CHALICE PARB:RAJ;RJ OUAJENXWILI SOURB ASTOUA?A?IN FA Z1 A%AQ:LAKAN :K:{:ZUO. Website:

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1 CHALICE SKIF PARB:RAJ;RJ OUAJENXWILI SOURB ASTOUA?A?IN FA Z1 A%AQ:LAKAN :K:{:ZUO Sunday Worship Hours All Are Welcome Kirakn7r;a\ Pa,tamounq Amhn mard frauiroua/ h Morning Service - 9:30 am Divine Liturgy(Soorp Badarak) - 10:00 am Sermon (English/Armenian) - 11:00 am Sunday School - 10:00 am A5au7t;an vam;rgoujiun - 9:30 Sourb Patarag - 10:00 Qarox (Angl;rhn ;u Fa\;rhn) - 11:00 Rev. Fr. Mikael Der Kosrofian Divine Liturgy followed by fellowship hour in the church hall Arv1 T1 Miqahl Qfn\1 Thr >osrow;an4 Fowiu Kirakn7r;a\ Warvaran (S;pt;mb;r - ounis) Pataraghn w;r= souryi fiurasiroujiun3 ;k;[;zuo\ n;rqnasrafin mh=! SOORP ASDVADZADZIN ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH 315 Church St., Whitinsville, MA January - April 2015 Website: armenianchurchofwhitinsville@gmail.com

2 On The Cover: Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex in Yerevan is dedicated to the memory of the 1.5 million Armenians who perished in the first genocide of the 20th century, at the hands of the Turkish government. Completed in 1967, the Genocide Monument has since become a pilgrimage site and an integral part of Yerevan s architecture. Set high on a hill, dominating the landscape, it is in perfect harmony with its surroundings. The austere outlines convey the spirit of the nation that survived a ruthless campaign of extermination. CHALICE A publication of Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church 315 Church Street, Whitinsville, MA Telephone: Fax: Website: armenianchurchofwhitinsville@gmail.com Rev. Fr. Mikael Der Kosrofian, Pastor Cell: Home: der.mikaeldk@gmail.com Board of Trustees: Chairman: Peter Bedrosian bedrozip@hotmail.com Vice.Chair: Sonya Merian smerian1@gmail.com Recording Secretary: Priscilla Altoonian hyemom23@aol.com Treasurer: David DePasquale david_depasquale@waters.com Assistant Treasurer: Peter Bedigian pbedigian@omnicontroltech.com Advisors: Daniel Merian ~ haig1918@gmail.com Bob Gigarjian ~ bobgigarjian@yahoo.com Butch Simonian ~ hsimonian@charter.net Bill Diluca ~ billdiluca@yahoo.com NRA Delegates: John Berberian, Barbara Berberian Ladies Guild: Carol Bedrosian carol.bedrosian@gmail.com Sunday School Director: Priscilla Altoonian hyemom23@aol.com Chalice: Der Mikael Der Kosrofian der.mikaeldk@gmail.com Choir: Ann Samkiranian Membership: Lindsay Brown ldb91810@verizon.net s: Cindy DerMugrditchian ~ armenianchurchofwhitinsville@gmail.com In preparation of the Chalice, every effort has been made to offer the most current, correct, and clearly expressed information possible. Nevertheless, inadvertent errors in information may occur and information may become dated. In particular but without limiting anything stated herein, Soorp Asdvadzadzin disclaims any responsibility for typographical errors and accuracy or timeliness of the information. Soorp Asdvadzadzin also reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice. The complex occupies 4500 square meters of territory and consists of three main buildings: the Memorial Wall, the Sanctuary of Eternity (Memorial Hall & Eternal Flame) and the Memorial Column The Reborn Armenia. Before reaching the central part of the monument, visitors first observe a 100-meter long basalt Memorial Wall with the names of cities engraved in stone. The names also include the Armenian populations that were massacred by Turks during the Genocide campaign. Since 1996, the last portion of the Memorial Wall houses glass casings that contain soil taken from the tombs of political, and intellectual figures who raised their protest against the Genocide committed against the Armenians by the Turks. Among them are Armin Wegner, Hedvig Bull, Henry Morgenthau, Franz Werfel, Yohannes Lepsius, James Bryce, Anatol France, Jakomo Gorini, Benedict XV, Fritioff Nansen, Fayez El Husseyn. As part of the monument, an arrow-shaped stele of granite, 44 meters high, reaches to the sky, symbolizing the survival and spiritual rebirth of the Armenian people. Partly split vertically by a deep crevice, this tower symbolizes the tragic and violent dispersion of the Armenian people, and at the same time, expresses the unity of the Armenian people. At the center of the Monument stands the circular Memorial Sanctuary. Its unroofed walls consist of twelve, tall, inwardleaning basalt slabs forming a circle. The shape of these walls simulates traditional Armenian khatchkars, which are stone slabs with large carved crosses at the center. These slabs also suggest figures in mourning. The level of the floor of the Genocide Monument is set at one and a half meters lower than the walkway. At its center, there is an eternal flame which memorializes all the victims of the Genocide. The steps leading down to the eternal flame are steep, thus requiring visitors to bow their heads reverently as they descend. From the Khatchkars (Cross-Stones) were mounted in the vicinity of the Genocide Monument to commemorate Armenians massacred in the 1980s by the Azeri government, in the Azerbaijani cities of Sumgait, Kirovabad (Ganzak) and Baku. ( 2

3 (Vatican Radio) The Catholicos of Cilicia of the Armenians, His Holiness Aram I, offered greetings and thanks to Pope Francis following Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday. Please find the full text of his remarks, below. This is indeed a unique moment in our modern history; a moment marked by ecumenical and pan-armenian symbolism. I would like to highlight three significant aspects of this historical moment. First, we are grateful for Your Holiness initiative in celebrating a holy mass in the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican in commemoration of the one and a half million martyrs of the Armenian Genocide. As St. Paul says, To die in Christ is to live (Phil. 1:21). The Armenian martyrs belong to the cloud of witnesses surrounding us (Hebr. 12:1). With their faith, hope and vision, they have sustained and guided the life of our people during the past 100 years. We remember the words of the 2nd century church father Tertullian, The blood of martyrs is the seed of the church. The canonization of the martyrs by the Armenian Church will fortify our people s faithfulness to their sacred legacy. Second, today, Your Holiness has proclaimed Saint Gregory of Narek a doctor of the Church (Doctor Ecclesiae). We express our spiritual joy for this decision of the Catholic Church. In fact, Saint Gregory of Narek is one of the great mystics of world Christendom. He was an outstanding theologian, whose theology is not an intellectual reflection on God, but a dialogue with God. With his BOOK OF LAMENTATIONS, which is a human cry for meaning and salvation, St Gregory of Narek remains our eternal contemporary. And finally in this spiritual context, by remembering and commemorating the Armenian martyrs, we also reclaim justice. Justice is a gift of God; violation of justice is a sin against God. For one hundred years, the Armenian people have remained faithful to the legacy of its martyrs by demanding the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and reparation. This commitment for justice will continue with renewed faith and resolve. The Vatican has never been indifferent to the Armenian Genocide. Pope Benedict XV wrote a strongly worded letter to the Sultan of Turkey protesting the massive crime perpetrated against Armenians. In the following years, the Holy See extended its social and humanitarian aid to the Armenian people. In fact, the newly released historical documents confirm the Holy See s firm stand with the Armenian people s claim for justice. Our people value the moral support of the Holy See. With these thoughts in mind and hope in heart, we express our profound gratitude for the love and fellowship that Your Holiness has always shown towards our church and people. We pray that Almighty God enrich your ministry with continued achievements at the service of the Church s mission and unity. 3

4 Resurrected Life I am the resurrection and the life. (John 11:25) This is the true testimony given by Christ for himself to humanity. Resurrection is not only resumption of life, but also eternal life, which is the reward reserved for all those who lived faithfully in and with Christ. Usually we look, live, and understand life as being the sum of our days in this world. We think of life being the span from birth to death and we hope it will be pleasant and happy. To enjoy the sweetness of life, we hope the days of our life will be many and long. Therefore, the plain and true physiological understanding of this definition of life needs greater and profound meaning in the context of our Christian faith, where we do not regard life as only the time we lived on earth, but also especially our union with our God and Lord Jesus Christ, that begins from this world and opens the way to true life our union with Christ. Exactly with this understanding on another occasion our Lord said, I am the way, and the truth, and the life, (John 14:6) These thoughts become profound when we prepare to greet and celebrate Christ s glorious resurrection. It is a message of twenty centuries directed to all humanity that beyond this world there is a life that does not age, a life that does not die. To enjoy that life it is necessary to adopt the road that leads to the resurrected Christ. Blessed and holy are they who have confessed Christ as their Lord and Life, who have witnessed this truth, even at the risk of their passing lives. If the experience of an individual life opens the road to eternal life, then truly the collective comprehension of peoples also guarantees the same eternity that comes from God as grace and reward. This is a statement of fact whose witness is the Armenian people throughout their national existence. We confessed Christ as our God; through our national crucifixion we were witness to Him and through our non-negotiable sacrifice, we were resurrected with Him, a resurrection that is received only with devotion and faithfulness. There is no greater outcry of this truth of our witness then our nation s collective martyrdom one hundred years ago. As much as it is the victim of international intrigue, it is equally testimony of the love and faithfulness that our nation has shown to Christ. Starting with Vartanank and through the centuries the unshaken proclamation of our struggle, devotion, and martyrdom has always been, Who will separate us from the love of Christ? (Romans 8:35). The genocide was the greatest catastrophe for our people and for humanity. Our grandfathers and grandmothers were sacrificed, as was our paradise homeland of thousands of years. This year, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the genocide, we are obliged to seek our eternal national life, whose ransom was paid by the blood of one-and-one-half million martyrs. As a nation we withstood one hundred years of terror, treachery, and evil. Now we stand upright and we not only mourn, but we marvel at the miracle of their martyrdom. Their martyrdom is so much greater and majestic than ordinary death. In the life of our church, the Martyrs of April, elevated upon the steps of sainthood, reach God; they reach eternal and true life Christ! As a message on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the genocide, suffice it for me to condense two specific thoughts: 1. Deprived of a homeland, the tragedy of our people was a result of a cruel and evil plan. Along with the loss of our homeland we lost all of the holy values that were inherently there. Throughout the centuries our homeland bloomed and flourished with our culture through our creative genius, blood, and sweat. The message of the centennial directed to all of our people, throughout Armenia and the Diaspora, is that our homeland is sacred and is a treasure chest of our centuries of hallowed treasures. Maintaining and defending today s independent Armenia is a duty for each of us, and our cause is the complete unity of our sacred lands. 2. On April 23, the Catholicoi of the Armenian Church will declare the canonization of the Martyrs of April. This is the supreme reward of our God and people. We the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the April saints have the imperative to live with our prayers and enjoy the blessedness won with blood and agony. This is the reward given to them by Christ himself, the everlasting obligation of the Armenian people, and the crown of righteousness given to them by our nation (II Timothy 4:8). It is blissful to be the descendants of these holy martyrs. We prayed for them for one hundred years. Now the time has come for us to pray to them and seek their intercession for the perseverance of resurrection gained by our faithfulness, and a bright and victorious future. I am the resurrection and the life. Easter April 5, 2015 ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN Prelate Armenian Apostolic Church of America (Eastern Prelacy) 4

5 April 18 th was a proud day for the Armenians of Worcester county. Approximately 500 people attended the march, along with the Clergy were also the Mayor of Worcester Joseph Petty, Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, Congressman James McGovern, Senator Harriette Chandler and Representative David Muradian, Jr. to name a few. Emcee, Sheriff of Middlesex County, Peter Koutoujian spoke eloquently and reminded everyone why they were all there. A tree dedication service took place after the remarks at city hall plaza which was followed by an ecumenical service at St. Paul's cathedral and a Homily from His Eminence, Bishop Robert McManus. 5

6 Easter at the Holy See of Cilicia His Holiness Aram I during his Easter sermon in St. Gregory The Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias, Lebanon In his Easter sermon, His Holiness Aram I spoke of the Resurrection of Jesus as the triumph of the Truth, the promise of eternal life and the victory of light over darkness. He told the large number of faithful gathered at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral for Easter Liturgy that those who crucified Jesus were mistaken to think that through his death they would destroy the Truth. People who continue to be strengthened by the message of Christ s Resurrection will always triumph over life s temporal truths, dark thoughts and destructive ways. Addressing the faithful, the Catholicos said Throughout our history we have survived persecutions by remaining steadfast to the message of the Resurrected Christ. One hundred years ago, dark plans were put into action to destroy us. Today, however, we celebrate not only the Resurrection of Jesus but also the resurrection of our people, who have survived and thrived throughout the world. 6

7 PASTOR S MESSAGE ARE WE SEEKING CHRIST DILIGENTLY? The Easter message is a message of Love. A kind of love that is very rare to find these days. As I ve said in the past, if a person does not love themselves in an unselfish manner they will never be able to understand the love that God has for us and will fail to see the true meaning of Easter. It is not about the bunny and the chocolate eggs. It is about our God, our Creator who came down from Heaven, walked, talked, ate with, suffered and died and was victoriously resurrected for humanity. For you and for me. When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb? But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. Don t be alarmed, he said. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you. Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid. As I read this passage I noticed what Mark wrote in the first verse, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus body. Jesus body was not completely prepared for burial because of the Sabbath so these women went there on Sunday morning. They didn t have the attitude, Why should we go to the tomb, it s finished, He s already buried. No, on the contrary these dedicated women were up in the early hours of dawn and went blindly to a tomb that they would not be able to access. How were they going to remove the stone of the tomb to get in? If we give it some thought and even if other questions don t challenge our minds, we should at least be asking how were they planning on moving that huge stone? In Matthew 28:2, we get an idea of how big the stone was. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 7 These women went because they were faithful, they were carried by a holy passion, they wanted to complete the ritual of the burial and they were seeking Christ diligently. The soldiers, on the other hand were ordered to guard the tomb to make sure no one would get in or out. But God had other plans. The stone had been rolled away by the time these women arrived, raising another question: Why? Was it so Jesus could get out of the tomb? Of course Not! Christ in His resurrected body didn t need the tomb to be opened for an exit. The stone was moved so that there would be witnesses who could go into the tomb and see that it was empty. Obviously the women were not expecting to see the angel or the resurrected Christ, in fact they were frightened. That s why the Angel s first words to the women was Fear Not. Then the angel tells the women, come and see that Jesus is not here. He is risen and go tell His disciples. The angel invited the women to go and see and to tell the others about the good news of the resurrected Christ. That is what Jesus is telling all of us today, come and see, come to me. Matthew 11:28, Jesus said, Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. What a promise? St. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. We have a choice to make and by making excuses, we are making the wrong choices and these excuses are keeping us away from God, our creator. We have the power to change the way we think, to change the way we act, to change our lives. We have the power to overcome our sins. How? By accepting God s invitation. Unfortunately many take that invitation for granted. We don t fully understand what Jesus really went through for us. Can anyone of us really know or understand the misery that He experienced? Can anyone of us know the loneliness that Jesus experienced as He hung rejected on the cross, dying for our sins? He did it out of His love for you and for me! Քրիստոս յարեաւ ի մեռելոց, օրհնեալ է Յարութիւնն Քրիստոսի KRISDOS HARYAV EE MERELOTZ ORHNYAL EH HAROUTYOONUN KRISDOSI. Fr. Mikael Der Khosrofian, Pastor

8 Ladies Guild Annual Christmas Party On Saturday, January 3rd more than 25 members of the Ladies Guild gathered for a holiday brunch. Organized by Ladies Guild president Carol Bedrosian and vice president Priscilla Altoonian, the brunch was hosted at the home of Stephen and Michella Brudner in Northbridge. Three generations of Ladies Guild members (present and future) enjoyed delicious food, drinks and desserts and a fun time with good friends. Following brunch, everyone gathered for a very lively Yankee gift swap. As Charles Dickens said, "There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor, both of which abounded during many gift swaps. Several items proved to be crowd favorites, including supermarket gift certificates and, yes, you guessed it scratch tickets! After a very busy fall season of cooking and baking for our church's annual bazaar which would not be possible without the months of work that our ladies undertake starting in September every year the holiday brunch, in lieu of a regular January business meeting, was a well-deserved day off. We set a very positive tone for the new year and always welcome new members to the Ladies Guild. For more information please contact Carol Bedrosian at carol.bedrosian@gmail.com or(508) Respectfully submitted by Michella Brudner Dorothy & Soupy with our late Suzanne Bedrosian Joyce Elizabeth, Yeretsgin Margaret, Michella and Joanne 8

9 L A G U I L D D I E S Carol & Priscilla Future members of Our Ladies Guild Donna, Clair, Nazely & Vivian Arousyag & Bella 9

10 Board of Trustees Update Greetings As the long winter has finally come to an end, our church has just celebrated a beautiful Easter season. Last month the annual meeting took place. Four members were elected to the board of trustees. Congradulations to incumbants Prisciila Altoonian, Butch Simonian, and newly elected Bob Gigarjian, and Bill Diluca. On behalf of Der Hayr and the board I'd like to thank Alice Sagerian and Paul Mouradian for their dedication and work while on the board and at the same time welcome our new members. Spring will be busy with the 100th Anniversary and Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide and the Pontifical visit to the New England Community. His Holiness Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia will celebrate Divine Liturgy on Sunday, May 31, 2015 at St. Stephen's Church in Watertown. Everyone is encouraged to attend the Pontifical Badarak that day. New committees will be formed. A church clean up day is planned for May 16th and we are in need of volunteer s to come and help beautify our Church with a little hard work and fellowship we can accomplish much on that day. New projects are underway, including a storage closet and new lock system. The 4th annual Soorp Asdvadzadzin Dave Papazian Memorial Golf Tournament is set for August 3rd. Our Picnic will be on August 16th; details on both events will be published on our website and Facebook so please stayed tuned. Chef of the Month dinners are also underway, if anyone would like to display their culinary talents please contact a board member to host one of the dinners. Respectfully Peter Bedrosian Chairman New England Pontifical Visit Itinerary Thursday, May 28 Commemoration, Watertown, Massachusetts Friday, May 29 Banquet, St. Stephen s Church, Watertown, MA Saturday, May 30 Hrashapar Service, Sts. Vartanantz Church, RI Sunday, May 31 Divine Liturgy, St. Stephen s Church, Watertown, MA Wednesday, June 3 Clergy Conference, Watertown, Massachusetts Thursday, June 4 Open National Representative Assembly, Watertown, Departure to Antelias, Lebanon For detailed information visit 10

11 Christmas Highlights Der Mikael with the Sunday school children Blessing of the Water Service with Deacons and Godfather, Vahan Der Kosrofian. Jesus said, Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. ~Matthew 19:14 Sunday school Christmas Pageant (Vatican Radio) Pope Francis has declared Armenian poet and monk, Saint Gregory of Narek, a Doctor of the Universal Church. Meeting with Cardinal Angelo Amato, Prefect of the Congregation for the Cause of Saints on Saturday ahead of his departure for Aricca on Lenten retreat, the Pope confirmed the proposal put forward by the Plenary Session of the Congregation to confer the title of Doctor of the Universal Church on the 10 th century saint. St. Gregory of Narek is widely revered as one of the greatest figures of medieval Armenian religious thought and literature. Born in the city of Narek in about 950 A.D., St. Gregory came from a line of scholars and churchmen. St. Gregory received his education under the guidance of his father, Bishop Khosrov, author of the earliest commentary on the Divine Liturgy, and from Anania Vartabed, abbotof Narek Monastery. He and his two brothers entered monastic life at an early age, and St. Gregory soon began to excel in music, astronomy, geometry, mathematics, literature, and theology. He became a priest at the age of 25 and dedicated himself to God. He lived most of his life in the monastery of Narek, where he taught at the monastic school. St. Gregory began his writings with a commentary on the Song of Songs, which was commissioned by an Armenian prince. Despite his reservations that he was too young for the task, the commentary became famous for its clarity of thought and language and its excellence of theological presentation. He also wrote a number of famous letters, sharagans, treasures, odes, melodies, and discourses. Many of his prayers are included in the Divine Liturgy celebrated each Sunday in Armenian Churches around the world. St. Gregory s masterpiece is considered to be his Book of Lamentations. Also known as Narek, it is comprised of 95 prayers, each of which is titled Conversation with God from the depth of the heart. A central theme is man s separation from God, and his quest to reunite with Him. St. Gregory described the work this way: Its letters like my body, its message like my soul. He called his book an encyclopedia of prayer for all nations. It was his hope that it would serve as a guide to prayer for people all over the world. After the advent of movable type, the book was published in Marseille in 1673, and has been translated into at least 30 languages. St. Gregory of Narek is remembered by the Armenian Church in October of each year. 11

12 Two Angel s Baptised at Soorp Asdvadzadzin Der Mikael had the privilege of performing his first baptism as Bella Lucy Brudner is welcomed into Gods family. Congratulations to the Brudner and Bedrosian & Curtis and extended families! Der Hayr with Stephen & Michella, Bella and her Godparents, Matthew Koulas and Kiara Bernat. Der Aram and Der Mikael during the baptism service of Liliana as she is welcomed into Gods family. Congratulations to the Campbell, Faltaous, Malkasian and extended families! Der Aram & Der Mikael with Ben & Sonya, Liliana and her Godparents, Nathan & Alexandra Johnson. 12

13 Holy week stands as the paramount week of the Liturgical calendar, being a week of lamentations, love, and ever fulfilling joy as we remember the life and sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. However, the significance of this time is exemplified through a dutiful ministry, something that the congregation of Soorp Asdvadzadzin accomplishes through their participation and hard work. The week began with the Palm Sunday services and the Sunday school children participation during Tapor, proudly waving their palms and concluded with the Opening of the Portal Service (Trnpatsek). Maundy Thursday the Washing of the Feet Service took place with the participation of the Sunday school children. Der Mikael explained to the children the meaning of the service and the message humility. Shortly after that service the Khavaroom service began. On Good Friday, Der Hayr and the deacons gave an evening service before the beautiful arrangement of flowers that blanketed the tomb of Jesus. At the end, many of the congregant s took the flowers for their homes and for others who could not attend. The next morning, many dedicated parents rose bright and early to bring their children to partake in Holy Communion and an Easter egg hunt followed by a hearty breakfast! On Easter morning, the pews were filled with an avid congregation, ready to hear the Word and worship. It is in the Armenian Church that we have a unique assembly of believers that are conjoined by ancestry and faith; and it is especially palpable during the Easter Triduum, for through God's mercy, we have been blessed with the privilege to celebrate an act of love that has reverberated for over two thousand years. 13

14 The faithful taking Communion Taking a break from the egg hunt! Brian, Parish & Andre Preparing breakfast Ready, Set, Go!!! Der Mikael with the Soorp Asdvadzadzin Sunday school children 14

15 In Lieu of flowers in Memory of Suzanne Bedrosian Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. (Ps 112:6) Mr. & Mrs. Jack Walker Lorraine & Edmond Picotte Bruce Gigarjian Agnes Tebeau Carol Bedrosian & Kevin Curtis Richard & Nancy Sahagian Ohhanes & Rosette Kourkounian Hagop & Claudia Antrainigian Dr. Andre & Kristy Markarian Lucy Almasian Pauline Hagopian Irene & Roxie Tiberian Harry & Grace Kazarian Claie & Enoch Malkasian Alice Sagharian Peter Bedigian Sr. David & Melanie DePasquale Jeanne & Zachary Papazian Alice Ovoian Nazely Avakian Lillian Malkasian Nish & Vicky Ovian Sylvia Bedrosian Peter & Celeste Bedigian Ted & Joyce Torosian Priscilla & Jim Altoonian Nancy Moscofian Jeffrey & Dianne Boghossian Ann Samkiranian Joe & Margo Montecalvo Carol & John Tosoonian David & Kathleen Bedrosian SebouhKalousdian Mark & Cindy Dermugrditchian Charles Gigarjian Robert Gigarjian Margaret Shenian Amy Garabedian Mr & Mrs Magdy Faltaous Karen Cullen Paul & Dorothy Arakelian Grace Hatfield Craig Wallen George & Carol Mooradian Victoria Bedigian Carolyn & Scott Gibbons Rose Jundanian Bettyjean & Richard Bedrosian Leo & Chris Keligian Margaret Garibian John & Diana Orr Sandra Ovian Ted & Vivian Nigro Steve & Eileen Garabedian Harry & Norma Megerdichian Elizabeth Telian George & Joanne Khoury Mary Arakelian Margaret Bondurant Armen & Esther Chakmakjian Joe & Margaret Derderian Michael & Ann-Marie Thompson Anonymos Hougasian, Bezdikian & Dayermanjian Family Mr. & Mrs. Jack Walker Cynthia Mikitarian Agnes Tebeau Rita Soovajian Lillian Malkasian Chuck Gigarjian 15 Total: $2, Ted & Vivian Nigro Elizabeth Donabedian Celeste & Peter Bedigian Sylvia Bedrosian Barbara Chandler Nancy Moscofian Ted & Joyce Torosian Roxi & Irene Tiberian Rose Derbedrosian Brian Donabedian Ann Samkiranian James & Priscilla Altoonian Nish & Vicky Ovian Ohhanes & Rosette Kourkounian Lawrence & Vanessa Ovian Mrs Takoohy Reizian Mr Mitchell Kenoian George & Joanne Khoury Glady's & Jerry Lujan Susan Hebert Ardemis Ovian Mark & Cindy DerMugrditchian Arpy Jerozal Beverly Kinoian Vileno Joe & Margo Montecalvo Rose Barsoian Louise Harabedian Elizabeth Telian Sebouh Kalousdian Nazely Avakian Margaret Shenian Dorothy & Paul Arakelian Magdy Faltaous Carol Tosoonian Mr & Mrs Tashjian Alice Sagharian Robert Gigarjian Sarkis & Ardemis Teshoian Jeanne Papazian Michael & Cynthia Kajoian In Lieu of flowers in Memory of Mrs. Grace Kazarian Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. (Ps 112:6) Total: $1, (We apologize if there are any errors or if any names are omitted. Please let us know in order to correct in the next issue.)

16 SUPPORT THE CHALICE The Chalice is published quarterly by Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church. Did you know that if each person receiving this issue would donate $5.00, the cost of printing for the entire year would be covered. Your donation will help to keep this important link to the St. Asdvadzadzin Community. Please use the enclosed envelope to mail in your Chalice donation. Thank you! We would like to thank the following people for donating to the Chalice and encourage those of you who have been busy to take a moment and drop us a line along with your gift. God bless you! Jeff Kalousdian Amy Garabedian Margaret Shenian Mr. & Mrs. Magdy Faltaous Nish & Vicky Ovian Lori Porter Rose Belisle Mr. & Mrs. Joe Derderian John Kasparian Aroxy Zacarian Ardashes Nahabedian John & Barbara Berberian Bill & Linda Diluca Sally Kulegian Dr. & Mrs. Andre Markarian George & Joanne Khoury Violet Proodian Gloria Tomasian Carol Tosoonian George & Nevart Kaderian Sue Christensen Paul & Araxie Bagian Hagop & Claudia Antranigian Leo & Chris Keligian Ardis Bogosian Alice Sagherian Lucy Almasian Anonymous Total: $ Corrections: Thank you to Harry & Norma Megerdichian for their generous donation of our Choir seat cushions in Memory of Takouhi & Ohannes Megerdichian Spelling correction from January issue, donation made by Margaret Garibian not Garabedian. SAVE THE DATE.. *Bible Study - Day session Wednesday s from 11A. M Noon Evening session Thursday s from 7 P. M.- 8 P.M. *Choir Rehearsal's - Every Sunday after Fellowship *Ladies Guild meetings are held on the first Saturday of each month *4th Annual Soorp Asdvadzadzin Dave Papazian Memorial Golf Tournament on August 3, 2015 at Highfields Golf & Country Club in Grafton, MA. *Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church Annual Picnic, August 16th. *Armenian Language Lesson s - Every Saturday at 11:00 A.M. **Please be sure to check our website regularly for important announcements and weekly updates** 16

17 Easter Offering Mrs. Lucy Almasian James & Priscilla Altoonian Mary Ampagoomian Hagop & Claudia Antranigian Paul & Dorothy Arakelian Oscar Asadoorian Nazely Avakian Peter & Susan Baghdasarian Paul & Mak Bedigian Peter Bedigian Peter J. & Celeste Bedigian Sylvia Bedrosian John & Barbara Berberian Albert Boyajian Barbara Chandler David & Melanie DePasquale John Derderian Joseph & Margaret Derderian Levon & Jamie DerKosrofian Mary Derkosrofian Mr. & Mrs. Mark Kooyomjian & Family Mark & Cynthia DerMugrditchian Mr. & Mrs. William DiLuca Magdy & Linda Faltaous Rachel Gallant Amy Garabedian Greg & Lisa Garabedian Bruce Gigarjian Charles Gigarjian Gerald & Katherine Gonynor Pauline Hagopian Michael Kajoian Sebouh Kalousdian John Kasparian George & Joanne Khoury Ohhanes & Rosette Kourkounian Kasper Maksian Annie Malkasian Enoch & Claire Malkasian Lillian Malkasian Sadie Manoogian Nancy Moscofian Ardashes Nahabedian Virginia Ohannesian Karnig & Diana Ovian Nishan & Victoria Ovian Sandra Ovian Alice Ovoian Mrs Lori Porter Ms. Sylvia Roche Alice Sagherian Mr. & Mrs. Mark Sagherian Kenneth Shenian Christina Simonian Elizabeth Telian Araxie Tiberian Irene Tiberian Ted & Joyce Torosian Mr. & Mrs. Ed Varteresian William & Nicole Whittlesey Thomas & Margaret Yaylaian Aroxy Zacarian Christmas Offering Total: $2, Mrs. Lucy Almasian James & Priscilla Altoonian Mary Ampagoomian Hagop & Claudia Antranigian Paul & Dorothy Arakelian Nazely Avakian Peter & Susan Baghdasarian Paul & Mak Bedigian Peter Bedigian Peter J. & Celeste Bedigian Peter & Deborah Bedrosian Sylvia Bedrosian Rose Belisle John & Barbara Berberian Barbara Chandler David & Melanie DePasquale Joseph & Margaret Derderian Levon & Jamie DerKosrofian Mark & Cynthia DerMugrditchian Mr & Mrs William DiLuca Magdy & Linda Faltaous Amy Garabedian Charles Gigarjian Pauline Hagopian Michael Kajoian Sebouh Kalousdian Grace Kazarian Ohhanes & Rosette Kourkounian Ms. Sandra Loughlin Annie Malkasian Sadie Manoogian Elsie Menzigian Joseph & Margo Montecalvo George Mooradian Nancy Moscofian Edward & Pauline Naroian Ted & Vivian Nigro Karnig & Diana Ovian Sandra Ovian Paul & Sarah Piligian Mrs Lori Porter Ms. Sylvia Roche Alice Sagherian Kenneth Shenian Margaret Shenian Ted & Joyce Torosian Thomas & Margaret Yaylaian Total: 2, (We apologize if there are any errors or if any names are omitted. Please let us know in order to correct in the next issue.) 17

18 Letter s from our Orphan s Greetings My Dear Sponsor, My name is Manana Sarkisian, I am now 17 years old and attending the university in Yerevan. I would like to thank you for all your support throughout the many years that you have been my sponsor. I am grateful for the opportunity that you have given me. I would like to wish you all a Happy Easter, Krisdos Haryav ee Merelots, Ohrnyal a Haroutyounn Krisdosi! With Love and Prayers, Manana Hello My Dear Sponsor, My name is Susana Aroustamanyan. I am in the 7th grade and I am doing very well in school, in fact I am at the top of my class. I have been blessed with a very good singing voice and would like to pursue my talent but the financial burden is too much for my family. I d like to thank you for all your past support and thank you in advance for helping me to achieve my goal of becoming a singer. I wish you all a blessed Easter, Krisdos Haryav ee Merelots, Ohrnyal eh Haroutyounn Krisdosi! I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Susana Aroustamanyan 18

19 Birthday Wishes to all celebrating a birthday during February, March & April. May God bless you with good health and long life! If you and your family would like to host the Sunday Fellowship following Church Services, please call the Church Office at to reserve a specific Sunday in memory of a loved one, or in celebration of a special occasion. Due to Federal Privacy Laws, hospitals no longer provide Der Hayr with a Patient/Religion list. We encourage you to notify Der Mikael of family members and parishioners who are ill and/or hospitalized so that Der Hayr may call and make visitations. Visitations can uplift the spirit of the patient and offer support and guidance to the family. Please call Der Hayr at: (508) or (774) Soorp Asdvadzadzin is now on Facebook! Hokehankist/Requiem Reminder Please call the Church office at or to soorpbulletin@gmail.com by the Thursday prior to the Sunday that the requiem is to be held, so we can include the names in the Sunday Bulletin. Congratulations to all celebrating their wedding anniversaries during February, March And April! Home Blessings Traditionally, home blessings are done yearly after Armenian Christmas and before Paregentan (Lent). But a home blessing can also be scheduled after Easter Sunday. If you would like to have your home blessed, please call the Church office at or cellular or via at der.mikaeldk@gmail.com Choir Members Wanted! All are welcome so please Come share your beautiful voice! Contact Ann Samkiranian Did you know? We are now accepting Credit Cards. No cash, forgot your checkbook? No Problem You can charge most anything including your Pledge/Dues, Requiem, Food purchases, etc. A Board member will be happy to assist you. 19

20 To instill and nurture the Armenian Christian faith and identity in our youth. To encourage Armenian youth to become more involved in the life of the Church. To discuss youth-related issues with Armenian clergy and teachers. To provide a forum for our youth to expand their knowledge of Armenian culture through language, poetry, music, song and dance. The goals of the Institute are: Rooted in the Armenian Christian faith and culture. The Institute is a four-year (one week each summer) faith-based program for youth ages Those who complete the four year Program may return for postgraduate classes. All applications are subject for approval. Classes for the five levels of study take place concurrently. The daily schedule reflects the Institute's three main objectives: Education, worship, and fellowship. And the program includes worship services, Bible study, group discussions, lectures, and recreational activities. For more information, please contact Deacon Shant Kazanjian, the Director of the Armenian Religious Education Council (AREC), at the Prelacy. arec@armenianprelacy.org or by phone: