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1 The Torchbearer }ahagir St. John Armenian Greater Detroit Northwestern Highway Southfield, MI (phone) (fax) The Reverend Far Garabed Kochakian, Pastor Clergy residing within St. John parish community: The Reverend Far Diran Papazian, Pastor Emeritus The Reverend Far Abraham Ohanesian Deacon Rubik Mailian, Director Sacred Music Pastoral Assistant Ms. Margaret Lafian, Organist music guild brings new york s sima trio to detroit... The St. John Music Guild opened its third season with internationally acclaimed Sima Trio New York on Sunday, October 26. The Trio includes three incredibly gifted Armenian musicians: Cellist Ani Kalayjian, pianist Sya Melikyan violinist Sami Merdinian. They played to a full house a very appreciative audience at St. John s Cultural Hall. The program was selected by Trio to reach heart soul primarily Armenian audience in an Armenian venue. Featured composers included Alan Hovhaness, Arno Babadjanian Gayaneh Tchebodarian as well as Josef Haydn. Speaking from stage for Sima Trio, Ani Kalayjian expressed to audience ir joy anticipation performing at St. John Armenian in metro Detroit. Their talent sincerity was apparent in ir performance audience was visibly moved. With this concert Music Guild initiated a new concept; that inviting an accomplished student musician to perform. With approval performing artists student chosen was Michael Rall Hawes who is pursuing a Master s Degree in both Trumpet Voice at Northwestern University. He is member Chicago Symphony Chorus performs on both voice trumpet in Chicago area. For concert at St. John he performed on solo trumpet The Prayer St. Gregory by Alan Hovhaness, to rave reviews from audience. This concert was sponsored in memory Michael Minasian it was especially moving to know that our student soloist is Michael s grson a most fitting tribute. A lovely Wine Cheese reception immediately followed concert where guests could meet artists enjoy Armenian delicacies. It seemed entire audience wanted to continue warm glow concert by staying to share ir enthusiasm ir appreciation for program artists. To quote Cellist Ani Kalayjian, I so enjoyed performing at St. John s for all you was very happy to see such a great turn-out for event. It was wonderful to connect with audience afterwards as well it was a very special ambience during concert. Thanks particularly to Minasian Family for providing major funding for this concert, we would also like to thank our benefactors, patrons donors for contributing to success this event. Without ir collective support, Music Guild would not have been able to present Sima Trio to greater Detroit audience at St. John Armenian. The Music Guild is encouraged by audience participation at this concert which has contributed to success group s efforts to bring fine music musicians to our community. We encourage those who have expressed a desire to support se programs at any level in future to contact or any member St. John Music Guild. Your participation is an imperative ingredient to continue se programs for future generations. Pictured above: The Sima Trio with student performer, Michael Rall Hayes. Pictured at left: The Sima Trio pictured after a powerful performance Babadjanian Piano Trio. - Jeanette Keramedjian - See more on Page 5... Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM After hours in an emergency, please contact: Pastor s Cell: Administrator s Cell: october 2014

2 From Far Garabed s Desk... The four Greater Detroit Armenian Orthodox, Catholic Protestant es announce that Armenian Martyrs Day will be jointly commemorated at The Antiochian Orthodox Basilica Saint Mary with a special Ecumenical Service on Friday, April 24, 2015 at 7:00 pm. The committee has already been working to organize this momentous celebration in life Armenian people churches recognizing canonization Martyrs as Saints Armenian whose lives have become victorious as ir souls rise from ashes death. The service presided over by Clergy, Deacons Choristers four Armenian churches will also invite presence non-armenian clergy laity as well, will conclude with a reception to celebrate se victors Christ. His Eminence Allen Vigneron, Archbishop Roman Catholic Archdiocese Detroit will be principal homilist. Please reserve calendars to join as one Armenian community united in prayer, purpose celebration. Reflections about 100th Anniversary Armenian Genocide Canonization Armenian Martyrs as Saints Who are Saints? The saints are citizens Kingdom God, particular people faith who st out. Many m are unknown that is why re is a day called All Saints Day. Those who are known for ir exemplary life, witness spirit-driven works are celebrated in communities venerated, meaning regarded with special honor. They are declared, made ficial, or canonized in a sense legalized noted for ir piety holiness life, predicated modeled upon virtuous attributes holy living as found in Gospels Pauline letters. The Armenian does not have a formalized ritual or process as western churches may have, but noneless views accepts certain individuals as models faith living icons or images Christ in totality, be y monks, priests, or lay people. Their martyrdom, miraculous efforts works in changing what is ordinary to level extraordinary are so noted celebrated in day-to-day life church during Holy Badarak or services prayer. They are remembered with loving thanks for showing way to BE CHRIST, to emulate Jesus, to be living eyes, hs spirit God in one s own humanity. The Canonization 1915 Armenian Martyrs becomes a moment conversion, transformation from sadness defeat to celebration victory, exalting those whom we have mourned for 100 years to level sainthood which we should aspire to emulate. Their courageous deeds actions become divinized with power victory over death. Christ has conquered death with His power resurrection. In same way collective martyrdom victims 1915 is now a turning point with ir canonization, imbuing Armenian Christians today with strength endurance that, as scripture says, boasts in hope glory God in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God s love has been poured out into our hearts through Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:1-5 The forthcoming canonization is a change for Armenian people, a change from victim to being victors, placing our church under a dogmatic imperative. We no longer weep for m (though we may still weep for ourselves). Rar we celebrate ir memories as eternal witnesses Christ His Victory during Divine Liturgy. We shall invoke ir names souls as models icons endurance, perseverance holy character to help us overcome our earthly struggles suffering commending ourselves to become like m, fearless even unto death in through Christ Lord. What lies ahead us, with New Saints Armenian, is a daunting challenge transforming a one-hundred year atmosphere sorrow victimization to horizon heaven where we live now in celebration victory in hope joining m as co-citizens in Kingdom God. By God s grace, tragedy which we have been a part will become a testament victory which we shall forever celebrate. ~ Far Garabed men s society pancake breakfast proceeds donated... On Sunday, November 2, 2014, Men s Society held a pancake breakfast with over 150 in attendance. A delicious menu food drink every type was served. The following Men s Society members helped make this delicious breakfast: Ed Baharian, George Boyagian, Dan Cristiano, David Dardarian, John Kalajian, Robert Magee, Mark Mamassian, George Saboonjian Peter Toukhanian. The funds raised will go to support Capuchin Brors programs, especially Jefferson House, where Franciscan Capuchin Friars volunteer staff provides rehabilitation for men suffering from addictions. This is a new ministry service St. John s Men s Society has chosen to support. Please come join us next time. The members Men s Society thank you for continued support se garings. - Daniel Cristiano - Page 2

3 with great appreciation... The following doctors support a healthy Armenian community supported 2014 Health Fair at St. John Armenian. We thank m for ir dedication support. Dr. Gary Assarian Dr. David Aprahamian Dr. Heidi Aprahamian Dr. Linda Darian Dr. Charles Godoshian Dr. Robert Hogikyan Dr. Gregory Kalemkerian Dr. Jeri Kedzierski Dr. Harry A. Kezelian Dr. Christine Matoian Dr. Viken Matossian Dr. Aram Mechigian Dr. Berj Nercessian Dr. Thomas Varbedian Dr. Robert Vartabedian remembering der zor... Touched by tragic desecration Der Zor Chapel, Viken Garo Matossian shared ir feelings words hope faith: Echoes ordained canting Permeate hallowed archstones Hear faithful choir chanting Bless a desecrated throne Scattered parish faithful yearning Steadfast hymns ancient reverence In dark one cle burning Promise Savior s presence. women s guild keeps busy... With a successful Fall Festival behind us, Women s Guild is thankful for dedication everyone who participated. We are especially proud our Women s Guild Hot Foods Bake Goods Sales Delicacy Basket. Our special thanks go to Dolly Matoian who led thirty-seven bake days over four months to her dedicated assistants Almas Derderian, Marianne Dardarian Joy Callan. We are inspired by energy Anita Arslanian Joy Callan who worked continuously for three days evenings in kitchen created extraordinary Delicacy Basket. Our appreciation to Hot Foods leaders Diane Dawn Aginian who chaired all three days to Bake Sale leaders: Sue Vian, Rose Najarian, Joy Callan, Terry Palaian Linda DePietro. We were pleased to have Deena Policheekeo from Alternatives for Girls in Detroit as our featured speaker at our October meeting. For ten years, Sue Vian has led Women s Guild in creating personal gift bags for this organization at our November meetings. Ms. Policheekeo explained various programs Alternatives for Girls. The mission program is to help homeless high-risk girls young women avoid violence, teen pregnancy exploitation help m explore access support, resources, opportunities necessary to be safe, to grow strong, to make positive choices in ir lives. This past year 100% young women were eligible to graduate high school were pursuing higher education in fall. Pictured: Far Garabed Kochakian, Alternative for Girls Representative Deena Policheekeo Women s Guild board member Gift Bag Project Chairwoman Susan Vian. - Nora Noraian - october 2014

4 sacraments Baptisms & Chrismations October Ani Izabella Daughter Robert & Lindsay Lehrer Godparents: Steven & Natalie Hagopian 18 Kira Karine Daughter John & Sara Hagopian Godparents: Steven & Seta Hagopian Marriages Arrangements for weddings are to be made at least eight months in advance. Marriage preparation counseling are required before celebration sacrament. The Bestman (Khachyeghpayr) must be a member Armenian Orthodox. The parish fice will make all necessary arrangements for deacon, organist soloist. Marriages are not celebrated during Great Lent. 19 Skyler Francis Son Michael McFadden & Natalie Afacanyan Godparents: Johnny & Aylin Afacanyan Paul Garen Son Johnny & Aylin Afacanyan Godparents: Haroutyun Dulgar & Natalie Afacanyan Weddings October Sam Sarkis Lucian & Christina Holly Marin Khachyeghpayr: Levon Taroyan Bestman: Corey Walch Maid Honor: Lisa Cylkowski 4 Thomas Charles Stamboulian Jr. & Lucinda Seera-Yeran Selverian Bestman: Charles Stamboulian Maid Honor: Dawn Penecale 18 Neal Michael Naughton & Margeaux Anahid Reizian Khachyeghpayr: Spencer Keoleian Bestman: Kevin Naughton Jr. Maid Honor: Paulina Reizian 26 Grigoriy Babayan & Hripsime Grigoryan Bestman: Arthur Agamyan Maid Honor: Ornela Mirashi Funerals October 2014 Baptisms Chrismations All baptisms must be scheduled two months prior to sacrament s celebration. Rescheduling a date will be allowed only once, if necessary. Prebaptismal preparation for godparents will take place one half hour prior to baptism service. We ask that godparents please be on time. One two godparents must be a member Armenian Orthodox Faith. Unlike Sacrament Holy Crowning/ Marriage that is not celebrated during Great Lenten period Armenian, baptisms may take place throughout year on Sundays after Divine Liturgy at 1: 30 pm. They may also take place on Saturdays or by exception on any weekday. Chrismations are generally fered on weekdays or prior to Sunday Divine Liturgy. Regulations for Sacramental Services The rule order with regard to worship sacraments requires that all services be celebrated in Sanctuary that has been consecrated for such sacred celebrations. Weddings, baptisms funerals cannot be celebrated outside building proper. 13 Stephen Hagopian, 86, Woodmerre 15 Margaret Gozmanian, 85, Woodlawn 31 George P. Keurajian, 90, Woodlawn Page 4

5 Chairman s corner... We wanted to give you abundant notice that 2014 annual Parish Assembly will occur on Sunday, February 1, 2015, in main ballroom immediately following Divine Liturgy. This is occasion when we review accomplishments previous year, discuss finances, approve annual budget, elect members to Parish Council, Auditing Committee, Nominating Committee, Diocesan Delegates so much more. We will also be discussing some important events such as 100th Genocide commemoration. We want to hear ideas about how we can continue to strengn our Parish. The annual meeting is one most important events year, so please mark calendar for February 1, On behalf Parish Council, Karmen A. Santourian Parish Council Chairman Some Sima Trio After Notes In a post-concert interview with Ani Kalayjian she expressed We were thrilled to plan a program that featured both classical Armenian works from our heritage which was very meaningful to us. When asked what advice she would give to aspiring musicians Work hardest, raise stards every day. Perform as much as possible to gain concert experience. Becoming an artist is a privilege allowing you to express unique talent take it all over world. Enjoy process go for it. From a member audience, Sarah Dergazarian The Babadjanian Piano Trio in f# minor, was performed with such mastery. The dramatic interplay between violinist Sami Merdinian cellist Ani Kalayjian showed ir understing composer s intent. The final movement, Allegro Vivace, was extremely challenging pianist, Sya Melikyan laid into large chords with her whole body. Wow, what an afternoon quality music! acyoa seniors knuckle down... Our Detroit ACYOA Seniors shared with us that 2015 will be a year filled with much activity work as y will host diocesan youth at General Assembly Sports Weekend Thursday, May 21 Monday, May 25, In 2015, Catholicoi Armenian along with all bishops in Armenia Diaspora will declare Martyrs 1915 Genocide as Saints in a special service canonization to be held in April. In keeping with this momentous event in life Armenian nation Diaspora, this year s ACYOA General Assembly Sports Weekend will incorporate remembrance celebration Martyrs in a number ways for Armenian youth who will gar in Detroit. Along with meetings sporting events, cultural, educational charitable service programs will enhance garing under me Made in Detroit: We are Legacy. A special walk talk event honoring newly canonized Saints is being planned as part this commemoration that will culminate with a unique youth-focused Divine Liturgy on Sunday, May 24th in our beautiful sanctuary. Not only youth, but our entire parish will be host this special garing in May. We ask everyone in our community who may be approached to help in extending finest Midwestern hospitality to our guests. Step up make our community shine as brightly as dome our church. Pictured: Our ACYOA Seniors at Sunday service, pictured with Far Garabed Jennifer Morris. october 2014

6 Schedule - Տօնակարգ Ս. Ծննդեան Շրջանի SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2014 CHURCH SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM, Gr Ballroom, following Divine Liturgy WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2014 ST. STEPHEN THE PROTODEACON AND FIRST MARTYR/WESTERN CHRISTMAS EVE Ս. Ստեփաննոս Նախասարկաւագ եւ Առաջին Մարտիրոս / Քրիսմըսի Նախօրեակ / A Family Worship Carols (in English) & Scripture Readings - 10:30 pm / Tea hosted by ACYOA Seniors THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015 NEW YEAR S DAY DIVINE LITURGY, 11:00 AM MONDAY, JANUARY 5, ARMENIAN CHRISTMAS EVE / JRAKALOOYTS Vespers Reading Prophesies - Ճրագալոյց / Խթման Գիշեր / Դանիէլի Մարգարէութեան Ընթերցում եւ Երից Մանկանց - 6:00 pm; Divine Liturgy / Ս. Պատարագ - 7:00 pm TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, THEOPHANY / EPIPHANY / DON ASDVADZAHAYDNOOTIAN FEAST OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST / Տօն Ս. Ծննդեան եւ Աստուածայայտնութեան Festal Divine Liturgy / Հանդիսաւոր Ս. Պատարագ - 10:30 am Blessing Waters Ջրoրհնէք / Godfar Cross: Nicolas Sarafian A Luncheon will be hosted by Women s Guild in Gr Ballroom following worship services. Please RSVP by January 2nd to Office at GREETINGS FROM YOUR PASTOR AND PARISH COUNCIL On occasion New Year Holy GREETINGS Season, FROM Pastor YOUR PASTOR Parish AND Council PARISH wish COUNCIL to extend to On our beloved occasion faithful community New Year friends Holy ir sincere prayers Season, good Pastor tidings for Parish a New Council Year filled wish with to extend God s abundant to our beloved blessings. faithful community friends ir sincere prayers good tidings for a New Year filled with God s abundant blessings. THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION - The Feast Our Lord s Birth Baptism is a Daghavar / Tabernacle Feast THE SACRAMENT Armenian OF Apostolic HOLY COMMUNION Orthodox - The Feast is a day Our Lord s Holy Birth Obligation. Baptism In accordance is a Daghavar with Armenian / Tabernacle Feast Canon, all Armenian faithful Apostolic are expected Orthodox to partake is Sacrament a day Holy Holy Obligation. Communion In accordance at Divine with Liturgies Armenian this Holy Canon, Season. all faithful should partake Sacrament Holy Communion at Divine Liturgies this Holy Season. OLD & NEW TRADITIONS OF ARMENIAN CHRISTMAS - Yughakin Իւղագին It is a church tradition to make a OLD & fering NEW TRADITIONS for religious OF ARMENIAN educational CHRISTMAS programs - Yughakin charitable deeds Իւղագին to be It fered is a church honoring tradition to name make a our Lord fering Saviour. for Enclosed religious is an educational envelope for programs charitable fering, deeds which to we be fered call Yughakin, honoring meaning name price our oil. Lord Before Saviour. modern times, Enclosed oil was is an used envelope to light for lanterns in our fering, churches. which In this we season call Yughakin, giving, meaning fering price will keep oil. Before light modern Christ times, burning oil was brightly used to as light you remember lanterns in our churches. all In this good season giving, gift can do. fering will keep light Christ burning brightly as you remember all good gift can do. Home Blessing Dnorhnek Տնօրհնէք It is customary to invite Lord s blessings into our homes during Home Blessing Dnorhnek Տնօրհնէք Season. If you wish to have home It is blessed customary during to invite tide, Lord s please blessings call into our homes Office during at to Season. schedule If you a visit wish by to have pastor, who home will blessed with joy during respond tide, bring please Blessings call Christ Office into at home. to schedule a visit by pastor, who will with joy respond bring Blessings Christ into home. Altar Flowers Խորանի Ծաղիկներ / Festal Cles Տօնական Մոմեր A beautiful tradition at St. Altar Flowers Խորանի Ծաղիկներ / Festal Cles Տօնական Մոմեր John s is adornment holy altar bema with poinsettia plants special A beautiful cles. If you would tradition like to at St. contribute John s is towards adornment se items, please holy contact altar bema with Office. poinsettia plants special cles. If you would like to contribute towards se items, please contact Office. Page 6 Ձեզ եւ Մեզ Մեծ Աւետիս - Քրիստոս Ծնաւ եւ Յայտնեցաւ Tsez yev mez Medz Avedis - Kreesdos Dzunav yev Haydnetsav Christ is Born is Revealed - Blessed is Revelation Christ!

7 Please Support Our Loyal Sponsors Edward FuneralKorkoian Home 836 N. Main Street Royal Oak, MI (248) (248) (248) (248) Over Half a Century Service Many Convenient Locations The Edward Korkoian Funeral Home has honorably served our Armenian community Since 1949, with three generations pressional, compassionate dedicated service. Our New Location Wessels & Wilk Funeral Home, Inc Woodward Ave., Pleasant Ridge, MI Directors Simon Javizian - John E. Wilk SJavizian@att.net CoMing soon The new Manoogian Manor Remember St. John Armenian Max Broock Realtors 275 S. Old Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI in Will T he ClosesT Thing To own home. Let us be solution. Furnished private or semi-private rooms with bathrooms Air conditioning Therapy services Nursing care Daily housekeeping Personal laundry services Complete meal service Therapeutic diets Medications, monitored dispensed Podiatry services Medical care, x-ray, laboratory, visual/dental/hearing services Beauty/barber shop Daily activities social hour Private pay & SSI (Medicaid) accepted = Short Term Long Term Respite Care Available LUCINE TOROYAN TARMAN REAL ESTATE SALES ASSOCIATE lucine@hyeonhomes.com Manoogian Manor Assisted Living for Seniors Middlebelt Road, Livonia, Michigan The Torchbearer Staff Manoogian_Manor_Ad-sm.indd 1 Fr. Garabed Kochakian, Editor-in-chief Julia Papiyants, Managing Editor, Copy & Layout; Harry Avagian, Mary Davidson, Diane Ekizian, May Kafafian, Dolly Matoian We welcome comments suggestions, so please feel free to contact Office so we may continue to improve way we bring information to our parishioners, subscribers St. John community. If you would like to help defray printing postage costs, are computer savvy, please consider receiving Torchbearer online as 10% our readership already does. The added bonus is that it appears in color online! Please contact Office. If you would be interested in sponsoring an issue The Torchbearer, that is, assuming costs producing one, please contact May Kafafian at Office for furr information. We also need volunteers who would be interested in helping prepare The Torchbearer for mailing. This occurs around 25th month for just a few hours. Again, please contact Office. We invite you to visit St. John web site for up-to-date calendar information, Sunday Bulletin, The Torchbearer, event information links to internet sites interest to our parishioners: stjohnsarmenianchurch.org Choose a ministry to support, estab3/6/13 4:25 PM lish an endowment, or supplement General Fund. Contact Office, Pastor or a Parish Council member for ways to leave a legacy to. october 2014

8 PLEASE SAVE THE DATES.... Please save date... September 2 Labor Day Complex Closed December 9 Conception Holy Mor--God 21 School Program 24 Western Eve Service 25 Western -Complex Closed 8 in community... Sunday, December 7, 2014, 12:30 pm Children s Party St. John s Rec Center Sponsored by Evereg Fenesse Educational Society January Happy New Year! Divine Liturgy, 11:00 am 5 Senior Lunch, 12:00 Noon 5-6 Armenian see worship schedule Sunday, December 14, 2014, 12:30 pm Children s Party St. John s Rec Center Sponsored by Knights & Daughters Vartan 13 Guest Speaker Dr. Christina Maranci 15 Exaltation Holy Cross School Opens Men s Society Pancake Breakfast St. John Armenian Northwestern Highway Southfield, MI Postmaster: Time sensitive material Non-Prit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 647 Southfield, MI