Assistant Secretary: Mark Der Matoian

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1 - 2 - The Parish Council held its first meeting with our newly elected members on March 8. At that meeting election of officers took place and the following are the officers for this year: Chairman: Ben Krikorian At Large: Dn. Dr. Varouj Altebarmakian Vice Chairman: Darlene Chardukian Isabel Chilpigian Secretary: Dn. Steve Adams Zar Der Mugrdechian Assistant Secretary: Mark Der Matoian Ovanes Kutnerian Treasurer: Jeff Markarian Aram Tokatian Assistant Treasurer: Robert Hancer I would like to thank the outgoing Parish Council Members for their dedicated service; namely Dn. Barlow Der Mugrdechian and Zaven Devejian for two and four years of service respectively. Both of these council members served nearly every Sunday, with Dn. Barlow alternating service on the altar and in the narthex weekly and Zaven serving nearly every Sunday. Thank you for your help. I m writing this article on Easter Sunday in the afternoon while reflecting on today s services as well as the entire Holy Week. This morning we had over 700 people attend our Badarak, probably the largest attendance we ve had in many years. On Palm Sunday we had 400 people attend services, another record-breaking year. I would like to extend our appreciation to Der Hayr for conducting all these services with great passion. I would also like to extend our thanks to our deacons and choir members for their participation. On Palm Sunday, the Ladies Society organized their annual brunch, which was enjoyed by all in attendance. Thank you to Isabel Chilpigian and her committee for a job well done. Our fence contractor has advised me that they plan to start the construction of our fence beginning the week of April 4. He hasn t given me a completion date, but says that they plan to work straight through to completion. Just as we finish this project, another one looms. We have had continual leaks in the roof of the Berberian Hall in several places during this wet winter season. I guess we had been spared for these past years with the drought. The roof was repaired a few times, only to leak again in the same places. Based upon the age of the roof and the number of areas that leak, we are now trying to assess whether a new roofing system is in order. We have had one assessment and will get at least one more before we decide on what course of action to take; namely whether to attempt to repair the leaks or install a new roof system. We are looking at approximately $50,000 to install a new roof over the hall. We have a number of events coming up soon, which I would like to share with you. You ll find more details about these in this issue of the Dajar. On Sunday, April 10, after church there will be a lecture on the Guardians of Christian Jerusalem. It will be presented by Dr. Roberta Irvine, visiting Kazan Professor at California State University, Fresno. This is another in our series of community lectures. On Wednesday, April 20, the Men s Forum will hold its annual joint dinner meeting with the Ladies society featuring their famous lamb shank dinner. The program will feature Professor Sergio La Porta, Haig and Isabel Berberian Professor of Armenian Studies. On Saturday, April 23, at First Armenian Presbyterian Church, there will be a community commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. All the valley churches will be participating. On Sunday, April 24, at St. Paul, we will have a special service blessing the new icon of the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide, which was commissioned by the Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Karekin II. The icon was painted by Tigran Barkhanajyan specifically for the 2015 ceremony of canonization, marking the 100 th year of remembrance of the Armenian Genocide. Plans are under way for our 4 th Annual Armenian Festival, to be held on Friday, May 20. Thank you all for your support of our church. I look forward to seeing you soon. On March 8th, the ACYO held their monthly meeting and had meaningful discussions regarding upcoming events such as our Palm Sunday simit sale and our plans for Easter Sunday. We also discussed the possibility of a car-wash fundraiser. We met on March 12th to prepare our choreg and simit for our bake sale fundraiser on Palm Sunday. Following a hard work day, we had a relaxing lunch together after the job was done. We would like to thank all the parents and members who participated in the event. On Easter Sunday, we will have our famous bunny on stage during fellowship who will be taking pictures and passing out chocolate to the kids. We are in the process of forming our sports

2 - 3 - April showers bring May flowers! Spring is in full force, with flowers blooming and the day lasting longer. It is God s glorious work! Live life to the fullest, and focus on the positive! I want to thank our March service committee: Chairman Daisy Avedissian, Mary Egoian, Sandy Gostanian, Linda Minier, Isabel Chilpigian, Annette Moushigian, and Shenora Adishian, for putting on a delicious Lenten dinner in addition to their month of service. Thank you to Salpy Adams for an insightful devotional and to Linda Minier for bringing Ron Mortanian to speak about the upcoming event of an evening with Kev at the Warner s Theater on Sunday afternoon, April 3, 2016, benefiting the California Armenian Home. Thank you for spending your Palm Sunday afternoon with us! Our annual Ladies Society Palm Sunday Champagne Brunch was wonderful! The brunch committee outdid themselves this year led by Isabel Chilpigian and her committee: Shenora Adishian, Alberta Bedoian, Isabelle Bishop, Araxie Kalinian, Susie Kalinian, Linda Minier, Jackie Manoogian, Jane Mooradian, Annette, Moughigian, and Aznive Tashjian. With additional help of Bob DerMatoian, Mark DerMatoian, Mike Chardukian, Jack Bedoian, Pete Chilpigian, Jerry Mootafian, Berjouhie and Zaven Devejian, Diane Boyajian. They made sure that every detail was thought of and the plans were executed with ease and grace. The food was delicious, the room was beautiful, and the record crowd was priceless! It was a delightful way to spend the afternoon. On Thursday, April 7, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. our Ladies will join in on the first annual Christian Women of First Street, sponsored by the Dorcas Guild of Pilgrim Armenian Congregational Church. There will be a luncheon at a cost of $10, followed by a special joining of hands and prayer. If you are interested call or Darlene for reservations. We are gearing up for our annual Armenian Festival on Friday, May 20, Food is being made and preparations and all the details are in the works. Contact Sara DerMatoian at , if you are interested in making Cheese Boreg on May 3, at 9:00 am at the Church. Our ladies are preparing for our visit to the Evangel Home May 15, Please support us by bringing toiletries, children s and women s clothing, canned and dried goods, paper products and diapers to church so we can take them to the ladies at the Evangel Home program. On the day of our visit, we take them a delicious hot meal and sit together to share a devotional of words of encouragement and comfort. If you want to help us or have any questions call Tracy Beberian at Our next Ladies Society dinner meeting will be on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. in the Minor Hall. We will have a delicious meal and devotional/program. More details to follow in our newsletter. Please call Gaila Peloian at , by April 10 th for your reservations. On April 20 th we are joining up with the Men s Forum for their annual Lamb Shank dinner. See the attached flyer to make your reservations. Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 23 to commemorate the annual Armenian Genocide religious and civic service at the First Armenian Presbyterian Church. All are welcome! When we come together, great things happen! Darlene Chardukian, Chairlady Although it was decided not to have a March Dinner Meeting, we were privileged to MEN S FORUM host Sunday Fellowship on March 13 th when doctoral candidate Umit Kurt gave an informative presentation in the Church Hall, in which he explainied the Turkish government continuing denial of the Armenian Genocide. In keeping with Armenian history theme, we are especially looking forward to our annual Lamb Shank Dinner on April 20 th, when Dr. Sergio La Porta of the Armenian Studies Program at CSU Fresno will be our guest speaker. Dr. La Porta, who is of English, Dutch and Italian heritage, has devoted his teaching career to Armenian culture and history, as well as its influence on world history. This promises to be a most enlightening evening, in addition to enjoying another dinner prepared in the Abby Mamigonian tradition by Bob Der Matoian, Abby s son Marty, and our devoted & talented cooking committee. Along with Ladies Society members, we encourage all parishioners and their guests to attend this special event. More details will be announced in our forthcoming flyer. At this time, we would like to thank Chairlady Darlene Chardukian, Isabel Chilpigian and the rest of the Ladies Society for their most delicious Champagne Brunch on Palm Sunday. The variety offered in the food buffet could rival any five-star restaurant.

3 - 4 - Fellow Christians, How are our students doing you might ask; they are doing great!!! Rain or shine (mostly heavy rain) did not dampen our March 4 th Lenten social night. The evening was fun, as usual, with healthy Lenten foods and games including Pictionary with some excellent artists who made answering very easy. Many thanks go out to everyone who attended (15 kids and 16 adults) and all who helped set up and made it fun. Special thanks to teachers Darlene Chardukian, Lauren Chardukian, and Ashken Chamasanyan for their dedication to allow everyone to enjoy the event. Der Hayr and his family helped set up and enjoyed the event with everyone. It was great to see recent Alumni of Sunday School including Emily Beberian and Jessica Chilingerian and all those I may have not seen with so many wonderful people on Palm Sunday! Sunday School would like to thank our Saturday school teachers and students for making the lovely candle/ palm for our Palm Sunday children s blessing!!! Bless our children and families in the Sunday School community. Thanks! Superintendent Anton Kismetian Hello St. Paul Parish, Last month we had Umit Kurt came to talk on Sunday, March 13 th where we hosted a late Lenten Lunch. He talked about why Turkey continues to deny the Genocide. On Sunday, April 10 th we will be hosting the second of the Community Lecture Series where Dr. Roberta Irvine will be speaking on the Guardians of Christian Jerusalem. Tickets for the light lunch will be available the day of the lecture for $ Our next meetings will be held on April 14 th and May 12 th at 6:30 p.m. both will be in the St. Paul Church Office. We will be having a potluck dinner. All potential A.C.Y.O. Senior members are invited. Come Join us! If you have any questions call me, Lauren Chardukian at (559) Beloved parishioners if you re using SHARES Cards PLEASE SIGN UP. See steps below.

4 In Memory Of Harry Topoozian Levon Baladjanian Coe Sahakian Iris Sahatdjian Mr. & Mrs. Mark Shirin In Memory Of Elizabeth Janigian Mr. & Mrs. Arnold Gazarian In Memory Of Bob Der Mugrdecian Mr. & Mrs. Keith Koligian In Memory Of George Basmagian Sandra Gostanian In Memory Of Ed Tellalian Mr. & Mrs. Zaven Devejian Pastor and Parish Council gratefully acknowledge the following donations. May the Lord bless and reward you. In Memory Of Mariam Khacheryan Hayarpi Kitpichyan In Memory Of Gene Chardukian Mr. & Mrs. Paul Hokokian In Memory Of Jim Hightower Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Chooljian In Memory Of Charles Marqarian Mr. & Mrs. P. Bournazian In Memory Of Martin Hagopian Mr. & Mrs. Henry Kachadurian Dajar Donations Mr. & Mrs. Michael Devejian Mr. & Mrs. Robert Manselian Our next visit to the Evangel Home is on Sunday, May 15 th, 2016 If you would like to join us and make a donation please feel free to contact The Ladies Society has baked goods for sale, Chorag, Simit and Katah. For purchasing, you can call the church office FUNERALS March 24, Peter Bournazian HEALING PRAYER à ô Ä Ø ² Ü ² Ô ú Â ø Harriet Boghosian Kirk Kerkochian Jackie Manoogian Sophie Warren

5 - 6 - Saturday School 10:00am Ladies Society Fellowship Saturday School 10:00am Men s Forum Fellowship Guardians of Christian Jerusalem lecture after Ladies Society Dinner meeting 7:00pm Saturday School 10:00am Junior ACYO Fellowship Men s Forum and Ladies Society Joint Annual Flag Raising 9:00 AM Fresno City Armenian Genocide Commemoration FAPC Blessing of the Armenian Genocide Matyrs Icon Sunday School AVAKS 9:30-3:30 Saturday School 10:00am FOR ASSISTANCE WITH CHURCH RELATED MATTERS HERE IS IMPORTANT INFORMATION Monday - Friday Morning Services 9:30 AM 9:00 AM -3:00 PM Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM Office (559) Fax (559) Kitchen (559) Website: Facebook: St. Paul Fresno KEEP IN TOUCH WITH OUR ORGANIZATIONS Parish Priest: Fr. Yessai Bedros f.isaiah@hotmail.com Parish Council: Ben Krikorian benkcpa@kkcpafirm.com Ladies Society: Darlene Chardukian ochardar@comcast.net Men s Forum: Gary Markarian gary.markarian@bedrosians.com Senior ACYO: Lauren Chardukian laurenchardukian93@gmail.com Junior ACYO: Joseph Colarian colarian@yahoo.com Sunday School: Anton Kismetian maralanto@sbcglobal.net Saturday School: Margarit Idzhian dumanyanm@yahoo.com

6 - 7 - St. Paul Armenian Church Women s Bible Reflection 1:00PM to 2:00PM Der Hayr and Yeretzgin s Home Led by Yeretzgin Varty Bedrosian Every Tuesday, starting April 12 through May 31 For details call the church office at Or Yeretzgin Varty at ST. PAUL ARMENIAN CHURCH Sunday April 24, 2016 Blessing of the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Icon On April 24, 2015 the Armenian Church canonized as saints the Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide. Come and be a witness to the blessing of the icon depicting our new Saints of the Armenian Church to be placed in our church sanctuary. The service will be held at the end of the Divine Liturgy.

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8 Dr. Roberta Irvine visiting Kazan Professor at California State University, Fresno will be speaking about the importance of the Armenian presence in Jerusalem. After informal lessons in Armenian language from the late Rev. Fr. Levon Arakelian at Holy Ascension parish in Trumbull, CT, Roberta Ervine enrolled in the newly-reopened Armenian Studies Program at Columbia University. She holds her PhD from Columbia University. Dissertation research led her to Jerusalem, where she lived in the Armenian Monastery of St. James as a disciple of His Grace Abp. Norayr Bogharian, curator of manuscripts. For sixteen of her twentyone years in the Holy City, Prof. Ervine taught for the Holy Translators Academy; she also lectured for several other Jerusalem institutions, including the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. In 2001 she returned to the United States to teach at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, where she lectures on topics related to the history of Armenian Christianity and Armenian Christian thought. She is the editor of the St. Nersess Theological Review. Sunday, April 10, :00 p.m.

9 St. Paul parishioners, as we prepare for our 5 th annual Armenian Festival this May 20th, we are asking for donations of local fruits, nuts and veggies etc. to be sold at our produce stand that night. If you or someone you know might have something we can use, please call the office with Help is needed for making Cheese Boregs for the May 20 Festival. If you can help, please come on May 3 at 9:00 am. Your help will be

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