ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF THE DESERT VISTA DUNES RD RANCHO MIRAGE CA PHONE (760) FAX (760)

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Elise Alchian Receives Sunar Chuchian Award Evening at Solano s 3 DID YOU KNOW?

DESERT 38-900 VISTA DUNES RD RANCHO MIRAGE CA 92270 PHONE (760) 773-2155 FAX (760) 773-2755 E-MAIL: AACOD@LIVE.

1 October, 2010 DER (REV. FR.) KRIKOR ZAKARYAN, PARISH PRIEST I will build my Church Matthew 16:18 Inside this issue: Pontiff Consecrates the Mother -Cathedral in Burbank, CA Discovery of the Holy Cross 2 Holy Translators 2 Elise Alchian Receives Sunar Chuchian Award Evening at Solano s 3 DID YOU KNOW??? 3 ANNOUNCEMENTS 4 4th Annual Cultural Festival 5 CALENDAR 6 THANK YOU 6 SPONSORS PAGE MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF THE DESERT ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF THE DESERT VISTA DUNES RD RANCHO MIRAGE CA PHONE (760) FAX (760) AACOD@LIVE.COM Behold, I build a house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate it to him, and to burn before him sweet incense 2 Chronicles 2:4 57 Cents A sobbing little girl stood near a small church from which she had been turned away because it was too crowded. "I can't go to Sunday School?" she sobbed to the pastor as he walked by. Seeing her shabby, unkempt appearance, the pastor guessed the reason and, taking her by the hand, took her inside and found a place for her in t h e S u n d a y s c h o o l c l a s s. The child was so touched that she went to bed that night thinking of the children who have no place to worship Jesus. Some time later, this child lay dead in one of the poor tenement buildings and the parents called for the kind-hearted pastor, who had befriended their daughter, to assist with the final arrangements. As her poor little body was being moved, a worn and crumpled purse was found. Inside was Witness the Progress of our Church A Candlelight Dedication of the Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert is scheduled for October 9, The longawaited completion of the construction of found 57 cents and a note scribbled in childish handwriting which read, "This is to help build the little church bigger so more children can go to Sunday school." She had worked and saved for this offering of love to build a larger church facility. The Priest challenged his deacons, and some of the deacons challenged him - to get busy and raise enough money for the larger building. But the story does not end there! A newspaper learned of the story and published it. It was read by a Realtor who offered them a parcel of land. Church members made large donations. Checks came from various sources. Within five years the little girl's gift had increased to $250 - a huge sum for that time (near the turn of the century). From this money a house was purchased and used by the church. It was eventually sold and through the inspiration of the sacrifice of Hattie the new Church is in the final stages, as we near this Dedication date. The interior paint, electrical, plumbing and finish work are near completion, and a sidewalk surrounding the Church will be completed to connect the walkways to the existing social hall. Parishioners in attendance at the Dedication will soon be able to view the beauty of the interior wall space of the Church, which is equal to the exterior beauty that we have all enjoyed watching unfold during the past several months. After the Church Dedication, the construction committee will continue their work towards the completion of the Church complex, in order to successfully obtain the permit for occupancy of the Church, as required by the City of Rancho May Wiatt, more funds were raised which eventually purchased the property of the Temple Baptist Church in the city of Philadelphia with a seating capacity of 3,300 and Temple University, where hundreds of students are trained today. If you go there have a look, too, at the Temple University Hospital and at a Sunday School building which houses hundreds of Sunday Schoolers, so that no child in the area will ever need to be left outside during Sunday school time. In one of the rooms of this building may be seen the picture of the sweet face of the little girl whose 57 cents, so sacrificially saved, made such remarkable history. Alongside of it is a portrait of her kind pastor, Dr. Russel H. Conwell. A true story, which goes to show WHAT GOD, CAN DO WITH 57 cents. Mirage. Upon accomplishing our goal of completing the Church building, fundraising efforts are continuing towards raising the additional funds for both interior Church furnishings and the completion of the surrounding landscaping and required site work. Donations towards this goal are essential, in order to ensure the successful completion of the entire church complex and use of the Church. Your generous support will be greatly appreciated. We look forward to your participation at the Candlelight Dedication Service and Banquet as we celebrate our accomplishments and this momentous occasion towards the continued growth of the Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert. Carolon Nigisian Construction Committee Chairwoman

Page 2 Pontiff Consecrates St. Leon Mother-Cathedral On Saturday, September 11, 2010, at 2:30 Discovery of the Holy Cross St.

world. The Armenian people s desire to learn about our Lord was hindered as there was no written Armenian language. All the books were in Greek or Syriac.

He went to the Catholicos, Sahag with his ideas. Sahag welcomed him and offered him help in developing the alphabet in the year 404.

those whom she thought likely to assist her in accomplishing her pious design.

This is because it was the custom among the Jews to make a great hole near the place where the body of the criminal was buried, and to throw into it whatever belonged to his execution.

2 Page 2 Pontiff Consecrates St. Leon Mother-Cathedral On Saturday, September 11, 2010, at 2:30 Discovery of the Holy Cross St. Helena, Roman Empire Constantine s mother, being inspired with a Feast of the Holy Translators Almost 400 years after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, Christianity was still spreading throughout the world. The Armenian people s desire to learn about our Lord was hindered as there was no written Armenian language. All the books were in Greek or Syriac. When Sahag became Catholicos after his father Nersess, he was eager to find better ways to help the Armenian people learn about their faith. Mesrob had a vision in which he saw the Armenian letters. He went to the Catholicos, Sahag with his ideas. Sahag welcomed him and offered him help in developing the alphabet in the year 404. Together they planned to translate the Bible (which has since been called the great desire to find the identical cross on which Christ had suffered and died, went to Jerusalem, and consulted all those whom she thought likely to assist her in accomplishing her pious design. She was by them credibly informed, that if she could find out the sepulchre, she would likewise find out the instruments of the punishment, which is the cross. This is because it was the custom among the Jews to make a great hole near the place where the body of the criminal was buried, and to throw into it whatever belonged to his execution. They looked upon all these things as detestable objects, and which for that reason ought to be removed out of Queen of Translations ) and other important religious writings into Armenian to make it available and compre- p.m., His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians consecrated the St. Leon Cathedral in Burbank, California. The Pontiff was assisted by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate; His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, and a big number of Primates from around the world. The Catholicos led the procession to the St. Leon Cathedral where he consecrated the holy altar. According to the traditions of the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church, The Primate and the guest Archbishops consecrated the crossstones placed on the columns of the Cathedral in the name of each of the Evangelists. Between the guests of the consecration of the Mother Cathedral were governmental officials and Ecumenical guests. Following the spiritual message of His Holiness Karekin II, the Honorable Antonio Villaraigosa, Mayor of Los Angeles sight. The pious empress, therefore, ordered the profane building to be pulled down, the statues to be broken in pieces, and the rubbish to be removed; and upon digging to a great depth, they discovered the holy sepulchre, and near it three crosses; also the nails which had pierced our Saviour s body, and the title which had been affixed to his cross. By this discovery they understood that one of the three crosses was that of Jesus and that the other two belonged to the two who were crucified with Jesus. The title was found separate from the cross. Now the difficulty was to distinguish which of the three was that cross on which Jesus died. Surprisingly this was done with the help of a miracle. St. Macarius, a hensible. This endeavor took many, many years. These pioneers in religious education made it possible for the Armenian Church to grow and survive into modern day by devoting their whole lives to the Christian education of our people. They formed a group of priests known as the Holy Translators. These people worked hard and long translating the Bible and other writings and teachings under the guidance and with the support of Catholicos Sahag and Mesrob. According to the Liturgical Calendar of the Armenian church, the Feast of the Holy Translators is celebrated in October. This Feast commemorates others who continued the faith. These translators include Yeghishe, Moses the Poet, David the Philosopher, Gregory of Narek, and Nersess the Graceful. This spirit ad legacy are inspirational for all of us to continue their efforts today. The Holy Translators completed the approached the holy altar and accepted the consecrated cross stone in honor and in memory of the victims of the September 11 attacks. Bishop, knowing that one of the principal ladies of the city lay extremely ill, suggested to the empress to take the three crosses to the sick person, and to pray for her healing. This being done, St. Macarius prayed, and after his prayer, applied the crosses singly to the patient, who was immediately and perfectly recovered by the touch of one of the crosses, and hence giving the true identity. St. Helena, full of joy for having found the treasure which she had so earnestly sought, and so highly esteemed, built a church on the spot, and placed the cross there with great veneration. She afterward carried part of it to Emperor Constantine, who was then at Constantinople, who received it with great veneration. translation of the Bible in 425 A.D. The first words written in the Armenian language were from the Book of Proverbs: "To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding" (Proverbs 1:2)

Page 3 Elise Alchian received the Sunar Chuchian award for dedication, commitment, and service to the Church during special ceremonies following the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, September 19, 2010.

She has served as treasurer for the Ladies Society for many years and has worked quietly to supplement and maintain supplies in the hall kitchen.

It was an evening of laughter, games, good food, and great fellowship. Fr. Krikor Zakaryan gave the blessing of the food. After the entre was eaten, M.C.

3 Page 3 Elise Alchian received the Sunar Chuchian award for dedication, commitment, and service to the Church during special ceremonies following the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, September 19, The presentation was made by Rev. Fr. Krikor Zakaryan who praised Elise's ongoing service to the Church. She has served as treasurer for the Ladies Society for many years and has worked quietly to supplement and maintain supplies in the hall kitchen. As EVENTS REVIEW ELISE ALCHIAN RECEIVES SUNAR CHUCHIAN AWARD Twenty-eight Church parishioners and friends attended the second dinner event at Solano's Bistro in La Quinta on Saturday, September 18. It was an evening of laughter, games, good food, and great fellowship. Fr. Krikor Zakaryan gave the blessing of the food. After the entre was eaten, M.C. Lillie Merigian said the group had to work for their dessert. This time she had a little harder version of the guess who match game Each person had a sticker on his/her back with a word naming a person, place, food, drink, etc. which the individual had to guess by asking questions like Am I other parishioners pointed out: Elise always has a smile on her face; She has taken care of Ruben's housing and health needs for many years; She is beautiful! Shirley Chuchian, the first recipient of the award, was unable to make the presentation in her beloved husband's name, but she sent her best wishes. Alice Safoyan and Virginia Matossian also have received the award. PARISHIONERS ENJOY ANOTHER EVENING AT SOLANO'S 1. The rite for the dedication of a church is rightly considered among the most solemn religious services. A church is the place where the Christian community is gathered to hear the word of God, to offer intercession and praise to Him, and above all to celebrate the holy mysteries, and it is the place where the holy sacrament of the Eucharist is kept. Thus it stands as a special kind of image of the Church itself, which is God s temple built from living stones. And the altar of a church, around which the holy people of God gather to take part in the Lord s sacrifice and to be refreshed at the heavenly meal, stands as a sign of Christ himself, who is the priest, the victim, and the altar of his own sacrifice. Lillie Merigian bigger than a bread box to others who could answer only yes or no. Once the person guessed the word, he/she had to find the matching word: macaroni & cheese, church & steeple, judge & jury, etc. Our wonderful Deacon Chris Markarian surrounded by five people answering yes and no finally came up with his sticker word gin after he named eight other drinks and then found his match, tonic! Carolon Nigosian, Parish Council Chairman, gave a brief update of Church construction and reminded the group to make their Dedication banquet reservations as soon as possible. Festival chairman, Chris Markarian, spoke about plans DID YOU KNOW??? CHURCH DEDICATION for the upcoming event featuring Harout Pambookjian and John Bilizekjian on November 6 & 7. Fr. Krikor spoke about his joy in being a part of the beautiful church-building process in this community, his first clerical assignment since his ordination. Dr. Armen Karimyan made the arrangements with the restaurant and provided the music for Armenian dancing. Irina Torian won the door prize of four large, decorative mugs. The event was a fundraiser for the Church. Due to some last minute cancellations, the Church netted $539 compared to $887 last time. Be there for a surprise event after the holidays. Lillie Merigian 2. When the building of a new church begins or is complete, it is desirable to celebrate a rite to ask God s blessing for the success of the work and to remind the people that the structure built of stone will be a visible sign of the living Church, God s building that is formed of the people themselves. 3. In accordance with liturgical tradition, this rite consists of the blessing of the site of the new church and the blessing and laying of the foundation stones. When there is to be no foundation stone because of the particular architecture of the building, the rite of the blessing of the site of the new church should still be celebrated in order to dedicate the building to God.

4 Page 4 WESTERN DIOCESE LADIES SOCIETY CENTRAL COUNCIL PILIGRIMAGE TO THE NEWLY BUILT AND DEDICATED ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF THE DESERT OCTOBER 28, :30 AM ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF THE DESERT For more information call FUNDRAISING Dear Friends, we invite you to become part of the history of the Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert by having a BRICK engraved with your name or the name of a loved one. The bricks will be laid in a pathway that will lead to the Church. The proceeds from the bricks will go toward the construction and completion of the Church which promises to be an Architectural Landmark in the Desert, a Spiritual Home for the Faithful and an accomplishment of tremendous Pride to all Armenians. Thank you for your support and may God Bless you all. Parish Priest & Parish Council For more information talk to a PC member or call the Church office at Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert 4th Annual Cultural Festival WIN A TRIP TO ARMENIA Trip Donated by Velo Herbekian Win a Chance to Experience the History, Traditions & Culture of Armenia 14-Day Vacation for 2 People Roundtrip Airfare (LAX to Yerevan) Hotel Accommodations - Tours Raffle Drawing Held On: November 9, 2010 $100 Donation Per Raffle Ticket Contact Chris Markarian (951)

Page 5 4 th Annual Cultural Festival 2010 Dear Friends, The Fourth Annual Armenian Cultural Festival is scheduled for November 6 & 7 on the grounds of the Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert in

5 Page 5 4 th Annual Cultural Festival 2010 Dear Friends, The Fourth Annual Armenian Cultural Festival is scheduled for November 6 & 7 on the grounds of the Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert in Rancho Mirage. Our goal is to raise awareness in the Desert of our Armenian heritage and feature our music, art, dance, and, of course, our delicious Armenian food. The Festival Committee is working very hard this year to organize another successful event for the community to enjoy. The success of the last three years was achieved by the generous contribution of time and money of supporters like you. It takes a considerable amount of planning, energy, and expense to produce a Festival for all to enjoy. Therefore we are offering sponsorship opportunities to our community. All sponsors' family or company names will appear in the Festival program as well as on prominently displayed banners on the grounds. This financial support is needed now to help offset up front expenses. Please consider the following levels of sponsorship and become a Festival 2010 sponsor: PLATINUM: $1000 GOLD: $500 SILVER: $250 Dinner, dessert, and drinks for four Dinner, dessert, and drinks for two One dinner, dessert, and drink Five raffle tickets Three raffle tickets Two raffle tickets 2010 Festival Committee Chairman, Chris Markarian, (951) , christophermarkarian@yahoo.com

Page 6 SERVICES AND EVENTS CALENDAR OCTOBER 2010 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat FEAST OF THE HOLY TRANSLATORS Dedication Picnic DISCOVERY OF THE HOLY CROSS 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

6 Page 6 SERVICES AND EVENTS CALENDAR OCTOBER 2010 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat FEAST OF THE HOLY TRANSLATORS Dedication Picnic DISCOVERY OF THE HOLY CROSS BIBLE STUDY 6 PM Ladies Society monthly meeting Kirkjan Family Hall Ladies Society Central Council PILIGRIMAGE Bible Study 6 PM DEDICATION OF THE ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF THE DESERT ANNOUNCEMENTS S IS ALWAYS OPEN FOR YOUR QUESTIONS, IDEAS, CONCERNS, REQUESTS, GOOD/BAD NEWS, ETC. Come and join Fr. Krikor s Bible study Every second and fourth Thursday at 6 pm OCTOBER 14 & 28 EVERYBODY IS WELCOME Please call Der (Rev. Fr.) Krikor if you know of anyone who needs pastoral care at home or in hospital. Church phone: (760) THANK YOU Der Krikor and the Parish Council would like to express their heartfelt thank you to the following people for their generous donations towards Church items and furnishings: Greg and Seta Tcherkoyan $ 15,000 John and Alice Ipjan $ 4,000 Stela Ohanesian $ 1,000 Elise Alchian $ 200 Nubar and Mary Zoryan $ 200 Azniv and Lucine Jarkian $ 200 Artin and Lucine Jarkian $ 150 Darwin Avedisian $ 150 Douglas and Kristine Foresi $ 150 George Najarian $ 50 May God Bless you abundantly for your generous hearts and keep you and your families safe.

SPONSORS PAGE Page 7 Special discounts for the Armenian community!!! Prestige Auto Design & Body Inc.

C-16 Palm Springs, CA 92262 Phone 1 (760) 325-1657, Koko Tutunjian Special discounts for the Armenian community!

Complete and pay 11 months at $ 1280 and 12th month is $ 780 (8-12 months lease only). Minimum lease time is 6 months. Short term lease less than 3 months is $ 1995 a month.

7 SPONSORS PAGE Page 7 Special discounts for the Armenian community!!! Prestige Auto Design & Body Inc. Prestige Motor Car Auto Body & Paint The Collision Repair & Paint Specialists Insurance Claims 401 Radio Rd. C-16 Palm Springs, CA Phone 1 (760) , Koko Tutunjian Special discounts for the Armenian community!!! CONDOMINIUM FOR LEASE CHURCH PAPER SPECIAL $1095 (OFFER EXPIRE 09/21/2010) Corsican Villas, South side above Vintage Portola Gate, South Palm Desert, CA Looking for solid tenant for yearly lease! Complete and pay 11 months at $ 1280 and 12th month is $ 780 (8-12 months lease only). Minimum lease time is 6 months. Short term lease less than 3 months is $ 1995 a month. New kitchen counter tops, new base cabinets, new dishwasher, new refrigerator, new stove, new garbage disposal! Washer/Drier hook ups. Water, trash and association paid by owner! Foam roof on condo and garage close to pool and spa. No pets, please. Smoking area outside only. Will talk price to qualified parties after they see the condo. CALL NOW (760) S & S Care Babysitting, pet sitting, elderly care, doctor's visits, running errands and much more! Day or night, your place or ours just a phone call away! Sylva Mazmanian cell (760) Sylva Krikorian (760) cell (818) Dear Parishioners and Friends, By posting your ad in this newsletter you also support its printing and mailing expense. Thank you.

ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF THE DESERT 38-900 VISTA DUNES ROAD RANCHO MIRAGE, CA 92270 THIS COPY GOES TO: NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U. S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT No.

8 ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF THE DESERT VISTA DUNES ROAD RANCHO MIRAGE, CA THIS COPY GOES TO: NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U. S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT No. 27 PALM DESERT, CA The / Newsletter is published once a month by the Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert VISTA DUNES RD RANCHO MIRAGE CA PHONE (760) FAX (760) AACOD@LIVE.COM Editor Der (Rev. Fr.) Krikor Zakaryan Issue Date October 1, 2010 The deadline for all articles is fifteenth (15th) of each month Statement of frequency Authorized organization s name and address Published monthly ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF THE DESERT VISTA DUNES RD, RANCHO MIRAGE, CA Subscription price Free Parish Priest/President of all Church Organizations Der (Rev. Fr.) Krikor Zakaryan Parish Council Chairlady, Carolon Nigosian Vice-Chairman, V. J. Mkrtchian Treasurer, Alice Safoyan Recording Secretary, Lillie Merigian Membership, Armen Karimyan Corresponding Secretary/ACYO Chairman, Chris Markarian Fundraising, Rita Walden & Mary Vartanian Ladies Society Co-Chairlady/PC Advisor, Sonia Matossian LS Co-Chairlady Rosalie Kalamian

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Øºð ºÎºÔºòÆÜ OUR CHURCH OCTOBER-NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017 YEAR IX/ISSUE LXXI DER (REV. FR.) KRIKOR ZAKARYAN, PARISH PRIEST PUBLICATION OF ST. GARABED ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF THE DESERT PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 38-905 MONTEREY AVE