Bible Readings. The Doxology

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Hovel Ohanyan October, 2013 Prayers for Syria by Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate Prayers for Syria: With your peace, Christ our Savior, which surpasses all understanding and speech, defend us

1 Bible Readings Oct. 6 Mark 11:27-33 Oct. 13 Mark 12:35-44 Oct. 20 Luke 4:14-24 Oct. 27 Matt. 24:27-36 The Doxology Praise God, from who all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below; Praise Him above ye heavenly host; Praise Father Son and Holy Ghost. Amen Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan October, 2013 Prayers for Syria by Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate Prayers for Syria: With your peace, Christ our Savior, which surpasses all understanding and speech, defend us and keep us fearless of all evil. As the world focuses its attention on the dangerous and frightening escalation of violence in Syria and while the threat of war is imminent, it is with a heavy heart that I contemplate a message of hope to our people. We live in a world filled with threats and fear. The most innocent of humanity, our children, are growing up with the understanding that conflict is resolved with violence and destruction. While we listen to the leaders of the world s various countries discuss and negotiate settlements, we in the Armenian Church must not lose sight of the One who promise us, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27) As children of the Armenian Church, we have been guided and directed on this path toward peace. It is a peace that transcends the systems of governments and politics. While we pray for wisdom and courage upon government officials, we also pray fervently for the Peace of God to be the guiding force of their deliberations. The Peace of God is lasting. As we pronounce every Sunday in our Holy Badarak, it is the Peace that is beyond our thoughts and words. It is Peace that is achieved only through Love. As we pray for the people of Syria, we stand as a witness to the large Armenian community that found sanctuary in that country following the Genocide of We are a witness to the devastation that these Armenian communities have seen in the past several years, and once again they are on the road to relocation. However, it would be remiss of us to focus on the Armenians in Syria and ignore the greater threat to humanity. We, as the most ancient witnesses to Christianity, lift our prayers, thoughts and voices for the stability of the entire world and specifically, all of Syria. Our Lord instructs us that the way to Peace is our ability to display love and harmony with our neighbors. God has created us with intelligence and the ability to communicate. He has endowed us with all the tools to find peace and harmony on this planet. It behooves us, as Armenian Christians to look no further than the Faith that has been passed along to us by the Holy Armenian Church. It is the Faith that draws us to Peace. Let us proclaim that peace with our lives and our words.

2 Join me, this Sunday, in all of the churches of the Western Diocese, to pray for peace and harmony in the Middle East. Specifically, let us pray for the Peace of God to be the guiding force for the leaders who contemplate a solution for Syria. Let us be a witness to the lasting power of Love and Understanding in all that we do. Today, as we celebrate the exaltation of the Holy Cross, we are all called to humble ourselves and lift our hearts to Almighty God through fervent prayer, so that the Exalted Cross may enlighten the leaders of the world, for the sake of peace, justice and stability to all those who suffer. With Fatherly Blessings and Prayers, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate God Holds our Hand There are times when we are too weak even to hold on to the Father s hand. We are like the person who said, I felt as I had at five years of age when my father took me to a football match. I held on grimly to my father s index finger. Around me was a jungle of legs moving towards the narrow entrance. My arm grew tired and my hand slipped down my father s finger. Panic seized me (I had been lost at the seaside the previous summer). I cried frantically, Daddy I m lost if you don t hold me. Father s great calloused hand reached down and held me, then lifted me to his shoulder. I felt utterly secure. Faith is not merely our holding onto God it is even more so God holding on to us. He will never let us go. I have taken you by the hand and kept you, says God; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. I Mowed the Lawn A five year-old watched his grandpa mowing the lawn one day. He asked his grandpa, Let me do it. Okay, said grandpa. Put your hand on mine. He did and they walked around the lawn together mowing the grass. When it was over, the five-year-old proudly announced, I mowed the lawn! When we want to achieve something but haven t the ability to do it on our own, God says to us, Put your hand on Mine. It is then that we receive the wisdom, inspiration, and strength to accomplish those things that we could not do otherwise. But in the end we know who really did it. Two Hands But let us remember that we have two hands not one. With one hand let us reach up and grasp God s hand; let no one ever break that grasp. With our other hand let us always be reaching out in love to someone in need. As we hold on to God with one hand, let us hold out the other hand to those around us. Picnic Thank You St. Vartan Church would like to thank the following volunteers for their efforts in making our annual picnic a success: Koko Cingoz, Nadya Cingoz, Hasmig Cingoz, Zaven Kanneian, Janet Yeghissian, Kim Bardakian, Nicole Vasgerdsian, Elizabeth Tatoian, Janet Chakir, Ayda Mansourian, Richard Nikssarian, Eric Nikssarian, Ari Cingoz, Nora Hanoian, Harvey Hanoian, Arlene Hovsepian, Edward Jamgotchian, Suzanne Vasgersdian, and ACYO. We also thank Triple X Golden Gate Chapter members: Vartan Hovsepian, Hagop Tatoian, Gary Naman, Hartley Appleton, Henry Shishmanian, and George Atashkarian.

St. Vartan Church Parish Council gratefully acknowledges the following donations: Sunday School Evelyn Krikorian, Edward and Armineh Jamgotchian, Anoush and Javier Rodriguez, Joanne Hagopian and John

Vartan Church Ed and Goldie Minasian Bazaar Donations Leg of Lamb--Al & Mae Kaljian, Lucine and Robert Kroeckel, Ray and Reyhan Shepherd, Frances Stevens, Michael DeOrian, Barbara Sundahl, Edward

3 St. Vartan Church Parish Council gratefully acknowledges the following donations: Sunday School Evelyn Krikorian, Edward and Armineh Jamgotchian, Anoush and Javier Rodriguez, Joanne Hagopian and John Eknoian The Voice Newsletter Hagop and Seta Khatchikian In Honor of Mike and Virginia Madajian s 60th Wedding Anniversary and Their Many Years of Service to St. Vartan Church Ed and Goldie Minasian Bazaar Donations Leg of Lamb--Al & Mae Kaljian, Lucine and Robert Kroeckel, Ray and Reyhan Shepherd, Frances Stevens, Michael DeOrian, Barbara Sundahl, Edward Godoshian, Florence Morjig, Mary Thompson, Michael Sanossian, Helen Piperis, Arax and Myron Konjoyan, Mark and Maida Henesian, John and Wendy Karanfilian, Vartan and Arlene Hovsepian, Ani & Jirair Tashjian, Sandra Cadell Case of Wine Donna O Connor Armenian Beer Michael Cassidy, Edward Godoshian Case of Wine Edward Godoshian Tent Norayr and Elizabeth Kalpakjian In Memory Margaret Sherinian Frederick and Rosemary (Bohjalian) Muench George Rustigian Kurt and Kathy Bellows News From Our St. Vartan Family Baptism On August 24, 2013 Fr. Hovel baptized Sadie Natania Yonas at St. Vartan Church. Sadie s parents are Yonas Gebremicael and Hanna Yacob. Wedding Rosana Kaser and Vahram Antonian were joined in Holy Matrimony by Fr. Hovel at St. Vartan Church on September 7, The bride s parents are Eli and Virginia Kaser and the groom s parents are Hovsep and Asdghig Antonian. ACYO Assists at Picnic The ACYO attended the annual St. Vartan Church picnic. The group enjoyed the potato sack races and the piñata. The picnic also had a blow up jumper for the younger kids. The picnic was a wonderful success with nice weather. Great Day for AYCO at Great America The ACYO has recently been coming together to show our support for our generation and church. The ACYO gathered for a social event at Great American. This event had a great turn out with our board members and fellow members as well as a few other Armenians from our area. It was a full day of water rides and laughing. Our Appreciation St. Vartan Church would like to thank Virginia Ratcliff for donating basil for our Exaltation of the Holy Cross service, and thank Steve Donikian and Wartkes Hagopian for delivering, washing and arranging the basil.

Save the Date Family Worship Day October 13, 2013 Divine Liturgy at 10:30 am

Hovel Service followed by complimentary lunch Provided by Parish Council

start on September 15, 2013 as they joined the congregation in celebrating the

We invite all children to join Sunday School on Sunday mornings at 10:30 am.

4 Save the Date Family Worship Day October 13, 2013 Divine Liturgy at 10:30 am Features a special sermon for the entire family by Fr. Hovel Service followed by complimentary lunch Provided by Parish Council Opening Day of 2013/2014 Sunday School Term Sunday School got off to a great start on September 15, 2013 as they joined the congregation in celebrating the Exaltation of the Holy Cross as well as meeting in their classrooms. We invite all children to join Sunday School on Sunday mornings at 10:30 am. Events planned for this year include music Sundays, Family Nights, special assemblies, guest speakers and the Christmas program.

Bazaar Dessert Booth We are seeking donations for the Dessert Booth at the Bazaar, which will be held this year on Friday October 4, and

The Sunday School will gladly accept donations of Armenian delicacies, such as paklava, bourma, kadayif, choreg, or any other specialty

The more donations we receive, the more we will be able to help the church, so please support our church by contributing your specialty to

A special note for those of you who are unable to attend the scheduled cooking days for the bazaar please know that you can still use your

Please drop off your dessert at the Dessert Booth on Thursday or Friday before the Bazaar officially commences or at any time during the

Feel free to contact me with questions or recipe ideas. Thank you in advance for your help. Janet Yeghissian, jhyeg@sbcglobal.

5 Bazaar Dessert Booth We are seeking donations for the Dessert Booth at the Bazaar, which will be held this year on Friday October 4, and Saturday, October 5, The Dessert Booth relies on donations from Sunday School families and other parishioners to make it a success. The Sunday School will gladly accept donations of Armenian delicacies, such as paklava, bourma, kadayif, choreg, or any other specialty you would like to share. The more donations we receive, the more we will be able to help the church, so please support our church by contributing your specialty to the Dessert Booth this year! A special note for those of you who are unable to attend the scheduled cooking days for the bazaar please know that you can still use your cooking skills to help the church by baking at home and providing a favorite dessert for the Dessert Booth. Please drop off your dessert at the Dessert Booth on Thursday or Friday before the Bazaar officially commences or at any time during the event. Please consider working a shift or two in the Dessert and Drink Booth, as well. Feel free to contact me with questions or recipe ideas. Thank you in advance for your help. Janet Yeghissian, jhyeg@sbcglobal.net, (510) Handicapped Parking On Sunday mornings only, we are asking parishioners to reserve the church parking lot for handicapped individuals. Please use street parking on Sunday mornings if you do not have a handicapped placard. Exaltation of the Holy Cross Sunday, September 15, 2013 Please keep St. Vartan Church updated with your correct address and phone number. Send any new information to stvartanoakland@aol.com or call the office at

Calling all parishioners - Our annual bazaar is rapidly approaching. Staffing help is needed in the following key areas.

Mazmanian Door/Admission Booth - Don Manoogian Bar - Sevag Kevranian Raffle - Jim Taylor or Kim Bardakian Cashier at Food Line - Greg Mazmanian Food Line Serving - Patti Rosenthal Games Prize Booth -

contact Rachel in the church office, and she will get your name to the right person.

8 Calling all parishioners - Our annual bazaar is rapidly approaching. Staffing help is needed in the following key areas. If you would like to help out, please contact one of the following committee members or bazaar co-chairmen, Zaven Kanneian or Harout Hagopian: Setup/Takedown - Zaven Kanneian Grandma's Attic - Lida Mazmanian Door/Admission Booth - Don Manoogian Bar - Sevag Kevranian Raffle - Jim Taylor or Kim Bardakian Cashier at Food Line - Greg Mazmanian Food Line Serving - Patti Rosenthal Games Prize Booth - Marie Hagopian BBQ - Bob Kezerian Hye Cafe - Hasmig Cingoz Dessert Booth - Janet Yeghissian Games - Sevan or Tanya Jindoian Khanoot - Arlene Hovsepian, Nora Hanoian or Suzanne Abnous You can also contact Rachel in the church office, and she will get your name to the right person. Bazaar Donation Wish List Items Number Item Donations Still Requested of donors Cost Received needed Leg of Lamb 100 $ Tent 12 $ Admission Booth 1 $ Newspaper Advertising 4 $ Case of Wine 10 $ Case of Armenian Tan 2 $ Game Booths 5 $ Case of Armenian Beer 12 $ Armenian Coffee 2 $ Program Guide 5 $ Bazaar Food Servers Needed If you are at least 16 years old and interested in helping us serve at this year s Annual Bazaar, Oct. 4-5, please contact Patti Kezerian Rosenthal at or pattipie60@yahoo.com. Please specify which day you prefer to work. Wednesday, Oct. 9 am Sarma-Yalanchi Workday Barbecued-hamburger lunch will be served Bazaar Workdays Volunteers have been busy all summer preparing for the 2013 St. Vartan Bazaar. There are still opportunities for you to join us at Bazaar workdays in October Bazaar Workdays Wednesday, Oct. 2 Roll Sarma 9 am Thursday, Oct. 3 Plate & Box Sarma, 9 am Prepare Shish Kebab, Box Boorma, Peel/Chop Vegetables Friday, Oct. 4 Misc. Food Prep 9 am-1 pm

11 St. Vartan Church October 2013 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat NO Armenian Language Class Bazaar Workday 9 am Bazaar Workday 9 am-evening Bazaar Workday 9 am 1 pm Bazaar 5:30 pm-midnight Bazaar noon-midnight Morning Service 10 am Divine Liturgy & Sunday School 10:30 am 13 Family Worship Day Morning Service 10 am Divine Liturgy & Sunday School 10:30 am Lunch noon 20 Morning Service 10 am Divine Liturgy & Sunday School 10:30 am Book Review and Lunch 12:30 pm 27 Morning Service 10 am Divine Liturgy & Sunday School 10:30 am Assembly meeting noon Columbus Day Armenian Language Class 7 pm Armenian Language Class 7 pm Armenian Language Class 7 pm Armenian Language Class 7 pm Parish Council Meeting 6:30 pm Halloween Want WANTED People to help make Sarma Yalanchi For the Church Bazaar Wednesday Oct. 2, 2013 at 9:00 AM SAVE THE DATE Your Church Needs Your Help Any Questions, Church Office We Will Serve Bar-B-Qued Hamburgers Please Bring A Side Dish To Share

12 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: Jack Papazian Jr. Parish Council Treasurer: Anto Cingoz Parish Assembly Chair: Don Manoogian Choir Director: Beverly Nalbandian Organist: Ida Mazmanian, A. Rodriguez ACYO Chair: Sevan Jindoian Sunday School Superintendent: John Eknoian and Janet Yeghissian Ladies Society Chair: Lisa Manoogian Athletic Committee Chair: Mike Boloyan Cultural Society Chair: Liz Ojakian Club Hye Chair: Paul Dermenjian Hokejosh: Nora Hanoian Church Maintenance: Jim Taylor, Zaven Kannaian and Arto Yagjian Newsletter Editors: Arlene Hovsepian and Rachel Harger Wedding Coordinator: Carol Rustigian Church Secretary: Rachel Harger Altar Flowers: Diana Toomajian and Sue Barsamian Church Custodian: Wartkes Hagopian Divine Liturgy Service Sundays 10:30 a.m.

Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan October 2014 Life is a Gift

Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan October 2014 Life is a Gift The Voice Newsletter is published once a month by St. Vartan Armenian Church 650 Spruce Street, Oakland, CA. 94610, Phone (510)893-1671, Fax: (510) 893-2102 Email: stvartanoakland@aol.com Website: www.stvartanoakland.org