Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan February 2017 Do Not Think I Have Come to Abolish the Law

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1 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. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan, Parish Priest and President of All Church Organizations Parish Council Chair: Barry Toomajian Parish Assembly Chair: Don Manoogian Choir Director: Artin Der Minassians Organist: A. Rodriguez and Ida Mazmanian ACYO Chair: Sevan Jindoian and Nataleine Jindoian Sunday School Superintendent: Janet Yeghissian Ladies Society Chair: Gail Kezerian, Caroline Arakelian and Lisa Manoogian Cultural Society Chair: Liz Ojakian Hokejosh: Nora Hanoian Newsletter Editors: Arlene Hovsepian and Rachel Harger Church Secretary: Rachel Harger Altar Flowers: Carole Chang Church Custodian: Wartkes Hagopian Divine Liturgy Service Sundays 10:30 a.m. Bible Readings Feb. 5 John 6:15-21 Feb. 12 John 6:22-38 Feb. 19 John 7:37-52 Feb. 26 Matt. 6:5-15 Praise the Lord Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. Psalm 30:4-5 Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan February 2017 Do Not Think I Have Come to Abolish the Law Dear Faithful, What is impossible with men is possible with God. All things are possible with God. (Matt. 19:26) Jesus calls us to go beyond the law to a true relationship with God, where we enjoy and experience His love. The emphasis of the Pharisees righteousness is outward, and the true righteousness Jesus speaks of is inward. Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law and the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. (Matt. 5:17-18) It was important that Jesus established what he believed about the written Word of God, the Holy Scriptures. The Pharisees claimed to hold closely and adamantly to the law. When Jesus went head to head with the Pharisees they might charge him with not having a very high regard for Holy Scriptures. However, that was totally false. In fact it was Jesus who had a high view of the scriptures, and it was the Pharisees who abolished the law. They would come up with secret hidden meanings in Scripture and use it to support their own traditions. Jesus violated their rules and their regulations. But that was something very different than violating Scripture. Another time they confronted Jesus about breaking one of their own man made rules: Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don t wash their hands before they eat! (Matt. 15:2) But to their question Jesus replied: And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? Jesus again demonstrated his high view of Scriptures in an account in the Gospel of St. Matthew 22: This time it was Sadducees, a group who did not believe in the resurrection. They tried to trap Jesus, asking what if a woman was widowed seven times, whose wife will she be in the resurrection? Jesus replied, Don t you know the Scripture or the power of God? Jesus pointed out what God said, I am the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He is the God of the living. Jesus believed the Scripture and He said that He did not come to destroy the Law, but came to fulfill the Law. Not the smallest letter will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Jesus upheld the Law and the Prophets. That was representative of the entire Old Testament as we know it in our Bible. Jesus did not devalue the Scripture in the least. He held the highest view of Scripture. Today we do not sacrifice animals as in the Old Testament, because these sacrifices pointed toward the coming Messiah. He came and He

2 was the ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Jesus fulfilled the Scripture, and the Scriptures were pointing to the day that Jesus would come. Followers of Jesus are under an obligation to keep the teachings of the Old Testament. There are ceremonial and ritual laws that Jesus fulfilled, but there are also timeless moral laws that all believers of Jesus must follow. What happens when a follower of Jesus breaks these laws? Do you lose your salvation? Do you forfeit your opportunity to go to heaven? No, but you lose your position in God s kingdom. Instead of being called great he will be called least. "Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. It is of great importance to the follower of Jesus to obey God s Word. Jesus Christ made the shocking statement: "For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven." These Scribes and Pharisees were the meticulous keepers of the law. My dear ones, external good works will never be enough, and a common question is; "Do you know for certain that you will go to heaven when you die? Many people will answer, well I have been a good person. But our righteousness must surpass that of the Pharisees to enter heaven. The Old Testament spoke of the coming of New Covenant. It is in the shed blood of Jesus Christ that our sins are forgiven. When we put our faith in Christ we take on the righteousness in Christ. Then by the power of the Holy Spirit we continue in that righteousness. We will never make it to heaven by self-effort. We need Jesus Christ. We must take on the righteousness of Jesus Christ by putting our faith in Him. We must trust Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. When we trust Jesus Christ and his death on the cross to cover our sins, then we have taken on the righteousness of Jesus, and then our righteousness does exceed that of the Pharisees. Jesus death on the Cross and His glorious Resurrection are our righteousness when we put our faith in Him. Amen. Upcoming Events February 5 Choir Rehearsal 12:45 pm February 8 Parish Council Meeting 6:30 pm February 9 Ladies Society Luncheon 12 noon February 11 Dyarnuntarch Service 5 pm February 12 Choir Rehearsal 12:45 pm February 25 60/90 Anniversary Banquet 5 pm March 1 Lenten Vigil Service 6:30 pm March 19 ARS Lenten Luncheon 12:30 pm ACYO Update The holiday season for St. Vartan ACYO was an active one. To start the holiday season, ACYO helped host the Christmas Family Night. There were games for the children, a magician, lots of great dishes shared, and ultimately many amazing memories made. Thank you to everyone who helped and who joined us for an incredible evening. In addition our ACYO held a successful Armenian Christmas bake sale following church on Sunday, January 8. Thank you to everyone who donated and supported our efforts. Looking forward ACYO wants to empower the youth of our church to take on more responsibilities beyond the scope of ACYO. For instance, we plan on helping at various events throughout the year. We look forward to connecting the youth of our church with the parishioners more than we ever have before. On behalf of the entire St. Vartan ACYO board we would like to thank all of the parishioners who helped us throughout the holiday season. We appreciate the continued collaborations and look forward to a great 2017! Save the Date ARS Lenten Luncheon in the St. Vartan Church John Marukian Hall Sunday, March 19 after church services Proceeds to benefit the Armenian Friday School Under the auspices of Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese Pilgrimage to Armenia with Fr. Hovel Ohanyan & Fr. Mesrop Ash June 4-18, 2017 More information at stvartanoakland.org.

3 St. Vartan Church Parish Council gratefully acknowledges the following donations: Ladies Society Kitchen Remodel Barry and Judy Toomajian St. Vartan Voice Newsletter Hagop and Seta Khatchikian, Lillian Mardikian In Honor of Rachel Harger Elizabeth Barsamian (St. Vartan Voice Newsletter) In Memory Jack Dolab Elmer and Gloria Kaprielian,, Ed and Suzanne Vasgerdsian (Ladies Society Kitchen Remodel Fund), Harold and Bonnie Koojoolian (Ladies Society Kitchen Remodel Fund) Diran Der Harootunian for Ladies Society Kitchen Remodel Fund Sylvia, Charles, and Steven Cherezian, Nancy and Al Tiedemann, Ed and Suzanne Vasgerdsian, Harold and Bonnie Koojoolian Diran Der Harootunian Sisvan Der Harootunian, Agnes Morjig Nancy and Al Tiedemann (Ladies Society Kitchen Remodel Fund), Barbara Morjig (Ladies Society Kitchen Remodel Fund), Paul and Cheryl Ohanesian (Kitchen Remodel Fund), Gere and Michelle Paregian, Penik Ben Tascian, Sam Paregian Evelyn Tregoning Jill Shirin Mr. and Mrs. Nishan Keshishyan Hermine Keshishyan Arshavir Tarver Hermine Keshishyan Gregg Krikorian Flora Mirzaian Victor Vasgerdsian, Ed and Suzanne Vasgerdsian (St. Vartan Voice Newsletter), Harold and Bonnie Koojoolian (Ladies Society Kitchen Remodel Fund) Grant Collins Diana Toomajian Ralph Kalibjian Marna Adams, Ed and Suzanne Vasgerdsian (Ladies Society Kitchen Remodel Fund), Dave and Virginia Tafjen Marjorie Boroian O Connor Donna L. O Connor Louise Noroian Lou Aronian News From Our St. Vartan Family Baptisms On January 5 Fr. Hovel baptized Mia Galachyan and Ella Galachyan at St. Vartan Church. The girls parents are Vahan Galachyan and Lilit Safaryan. Alexander Attarian is Mia and Ella s Godfather and Lilit Tovmasian is Mia and Ella s Godmother.

4 Rasmik and Suzanne Abnous Araks Aghazarian Sharon Asta Annie Avedissian Sarkis Babayans Adrienne Baker Pete and Pat Barsamian Elizabeth Barsamian Paul and Felice Bedrossian Kegham and Roxanne Boghossian Jack and Barbara Bousian Anto and Hasmig Cingoz Adrena Clemmer David and Nairy Colello Sona Dakessian Arman Danielyan Kathleen Dermerdjian Brian and Cynthia Der Matoian Harry and Carol Dokouzian Margie Dorian Jack Dorian Gary Eldemir Dickie and Seno Garabedian Shannon and Edward Gentry Peter Goorjian Sylvia Gozurian Nora and Raffi Gregorian Bruce and Gail Groefsema Thank You for Your Christmas Yughakin Donations Aylin Gulbenkian Amy Hailozian Varoujan Hailozian Shavarsh Hazarabedian Frank and Sharon Higgins Lori and Andy Hill Vartan and Arlene Hovsepian Jack Isaacs Edward and Armineh Jamgotchian Louise Jorjorian Robert Kachadoorian Aram Kaloustian George and Jacqueline Kamian Harry and Joyce Kamian Helin Karunyan Garo and Pat Keadjian Hermine Keshishyan Vartan Keshishyan Charles and Dorris Kezerian Myron and Arax Konjoyan Bonnie and Harold Koojoolian Levon Krikorian and Anush Darbinyan Margaret and Richard Magarian Donald and Lisa Manoogian Zohrab and Elizabeth Markarian Jeff and Julie Masoian Vahe and Hilda Mener Karnig and Silva Mikaelian Miranda Miller Antica Odabashian Marty Ohan Liz and Ron Ojakian Lorraine Peters Elina Petrosyants and Igor Plashchinksy Armen Phelps Michele and Lawrence Radcliffe Alene Rudy Carol Rustigan Edward and Karen Sarafian Richard and Judy Sharafian Mary Ann Sievers Caline Soghikian Donald and Virginia Tafjen Fred and Ardemis Tajirian Charles Tateosian Annabelle Taylor James Taylor III Marlene Tolegian Hasmig Vasgerdsian Norma Yaglijian Chris and Lucy Yaldezian St. Vartan Ladies Society Update Ladies Society has an exciting year planned for 2017! We welcome new members to join! It is our goal to get the women of St. Vartan Church connected to each other, where lifelong friendships can be fostered. The next luncheon meeting is Thursday, February 9 at noon at the Church Hall. It will be our traditional Hamburger Luncheon. Everyone is invited to attend. If you have any questions about Ladies Society, please contact Lisa Manoogian at lisamno@yahoo.com or Parish Council Newsroom A very special thank you to Jack and Tammy Papazian for the time and energy they spent decorating St. Vartan Church for Christmas. The Christmas decorations were beautiful, making for a very warm, religious, and joyous holiday for all of us to enjoy. Thank you, Jack and Tammy. Arto Yagjian is still busy working at the home in San Lorenzo donated to the church by Evelyn Tregoning. The old wall furnace was removed and replaced by a central heat system. He is currently preparing and painting the interior. Decisions for the kitchen, bathroom and floors will not be made until the parish assembly annual meeting on January 29. There it will be decided whether to rent or sell the home. Thank you, Arto. Marlene Tolegian, Stuart Arakelian, and Nellie Azizian are researching locations for a cultural center on the east side of the Caldecott Tunnel. Liz Ojakian is very busy heading the 60/90 anniversary committee preparing for the banquet at Scott s Restaurant (2 Broadway, Oakland) at Jack London Square. Please attend, and if you desire, be a sponsor or benefactor. See you there. Your Parish Council Richard Demirjian Publishes Book about Eagle Scouts St. Vartan member Richard Demirjian has published a book entitled, Eagle Scouts of the Oakland, California Community, through Ararat Heritage Publishing Company. Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Boy Scouting Program. This book details East Bay Area young men who were awarded their Eagle Scout honors from 1934 to the present. If you are interested in purchasing Richard s book, please contact him at Christmas Pageant The St. Vartan Church Sunday School presented the story of Jesus birth at the annual Christmas Pageant on Sunday, December 18. Saturday, March 4 at 11 am St. Andrew Armenian Church South Stelling Rd. Cupertino, CA Luncheon will follow $10 donation For Reservations contact: Sevan Balabanian: ; Sose Balian: ; Theresa Bezdikian ; Maria Gamitian Prepared by WDP of the Philippines

5 Ladies Society Annual Hamburger and Apple Pie Luncheon FEBRUARY 9 LUNCHEON COMMITTEE *Gail Kezerian *Mary Donikian Barbara Morjig Evelyn Boyd Helin Karunyan Zvart Shahbazian Judy Sharafian Dickie Garabedian Stacey Shartzer Caroline Arakelian Carol Rustigian Mae Kaljian Ayko Berberian Thelma Baiocchi Janet Kamian St. Vartan Church will celebrate Dyarnuntarch The Presentation of the Lord to the Temple Saturday, February 11 5:00 pm This traditional service will take place in the sanctuary, then conclude in the church parking lot with a bonfire. St. Vartan Armenian Church Christmas Services

6 Presentation of the Lord (Dyarnentarach) One of the Dominical and fixed feasts of the Armenian Church is the Presentation of the Lord, or, in Armenian, Dyarnentarach. It occurs invariably forty days after Theophany, or on February 14. This feast represents an important event in Jesus infancy. It is regarded as Scriptural confirmation of His Revelation as God. THE BASIS FOR THE TRADITION According to Jewish canons, a woman who had borne a child was obligated to go to the temple on the 40th day to present God with a gift and pray. For such occasions, those who were wealthy would bring a select sheep, a pair of doves, and money. Those who were poor might take only the pair of doves, and a modest sum of money. Joseph and Mary fell into the latter class. In carrying out this accepted canonical practice of visiting the temple and offering a sacrifice, new mothers would be fulfilled in being purified with fire and water after bearing the child, while the newborn would become blessed. It was in conformance with this practice that 40 days after the Holy Birth, Mary took the infant Jesus to the temple. During those days a familiar figure in Jewish religious circles, a man named Simeon, dwelled in Jerusalem. He was a just man of advanced age. He had always prayed to God to have his life extended that he might with his own eyes see the Savior of the world and of mankind. God had heard his wish and prayers. While Mary was in the temple with her family, by providential circumstances the aged Simeon also had come into the temple. Seeing Mary and the infant, he miraculously sensed God s presence. And he called out in a loud voice, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: for mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel (Luke 2:29-32). This is a scriptural episode, one of many, in which the revelation of God is emphasized. This feast of Presentation is made more appealing through the idea of going forward (-entarach) to meet the Lord (Dyarn-), hence the name Dyarnentarach, or sometimes contracted to Derndes (from Der Lord, and des see). PRESENTATION OF THE LORD IN THE GOSPELS (Luke 2:22-40) And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that opens the womb (first-born) shall be called holy to the Lord ) (Ex 13:2) and offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, a pair of turtle doves, or two young pigeons, (Lev 12:8). Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he came into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, Lord, now lettest though they servant depart in peace, according to they words; for mine eyes have seen they salvation which though hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for the glory to thy people Israel And there was a prophetess, Anna and as a widow till she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshipping with fasting and prayer night and day. And coming up at that very hour she gave thanks to God, and spoke of him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. And when they had performed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. PRESENTATION OF THE LORD: ART AND LITERATURE Over the centuries the scriptural episode of the presentation of the Lord has been the source of inspiration for many artists of Armenia and of other lands. Their creative works of fine art enriched their cultures in literature, miniature illumination, and religious art. The famous medieval Armenian painter and miniature illuminator Taros Roslin has a noteworthy work ( ) on the Presentation of the Lord. TRADITIONS CONCERNING PRESENTATION OF THE LORD In the Armenian Church the feast of the Presentation of the Lord has not been one of a purely religious character. The fact is, that blended in with its Christian meaning are many old customs, traditions, and beliefs that have for centuries enjoyed great popularity. However, today, as a consequence of the new pattern of Armenian life, the old traditions associated with the Presentation of the Lord are only relatively of interest, while the purely religious, Christian aspect remains, as before, a deeply significant ceremony within the church. At this point we would call attention to the fact that national traditions were being retained generally more in the fatherland, and in the lands of historic Armenia, at least until the Great Massacres and Deportations of Undoubtedly, the environment of our native land and air had much to do with the retention of our old traditions. OLD PRACTICES AND BELIEFS CONNECTED TO THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD On the evening of February 13, the eve of the feast day of the Presentation of the Lord, a place would be set aside in the courtyard of the church with plenty of wood and branches, ready for a bonfire. Immediately after the evening service in the church, the faithful, and especially newly married couples, would gather around the point of festivities. The bonfire was started with candles brought out from the church service. The fire would increase in intensity alongside the merriment, as men, young and old alike, would leap over the fire. The air was filled with hoorahs and shouts of encouragement to the jumpers. The festivities represented an amalgamation of a variety of old beliefs, such as the following: Armenian peasant farmers used to take ashes and spread it in their stables and over their fields, believing it would enhance the fertility and provide a better harvest in the following year. Heads of families used to spread a handful of ashes on the roof of the house to keep evil spirits away from their home and hearth. It was believed that the ice would melt away and the winter freeze would give way to the power and force of fire, bringing forth goodness and plenty. The countryside would undergo change and warmth would return. Another custom remained from pre-christian pagan beliefs that newly married brides needed to leap over the fire for purification, and to consecrate their fertility. Also, infertile women scorched their skirts with the same flames to banish their infertility and enable childbearing. All present at the bonfire had to take a light from it, with a candle or a kerosene lamp, and take it home, keeping it going all the night through so that Light and Wisdom would prevail and misfortune would be banished. The bonfire festivity, and the associated customs and beliefs remaining from pagan times were sometimes very seriously criticized and condemned by the church fathers. Nevertheless, those practices continued to be observed, and generally tolerated when it was seen that people loved them and that they were essentially good in their intent, and the occasion for healthy recreation. It is an unassailable fact that such customs have come down from pre-christian times and that they reflect the most ancient beliefs of the Armenians. It is certain, as it is with other peoples, that the Armenian people too have worshipped the fire as they have various other elements of nature. Courtesy of Feasts of the Armenian Church and National Traditions by Garo Bedrosian, 1993 Take My Hand Once a little girl and her father were crossing a bridge. The father was kind of scared so he asked his little daughter, "Sweetheart, please hold my hand so that you don't fall into the river." The little girl said, "No, Dad. You hold my hand." "What's the difference?" asked the puzzle father. "There's a big difference," replied the little girl. "If I hold your hand and something happens to me, chances are that I may let your hand go. But if you hold my hand, I know for sure that no matter what happens, you will never let my hand go." Take my hand, Lord, for I know you will never let go.