Øºð ºÎºÔºòÆÜ OUR CHURCH

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JANUARY-FEBRUARY-MARCH 2017 YEAR IX/ISSUE XLVIII DER (REV. FR.) KRIKOR ZAKARYAN, PARISH PRIEST PUBLICATION OF ST.

For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him.' And lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was.

Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.

In Armenian tradition, this feast day commemorates not only the birth of Christ, but also His baptism by John the Baptist.

1 JANUARY-FEBRUARY-MARCH 2017 YEAR IX/ISSUE XLVIII 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) CHRISTMAS "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and have come to worship him.' And lo, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy; and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh." (Matthew 2:1-11, RSV) The Armenian Church celebrates the holy birth (Sourp Dznount) of Jesus Christ on January 6. In Armenian tradition, this feast day commemorates not only the birth of Christ, but also His baptism by John the Baptist. The latter is remembered through the "Blessing of Water" ceremony, which follows the Divine Liturgy on January 6. On the eve of the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Jrakalouyts. Divine Liturgy (the lighting of the candles service) is celebrated in honor of the manifestation of Jesus as the Son of God (theophany). It is custom for the faithful to hold lit candles during this special service. On the following day, the mystery of our Lord's baptism in the River Jordan is remembered in the ceremony of the Jurorhnek, or the "Blessing of Water." In ancient times, this ceremony was celebrated by the riverside or sea shore, but, for various reasons, it was later confined to the interior of the churches. During the ceremony, the cross is dipped in water, recalling Christ's immersion in the Jordan River. Blessed oil, or Holy Chrism (Muron), is poured into the water from a dove-shaped container, symbolizing the appearance at the baptism of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove and the voice of the Father proclaiming to all that Jesus is His Son. The Holy Chrism is prepared in Holy Etchmiadzin and is blessed by the Catholicos assisted by the bishops. Muron contains olive oil, balsam and the essence of forty different flowers and herbs. At the end of the ceremony, members of the congregation are given the blessed water to drink, thereby sharing in the life giving act of Christ. As water is essential to the life of the body, drinking the blessed water is a reminder that participation in the acts of Christ is essential for eternal life. Why January 6? Even at the time of the Holy Apostles, the traditions in the Christian churches in the different parts of the world were not uniform. In fact, Christmas was probably not observed at all in the very early Church. Later, the mysteries of the birth and baptism of Jesus Christ began to be observed on January 6. By the end of the 3rd century, Christmas in Rome was celebrated on December 25, which coincided with a major pagan feast. The Eastern churches, meanwhile, continued to observe Christmas on January 6. The Armenian Church has maintained that ancient tradition to this day, whereas the Greekspeaking Christian world switched to the Latin tradition at the end of the 4th century. Armenian-American households may exchange Christmas gifts on December 25, since it is the custom in American society to do so. In some of our churches in the United States, it has become traditional to observe the feast of St. Stephen the Proto-Martyr on Christmas Eve (December 24), though that feast is movable and may not always fall on December 24. If possible, the faithful should fast during the seven-day period preceding January 6, and should inform their children that they are fasting as a way of preparation for Christmas. On the evening of January 5, families should attend church and participate in the celebration of the Christmas Eve Divine Liturgy. They should do the same on the morning of January 6. Materials used are from the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America

Page 2 PARISH COUNCIL NEWS Dear Parishioners and Friends, As this year comes to an end, I would like to thank my Parish Council and Ladies Society for their support and help.

I would like to thank all our supporters and those who helped. We all look forward to the coming year and new Parish Council.

If you LOVE the church and our community you need to step up. Keep your love of the Church a foremost importance in your everyday life.

2 Page 2 PARISH COUNCIL NEWS Dear Parishioners and Friends, As this year comes to an end, I would like to thank my Parish Council and Ladies Society for their support and help. We have had a good year and need every ones continued support. We had our yearly Festival, the one big fundraiser of the year, and was profitable, although we did have additional expenses. I would like to thank all our supporters and those who helped. We all look forward to the coming year and new Parish Council. Please make sure your dues for 2016 are paid to have a vote for the next year, We really need members and more participation in our church and our community. If you LOVE the church and our community you need to step up. Keep your love of the Church a foremost importance in your everyday life. We are a small group, but have been proven to be a strong, caring and loving community. I wish you all a Happy, Healthy and Loving 2017 New Year. It's been a pleasure... God Bless you and your loved ones. Sincerely, Mary Vartanian Parish Council Chairperson Parish Assembly Meeting Sunday, February 26th, 2017 (after Church Services) at Kirkjan Family Hall SUBSCRIBE CHECK OUT

Page 4 LADIES SOCIETY NEWS Dear Parishioners and Members, We specifically want to recognize JoAnne Balgochian, Dear JoAnne, as you moved from the position of Chairwoman The Ladies Society elected new

3 Page 4 LADIES SOCIETY NEWS Dear Parishioners and Members, We specifically want to recognize JoAnne Balgochian, Dear JoAnne, as you moved from the position of Chairwoman The Ladies Society elected new Board members, and to Recording Secretary, we are glad this is not farewell, but just the newly elected Board held elections for Executive Board a change of roles. Thank you for your leadership, commitment Officer Positions. The following is the list of 2017 year Executive and your passion. Board Committee members: Chair Alice Keshishian, Vice Chair As a newly elected Chairwoman, I would like to share with you Sophia Miller, Recording Secretary JoAnne Balgochian, my vision. It is important to continue to work together and plan Treasurer Dianne Couvillion, Corresponding Secretary Karon together with common goals and united leadership. To that Kanadjian, Assistant Corresponding Secretary Zenda point, we recognize and appreciate everyone-past and present Saraydarian, Advisor Silva Mazmanian, Honorary Board who have shared the vision, created the goals, led the efforts Member Alice Safoyan and generated the success of St. Garabed Church. On behalf of the new committee and the Ladies Society, we like to say we re very excited about upcoming year and we will work hard to assure in fulfilling the mission. On quarterly WE RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER. basis, we will publish our plans and activities. Respectfully, A Special Thanks to Outgoing Board Members for your dedication and commitments. HOKEHANKISD / REQUIEM In MEMORY of George & Alice Kirkorian Donald Kirkorian In MEMORY of Garo Tutunjan Jacci Tutunjian In MEMORY of Nazarian and Avakian Families Norair & Anoush Avakian ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN OUR BULLETIN BUSINESS CARD SIZE $25 / ISSUE 2 BUSINESS CARDS SIZE $45 / ISSUE HALF PAGE $75 / ISSUE FULL PAGE $125 / ISSUE Alice Keshishian Ladies Society Chair

Page 4 ARMENIAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL 2016 St.

This was a wonderful way to start the busy Thanksgiving week. More than 2,000 people attended this year, making the Festival a great success!

As a result, we were able to serve everyone the many varieties of our delicious Armenian foods, without a wait.

The traditional favorites of Beef and Chicken Kebob, as well ass the delicious lamb chops were a highlight for many.

The Pastry table was consistently busy with those who came to enjoy our deliciously sweet Paklava, Khadaif and Shaabiyat.

We expanded our children s area again this year with an extra large bonce house that included a slide and maze.

The Ani Dance Ensemble entertained the guests with their traditional and beautiful costumes and Armenian dancing.

while enjoying the beautiful voice of Samuel Samuelian. The Festival Raffle was held on Sunday afternoon.

Other prizes were an original Acrylic Sculpture, a Flat Screen television, gift certificates for dinners and golf, a Nintendo Game, Armenian

4 Page 4 ARMENIAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL 2016 St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert held its 9th annual Armenian Cultural Festival on the weekend of November 19th and 20th. This was a wonderful way to start the busy Thanksgiving week. More than 2,000 people attended this year, making the Festival a great success! Because of the overwhelming response from the community who come to enjoy our food each year, we added a second food line this year. As a result, we were able to serve everyone the many varieties of our delicious Armenian foods, without a wait. Many commented on how the second food line improved their Festival experience this year. The traditional favorites of Beef and Chicken Kebob, as well ass the delicious lamb chops were a highlight for many. Of course, we also served other traditional favorites of Kufta, Lahmajoon, Cheese Boreg and Yalangi Grape Leaves. The Pastry table was consistently busy with those who came to enjoy our deliciously sweet Paklava, Khadaif and Shaabiyat. Many attendees wait all year for our Festival so that they can enjoy our delicious Armenian foods and culture, which we are so happy to be able to share everyone. Several Vendors came from all over to provide the opportunity for people to purchase items of jewelry, nets and candies, honey, gifts and more! We expanded our children s area again this year with an extra large bonce house that included a slide and maze. We also had several children s games and a face-painting booth. The Ani Dance Ensemble entertained the guests with their traditional and beautiful costumes and Armenian dancing. While in between dance performances, the guests could enjoy dancing to the Armenian music, which was provided by DJ Rex and Aram Lampadjian, while enjoying the beautiful voice of Samuel Samuelian. The Festival Raffle was held on Sunday afternoon. The grand prize of a beautiful 12 Karat Gold Peridot Necklace was generously donated by Jacci Tutunjian from Smoke Tree Jewelers. Other prizes were an original Acrylic Sculpture, a Flat Screen television, gift certificates for dinners and golf, a Nintendo Game, Armenian Brandy and other jewelry pieces. Our 60/40 raffle was well received and very successful again this year. Together, the raffles contributed nicely to the Festival income this year. Each year, our Armenian Cultural Festival helps to raise awareness of our Armenian heritage here in the desert. We are able to share some of our traditions, music, dance, artwork, and of course, our delicious specialty foods, with the community. The Parish Council and Armenian Festival Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank our many Sponsors for their support of this year s Armenian Cultural Festival. Because of their generous contributions, along with the overwhelming food sales, this year s Festival was very successful and profitable. Thank you from the 2016 Festival Committee

Page 5 THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS BUILDING FUND DONATIONS Shirley Chuchian $2,000 (completes her $10,000 Pledge for 2016) George and Tammy Kirkjan $10,000 (Pledge received for 2016) GENERAL FUND

Grisha & Zhaklin Ovanesian Sirvard Chimayan GENERAL FUND DONATIONS $500 or more Mary Swajian In MEMORY of George & Alice Kirkorian Donald Kirkorian FESTIVAL DONATIONS $5,000 or more Triple-X

his wife, Roxie) Shirley Chuchian Gary & Judy Funtas Nick & Carolon Nigosian Philibosian Foundation Primetime International Mary Swajian Mary Vartanian Anita Yegsigian In MEMORY of Garo Tutunjan

Shirley Chuchian Stella Ohanesian Mary Swajian Mary Vartanian Sarkis Bedrosian Church of Joy Flower Mart George & Tammy Kirkjan Markarian Law Group Bobby Melkesian Vic & Zenda Saraydarian THANK YOU

5 Page 5 THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS BUILDING FUND DONATIONS Shirley Chuchian $2,000 (completes her $10,000 Pledge for 2016) George and Tammy Kirkjan $10,000 (Pledge received for 2016) GENERAL FUND DONATIONS $100 or more Gerald Balian Jacci Tutunjian Dr. Grisha & Zhaklin Ovanesian Sirvard Chimayan GENERAL FUND DONATIONS $500 or more Mary Swajian In MEMORY of George & Alice Kirkorian Donald Kirkorian FESTIVAL DONATIONS $5,000 or more Triple-X Fraternity of Palm Desert John & Alice Ipjan FESTIVAL DONATIONS $2,500 or more John Aslanian Smoke Tree Jewelers FESTIVAL DONATIONS $1,000 or more Jim & Debbie Avakian Harry Bozigian (In Memory of his wife, Roxie) Shirley Chuchian Gary & Judy Funtas Nick & Carolon Nigosian Philibosian Foundation Primetime International Mary Swajian Mary Vartanian Anita Yegsigian In MEMORY of Garo Tutunjan Jacci Tutunjian FESTIVAL DONATIONS $500 or more Agua Caliente Resort Casino Dan Arakelian In HONOR or Rose Funtas' 100th Birthday Gary and Judy Funtas Michael and Christine Funtas John Aslanian Shirley Chuchian Stella Ohanesian Mary Swajian Mary Vartanian Sarkis Bedrosian Church of Joy Flower Mart George & Tammy Kirkjan Markarian Law Group Bobby Melkesian Vic & Zenda Saraydarian THANK YOU to this year s Armenian Cultural Festival Committee and to the many Volunteers that support the Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert Co-Chairmen Gary Funtas & Koko Mazmanian, Der Krikor Zakaryan, Dianne Couvillion, Alishan & Ginny Kelekian, Carolon Nigosian, Chris & Ani Markarian, Silva & Nicole Mazmanian, Mary Vartanian, Medick Yarijanian (Not Pictured: Janis Avedesian & Jacci Tutunjian)

Page 6 SPONSORS PAGE Smoke Tree Jewelers Smoke Tree Jewelers designs are uncommon and incredibly

We have one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry that stand out in a crowd - a unique repertoire of jewelry

The quality of the diamonds, colored precious stones, and the structure of the designs will stand

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

92270 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ! Please Renew or Become a Member of St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert. As we all know, mortar and stone alone do not make a Church.

7 Page 7 ST. GARABED ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF THE DESERT Monterey Avenue ~ Rancho Mirage CA (760) Phone - (760) Fax MAILING ADDRESS: Vista Dunes Road ~ Rancho Mirage CA Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ! Please Renew or Become a Member of St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert. As we all know, mortar and stone alone do not make a Church. The Membership is the foundation of our Armenian Church, and a necessary ingredient for the spiritual, social and cultural needs of our Armenian community here in the desert. Our members are the backbone of the Church and their wisdom and guidance is extremely important throughout the year. Your membership is a valuable contribution to the growth of our parish and we look forward to your participation and presence in the future. As we enter the New Year of 2017, we look back on the many successes of our Church Parish this past year. Together, we can accomplish our goals and flourish. Please help us in our quest to flourish our Church and make it a pride of our desert Armenian community by renewing your membership, by joining, and by inviting others to also join. Please fill out and return the Membership Application below, along with your dues of $100/per person. All 2017 full year paid members will have the ability to vote or run for office at the annual Parish Assembly meeting held in February of Yours in Christ, The Parish Council 2017 MEMBERSHIP FORM

SAINT GARABED ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF THE DESERT 38-900 VISTA DUNES ROAD RANCHO MIRAGE, CA 92270 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U. S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT No.

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 Treasurer, Gary Funtas Recording Secretary, Dianne Couvillion Corresponding Secretary, Ginny Kelekian Membership, Peter Balgochian

Øºð ºÎºÔºòÆÜ OUR CHURCH

Øºð ºÎºÔºòÆÜ OUR CHURCH JANUARY-FEBRUARY-MARCH 2018 YEAR X/ISSUE LXXII DER (REV. FR.) KRIKOR ZAKARYAN, PARISH PRIEST PUBLICATION OF ST. GARABED ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF THE DESERT PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 38-905 MONTEREY AVE RANCHO