Hye Camp 2015 Family Day is May 2 Week 1 July 12-July 18 Week 2 July 19-July 25 Week 3 July 26-August 1 Week 4 August 2-August 8

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1 Hye Camp 2015 Family Day is May 2 Week 1 July 12-July 18 Week 2 July 19-July 25 Week 3 July 26-August 1 Week 4 August 2-August 8 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: Harry Sherinian Choir Director: Artin Der Minassians Organist: Ida Mazmanian, A. Rodriguez ACYO Chair: Sevan Jindoian and Tanya Jindoian Sunday School Superintendent: Janet Yeghissian Ladies Society Chair: Gail Kezerian and Caroline Arakelian Cultural Society Chair: Liz Ojakian Hokejosh: Nora Hanoian Church Maintenance: Jim Taylor and Arto Yagjian Newsletter Editors: Arlene Hovsepian and Rachel Harger Wedding Coordinator: Gail Kezerian and Stacey Shartzer Church Secretary: Rachel Harger Altar Flowers: Carole Chang Church Custodian: Wartkes Hagopian Divine Liturgy Service Sundays 10:30 a.m. Bible Readings May 3 John 7:14-23 May 10 John 9:39-10:10 May 17 John 12:12-23 May 24 John 14:25-31 May 31 Luke 4:25-30 Proverbs on Mothers She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Proverbs 31:26-27 May 2015 MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS KAREKIN II SUPREME PATRIARCH AND CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS ON THE OCCASION OF THE COMMEMORATION OF THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican, April 12, 2015 Your Holiness and Beloved Brother in Christ, Through the merciful will of God, We visit Rome once again. We come with the President of the Republic of Armenia, Mr. Serzh Sargisyan; with Our spiritual brother, Catholicos Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia; and with the Bishops of the Armenian Church and the representatives of the Armenian faithful worldwide. With the joy of the Holy Resurrection and love of Christ, We bring Our fraternal greetings and best wishes to Your Holiness, and bring Our prayerful participation in the Holy Mass celebrated by Your Holiness in the Basilica of Saint Peter, in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. During this sacred service testifying to the friendship of Our two sister Churches, to the contentment of Our people and to Us, one of our Armenian Church Fathers Saint Gregory of Narek was declared by Your Holiness, per the designation of the Catholic Church, a Doctor of the Church. In the tenth century, St. Gregory of Narek the teacher of prayers and bearer of the light of the universe offered incense to heaven through his supplication of penitence and confession of all generations of mankind, by Speaking with God from the Depths of the Heart. This holy monk, with his Living Book revered by the Armenian people, showed the way of salvation granted by the grace of Christ: for the guilty and the just, for the brazenly haughty and the falsely modest, for the good and the evil (Prayer 3), leading the faithful of all times to God. Our people, who gave birth to Saint Gregory of Narek, have throughout history endured countless horrors and faced calamities for their Christian faith and national identity. One century ago, the brutal crime of genocide was committed against our people in Ottoman Turkey. With a deliberate plan, with horrific atrocities, one and a half million Armenians were slaughtered. Our ancient people were uprooted from their cherished cradle of life their historic homeland and scattered over different countries. Our centuries-old Christian legacy heritage was ruined, obliterated, and seized. Nothing, however, no suffering, nor persecutions, not even death caused our people to waiver or stray from their holy faith. The greatness of the spiritual bravery of a nation s martyrdom which our people displayed, is depicted before us today, once again proclaiming the definition of our identity, which was de-

2 creed in the fifth century: Christianity for us is not clothing we put on; it is the color of our skin. (Yeghishé the Historian). By the mercy of our compassionate God, our people have straightened their broken backs; new life has sprouted under the shelter of a reestablished statehood on an eastern portion of Armenia and in the communities of the Diaspora. Our people have created their path to ascent, having faced many deprivations and difficulties. Today, our people live under an illegal blockade implemented by Turkey and Azerbaijan; struggle for the right of our people to live free in Mountainous Karabagh, and with faith in the triumph of justice, continue efforts for the sake of our rights for the universal recognition, condemnation, and just reparation for the Armenian Genocide. At the time, humanity was unable to prevent the genocide of the Armenians, to eliminate its consequences, and witnessed the Holocaust and genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Darfur and more. Today also, due to conflicts, wars, and terrorism, people and nations are in pain and need; are persecuted and are paying for their faith with their very lives. We believe that the universal recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide as an effective example of the realization of justice and establishment of rights will benefit the creation of a safe and just world. In this sense, the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide is an invitation to the world to not remain indifferent to human suffering and contemporary martyrdoms, and to invest greater efforts to stop and prevent crimes against humanity. This is the fruit which shall grow from the roots of martyrdom. During the celebration of this Holy Mass on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, before the cherished memories of our martyrs, We reflect with gratitude that Your Holiness predecessors of blessed memory, Benedict XV, raised His voice of protest against the genocide, and Saint John Paul II, in a joint communiqué with Us in 2001, recognized and condemned the Armenian Genocide. In this regard, the publication of historical documents by the Vatican Archives plays an important role. Our people remember with gratitude all those who not only spoke out and condemned the Armenian Genocide, but also implemented humanitarian missions, by caring for orphans, giving refuge to survivors, and helping them to overcome countless difficulties. On the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, on April 23rd of this year, with the prayerful participation of sister Churches among them the representatives of Your Holiness and high ranking guests and thousands of our sons and daughters from throughout the world, our innumerable victims who accepted the crown of martyrdom for faith and homeland will be canonized in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. We will appeal for the intercession of our holy martyrs, now united with the heavenly host, for divine peace to pour over the life of mankind, and for the tragedy of genocides to no longer find a place in this world. Dear Brother in Christ, We share Your view that martyrdom does not recognize the differences of denominations. Indeed, the martyrs unite us as children and servants of our one Lord Jesus Christ, to gather together and implement unified efforts for the sake of the establishment of love, justice, and peace in the world, and the promotion of dialogue between civilizations and religions, as the Holy Bible exhorts us, And let us consider how to encourage one another to love and good works. (Hebrews 10:24). In this holy sanctuary of Saint Peter, let the prayers and supplications that ascend from our hearts up to heaven, be heard by our heavenly Father, to bless and guide on true paths all efforts that are made aimed at peace on earth and the secure and prosperous life of humanity. We pray for Your Holiness health and the vibrancy of the Roman Catholic Church, and appeal for the protection and blessings of God for all of us, with the heartfelt words of Saint Gregory of Narek: But you, who are capable of everything, grant me the spirit of salvation, the sheltering right arm, the helping hand, the command of goodness, the light of mercy, the word of renewal, the cause of pardon, and help of the staff of life. For you are the hope of refuge, Lord Jesus Christ, blessed with the Father and Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen. (Prayer 59) Preliminary Bazaar Workday Schedule Thurs., May 21 Large Beoreg Thurs., June 4 Small Beoreg Wed., June 17 Kufta Tues., June 23 Small Beoreg Thurs., July 9 Large Beoreg Wed., July 15 Kufta Tues., July 28 Small Beoreg Wed., August 12 Small Beoreg Wed., August 26 Kufta Wed., September 30 Sarma (9 am start) Thurs., October 1 Plate & Box Sarma, Prepare Shish Kebab, Box Boorma (9 am start) Friday & Saturday, Oct. 2 & 3 BAZAAR Workdays begin at 9:30 am, except for the week of the bazaar. St. Vartan Sponsors Clergy Prayer Vigil On March 19, 2015, St. Vartan Armenian Church welcomed the clergy of the Eastern Churches of the Bay Area (ECoBA) to participate in a joint prayer service and a Lenten dinner. The event was hosted by Fr. Hovel Ohanyan, Parish Priest of St. Vartan, in cooperation with Fr. Datev Harutyunyan, Vicar of the Northern Region and Parish Priest of St. Andrew Armenian Church of Cupertino, and Fr. Mesrop Ash, Parish Priest of St. John Armenian Church of San Francisco. The evening began with clergy conducting the Lenten Vigil Service of the Armenian Church, which was a moving and spiritually cultivating experience for all who joined in prayer. Later the group gathered in the Church Hall to enjoy their common meal, and discuss the group s recent activities, including a demonstration, which was held in downtown San Francisco to raise awareness about the plight of Christians throughout the Middle East. The participants recommitted themselves to work together on similar matters in the future that are of mutual importance to the diverse Christian communities of the Bay Area that have ancestral and ecclesiastical roots in the Middle East. About ECoBA ECoBA is a spontaneous grouping of pastors who serve the Eastern Churches of the Bay Area. They organized a powerful prayer for peace in Syria and the Middle-East a year ago. With the escalation of the ISIS threat endangering the culturally unique and historically long-standing Christian communities in the Middle- East, ECoBA feels the responsibility of bringing their concerns to public and government awareness. Attention Graduates The St. Vartan Voice would like to honor all of our graduates. If you or a loved one is graduating this spring, please forward information and a photo to stvartanoakland@aol.com by May 15, May 1-2 May 3 Upcoming Event Diocesan Assembly Ecumenical Prayer Service for Genocide Martyrs May 5 Armenian Language Class 7 pm May 7 Ladies Society Mother s Day 12 noon Luncheon & Raffle May 9 Choir Rehearsal l1 am May 10 Mother s Day Coffee Hour 12 noon May 12 Armenian Language Class 7 pm May 13 Parish Council Meeting 6:30 pm May 17 Sunday School Closing Program 10:30 am May 21 Bazaar Workday-Beoreg 9:30 am May 23 Choir Rehearsal 11 am May 30 Family Night 5:30 pm May 31 Historic Armenia Presentation 12 noon Happy Mother s Day Sunday School Closing Program The last day of Sunday School for this year is Sunday, May 17. Please join our Sunday School children after church services on May 17, as they present a closing program.

3 St. Vartan Church Parish Council gratefully acknowledges the following donations: Landscaping Fund Anto and Hasmig Cingoz In Honor of Rachel Harger Mary Ann Sievers and Elizabeth Barsamian (The Voice Newsletter) Suzanne and Razmik Abnous Araks Aghazarian Sylvia & John Alexanian Siranouche Apelian Robert Arabian Lou Aronian Harry Arruda Annie Avedissian Archie and Nellie Azizian Aris and Sonia Balian Pete & Pat Barsamian Elizabeth Barsamian Anne Barsamian Barry Barsamian Paul & Felice Bedrossian Kegham and Roxanne Boghossian Vartan and Ayko Berberian Barbara & Jack Bousian Minas and Elizabeth Buyuker Michael Cassidy Kenneth and Carole Crone June Demerdjian Brian and Cynthia Der Matoian Berge and Sara Dermatoian Harry & Carol Dokouzian Nurhan and Mary Donikian Margie Dorian 2015 Easter Yughakin Jack Dorian Dickie and Seno Garabedian Shannon & Edward Gentry Rosalie Gifford Nora and Raffi Gregorian Wartkes Hagopian Amy Hailozian Hagop and Sonik Hakimian Lori & David Hill Luz and Frederick Hovsepian Nazaret and Seta Jindoian Louise Jorjorian Norayr & Elizabeth Kalpakjian Zephyr Kalunian Arka and Nelly Kargodorian Helin Karunyan Garo & Patricia Keadjian Hermine & Vartan Keshishyan Charles & Dorris Kezerian Alice Koenig Myron and Arax Konjoyan Virginia Madajian Donald & Lisa Manoogian Elizabeth and Zohrab Markarian Emma and Lida Mazmanian Vahe and Hilda Mener Gary & Janis Naman Richard Nikssarian Albert Odabashian Liz and Ron Ojakian Helen Piperis Virginia Ratcliff Alene Rudy Carol Rustigian Michael Sanossian Edward & Karen Sarafian Zaven and Anahit Shahbazian Richard & Judy Sharafian Mildred Shirin Mary Ann Sievers Caline Soghikian Frances Stevens Donald & Virginia Tafjen Isabelle Tajirian Ardemis & Fred Tajirian Charles & Mary Tateosian Mr. & Mrs. Hagop Tatoian Annabelle Taylor Mary Thompson Marlene Tolegian Victor & Hasmig Vasgerdsian Norma Yaglijian ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory Arshaluce and Harry Stone Harry and Carol Dokouzian In Memory Krikor Soghikian Sonia Dedrakian Lucy Tulanian Richard and Judy Sharafian (Altar flowers) Michael Madajian James Yogurtian Nubar Tashjian Judy Swenson Armen Boyd Mary Ann Sievers and Elizabeth Barsamian (Landscaping Fund) Krikor Soghikian Mary Ann Sievers and Elizabeth Barsamian (Landscaping Fund)

4 News From Our St. Vartan Family Condolences On March 29, 2015 Hagop Khatchikian was called home to the arms of the Heavenly Father. Our condolences to his wife, Seta Khatchikian; his sisters, Anoush Doghramdjian, Anahid Seropian, and Shoushan Hart; his children, Nayree Phelps, and Vahram (Hasmik) Khatchikian; and his grandchildren, Ani, Armen and Aleen Phelps, and David Khatchikian; and his many nieces, nephews, family and friends. Baptisms Cristiano Brian Cardozo was baptized at St. Vartan Armenian Church by Fr. Hovel on March 29. Cristiano is the son of Douglas and Natalie Cardozo. His godfather is Luke Cardozo, and his godmother is Arpiné Ramirez. Grandparents are Brian Cardozo and Cindy Kra, and Carlos and Nancy Ramirez. On April 4 Fr. Hovel baptized Amara Anoush Flash Markarian at St. Vartan Church. Amara s parents are Mark Markarian and Jessica Flash, and her godparents are Sevan Yazejian and Sarah Flash. Armen and Victoria Markarian and Kevin and Rachel Flash are Amara s grandparents. Dominic Simon LaPlante was baptized by Fr. Hovel at St. Vartan Church on April 12. Sean LaPlante is Dominic s father and Talin Sarkis-Kelly is his mother. Tadeh Sarkis-Kelly is Dominic s godfather and Melineh Sarkis-Kelly is his godmother. His grandparents are Cecilia and Ron LaPlante and Hermina and Simik Sarkis-Kelly. Cultural Committee presents Armenian Music Concert On Saturday evening, March 14, 2015, the St. Vartan Cultural Committee held a concert Armenian Journey Armenian Music from the 10th- 21st Centuries commemorating the Armenian Genocide Centennial. The concert featured Bay Area artists: Tatev Amiryan, composer/pianist; Hagop Kupelian, tenor; Naiyry Sarkiss, pianist; Soussanna Tchoubarian, soprano; and Helene Zindarsian, soprano. Tatev Amiryan performed Babajanian Elegy, and two of her original compositions written and dedicated to the Armenian Genocide Centennial Last Lullaby sung by Helene Zindarsian, and Waiting for the Dawn. Hagop Kupelian and Soussanna Tchoubarian performed four pieces by Gomidas: Garoun a, Lele Yaman, Yergink Ambel a and Grouing ; and Ms. Tchoubarian sang P. Ganatchian s Oror in the first half of the concert. In the second half of the concert, Helene Zindarsian sang Ghazaryan s Menag Jampord Em accompanied by Ms. Amiryan, and Mr. Kupeliian and Ms. Tchoubarian sang three pieces from A. Dikranian s Anoush : Saro s Serenata, Anush s Aria, and Anush/Saro Duet, accompanied on piano by Naiyry Sarkiss. The concert program closed with E. Hovhannessian s Yerevan-Erebuni performed ensemble. The audience had a surprise visiting guest performer, Aryana Nemati, from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, who performed an improvisation of an Armenian folk song on saxophone with Tatev Amiryan, piano. A reception followed the concert where audience members had an opportunity to meet and greet our performing artists. The concert was indeed a tribute to our martyred ancestors.

5 Katherine Sarafian presents Armenian Heritage Preservation On March 29, the St. Vartan Church Sunday School and Cultural Committee hosted their annual and delicious Palm Sunday Brunch, followed by a special introduction to the non-profit, Oakland based, CyArk Armenian Heritage - A Virtual Pilgrimage project by Katherine Sarafian. Pulling from her experience in digital recreation while working on Pixar s Brave, Katherine explained the CyArk mission to ensure heritage sites are available to future generations by using new technologies to create a free 3D online library of the world s cultural heritage sites before they are lost to natural disasters, destroyed by human aggression or ravaged by the passage of time. In progress now is the digital preservation of the Monastery of Geghard in Armenia, and Ani in Turkey. Katherine Sarafian explained the CyArk Katherine and Jaime Pursuit, representing Cy- project, Armenian Heritage A Virtual Ark and the Tumo Center Pilgrimage at the Armenian Embassy in Washington D.C. for Creative Technologies, have promoted this important project across the country, including a presentation and resunday School parents and Cul- ception at the Embassy of Armenia to the United States in Washington, tural Committee members prepared D.C. last October. Visit for further information on the brunch on Palm Sunday. additional international preserved sites and donation options. On behalf of His Eminence, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, Fr. Hovel presented Bill and Beverly Nalbandian with the Archbishop s Award during the Palm Sunday service on March 29. On Easter Sunday, April 5, Fr. Hovel presented Caline Soghikian with an Encyclical from His Holiness, Karekin II, Catholics of all Armenians. The Encyclical was for the St. Nersses medal which Caline received in January. On March 22 St. Vartan Church celebrated Nazeni Ohanyan s first tooth. Fr. Hovel and Yn. Anahit sponsored coffee hour that day.

6 Holy Week at St. Vartan Armenian Church St. Vartan Ladies Society Mother s Day Luncheon & Raffle May 7, 2015 at 12:00 noon Entertainment: A Frank Sinatra Tribute $15 per person Please RSVP for tables to Caroline at or ccarakelian@yahoo.com Raffle prize donations would be greatly appreciated.