Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan November, 2012 I am a Christian!

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1 Bible Readings Nov. 4 Luke 8:17-21 Nov. 11 Luke 8:49-57 Nov. 18 Luke 9:44-50 Nov. 25 Luke 12:13-31 Thanksgiving Hymn Come, ye thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home; All is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin. God our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied; Come to God s own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home. Henry Alford Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan November, 2012 I am a Christian! All of us say these words, all of us call ourselves by the name of our Lord, but are we worthy of the name? What have we done, what feats of virtue have we accomplished, to merit calling ourselves Christians? Where is our faith, that faith which is the hallmark of a true Christian? When the Christians of old, enduring martyrdom for their confession of the Faith, were asked their names by the torturers, they answered, "I am a Christian." When asked if they were slave or free, they replied, "I am a Christian. I am a slave of Christ." When asked of their families and parentage, they said, "I am a Christian. God is my Father; the Church, my Mother; the saints, my brothers and sisters." When asked by their puzzled torturers how they could reject life and honor for death and dishonor, they explained, "We are Christians. Our sole desire is to die for Christ that we may reign eternally with Him." They endured hunger and thirst for the Gospel's sake; we complain about fasting for one day. They gave away the last of their sustenance for the sake of the One Whose Name they bore; we are reluctant to surrender even one penny. A true Christian has faith enough to move mountains; our faith is weak, smaller than a mustard seed. A Christian truly loves his neighbor and serves him, even at cost to himself; we scorn our neighbor, living only for ourselves. A Christian gladly obeys our Lord's command to pray unceasingly; we struggle to say the Lord s Prayer in the mornings and in the evenings. And we call ourselves Christians. The Church Fathers teach that it is not our success in the Christian life, but our effort that God sees and values; that it doesn't matter so much that we fall, but that we get up, repent, and try again, each time we stumble. It is the trying again; the repeated effort and struggle; the faith which makes a man continue to fight and not despair; the trust in God's mercy; the hope of eternal life, that makes a Christian. I call myself a Christian, but do I fulfill these requirements? Do we have efforts and struggles to show? Or do we fall and stay down. Millions of faithful have died for the name of Christ, the name which I and you so carelessly dishonor, and their blood adorns the title of Christian with more nobility and beauty than the richest gems or the most prestigious medals. The title of Christian is honor enough to lift the head of the most wretched beggar, and shame enough, if the inherent vow of Christ-likeness is unfulfilled, to bow the head of the most powerful king. So, at the same time as we raise our heads because of the dignity of the name of Christian, we prostrate ourselves to the earth in shame because of our unworthiness. Yet, I am a Christian. I am a Christian, not through any virtue or merit of my own, but through God's infinite

2 love, grace, and mercy, and His acceptance of my struggles, poor as they are. Because of His care for me, I may truthfully and proudly and humbly cry: I am a Christian! For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. (I Corinthians 15:9-10) Amen. Voice Newsletter Deadline November 15, 2012 Please keep St. Vartan Armenian Church updated with your correct address and phone number. Send any new information to stvartanoakland@aol.com or call the church office at DIOCESAN PRIMATE ARCHBISHOP HOVNAN DERDERIAN S CALL TO THE FAITHFUL TO EXTEND A LENDING HAND TO THE ARMENIANS OF SYRIA Beloved faithful, As you well know, the news arriving from Syrian towns including the capitol of Damascus is bleak and worrying, to say the least. The horrifying situation in war-torn Syria has taken a larege number of lives of innocent civilians, including some Armenians. Armenians in Syria are centralized mainly in Damascus and Aleppo, where organized communities, churches, schools, and chapters have been formed. We are in desperate need of preserving these institutions. In the past few weeks, the unstable civil conditions have been the cause infrastructural damage in Aleppo, the city where our people once prospered. We are glad to know the thousands of displaced Armenian refugees who were forced to abandon their homes, have established residence in our Homeland. However, we have also learned with that the Armenian communities in Aleppo face grave danger with each passing day. By the Grace of God, our people have overcome numerous trials and tribulations throughout centuries including the Armenian Genocide, the Armenian Earthquake of 1988, the civil wars in Lebanon, the warstricken Middle East, and others. However, the Armenians have remained brave. Even at times of despair, they have preserved their identity and have restored their lives. Our history affirms this. Dear faithful in Christ, humanitarianism is a Christian virtue. In the last few years, a number of natural disasters struck America and many regions of the world. The faithful of the Western Diocese responded with acts of generosity and benevolence. Through the American Red Cross, the Western Diocese allocated relief aid in the form of financial assistance to those seeking help. The time has come to demonstrate our love and affection for our brothers and sisters in Syria by extending our helping hands in order that they may provide for their daily needs. We call upon you acting upon the request of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. We are aware that in these desperate times, a humanitarian organization (Relief Aid for Armenians of Syria) has been established. Beloved faithful, we call upon the entire Armenian community to reach out to our brothers and sisters with a heartfelt donation. Checks, made out to WESTERN DIOCESE ARMENIAN CHURCH (in memo: For Armenians in Syria) can be mailed to 3325 N. GLENOAKS BLVD., BURBANK, CA Prayerfully, Abp. Hovnan Derderian Primate

3 St. Vartan Church Parish Council gratefully acknowledges the following donations: Anniversary Banquet Sponsor Sue and Brian Barsamian Bazaar Leg of Lamb Armen Sahakian, Chris Taylor and Family, Hagop and Sonik Hakimian, Annie and Jirair Tashjian, Armen and Jermen Gollu, Robert and Lucine Kroeckel, The Johnstons and the Collins, Zvart Shahbazian, Vartkes and Kerrie Avakian, John and Wendy Karanfilian, Elizabeth and Zohrab Markarian Misc. Ron and Liz Ojakian, John S. Cummins, Bishop Emeritus of the Catholic Diocese of Oakland In Memory Haig Harootenian Sylvia Cherezian and Sons, John and Paula Boghossian, Edward T. Minassian, Lucy Tulanian Arthur Keuranjian Sylvia Cherezian and Sons Hermine Boyadjian Harvey and Nora Hanoian (Building Fund), Norma Yaglijian (Building Fund) Virginia Ratcliff (Sunday School) John Chorbajian Anita and Wendy at Pleasant Oaks Grooming New Church Pew Cushions If you have been to church services at St. Vartan this past month, you will have noticed the beautiful new cushions adorning the pews in the sanctuary. These custom made cushions were donated by Evelyn Tregoning. The entire congregation thanks Evelyn for her generosity. These cushions enhance the beauty of our church, matching the red altar curtains and altar cloths perfectly. They also provide comfort to those attending St. Vartan Church. Thank You I want to thank my church family for all of the encouragement given to me for the past ten weeks. Your cards, phone calls, special treats and love have all helped me to begin recovering from my accident. A very special thank you to Fr Hovel for his prayers and visit during this time also. I love all of you and let us continue to pray for all of our friends at St Vartan Church who are infirmed. Dorris Kezerian The Lord is My Shepherd A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize Psalm 23, one of the most quoted passages in the Bible. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the chapter. Little Rick was excited about the task, but he just couldn t remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the fist line. On the day the kids were scheduled to recite the Psalm in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, The Lord is my Shepherd and that s all I need to know. St. Vartan ACYO member Gavin Ramos will be competing cross country this year for California State University East Bay. Good luck, Gavin, on your upcoming season.

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5 ST. VARTAN'S 60TH ANNUAL BAZAAR We want to thank everyone who supported this wonderful and successful event. Although the Bay Area had many activities that weekend, we were fortunate to have outstanding attendance both days. We were excited to welcome Oakland Mayor Jean Quan and her husband who joined us for the second year in a row. We are fortunate to have so many dedicated parishioners who contribute their time and hard work. We thank all of our volunteers, vendors, musicians, and dancers for their participation. Fr. Hovel provides the guidance and leadership necessary to reach our goals. A special Thank You to our advertisers, sponsors, and Wish List Donors. See you next year. St. Vartan 2012 Bazaar Planning Committee My Dear Faithful, Our 60th Annual Bazaar, Armenian Food Festival is over. Once again I would like to bring the appreciation and the gratitude of my heart to the members of the Bazaar Committee, Ladies Society, Parish Council, Cultural Committee, ACYO, Sunday School, countless individual volunteers, elders and youth for their humble and priceless service to God and to the blessed family of St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church. Your great and hard work is the best evidence of your strong faith and your unlimited love to your Church and Community. Through your hard work you are making the future of this Church and community stronger and more active. May the blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you forever!!! Prayerfully, Fr. Hovel St. Vartan Annual Bazaar Raffle Winners $5,000 Cash Charity Drawing... Mr. and Mrs. Vahram Cherezian Apple I-Pad...Rasmik Abnous San Francisco Getaway... Seta Jindoian Hotel Stay at Marriot, San Francisco 49er s tickets, Beach Blanket Babylon tickets Local Flavor... Alex Colello Oakland Warriors Tickets, San Francisco 49er s tickets, one year supply of Dreyer s ice cream Wine Cellar... Sharrese DeKock Six bottles of white wine, six bottles of red wine, wine rack The Collegiate... The Montoya Family Stanford Football tickets, wine and whiskey tasting at Marengo on Union, San Francisco Sunday Makeover... Su Buchynani Scott s Seafood Restaurant Sunday Brunch, Sephora Gift Basket Change Your Fate...Kathy Herman Disney Pixar Brave Memorabilia, Assorted PlayStation Games

6 A Centuries-Old Presence in the Holy Land By Dr. Abraham Terian For Armenians, going on pilgrimage to the Holy Land is hardly a novel tradition. From the first recorded Armenian pilgrimage to Jerusalem in the 4th century to the early 20th century, when Catholicos Khrimian Hayrig penned his Invitation to the Promised Land, Armenians have felt a profound devotion to the cradle of their spirituality. The first recorded Armenian pilgrimage to the Holy Land is that of an Armenian delegation of priests attending the dedication of the Constantinian edifices over the site of Calvary and that of the Tomb of Christ early in the 4th century. The visit is alluded to in an Armenian translation of a Greek letter sent by Patriarch Makarius of Jerusalem to his contemporary, St. Vertanes, the son of our Illuminator. This was in the wake of Emperor Constantine's conversion to Christianity and the discovery of the Cross of Christ by Constantine's mother, Queen Helena. Since then, Armenian pilgrims have always been attracted to Jerusalem. In fact, there is no history of Christian Jerusalem without the Armenian presence. Early in the 5th century, St. Euthemius, the Armenian bishop of Melitineh in Lesser Armenia, moved to Jerusalem. By 426 he became one of the founders of monasticism in the Holy Land. Among his many disciples was St. Sabas, who formed another such community not far away in the Judean Desert. The ruins of the Euthemian monastery, including a chapel that housed his tomb beneath the altar, were recently excavated by Israeli archaeologists near the traditional Good Samaritan Inn, between Jerusalem and Jericho. According to The Life of St. Euthymius by Cyril of Scythopolis, a group of 400 Armenian pilgrims from Melitineh visited Euthymius on their way to the Jordan River. The Armenian community of Jerusalem must have had its beginning in early Byzantine monasticism. By the 6th century there were spacious Armenian monasteries around the city; this is attested by ruins with Armenian inscriptions, found in the vicinity of the Damascus Gate (to the north of the city) and on the Mount of Olives (to the east). These inscriptions, which appear in beautifully elaborate mosaic floors, are the oldest examples of Armenian writing in the world. Additional discoveries in more recent years have revealed the extensiveness of the site just north of the city. Jerome Murphy-O'Connor, a renowned archaeologist of early Christian antiquity, has this to say about the Armenian mosaics near Damascus Gate: "This mosaic floor is perhaps the most beautiful in the whole country." The earliest Armenian document written in Jerusalem also dates from this period. It is the letter of Grigor, Bishop of the Ardzrunis (c ). This letter, written in c. 560 and sent to followers in Armenia, stresses the necessity of celebrating Candlemas or Penthesis, a festival in honor of the purification of the Virgin Mary and the presentation of the infant Christ in the Temple forty days after His birth (Dyaruntarach), on the traditional date of February 14. Grigor also describes some miracles he witnessed, including the healing of an Armenian pilgrim: a woman named Soghovmeh from Mog. Next on our chronological "tour" of Jerusalem's Armenian treasures are three eyewitness accounts by 7thcentury Armenian pilgrims to various sites in the Holy Land. A vivid description of Mount Tabor by an anonymous pilgrim is found at the end of a homily, "The Epiphany of the Lord on Mount Tabor." A description of Armenian churches in Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and the Jordan Valley by the hermit Hovsep of Artzakh, is preserved in the "History of the [Caucasian] Albanians" by Movses Gaghangatooatsi. The account has been known in Holy Land studies for more than a century. So too has the report to Vahan Mamikonian by Anastas Vartabed Akoretsi (c ), recounting his visit to 70 monasteries in and around Jerusalem built by Armenians and Caucasian Albanians, the Aghuank, likewise preserved by Gaghangatooatsi. The accounts of Armenian pilgrimages to the Holy Land are too numerous to explore every route taken by every group over many centuries. Suffice it to say that even during the most difficult times such as the destruction of nearly all the churches in the Holy Land by the Persians in 614, and the ensuing rise and spread of Islam Armenians continued their extensive pilgrimages. A remarkable publication by Michael Stone, Professor of Armenian Studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, documents some 114 Armenian inscriptions from four major sites in the Sinai, left by Armenian pilgrims to the St. Catherine Monastery. The dated inscriptions are from the 9th to 15th centuries and are valuable sources for the study of Armenian paleography. Other documentary sources show the kind of hardships our ancestors faced, even early in this century, to fulfill their lifelong dreams to see the Holy Land. No wonder one of the two Armenian words for "pilgrim" is Mahdesi, used exclusively for pilgrims to the Holy Land. It means literally "one who has seen death" i.e., on the hazardous journey. The other Armenian word for "pilgrim" is Ookhdavor; literally, "one who has made a

7 vow" (i.e., to see the Holy Land or any sacred place). A rather unusual pilgrim was the cleric Hovhannes Karnetsi (c c. 1245), a missionary and writer on moral maxims, who was known also as a healer and miracle-worker. During his short stay at the St. James Monastery (1222/3) he witnessed several miracles. One of them, reported in the 13th-century Armenian History of Giragos Kantsagetsi, involves talking murals at the St. James Cathedral! Karnetsi covered nearly every site on the pilgrim's itinerary, in conformity with a favorite prayer he wrote for the safety of fellow travelers. While at the River Jordan, his prayer was interrupted by three Iranian Moslems who wanted to be baptized by him. Doubtful of their sincerity at first, he yielded to their request when the eldest among them recounted visions with familiar sites, and identified our pilgrim priest as the baptizer in one of the visions. Karnetsi also reports a pilgrimage to Mount Sinai by a group of forty Armenians, himself among them, and the miracles that accompanied them at the monastery of St. Catherine. The boundaries of the present-day Armenian Quarter, covering nearly a sixth of the Old City at the southwestern corner and around the monastery of St. James, were fairly well established by the end of the 11th century. The community thrived under the Crusaders, whose Latin kings of Jerusalem were proud of their Armenian queens the local benefactors. Unlike other communities in the Armenian diaspora and in Armenia itself, the Jerusalem community was seldom disturbed and hardly ever displaced from its present quarter. Its continuity enabled it to flourish as a religious and educational center, and to become territorially the largest monastic establishment in the medieval city. Armenian pilgrims over the centuries contributed all kinds of religious artifacts to its renowned treasures. The chapel of St. Toros within the St. James compound houses some 4,000 ancient Armenian manuscripts. In sheer number of documents, it is second only to the collection in Yerevan. Several of the Armenian kings of Cilicia came as pilgrims to Jerusalem, leaving behind some of their prized possessions, including royal scepters and Bibles with marvelous illuminations. Many more Armenian Church hierarchs came to venerate the places touched by our Lord. These prelates paved the way for countless clerics to follow. Among them was Vartan Vardapet Aykegtsi (c ), a noted preacher who also composed a prayer book while in Jerusalem. His experiences in the Holy City apparently inspired Aykegtsi for yet another work: an encomium dedicated to Sts. James and John, the sons of Zebedee, and the rest of the Apostles. It should be noted that the Sts. James Cathedral is dedicated to two Biblical figures of that name. The cathedral itself marks the traditional site of the Apostolic Council held in Jerusalem in A.D. 49 under the leadership of St. James, "the brother of the Lord" and the likely author of the Epistle of James in the New Testament. His remains are believed to have been interred beneath the main altar. There too, in a side chapel within the cathedral, is the traditional burial spot of the head of the other St. James, "the son of Zebedee" and brother of St. John, who was beheaded by Herod Agrippa I in A.D. 44. Such an edifice with its twin apostolic traditions must have had a great impact on Aykegtsi. The Armenian prayers written to be read at various sacred sites, such as those by Karnetsi, anticipate many such compositions in subsequent centuries and in various languages most immediately by Catholicos Krikor VII Anavarzetsi (in office ), who wrote meditations on the sacred sites in Jerusalem. Likewise, Yeremia Chelebi Keomyurjiants ( ), the prolific chronicler of life in his native Constantinople, wrote meditations on the sacred sites during his visit in A century after Chelebi, a certain Archbishop Martiros wrote a verse "Laudation to Jerusalem" while at St. James in Early in the 19th century, Hovhannes Karnetsi (Nodar) wrote several poems on the holy sites, published in "A Notebook of Praises." Two later (and better) representatives of this genre of meditations in the Holy Land are Catholicos Khrimian Hayrig (Mkrtich I, in office ) who on his visit to Jerusalem in 1850 wrote his Invitation to the Promised Land and in the 20th century Harootyoon G. Murmurian, author of the prose "Alleluia in Jerusalem." The Holy Land continues to attract travelers and pilgrims. Jerusalem in particular never fails to inspire the writer, and it awaits to inspire a new generation of Armenian pilgrims and writers. So much more could be said about this place. But you have to see it for yourself and don't forget to bring your notebook. You may be another Simeon Tubir Lehatsi ( ) who wrote on his travels through the Holy Land, including a description of the St. James brotherhood the first such travel account in Armenian literature. Given today's modes of comfortable travel, the convenience of travel arrangements, including fine accommodations, and the security provided by the local authorities, a new and strong presence of Armenian pilgrims is more than timely.

8 ACYO Update For the past two months ACYO has been actively participating in many events. At the annual St. Vartan Church picnic ACYO members organized games for the young children and were very successful with the outcome; the piñata being the most popular. Arpi Nakashian, an officer on Central Council and a member of the St. Vartan ACYO, wrote, composed and directed the musical Polorus Nuyn Hyen Enk. ACYO members from all over the diocese performed in the musical, including St. Vartan ACYO members Arpi Nakashian, Shoushan Merguerian and Araz Merguerian, and alumni David Ojakian The musical took place on September 15 in Glendale and turned out to be successful! Congratulations to Arpi and the whole cast. The documentary musical emphasized the importance of the Armenian identity, culture, and language and how Christianity shaped the Armenian nation throughout the years. The musical covered significant eras in Armenian history, reflecting the preponderance of unity. It is not easy to carry an Armenian name. Thus the musical depicts a group of Armenian youth discussing the challenges they face today of being Armenian yet are willing to face any obstacle to protect their identity. Their lively discussion gave way to reenactments of the important eras of Armenian history. There are plans for the musical to tour in the Fresno and San Francisco Bay areas. St Vartan ACYO s next event was helping out with the game booths at bazaar. Many members showed up and were eager and ready to help. The children had a fun time playing new games at bazaar and ACYO would like to thank Nicole Vasgerdsian for her tremendous efforts organizing the games. Immediately following bazaar, St. Vartan ACYO attended the northern regional meeting, run by Central Council, at our home parish. The meeting was a success. St. Vartan ACYO is still having events, so keep an eye out for them! Christmas Greetings You can send a Christmas Greeting in the December issue of the Voice Newsletter. or call the church office at stvartanoakland@aol.com or before November 15, 2012 to place your greeting. Save the Dates 12:00 Noon in the Church Hall November 8, 2012 December 13, 2012 Luncheon, Elections Christmas Luncheon/Raffle & General Meeting & Christmas Program

9 St. Vartan Cultural Committee Celebrates the 500 th Anniversary of the Armenian Printing Press Luncheon Concert Sunday, November 11, Noon (Following Church Service) St. Vartan Church Hall 650 Spruce St., Oakland $25.00 Adults $15.00 Students For More Information: Liz Ojakian / lizojakian@yahoo.com Zaven Kanneian / zavenk2@gma

10 St. Vartan Sunday School invites you to Christmas Family Night December 1, pm in the Church Hall Potluck Meal Arts and Crafts Games Music Everyone is invited. Please bring a dish to share, your favorite game, an instrument to play, or just your holiday cheer.

11 St. Vartan Church November Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Morning Service 9:30 am Divine Liturgy & Sunday School 10 am ACYO Meeting and Club Hye meets for lunch after church Veteran s Day Morning Service 9:30 am Divine Liturgy & Sunday School 10 am Cultural Committee Luncheon Concert after church Morning Service 9:30 am Divine Liturgy & Sunday School 10 am Election Day Parish Council Meeting 6:30 pm Thanksgiving Morning Service 9:30 am Divine Liturgy & Sunday School 10 am Club Hye Lunches are back Club Hye will meet for lunch on Nov. 4 after church services at Diggery Café, 4212 Park Blvd. (between Hampel St. and Glenfield Ave.) in Oakland. Holiday Food Drive As in previous years, St. Vartan Church is sponsoring a food drive for the Alameda County Community Food Bank. The food bank combats hunger locally, serving 1 in 6 county residents. Please bring your healthy non-perishable food donation to church and place it in the red bin located in the Church Hall entryway. Let s turn our gratitude for the blessings God has given us toward providing for those less fortunate.

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: Virginia Madajian, Ida Mazmanian, A. Rodriguez ACYO Chair: Tamar Tatoian Sunday School Superintendent: John Eknoian Ladies Society Co-chairs: Suzanne Abnous and Suzanne Vasgerdsian Athletic Committee Chair: Mike Boloyan Cultural Society Chair: Liz Ojakian Club Hye Chair: Paul Dermenjian Hokejosh: Nora Hanoian and Pat Barsamian Church Maintenance: Vartan Hovsepian, Jim Taylor 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