us through the Holy Spirit. The promise of our salvation that we would be united with God began to be made manifest. This in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit has a profound effect on the person, for by this action a transformation is begun. The soul has come into contact with God and cannot remain the same. Now it is simple to see how one's behavior might change when he has been joined to the Church. In his eagerness to learn and absorb all that our Holy Mother Church has to give us, he will follow her instructions concerning behavior and do things differently than he did before. But this change does not end there, for these new actions have an effect of their own; they begin to change the way that one thinks and perceives the world around him. If, for example, you wished to develop compassion for someone, then the best way to begin is to act as though you were compassionate. And through consistent compassionate actions on the part of the body, the mind will begin to think in terms of compassion and the heart will begin to feel compassion. If you act towards someone in a loving manner, even though you may have no feelings of love or even feelings of dislike for them, then after even a short time, you will begin to love them in actual fact, for such is the effect of the body's action on the heart. But even here this change does not end, for once we develop new feelings and thoughts, then our spirit also changes and begins to develop in the soul the spiritual fruits of these changes, called virtues, and these virtues attract the grace of God. This grace then transforms our very nature so that we no longer have a nature of sin, but begin to develop a nature which has the likeness of God. My dear ones, Easter and Pentecost are about transformation. In Easter, we are reborn; we die and are resurrected with Christ. This new resurrected nature is then shaped and molded by the Church and it is filled with the Holy Spirit. Our Lord spoke of an unclean spirit which had been cast out of a man, and finding no place to rest thought that it would return to its former host. "And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven

2 other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of the man is worse than the first." (Luke 11:25-26). When at Easter, we are reborn and our soul is "swept and put in order", then it is necessary for our soul to be occupied, so as to prevent the demons from taking advantage, and so God in His infinite love and mercy comes Himself to dwell in us through the Holy Spirit. This is the feast of Pentecost, the in-dwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the transformation which was begun at Easter is further fulfilled in the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. And the Holy Spirit within us, Himself, has the effect of transforming and shaping the soul into more perfectly taking on His own image and likeness. But God does not act towards us as a tyrant, Who imposes His own will with no regard for our own desire, but rather He acts as a loving Father, Who enables us by our voluntary action, to submit to His will and Who works with us that we might be changed. It is therefore necessary for us to cooperate with God, to allow Him to work in us and to shape our own will to His will. If we resist Him and refuse to cooperate with His direction and His leading, then He will withdraw and will not force Himself upon us unwilling. Therefore we must develop within ourselves a desire for God which surpasses all other desires and a love for Him which is greater than any other love. How do we develop this desire and this love? What did we just say? If you wish to love someone, then act as though you love them, and in a short time that love will begin to grow within your heart. And so if we wish to develop a supreme love for our Lord Jesus Christ, then we must begin to act as though we had such a love already. If we adjust our behavior to conform with a supreme desire and love for God, then that desire and love will grow within our heart and soul. When we desire Him, then He will fulfill our desire; when we love Him, then He will come to us. And when He comes, He will transform us into His own image and likeness and will dwell within us, uniting us to Himself. Amen. Church Manners Attendance at Church If we take our church membership seriously, we must go to church every Sunday without fail. This is the first and foremost religious duty of every Christian. Not only our spiritual leaders, but even our own common sense tells us that it is not a great hardship to take an hour and a half out of 168 hours of the whole week and dedicate it to the adoration of our Creator and Heavenly Father. Even if you do not understand the language of your church service, to take part in public worship and try to do what others are dong has its merit before God. Besides, the more frequently you attend your church, the more easily you understand its services. Acquire the habit of arriving at the beginning of the service. However, if for one reason or another, you have been delayed, there is no need to feel embarrassed when you are late for the service. It is better for you and your church to arrive a bit late than not attend at all. Early comers should take the first pews and leave the back ones for late comers. By so doing, you safeguard yourself against needless distractions; and save embarrassment for those inevitable late comers. Consideration and thoughtfulness for others is as important in the church as it is in common life. S.D.V. Kaloustian, Primate The Diocese of the Armenian Church of California, 1955 On behalf of the Sarafian family, I am pleased to announce the establishment of the Rev. Archpriest Fr. Mesrob Sarafian Scholarship for Religious Education. It is our family s intent that these scholarships be awarded to students who will further their religious studies while carrying on the legacy of ministry and faith that Fr. Mesrob established. Fr. Mesrob was deeply dedicated to education and strived always to learn more about the Orthodox faith, Christianity, and pastoral care. Alice Sarafian and Family Go, therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28: Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan is the first to be awarded a scholarship from the Sarafian Family.

3 St. Vartan Church Parish Council gratefully acknowledges the following donations: Education Fund Richard and Judy Sharafian Sunday School Andy and Lori Hill Education Fund in Honor of Fr. Hovel s Third Anniversary of Ordination Charles and Dorris Kezerian Photo Gallery Frames Diana Toomajian, Suzanne and Edward Vasgerdsian, Greg & Seta Tcherkoyan, ARS Erepouni Chapter, Barry and Judy Toomajian, Evelyn Tregoning, Virginia Ratcliff Easter Yughakin Sylvia Alexanian, Siranouche Apelian & Chuck Dana, Zaruhi Arakelyan, Mary & Michael Arkelian, Vartkes and Kerrie Avakian, Annie Avedissian, Arshak & Sifinar Azizian, Archie & Nellie Azizian, Steve & Nancy Baronian, Dorothy Casperian Bell, Kegham & Roxanne Boghossian, Jack & Barbara Bousian, June and Satyabrata Chatterjee, Gregg & Lisa Chorbajian, John & Anita Chorbajian, David & Nairy Colello, Suren & Sona Dakessian, Brian & Cynthia Der Matoian, Bob & Sara Dermatoian, Ohannes Dimidjian, Carol & Harry Dokouzian, Dana & Seza Dominguez, Jack & Karen Dorian, Margie Dorian, Gary & Satenik Eldemir, Robert Galgiani, Dickie & Seno Garabedian, Kevork Garabedian, Regina Garabedian, Florence Gibeau, James & Patricia Gold, Aylin Gulbenkian, Wartkes Hagopian, Varoujan and Ann Hailozian, Lori & Andy Hill, Edward & Armineh Jamgotchian, Mari Jamgotchian, Louise Jorjoiran, Maybel Kakligian, Harvey & Janet Kamian, Harry & Joyce Kamian, Helin Karunyan, Charles & Dorris Kezerian, Alice Koenig, Myron & Arax Konjoyan, Isabelle Magarian, Dr. Edward & Sylva Manougian, Emma Mazmanian, Clifford Melikian, Vahe & Hilda Mener, Haygo Meric, Marian Mickaels, Karnig & Silva Mikaelian, Edward & Goldie Minasian, Flora Mirzaian, Bill & Beverly Nalbandian, Antica Odabashian, Ron & Elizabeth Ojakian, Jack & Pat Papazian, Charles & Diane Paskerian, Gary McCrea & Joyce Peloian, Virginia Ratcliff, Lynn B. Ross, Alene Rudy, Michael Sanossian, Edward & Karen Sarafian, Mary Shahbazian & Edward Osmundson, Richard & Judy Sharafian, Harry & Margaret Sherinian, Ray & Reyan Shepherd, Krikor & Caline Soghikian, Frances Stevens, Fouad Tabsharani, Eddy & Sonia Tajirian, Fred & Ardemis Tajirian, Isabelle Tajirian, Vazken Tashinian, Nubar Tashjian, Hagop & Elizabeth Tatoian, Annabelle Taylor, Diana Toomajian, Steven Toumanian, Evelyn Tregoning, Lucy Tulanian, Suzanne & Ed Vasgerdsian, Victor & Hasmig Vasgerdsian, Harry & Elizabeth Walton, Mary Wiley, Arto & Nadya Yagjian, Norma Yaglijian In Memory LUCILLE SAROYAN ADAMS Virginia Ratcliff (choir robe fund), Ron Kallan CHARLES HAZARIAN Richard and JoAnn Koobatian MARY HUSSEY Ron Kallan ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory LUCILLE SAROYAN ADAMS Ralph & Elizabeth Dashjian, Dr. Krikor and Caline Soghikian, Harvey and Janet Kamian, Ani Amoore ESTER DIAMOND ALGER Harry & Margaret Sherinian News From Our St. Vartan Family Birth Announcement Lenya and Tom Montoya are proud to announce the birth of their son, Berj Osmond Montoya, on April 19. He was born at 7 pounds, 11 ounces and was 20 inches long. Proud grandparents are Nora and Harvey Hanoian and Dennis and Kathy Montoya. Congratulations Allen Yagjian who works in bioengineering field at a local pharmaceutical had a proposal which has been accepted by HFES and his work will be published at in May (Human Factors and Ergonomics Society) "Risk Assessment and Application of Engineering Controls to Reduce the Number of Occupational Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in a Large Pharmaceutical Production Facility," and will be presented at the 54th Annual Meeting. Allen's parents Nadya and Arto and his brother Andrew are very proud. St. Vartan Priest Photo Gallery Check out our new photo gallery of St. Vartan Priests in the Church Hall. Fr. Hovel would like to thank everyone involved in the project: Charles Kezerian, Arlene Hovsepian, Lida Mazmanian, Harry Sherinian, and Vartan Hovsepian, as well as the photo frame donors (listed above).

4 Dear Fellow Parishioners, It was brought to our attention during our Parish Assembly meeting, held on January 31, 2010, that some members were confused about the status of their membership dues. The annual membership fee for an individual is $ For a married couple, if they both are members it is $300.00, $ each. If this amount poses a financial hardship for you, you may speak with Fr. Hovel privately about this matter. As a great many of you know the church provides envelopes with your membership number printed on it, allowing you to pay a small portion each week when you attend church. If you do not have these envelopes or you do not know your membership number, you may call the church office ( ) and Rachel, our secretary, would be happy to provide you with this information. Some individuals have mentioned that they have put cash in the collection plate when attending church. If the cash is not in a membership envelope, we have no way of determining who put it in and whose membership account to credit. If you have forgotten your envelope at home, you may write your membership number on your check and it will work the same as if you had used your envelope. Please, let us work together to make this process as smooth and easy as possible for the membership and your trusted servants. Also, when you designate a donation for a specific purpose such as for Yughakin, flowers, a hokehankist or any other donation, the church appreciates and acknowledges your donation. However; it will not be credited toward your annual dues. Sincerely, Zaven Kanneian Member Services On Holy Thursday, Fr. Hovel followed Christ s example of servant hood by washing the feet of the children. ATTENTION GRADUATES OF THE ST. VARTAN CHURCH COMMUNITY! If you are graduating from high school, or earning a degree from a college or university, please share your accomplishment with all of us! Please submit a brief paragraph with your name, the names of your parents, the school you are graduating from, and your future plans. Photos are welcome. your information (along with a photo attachment) to our church office by May 15th - stvartanoakland@aol.com

5 St. Vartan ACYO On Saturday, April 3, St. Vartan's ACYO gathered to help care for Mt. Davidson Cross in San Francisco. The motivated youth learned a little about the history of the cross and some native birds and plants. They then worked hard for three hours clearing a set of stairs leading up to the cross and weeding and cleaning the area directly around the cross. It was the perfect Saturday for this because some beautification was needed before the Easter Sunrise Service and the Genocide Commemoration which will took place on April 18. St. Vartan ACYO volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul in Oakland Dining Hall on March 20. Arpi, Lorena, Berc, Natalie, Karolin, Ida, Eddy, and Rose helped serve food to the hundreds of homeless and less fortunate men, women and families of Oakland. It was an eye-opening experience witnessing the poverty of our Church's neighborhood. The ACYO will probably go back to volunteer there again in the near future. If you are between age 12-mid 20's and want to get involved with St. Vartan's youth organization, contact Chairman Arpi Nakashian at arpoojjiig@hotmail.com. Jack Papazian Stepping out for Disabled Individuals St. Vartan member, Jack Papazian, was the Grand Marshal of the Stepping Stones 8 th Annual Walk-Run on Saturday, April 24 at the San Leandro Marina. Jack has been involved with the Stepping Stones Program in San Leandro for many years. Their mission is to enhance the independence, self-sufficiency, and quality of life of individuals with developmental disabilities who might otherwise be alienated from mainstream of society. They provide a continuum of programs and services to more than 400 adults and children with a developmental disability. The money raised as a result of this event will go directly to support the programs of Stepping Stones. If you would like to contribute to the fund raiser, please contact Jack. Join the Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief (SOAR) after Fellowship Hour at St. Vartan Church on Sunday, May 2, 2010 for their presentation on SOAR s relief efforts in Armenia. SOAR is dedicated to providing humanitarian relief to orphaned children living in Armenia. They distribute food, clothing, medicine, educational supplies and other essentials to orphanages throughout Armenia.

6 May Feasts of the Armenian Church Feast of Apparition of the Holy Cross This feast is dedicated to the Apparition of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. At noon on May 19, 351, a bright, luminous cross appeared over the skies of Jerusalem, centered over an area spanning from the Mount of Olives (where Christ was betrayed and arrested) to Golgotha (where Christ was crucified). Awestruck, the faithful of Jerusalem rushed to church to give thanks and glorify the Lord. Bishop Cyril (later St. Cyril of Jerusalem) subsequently wrote a letter to Emperor Constantine of Byzantium wherein he described the miraculous and beautiful scene. St. Cyril told Constantine that the apparition was a true testimony of the orthodox faith of Christianity. Further, St. Cyril exhorted the Emperor that the appearance was a sign for him to remain steadfast in his faith, and to stop defending the heretical movement of Arianism and its promulgators. The Armenian translation of the Bishop s letter has been preserved by the Church, and is read each year on the Feast of the Apparition of the Holy Cross. The Armenian Church celebrates this feast 28 days following Easter Sunday. This year it falls on May 2. Feast of Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ The Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord on the fortieth day following the Feast of the Glorious Resurrection of Our Savior Jesus Christ. This year we celebrate on May 13. Following His Resurrection and defeat of death, Christ remained on earth for forty days, and continued to appear to His disciples. On the fortieth day, Christ is seen by His disciples for the last time. He blessed them and left them with instructions, after which He ascended into heaven. Two of the Gospel writers, St. Mark and St. Luke, testify about Christ s ascension. There is also an account of it in the Acts of the Apostles. Following a final meeting of Christ with the eleven remaining apostles, St. Mark writes, So then, after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. (Mark 16:19). St. Luke gives a little greater detail as he writes, And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen. (Luke 24: 50-53). But by far the most beautiful account of the Ascension can be found in the Book of Acts: And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. (Acts 1:9-11). The hymn that is sung in the Armenian Church on Ascension Day mentions the miraculous event of Christ s Ascension into heaven and the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles. In the Armenian Church, the day of Jesus Christ s Ascension is commemorated for another reason as well. On this date in 1441, the See of the Catholicosate of All Armenians was returned to its historical origins. Following a resolution of the National Assembly gathered in Vagharshapad, the Patriarchal See was relocated from the city of Sis in Western Armenia to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Following his vision of Christ striking the ground with a golden hammer, St. Gregory the Illuminator had founded the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin in 303. However, less than 200 years later, in 484, the Patriarchal See was forced to relocate, and for the next 1000 years, settled in various cities throughout Armenia. The decision to return the throne of the Catholicos to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin was the fulfillment of a national dream for the Armenian people. Feast of Pentecost The Feast of Pentecost is the commemoration of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles on the fiftieth day following the Feast of the Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The Armenian Church celebrates this feast 50 days following Easter Sunday. This year it is on May 23. The Holy Spirit is one of the three persons in the Holy Trinity coexisting with, and equal to, the Holy Father and the Holy Son. During His earthly life and ministry Christ spoke to the Apostles about the coming of the Holy Spirit. Recording the words of Christ, St. John writes, The Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and

7 make you remember all that I have told you. (John 14:26). The descent of the Holy Spirit is described in the Acts of the Apostles: When the day of the Pentecost came, all the believers were gathered together in one place. Suddenly there was a noise from the sky which sounded like a strong wind blowing, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then they saw what looked like tongues of fire which spread out and touched each person there. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to talk in other languages, as the Spirit enabled them to speak. (Acts 2:1-4). In the book of Acts, St. Luke further records the names of various countries, and that men from those countries were surprised, when each of them heard his native language. Among the mentioned places are Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia (Acts 2:9). Two of the saints of the Universal Church, both of Roman origin, Tertullian and Augustine, have written that the word Armenia should possibly be substituted instead of Judea, as it is more logical that Armenia would be mentioned among those as a foreign country, as the apostles were living in Judea. Moreover, with regards to geographical position, Armenia was situated between Mesopotamia and Cappadocia. Therefore, the people living in Armenia may have been among the first witnesses of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Among the Armenian Church songs and hymns, two are dedicated to the Feast of Pentecost: The Sent Dove (referring to the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove that descended upon Christ during His Baptism) and Indivisible Trinity. These are sung during the Morning Service on the feast day. Also, during the Evening Service, the Andastan rite of the blessing of the four corners of the world is conducted. It is during this service that a prayer written by 12th century Armenian Church father Nerses of Lambron, is read. In the Christian Church the teaching of divine grace is related to the Holy Spirit. According to that instruction, each virtue is a divine grace granted to the faithful by the Holy Spirit. Thus, ascribing any virtue to one s own self, and not to God, is a grave sin and can be manifested in another, which is pride. Hence, commemoration of Pentecost is also an appeal to the faithful to avoid pride and instead, use the divine graces in life for righteous purposes and moral goals. One of the four season fasting periods defined by the Armenian Apostolic Church is the fasting period preceding the beginning of summer. This fasting period, as well as the other ones preceding the other seasons of the year, is not preparation for any feast, and according to the tradition is called Elijah s fast, as coincides the feast of commemoration the Prophet Elijah the next Sunday. This fasting period preceding the beginning of summer starts the day following the feast of Pentecost (the flesh day preceding the fast is the Sunday, when the feast of Pentecost is celebrated). With the change of the Easter Feast day the beginning of the fasting period may be during the period May 11-June 14. Like the other fasting periods preceding the other seasons of the year, this one also lasts five days - from Monday till Friday. Happy Mother's Day This is the day to stop, remember, and pray for that special person in our life, without whom we would not have been, what we are today; a day to prove that all her efforts, towards making us a complete person, have been worthwhile and make her feel proud of us. In the broader sense of the term, Mother's Day is a day to be grateful to God for being so kind as to bless us with an angel in the form of Mother. Mother s Day is celebrated in the United States as well as Canada and many other countries around the world. Some have written that Mother s Day came to be because of a woman in Michigan who decided the second Sunday in May would be a great day to celebrate mothers; she decided this based on a particular incident. While the lady was at church, her pastor s son was out drunk in the street, and the pastor could not continue the service. The lady went up to the pulpit and asked all the other mothers to join her in support of the pastor. The lady s children were so proud of their mom that they decided to honor her on the same day every year and they suggested that others do the same for their mothers. Since the brothers were so intent on their own mother s day the Methodist Episcopal Church followed suit and declared that all moms would be honored on the second Sunday of May and then the rest of the world followed suit. Another version of the origin of Mother s Day is that it was started by Anna Jarvis in West Virginia in 1907 when she decided to honor her own mother with a special service. Only seven years later Mother s Day became a national holiday as a result of presidential decree. Armenians celebrate April 7 as Mothers Day and Beauty Day. On April 7, the Armenian Church celebrates one of her greatest feasts, the Annunciation to St. Mary. In the Gospel of Luke we learn that the Angel Gabriel brings the good news to the Virgin about the birth of the Savior (Luke 1:26-38). This Gospel story is one expression of why the Armenian Church accords high honor to motherhood, and appreciates the role of women in family life, and the lives of mankind. Upon the Pontifical order of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the Feast of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary is proclaimed as a day of Blessing of Motherhood and Beauty. On that day, a special blessing service is conducted in the Armenian Churches. Women are honored by sweets, flowers, different gifts and love.

8 be someone of Armenian descent. With this in mind, and with the firm determination of giving Charlotte her very best chance of getting a compatible donor, Armenian communities in California, along with communities in Philadelphia, Boston and Washington D.C. mobilized forces and organized several donor recruitments. ABMDR, in turn, dispatched Dr. Vergine Madelian and Mrs. Fimi Mekhitarian to St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church in Oakland. Bone Marrow Drive at St. Vartan Church On Easter Sunday, as we gathered to celebrate the resurrection of Christ and the symbol of renewal and rebirth, Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry (ABMDR) and the Be the Match Foundation (BMF) were busy bringing the ultimate message of hope to 4-year old Charlotte and her family in Philadelphia. Charlotte Conybear was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia. Her bone marrow cannot make the platelets and red blood cells she needs, and her only hope of survival hinges on her getting a bone marrow stem cell transplant from a healthy donor. Because Charlotte is part Armenian, and because Armenians have their own unique genetic makeup, Charlotte s life-saving donor is most likely to In a matter of hours, and with the help of the local volunteers, ABMDR and BMF recruited close to 600 new bone marrow donors that included St. Vartan s very own Der Hovel Ohanyan. As these new samples are being analyzed to look for a match for Charlotte and the other 900+ Armenian patients waiting for a match, ABMDR continues its vigorous recruitment activities not only across the US, but also in Armenia and several countries in the Middle East. ABMDR thanks Mrs. Aline Aghababian the organizer of these events, along with the absolutely terrific volunteers for their help with screening, swabbing, and their impeccably smooth operation. The efforts at St. Vartan were lead by Armineh Jamgotchian along with Deacon Steve Donikian, Anna Baghdasaryan, Lana Kassab, Berj Kassab, Karine Manookian, and John & Gabby Meric. In addition to the 12 Churches participating across the country on Easter Sunday, additional registry drives in Los Angeles the subsequent week brought the total registered closer to 1000 donors. Upcoming events are scheduled for New York, Boston and Philadelphia. About the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry: Established in 1999, the ABMDR, a nonprofit organization, helps Armenians worldwide survive life-threatening blood-related illnesses by recruiting and matching donors to those requiring bone marrow stem cell transplants. To date, the registry has recruited over 15,000 donors across three continents, identified 1,305 patients, found 1,033 potential matches, and facilitated nine bone marrow transplants. Dear Friends, On behalf of my families, please accept our most sincere gratitude for your involvement in Sunday s bone marrow drive. We are pleased to report that the twelve participating churches generated over six hundred new samples for the Armenian and National banks. In addition to the clergy and parish councils that made this endeavor possible, we wish to convey special thanks to the volunteers who dedicated themselves to organize and conduct the events. And, of course, our very heartfelt appreciation goes to the potential donors whose generosity may give a lease on life, not only to our dear Charlotte, but to others in need. Paraphrasing our famous, late countryman, William Saroyan, sometimes there are not words to accurately and satisfactorily express one s emotions. This inspirational experience has been such an occasion. With warmest best wishes, I am yours sincerely, Aram Jerrehian Ps: Please refer anyone who wants to participate, but was unable to on Sunday, to the website: hhtp:joinbethematch.orgcharlottesmatch and click on Join Now and use the promo code CharlottesMatch.

9 St. Vartan Cultural Committee and the Armenian Assembly of America Northern California Region Council invite you to meet: Stepan Partamian Yes, We Have Sunday, May 12:30 pm St. Vartan Church Hall / $10 admission includes lunch Liz Ojakian: / lizojakian@yahoo.com Zaven Kanneian: St. Vartan Sports Corner The Western Armenian Athletic Association and the Armenian Church Youth Organization Western Diocese present the 39th Annual Armenian Summer Games. The games will be held May 28-30, 2010 at Clovis North High School, 2770 E. International Ave., Fresno CA. Events include men s and boy s basketball, women s volleyball and basketball, track and field and tennis for all ages, dodge ball, ping-pong and backgammon. A youth dance will be held on Saturday, May 29. Sunday, May 30 will be the awards dinner and dance. For more details and an application go to summergames. com or contact Van DerMugrdeechian, / armeniansports@aol.com. St. Vartan Boys Basketball Team Schedule 2010 Date Time Location Opponent May 2 4:00 pm St. Gregory Annunciation 2 May 4 7:00 pm Ascension Holy Trinity May 8 11:00 am Holy Trinity Annunciation-Sac May 15 11:00 am Holy Trinity Annunciation 1 May 16 3:30 pm Holy Trinity St. Nicholas SJ Playoffs May 20, 21, 22 Championship May 23 League Website The St. Vartan Athletic Committee invites you to attend our St. Vartan games and support the team.

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11 St. Vartan Armenian Church May, 2010 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Diocesan Assembly Morning Service 9:30 am Divine Liturgy 10 am SOAR presentation after church ACYO Meeting Morning Service 9:30 am Divine Liturgy 10 am ACYO Mother s Day Coffee Hour Morning Service 9:30 am Divine Liturgy 10 am Morning Prayer Service and Bible Study 10:30 am Evening Prayer Service and Bible Study 6:30 pm Morning Prayer Service and Bible Study 10:30 am Parish Council Meeting Ladies Society Mother s Day Luncheon & Raffle Noon Ascension of Christ Mayrig & Me 10 am Church Hall Pentecost Morning Service 9:30 am Divine Liturgy 10 am Yes, We Have Presentation/lunch 12:30 pm Morning Service 9:30 am Divine Liturgy 10 am ACYO Sports Weekend, Fresno Memorial Day Evening Prayer Service and Bible Study 6:30 pm ACYO Sports Weekend Fresno Walk-a-thon for Armenian Schools Join the Knights and Daughters of Vartan on May 8, 2010 at Heather Farm Park, 301 N. San Carlos Drive, Walnut Creek from 10 am to 4 pm for their fourth annual walkathon to help Armenia s Schools. The funds raised from this walk-a-thon are matched by the World s Bank 9 to 1 program and used to build schools in Armenia. For more information please contact John Dahlberg, ararat53@gmail.com; Anto Cingoz, info@antoprinting.com or Sako Soghomonian, sako_soghomonian@yahoo.com.

12 Return Service Requested Week 1: July Week 2: July Week 3: August 1-7 Week 4: August 8-14 For more information and to register for camp sessions, visit: The Voice Newsletter is published once a month by St. Vartan Armenian Church 650 Spruce Street, Oakland, CA , Phone (510) , Fax: (510) stvartanoakland@aol.com Website: The deadline for all articles is the fifteenth of each month. Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan Parish Council Chair: Harry Sherinian Parish Assembly Chair: Jack Papazian Jr. Choir Director: Beverly Nalbandian Organist: Virginia Madajian ACYO Chair: Arpi Nakashian Church School Superintendent: Marie Hagopian and Virginia Alexanian Ladies Society Co-chairs: Suzanne Abnous and Suzanne Vasgerdsian Athletic Committee Chair: Mike Boloyan Cultural Society Chair: Liz Ojakian Club Hye Chair: Sako Soghomonian Hokejosh: Nora Hanoian and Pat Barsamian Sunshine: Dorris Kezerian Church Maintenance: Vartan Hovsepian Newsletter Editors: Arlene Hovsepian and Rachel Harger Wedding Coordinator: Carol Rustigian Visiting Committee: Virginia Ratcliff Church Secretary: Rachel Harger Altar Flowers: Diana Toomajian and Norma Yaglijian Church Custodian: Wartkes Hagopian