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1 JUNE-JULY-AUGUST 2016 YEAR VIII, ISSUE XLVI DER (REV. FR.) KRIKOR ZAKARYAN, PARISH PRIEST PUBLICATION OF ST. GARABED ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF THE DESERT PHYSICAL ADDRESS: MONTEREY AVE RANCHO MIRAGE CA PHONE (760) FAX (760) Assumption of the Holy Mother of God and the Blessing of Grapes On the day of the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-of-God, the blessing of grapes takes place immediately after the Divine Liturgy. The ceremony is rich in symbolism and emphasizes the important role the Virgin Mary assumed in the revelation of God. The custom of blessing grapes, the first fruits of the harvest, can be traced back to Old Testament times, when farming was a common vocation. Of the vast variety of produce, grapes had a special place of honor and were considered the "first fruits" because they were the first produce of harvest. Among the Israelites, as among many neighboring cultures, grapes were regarded as belonging in a special way to God since they were the first fruits. It was He who gave the gift of the whole harvest and to offer Him the first fruits was to acknowledge complete dependence on Him. Special services of thanksgiving were conducted by priests in the temple, a tradition that prevailed to the time of Christ. With the birth of Jesus, these dedications took on a new meaning. Jesus Christ was the first born or the first fruit of Mary and, as such, was offered to God in the temple. (Luke 2:25-30) Armenian Church doctrine teaches that Mary has a primary place of honor because it was of her and by the Holy Spirit that God became incarnate (took human flesh). She is seen as the image of humanity fully obedient to God and ultimately sanctified by doing God's will. Therefore, on the feast remembering her dormition (falling asleep in Christ) and Assumption (ascending to heaven), we celebrate the blessing of grapes. Christ gave His blood to us for eternal life, and in remembrance we bless the grapes, the fruits of the earth. It is traditional to use seedless grapes to emphasize that this fruit came into being without seed, just as Christ became man without any human agent. By Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America A single feast day in our liturgical calendar illustrates the connection between the life in Christ and the abiding concerns of human existence. The "Blessing of the Grapes" is one of the most beloved ceremonies in the Armenian Church calendar. Most of us can recall people who would refuse to eat grapes until the fruit was "officially" sanctified by the local clergyman-a pious practice which dates back to an earlier era in the church's history, when daily life revolved around the growing seasons of an agricultural society. Grapes do have a certain symbolic significance in Christianity (think of all the references which Jesus made to wine and to "the vine and the branch," references which are still repeated in the Divine Liturgy). But for most people living during the early centuries of the church, the important thing about grapes was that they had to be harvested at a certain time of the year, and that, eaten as fruit or distilled into wine, they added something pleasing to life. In other words, for our ancestors, the grape season meant both labor and recreation. Through the grape-blessing, the church gave it a further significance, one having to do with man's sacred obligations to God. Thus work, play, and worship were all brought together in this ceremony. By Christopher H. Zakian Assumption of the Holy Mother of God Blessing of Grapes Service Sunday, August 14, 2016

2 Page 2 PARISH COUNCIL NEWS Dear Parishioners and Friends, The first few months of the new year 2016 have gone by quickly, and we are now at the start of our summer months. In February, your new Parish Council was voted into office and have been meeting and working on various old and new issues. Board positions were elected in March. The Parish Council board officers for 2016 are: Chairman Mary Vartanian Vice-Chairman Ani Markarian Treasurer Carolon Nigoian Assistant-Treasurer Gary Funtas Recording Secretary Dianne (Marty) Couvillion Corresponding Sec Ginny Kelekian Membership Peter Balgochian St. Garabed church was filled to capacity for Palm Sunday and Easter services. The Ladies Society held a bake sale on those days, which everyone enjoyed. A special remembrance service and program were held on April 24th, to commemorate the Armenian Genocide, and the Parish Council prepared a traditional Armenian lunch for those in attendance. The Parish Council has been busy looking into adding some new programs at the Church. A survey has been included with this newsletter to get your input on how we can better serve your needs. One new addition will be a guideline of Church etiquette, which will be available in the Church pews soon. Our annual Cultural Festival will be held the weekend of November 19th and 20th this year. The Festival committee will start meeting in June to make plans for another great Festival. Our Church was well represented by our Delegates at the 89th annual Diocesan Assembly in Las Vegas. Our membership may be smaller than other churches, but our strong passion shows through our actions and love for our Heritage. Next year will be five years since our St. Garabed Church was consecrated. We are making plans and looking forward to a 5th year celebration of our Church in January of Your participation and support are essential to the success of our church. Please become a member if you are not already, and join a committee to help. We need and welcome your involvement. I hope that you have a safe and happy summer. Please don t let the heat keep you from coming to Church we do have air conditioning! If you have something on your minds or have any concerns, you may contact me at (760) Sincerely, Mary Vartanian 2016 Parish Council Chairwoman

3 Page 3 Armenian Genocide Martyrs Day The Armenians of the Desert in Coachella Valley, California marked the 101 st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide Sunday, April 24, This year s highlight was the celebration of the sainthood of the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide. On Sunday morning, approximately 100 Armenians attended the Holy Divine Liturgy at St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert. Father Krikor held a unique ceremony in which he consecrated the Icon of the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide (The original of which was unveiled during the Canonization service at Holy Etchmiadzin). Father Krikor spoke of the role of the Armenian Church throughout the centuries until today, and stressed on the importance of learning and upholding the values taught by the Church. He encouraged everyone to learn the Armenian history and to sustain the link between the past and the present. At the conclusion of the Church ceremony, attendees made their way into the Kirkjan Family Hall to watch a documentary about sainthood and martyrdom, prepared by the Eastern Diocese. After the documentary Michelle Torian entertained the public with a graceful and touching ballet performance, followed by introduction of distinguished guests and speaker. We had 3 guests, the Mayor and two City Council Members: Gregory Pettie Cathedral City Mayor Pro Tem, Shelly Kaplan Council Member, John Aquilar Council Member of Cathedral City, who presented us with a Proclamation. Our guest speaker Alexander Keledjian is an Armenian Activist for Genocide Recognition, and works for Los Angeles County Mayor Michael D. Antonovich. His speech was inspiring and stimulating. Father Krikor addressed the situation of the Armenians in Karabakh/ Artsakh who need our prayer and support. Fr. Krikor expressed deepest condolences to the families of those soldiers who lost their lives as a result of the indiscriminate attacks by Azerbaijan. By Alice Keshishian REVIEW IN PICTURES Palm Sunday Diocesan Assembly Several parishioners attended Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday services at St. Garabed Church. Der Kirkor, and our Church and Ladies Society Delegates attended the annual Diocesan Assembly in Las Vegas the first weekend in May.

4 Page 4 Dear Parishioners and Members, During the past few months, the ladies have been humming with activity. Under the leadership of Carolon Nigosian, sumptuous Armenian desserts were prepared for the Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday bake sales. Lenten dinners were provided to the congregation at the General Assembly Meeting on February 28th and a complimentary Lenten dinner was provided after services on Maundy Thursday, March 24th. The ladies deserve many thanks for their hours of preparation, sales, and service. (You all know who you are!) April 8th found us at a beautiful Fashion Show at Cuistot's Restaurant on EI Paseo. A day of lunch, laughter, raffle prizes and a resounding success presented and chaired by Janis Avedesian. Commemoration Day (formerly "Martyrs' Day") on April 24th was recognized at church services, followed by a beautifully orchestrated program that brought tears to many eyes. Thanks to Fr. Krikor for his inspiring sermon, along with Chris Markarian and Alice Keshishian for their contributions. The picnic that followed on our church grounds, was a tribute and a LADIES SOCIETY NEWS recognition to all the saints (now at peace) who went through this horrific part of our Armenian history. Our gratitude to all who helped pull this event together. A "Mother's Day Luncheon" on May 12th was held at Agua Caliente, at which time we surprised and honored Ginny Kelekian for her contributions, not only to the Ladies Society, but to the entire church. Ginny epitomizes the spirit and character of all volunteers who give unselfishly of their time and talents to the betterment of St. Garabed. St. Garabed was represented at the Las Vegas Ladies' Society General Assembly by Diane Couvillion on May 5th. Along with other Diocesan church representatives, she also participated in the consecration of the new Las Vegas Armenian Apostolic Church. We are saddened to announce the passing of two Ladies' Society Charter members: Ann Gimian, whose memorial service and celebration of life was held May 22nd, and Anna Bedoian, our first Chairwoman and Choir Director of many years, who joined our Lord on May 14, May they rest in peace. We would be remiss in not mentioning the time, talent, and incredible hours of work that affect St. Garabed's day-to-day activities by Mary Vartanian, who seems to be everywhere, doing everything, all the time!!! We are always looking for new members new ideas and volunteers. Join us the Second Wednesday of each month at 10:30 am in Kirkjan Hall. Our summer hiatus, July and August, still finds us at specially planned luncheons. Call the church office or me directly ( ) for further information. We will be offering a complimentary lunch at our June meeting, along with a very interesting guest speaker!! Come join us! Respectfully, JoAnne Balgochian 2016 Ladies Society Chairwoman SAINT GARABED ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF THE DESERT The Five Year Anniversary of St. Garabed Armenian Church Consecration will be in We are in the process of putting together a special commemorative Calendar to mark this milestone. Each calendar page will provide an opportunity for one or two Sponsors. The Calendar will contain several beautiful photos of our St. Garabed Church. Please consider becoming a Sponsor. OPTION 1 Single Page Sponsor $500 OPTION 2 Shared Page Sponsor1 $250 Sponsor2 $250 Please contact the Church Office for more information at

5 Page 5 REST IN PEACE We are sadden to announce the passing of: Long time Church and community member Ana Bedoian on May 14, 2016 Community member Garnik Gerry Galstyan on May 25, 2016 MAY GOD REST THEIR SOULS IN PEACE AND COMFORT THOSE WHO MOURN HOKEHANKISD / REQUIEM In Memory of Mary Aslanian John Aslanian Mr. & Mrs. Koko Mazmanian Garen Aghahoyan Koko & Ginny Kelekian Arshalus Benge Alice Safoyan In memory of Marguerite Chorbajian 21st Anniversary of Passing Christine Peters & Zareh Chorbajian In Memory of Garo Tutunjian Jacci Tutunjian In Memory of: Khatchig Khatchatourian 20 Years Seda Khatchatourian 1 Year Mishig Der Kazarian 2 Years Zovinar & Kazar Der Kazarian Sahag & Tamar Azizian Aram & Margaret Khatchatourian Vigen & Emma Khatchaturian & Family In Memory of: Nvart Ghazarian Gregorian Mushegh Gregorian Vatchik & Carmen Gregorian and Family Anoush & Hayduk Chamras and Family Vrej & Hermineh Gregorian and Family THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS GENERAL FUND DONATIONS - $5,000 OR More John & Alice Ipjian GENERAL FUND DONATIONS - $500 or More Jacci Tutunjian Stephen Philibosian Foundation Mary Swajian GENERAL FUND DONATIONS - $250 or More Barry & Judith Toomajain GENERAL FUND DONATIONS - $100 OR More Odette Peters George & Tammy Kirkjan Shirley Chuchian Easter Donations - $500 or More The Churukian Family Easter Donations - $100 or More Aram Jigarjian Rosa Yanikian Greg & Set Tcherkoyan George & Tammy Kirkjan Steve Balian Larry & Linda Watland Barry & Judith Toomajain Mary Swajian Jacci Tutunjian In Lieu of Harriett Phillips Birthday A group of her friends In Lieu of Bill Malkasian's 94th Birthday Marilyn Malkasian Stanley Rosenbloom In Memory of Albert Injijian - $200 or More Injijian Family Requiem - $100 or More Vigen & Emma Khatchaturian April 24th DONATIONS - $100 or More Misty & Zachariah Porter In Memory of Verne Relitz George & Tammy Kirkjan Mel & Reggie Agajanian Mark & Susan Boranian Harold & Kathy Bazarian Bill & Pearl Burns Steve & Sandi Hampar Geri Chuchian Fred & Rose Darian Dick & Judy Bauer In Memory of Mary Aslanian John Aslanian Filor Hicazoglu Missy Zack Porter Martin Krupoff & Family Mr. & Mrs. Robert Vahratian Ronald & Grace Wright Howard & Barbara Sanger Ginny Kelekian Alice Safoyan Lucy Benge Bagati Jewelry

6 Page 6 SPONSORS PAGE Smoke Tree Jewelers Smoke Tree Jewelers designs are uncommon and incredibly special. We have one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry that stand out in a crowd - a unique repertoire of jewelry you won t see on anyone else. The quality of the diamonds, colored precious stones, and the structure of the designs will stand up to any other jeweler, and if you don t see what you re looking for, we will create it! PHONE E. Palm Canyon Dr. Suite 140, Palm Springs, CA, Mary Angelo REAL ESTATE BROKER CELL DRE # realtorofthedesert@hotmail.com

7 Page 7 SAINT GARABED ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF THE DESERT SURVEY In an effort to better meet the needs of our parishioners, St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert would like your feedback regarding some possible programs we are looking into initiating. Please take some time to fill out this survey and return it to us soon. Your input is very important to help us understand the needs of the community and to plan accordingly. Please return this page by mail, or in person to: Vista Dunes Road, Rancho Mirage CA Thank you for taking the time to respond Are you interested in attending any of the following programs? 1. Bible Study YES NO 2. Saturday Armenian Language School YES NO 3. Cultural Programs (Concert, Presentation, etc.) YES NO What time is good to attend those programs? AM PM If you have children, what age they are?... Are you interested for your children to attend Sunday School? YES NO Are you able/willing to volunteer? YES NO If Yes, which program you are interested to volunteer for? Name Address Phone and / Please include any suggestions and/or comments you may have here:

8 SAINT GARABED ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF THE DESERT VISTA DUNES ROAD RANCHO MIRAGE, CA NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U. S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT No. 27 PALM DESERT, CA THIS COPY GOES TO: OR CURRENT RESIDENT The / newsletter is a publication of St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert PHYSICAL ADDRESS: MONTEREY AVENUE RANCHO MIRAGE CA MAILING ADDRESS: VISTA DUNES RD RANCHO MIRAGE CA PHONE (760) FAX (760) AACOD@LIVE.COM WWW. AACOD.ORG Editor Der (Rev. Fr.) Krikor Zakaryan Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Parish Priest/President of all Parish Organizations Der (Rev. Fr.) Krikor Zakaryan Parish Council Chair, Mary Vartanian Vice-Chair, Ani Markarian Treasurer, Carolon Nigosian Assistant Trasurer, Gary Funtas Recording Secretary, Dianne Couvillion Corresponding Secretary, Ginny Kelekian Membership, Peter Balgochian