Prayerfully, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Primate

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1 Bible Readings Dec. 2 Luke 13:1-9 Dec. 9 Luke14:12-24 Dec. 16 Luke 17:1-10 Dec. 23 Luke 19:11-28 Vokhchooyn Soorp Dznoontee (Greeting at Christmas) One who gives: Krisdos dzunav yev haydnetzav. (Christ is born and revealed.) One who receives: Orhnial eh haydnootiun Krisdosi. (Blessed is the revelation of Christ.) Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan December, 2012 Primate s Message Upon the Occasion of the 55 th Anniversary of the Consecration of St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church With great spiritual joy, we extend our blessings to Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan, Parish Priest of St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church in Oakland, to the members of the Parish Council, the Ladies Society, the Choir, the Diocesan Delegates, the auxiliary bodies and to the entire faithful on the occasion of the 55 th Anniversary of the Consecration of the Parish. The story of the Parish dates back to 1929 when the faithful community of Oakland expressed a keen desire to build the House of God. Because of the dedicated and collective efforts of the Body of Christ, the construction of a sanctuary to tend to the spiritual and religious needs of the Armenian-American community of Oakland commenced. A life-long dream was realized in April 1957 with the consecration of St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church. For 55 years, St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church in Oakland has led the faithful to the path of righteousness and has carried over the unshakable Christian Faith of St. Vartan Mamigonian to a young generation of faithful. Since his appointment as pastor of St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church, Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan has served with the utmost diligence and commitment, while helping to carry out the mission of the Parish. We are delighted to know that he has earned the love and respect of the Parish Council, the Ladies Society and all auxiliary bodies of St. Vartan Armenian Church. We commend the love and affection demonstrated by the Parish Council and the entire family of St. Vartan in spreading the light of the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and preserving the sacred traditions of the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church. On behalf of the Diocesan Council and the entire faithful of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, we wholeheartedly congratulate you on the auspicious occasion of the 55 th anniversary of the consecration of St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church. May the Good Lord bless the St. Vartan Parish and fill you with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit in order that, under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan, you may continue to carry out the mission of the Church and serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with grace and humility. Prayerfully, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Primate

2 Fr. Hovel Ohanyan s Message Upon the Occasion of the 55 th Anniversary of the Consecration of St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church My Dear Faithful, Two weeks ago we successfully celebrated our 60 th Annual Food Festival, and today we gather to commemorate the 55 th anniversary of the consecration of St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church. These are not only numbers, but they are a testimony to the great history of our Parish. The history of St. Vartan Parish actually goes back to the 1920 s, when God s faithful children decided to have a place of worship in the Bay Area, where they could glorify our Lord Jesus Christ, share the faith of the Armenian Church, and make that place an Armenian cultural center. Our forefathers vision is fulfilled -St. Vartan Parish became one of the most vibrant and active parishes in the Western Diocese, where four generations of people still gather to pray and to thank God. St. Vartan Church became the center of Armenian culture in the East Bay, where through various events, we share our culture with others. The children of the first Christian nation are still with God, glorifying Him in every corner of the world. St. Vartan Parish is blessed with its dedicated and faithful children, who by the grace of the Holy Spirit are continuing the humble service of their ancestors. As true children of God, you all are bringing your best efforts, your dedication to this Church -to our St. Vartan Armenian Church. And as a result of your love and hard work, today, after eight decades, we still have our Church, which is a true blessing of God. On this happiest occasion, I would like to congratulate all of us and ask our Almighty God to grant us a strong future, to bless the hard work of our hands, and to continue to nourish us with His Heavenly Wisdom. As a parish priest of this community, I would like to thank you all for being so united and connected to each other and for your love toward your church. Let us continue to serve our God together, and God will bless us and the future of St. Vartan Church will be blessed. With our children and youth, the future of St. Vartan Church will be brighter and more enlightened. May the blessings of our Lord remain with us all forever and ever, Amen. Prayerfully, Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan, Parish Priest St. Vartan Armenian Church Christmas Schedule Sunday, December 23, 2012 Western Christmas Celebration Morning Service...9:30am Divine Liturgy...10:00am Caroling with the choir Saturday, January 5, 2013 Armenian Christmas Eve Readings...6:00pm Jurakalouytsee Badarak...6:30pm Home Blessing Service in Church to follow Sunday, January 6, 2012 Armenian Christmas Day & Water Blessing Asdvadzahaidnootiun-Nativity and Baptism of Jesus Christ Morning Service...9:30am Divine Liturgy...10:00am Blessing of the Baptismal Waters Sunday, January 13, 2013 Memorial Sunday - Merelots Morning Service...9:30am Divine Liturgy...10:00am Yughakin It is customary in the Armenian Church to provide Yughakin especially around the feasts of Christmas and Easter. This practice dates as far back as the time of Moses in the Old Testament. Yughakin in Armenian means "price of oil". Each local church community would donate money specially earmarked towards the purchase of oil, which in return would keep the lanterns burning and ultimately the doors open of the Church. At this season of Christ's Birth let us remember and continue in the custom of Yughakin, so we can keep our "oilburning lanterns" always burning and our doors always open at St. Vartan. Please be generous to the Church in observing this ancient Armenian custom.

3 St. Vartan Church Parish Council gratefully acknowledges the following donations: Newsletter Hagop and Seta Khatchikian, Virginia Avakian Bazaar Donations: Miscellaneous Gary and Jan Naman; Leg of Lamb Alice Gregorian, Michael Cassidy ENDOWMENT FUND In Memory Joseph Kehsishian Alice Sarafian, Grace Izmirian, Al and Mae Kaljian In Memory Haig Harootenian Harrison Family Isabel Magarian Alice Gregorian Joseph Keshishian Harvey and Nora Hanoian (Building Fund), Ron Kallan, Marie and Harout Hagopian, Norma Yaglijian, Paul and Helen Manougian Allen Decker Ron Kallan Marjorie O Connor Norma Yaglijian Ladies Society 2013 Executive Board Congratulations to Ladies Society Executive Board members: Lisa Manoogian Nelly Kargodorian Hilda Mener Elizabeth Markarian Sylvia Gozurian June Chatterjee Yn. Anahit Ohanyan News From Our St. Vartan Family Condolences After a valiant struggle with cancer, Marjorie (Marge) Boroian O'Connor passed into eternal rest on October 29, We offer our condolences to Marge s daughter, Donna, and family and friends. Congratulations We congratulate Richard and Dotty Demirjian on their 60 th wedding anniversary on October 18. Khanout Items Available If you missed getting some special Armenian delicacies at the Bazaar, it is not too late. We have many items still available for purchase. Please find a Ladies Society member during coffee hour to make a Khanout purchase. When You Move 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 Home Blessing The Home Blessing Service is one of the most ancient and revered traditions of the Armenian Church. The three necessary items to conduct this service are: water, bread, and salt. For the traditional Christmas Home Blessing, please call Der Hayr for an appointment at Requiem Service Hokehankist A requiem will be said for the souls of the departed on Sunday, January 13, Those who would like to have the names of their departed loved ones included should contact the church office at or stvartanoakland@aol.com before Thursday, January 10, Church Hall Floor Refinished Have you been in the Church Hall recently? If not, you have missed seeing another dramatic renovation to St. Vartan Church. Last month the hardwood floor of the Church Hall was completely refinished. All contributions to our ongoing Building Renovation Fund are greatly appreciated. Come see the new floors. We re open every Sunday! Thank You Thank you to all who made St. Vartan s Annual Banquet a memorable and successful event. The afternoon luncheon was catered by Scott s Seafood Restaurant. Guests had the opportunity to honor our 2012 awards recipients, and enjoy the performances of the St. Vartan Dance Ensemble and Quartet Yerevan, as well as view the documentary video of the history of St. Vartan Church. We are very grateful to our sponsors and donors. A very special thank you to Fr. Hovel for guiding us, and making the event so very enjoyable Banquet Committee

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5 St. Vartan Anniversary Banquet On October 21, 2012 St. Vartan Church celebrated the 55th anniversary of the consecration of the Church. Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian presided over the events, while Fr. Hovsep Hagopian celebrated Badarak with Fr. Hovel. Surpazan Vatche presented the St. Nerses the Graceful medal to Nurhan Donikian and Sylvia Gozurian. Also in attendance was Fr. Mesrop Ash, pastor of St. John Church in San Francisco. The banquet was catered by Scott s Seafood Restaurant, and featured dance performances by the St. Vartan Dance Ensemble and musical selections by the Quartet Yerevan. Hye Spirit Awards were presented to Koko Cingoz, Wartkes Hagopian, Anahid Issahakian, Caline Soghikian, and Evelyn Tregoning. Arlene and Vartan Hovsepian and Harry and Margaret Sherinian were recipients of the Archbishop s Award. A highlight of the event was a documentary video St. Vartan Church: Past, Present and Future. David Ojakian served as the banquet s Master of Ceremony, and Sue Barsamian chaired the entire event.

6 2012 St. Vartan Armenain Church Anniversary Award Recipients Deacon Nurhan Donikian (St. Nerses the Graceful) Nurhan Donikian began his involvement in the church as a young child in Istanbul, Turkey, where all of the schools he attended had churches on campus, and all students were required to attend morning services. Nurhan moved to Oakland, California in As a young man in a new country, he found work and strove to get ahead by attending night school and taking language classes. A lovely young lady named Mary Kayayan introduced Nurhan to the St. Vartan Church community, where he made many good friends and laid down roots for many wonderful long-term relationships including that with Mary, who became his loving wife. Together, Nurhan and Mary, and other talented young couples formed a group called the "Hye Timers". Parish Priest Father Shahe Altounian recruited Nurhan to be in a play the Hye Timers produced called, "Charslye Artian Aga". After the play was over Father Shahe encouraged Nurhan to train to become a Deacon. From the time of the departure of Father Shahe in 1964 to the arrival of The Very Reverend Father Levon Apelian on April 9, 1966, St. Vartan was without a parish priest. During these fifteen months Nurhan was in charge of the visiting clergy. Primate Archbishop Torkom Manoogian took Nurhan under his wing, and taught him about the church services and music. On January 9, 1966 Archbishop Torkom Manoogian ordained Nurhan a Sub- Deacon. Later that year, after Easter Eve's services, Nurhan and Archbishop Torkom Manoogian went to the airport to pick up St. Vartan's new parish priest, the Very Reverend Levon Apelian, and they all celebrated Easter services the next morning. In 1968, Primate, Archbishop Yeghishe Simonian, ordained Nurhan to full Deacon. Our community was blessed to have the Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul visit St. Vartan on three occasions in 1965, 1970 & his final visit in Nurhan hosted a fundraisers at his home to benefit the Istanbul Patriarchate. In 1984 Deacon Nurhan and the St. Vartan Church Community were all honored to participate in the ordination services of parish priest Father Mesrob Sarafian. On August 1, 2010, upon Father Hovel Ohanyan's recommendation, Deacon Nurhan received the Western Dioceses Archbishop award from our current Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian. Deacon Nurhan Donikian has also served his Church as Parish Council Chairman, and other parish council seats. He has served as bazaar, picnic, and athletic committee chairman. He was also involved with Cultural Committee, Hye Timers and the Mr. & Mrs. Club. He has also served as a Diocesan delegate and council member, and on the Armenian Summer Camp Central Council. Currently Deacon Nurhan is honored to be serving his fiftieth year on the St. Vartan altar under the guidance of our current parish priest Father Hovel Ohanyan. "At this moment I am so lucky, humble and honored to have served for two Catholicos, three Patriarchs, four Primates and four different Parish Priests. I look forward to continuing my service to my Church, St. Vartan, for years to come, Nurhan states. Sylvia Gozurian (St. Nerses the Graceful) Sylvia Gozurian has been a loyal and active member of St Vartan church for over 50 years. She loves our community and cherishes the friendships she has built with her fellow church members and their families. Sylvia was born in Istanbul, Turkey to Onnig and Armenuhi Amirghanian, and was educated at the American College for girls in Istanbul. She came to the United States when she was 19 years old to continue her education, and attended Fresno City and Fresno State College. While in school, she met her future husband, Masis Gozurian, whom she married in They moved to Oakland to start their lives together. The young couple lived in an apartment building overlooking Lake Merrit and were very quick to become active members of St Vartan Church, where Sylvia has now served in many different capacities. It is here that she has raised and baptized her two daughters; Linda and Lena, and has done the same with her four grandchildren; Meaghan, Eamon, Kiera and Brendan. Sylvia has been a steadfast member of the Ladies Society for forty years twice as treasurer, once as corresponding secretary, several times as advisor, and twice as chairlady. She and Masis were also members of the Mr. and Mrs. Society for many years. Sylvia taught second grade Sunday School when her girls were young. In addition to all of this, she served on the Central Council for three years where she represented the Bay Area churches at the meetings in Los Angeles. Sylvia enjoys reading, gardening, cooking, and loves to travel. One of her most memorable trips was to Armenia several years ago, where she would like to return with her daughters. She feels very fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful community and has enjoyed working with all the other devoted members of the church for all these years.

7 Vartan Hovsepian (Archbishop s Award) Vartan was born and raised in San Francisco, California. His family attended St. John Armenian Apostolic Church in Elgin Park and was baptized on April 8, 1951, by Rev. Fr. Bedros Hagopian. In 1961, Arlene and Vartan were married by Rev. Fr. Vahritch Shirinian of St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church. While attending St. Gregory Church, Vartan was involved in various activities such as being the St. Gregory Church Bazaar Chair in 1964, and participating in the church choir and church youth groups. In 1972, Vartan and Arlene moved their family to Danville, CA, and they began attending St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church. Vartan soon became involved in the St. Vartan Church basketball program for their sons, where he assisted as a coach as well. Prior to his passing, Fr. Mesrob Sarafian reached out to Vartan to become more involved in the St. Vartan Church community. For the last 3 ½ years, as a Parish Council member, Vartan has endeavored to live up to his commitment to Fr. Mesrob, and in the process, has come to appreciate the rewards of service. Arlene Hovsepian (Archbishop s Award) Although Arlene was born and baptized in Detroit, Michigan, her parents, Sam and Wanda Johns, and sister, Carolyn, packed Arlene (1 ½ years old) up with what belongings they could and moved to San Francisco in late Joining organizations and volunteering began early for Arlene, beginning with her involvement with the St. Gregory Armenian Church community and her association with the Armenian Youth Federation, having joined as a Junior A.Y.F. member, and later becoming a senior member and advisor. Lucky me, says Arlene, I met Vartan Hovsepian through the A.Y.F. and we were married in 1961! We are blessed with two wonderful sons, Darren and Michael, Darren s wife, Holly, and our fantastic grandchildren, Clayton and Hannah. Following the family s relocation to the East Bay area in 1972, Arlene and Vartan enrolled their boys in St. Vartan Church s Sunday School and basketball programs. This was also a time that Arlene was ardently involved in volunteering her extra time for the SF Auxiliary benefitting Lucille Packard Children s Hospital at Stanford, and the NorCal Senior Services Auxiliary. There, she served on many of the Executive Board positions. Approximately ten years ago, Suzanne Vasgersdian asked Arlene to join the St. Vartan Ladies Society, and soon she was on the Executive Board, holding the recording and corresponding secretary duties for the ensuing four years. In 2005, Greg and Seta Tcherkoyan asked Arlene to consider updating the St. Vartan (then) bi-monthly church bulletin. As soon as she did, it just seemed to grow! With the invaluable help of church secretary, Rachel Harger, Arlene is proud to say that the newsletter has grown from the circulation of approximately 250 local parishioners in 2005, to 1,200+ monthly issues sent out coast to coast. With the advent of the Internet, the newsletter is read by an even wider audience worldwide and Arlene is excited to say, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you that have encouraged and supported me all these years I am blessed with so many friends in this St. Vartan Church community. Harry and Margaret Sherinian (Archbishop s Award) Harry Sherinian Jr. was born in New Jersey to Harry and Juliette Sherinian. He was baptized in the Armenian Apostolic Church as an infant and grew up with his sister, Seta, and bother, Dennis, in Cliffside Park, New Jersey. The family moved to Oakland, California in His father opened a business in San Leandro and the family became very involved with St. Vartan Church. His father, Harry, was a member of the Parish Council and his mother, Juliette, became active in the Ladies Society. His father was on the building committee for the present St. Vartan Church. Harry attended the Sunday School, sang in the choir and served on the altar with Father Bedros Kassardjian. Harry was very active in the Oakland chapter of the ACYO, as well as in the State Central Council. He played the dumbeg in Al Hagopian s Armenian musical group. When the present St. Vartan Church was consecrated, Harry and his brother, Dennis, were two of the 16 godfathers. Harry attended San Francisco State college and met Margaret Wolslegel, who was attending Alameda High School. Upon receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree and Margaret receiving her Associate of Arts Degree, they were married in 1960 in St. Vartan Church. Their wedding reception was the first to be held in the newly completed Church Hall. They were blessed with three children two daughters and a son and then further blessed with six grandchildren. Harry and Margaret were active members of the Hye-Timers, a club for single and married young couples at St. Vartan Church. Margaret embraced the life of the church even before she was confirmed in the church by Father Mesrob Sarafian. Living in Pleasanton, Margaret would bring the children to Sunday School each Sunday. She taught in the Sunday School for many years. She was very active in Ladies Society, always coming up with new and different ideas, and later serving on the Ladies Soci-

8 ety Board for multiple rotations. Margaret never said no when asked to participate in any event or project. She was also very active in auxiliary branches of Oakland Children s Hospital and Lincoln Child Center. Harry served as a FIFA Soccer Referee for over 20 years, officiating high school and college matches. He retired from this as a FIFA State Referee Emeritus. Harry has served four terms on the Parish Council two years as Parish Council chairman. He always unequivocally stated that he worked for his church as best he could with all diligence for the welfare of the Church. He also served as Diocesan Delegate for three terms. While serving on the Parish Council, Harry oversaw many of the major renovations to the church proper: reconstruction of the stained glass windows, new roof, painting of interior and exterior of church, hall and kitchen, reconstruction of front landing of the church, and was instrumental in the construction of the two new restrooms in the hall. Margaret and Harry became energetic participants in all of the wonderful cooking that goes on in the church kitchen whether it be kufta making, cheoreg or cheese beoreg making. Since 1999 Margaret and Harry have been in charge of the sarma preparation for the Bazaar, which is a reminder to us all that we must serve our Church in whatever capacity we are called. Iskender (Koko) Cingoz (Hye Spirit) Iskender (Koko) Cingoz was born and raised in Istanbul Turkey. He received his elementary school education at the Levon Vartuhyan Armenian Community Elementary School. After that he attended public Capa Junior High School, where he was the only Armenian student out of 1000 students. In second grade, he was forced to change is first name from Krikor to Iskender as a result of the constant insults he received from students and teachers because of his Armenian name and heritage. He eventually dropped out of school and started to work at the American Missioners Publishing Association printing department as a press operator at the age of thirteen. In the mean time, he started attending technical drawing classes at the Art school in Sultanahmet, Istanbul. Koko served his local and Armenian communities through his involvement with the YMCA summer camps near Istanbul, where he eventually worked as junior counselor and counselor. In 1966 he went to Denizli for three months of military service training. At the end of his training, he was transferred to the province of Konya, where the headquarters for the second Turkish army was located. He served as the personal driver to the General of the second Turkish Army. In 1972 he married Nadya (Kanar) Cingoz. In 1973 they had twin children, Ari and Artun. When the twins were only three months old, Koko left Turkey for the United States, while Nadya and the children stayed with his family in Istanbul. He worked tirelessly for the next two years as a press operator at the Albany Press in Berkeley. In 1976 he was able to obtain his green card and move Nadya and the children to California. In 1977 he opened his own printing business, Anto Offset Printing in Berkeley. In 1982 he became a member of St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church. Over the years, he has served the parish in various capacities, as a Parish Council member, including vice chairman, chairman, bazaar chairman, annual picnic chairman and ACYO liaison. In 1988 Koko was able to bring his mom and dad to the United States, and his family started to grow. In 1990 his niece, Maral Cingoz, came to the US to attend high school. Four years later, in December 1994, his brother, Anto Cingoz, along with his wife, Hasmig, and son, Arman, immigrated to the US. Anto started to work with Koko at Anto Offset Printing until they closed the business in In 1994 Koko became a member of the Knights of Vartan, Inc. Daron Lodge in San Francisco, where he is still an active member. In 2000 he was elected the Knight of the Year as the commander of the Lodge for his efforts to raise $60,000 for schools in Armenia through the Knights of Vartan 9 to 1 project. Since his retirement in 2006, he and Nadya have been enjoying life with their grandchildren, Armen and Ariana. Wartkes Simon Hagopian (Hye Spirit) Wartkes Simon Hagopian was born in Iraq on July 1, 1943, in a small city called Habbaniya. Later, the family moved to the bustling city of Baghdad, where he studied and joined the Institute of Teaching for two years. In 1970 Wartkes became an Arabic language teacher, and taught in many schools, where he gained the admiration and love of his students. Many of his former students are still in contact with him to this day. In 1977 Wartkes made the decision to leave Iraq. He traveled to Athens, Greece, and made his life there for one and a half years. He then requested political asylum to the United States. In 1979, Wartkes request was accepted, and he was finally able to travel to the United States, whereupon he swiftly and successfully sought work in his new country. He worked at several different jobs in factories and companies, and then in 1982 he began work at St. Vartan Armenian Apostolic Church, where he served Fr. Levon Apelian, and the late Fr. Mesrob Sarafian, and now is serving Fr. Hovel Ohanyan. Wartkes is duteous in his work, as he states, I have served St. Vartan Church for thirty years, and I will keep working for my church until the last moment of my life. I am very proud of my job, serving my Lord, Jesus Christ.

9 Anahid Issahakian (Hye Spirit) Anahid (Manoushakian) Issahakian was born in Aleppo, Syria, where she attended an Armenian elementary school and continued her education through high school and college at Aleppo College, which was an American institution. She was a teacher for two years at Haygazian Elementary School. In 1955 she moved to Beirut, Lebanon where she married Setrak Issahakian, and they raised three children. While raising her family she joined St. Nerses Shnorhali choir at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral. Because of civil war in Lebanon she left for the United States in 1990 and came directly to Oakland, California. At that time she began attending St. Vartan Church, where the parish priest was Fr. Mesrob Sarafian. Without hesitation Anahid joined the church choir. Wanting to become more active she also attended Fr. Mesrob s Bible Study classes. Soon, she became part of Holy Ladies, who prepared the Holy Mas and Neshkhark for ten years. In addition, she served on the Ladies Society executive board for two terms as an advisor. Because of her knowledge in both Armenian and English, she was very helpful to the church in several areas. She became one of the hostesses who greeted the newly arrived Armenians to church. She was on the committee of Friendly Visitors who visited sick and home-bound parishioners. For several years, she assisted the church secretary, helping to prepare bilingual baptism and marriage certificates. She contributed to the St. Vartan newsletter, translating articles from Armenian to English. Anahid assists in the Church kitchen for the Annual Bazaar each year. In other years, Virginia Ratcliff and Anahid worked in the Annual Bazaar s famous White Elephant Boutique. Anahid is a member of the very active Cultural Committee. She looks forward to remaining active at St. Vartan in the future as well. Caline Soghikian (Hye Spirit) Both of Caline s grandparents escaped from Bolis, Turkey, after the 1895 Genocide, by boarding a ship that took them to an unexpected destination Egypt. Caline s parents were born in Egypt, and Caline as well. Caline received her primary and secondary education at the Nubarian and Kalousdian schools in Cairo. She then enrolled in the Italian Alexandro Manzoni Arts and Craft College, whereupon, she graduated with honors, receiving a gold medal from the Vatican. Caline worked in a high couture salon, designing clothes until she emigrated to Canada with her husband and infant daughter in In Montreal, she attended a Quebec Government Art School for two years, and then opened her own atelier. She designed clothes for individuals and companies, including the Air Canada crew. Caline was actively involved in Armenian community life during the 30 years that she lived in Montreal. She organized many fund-raising events with the Armenian Red Cross, and other Armenian organizations. She prepared the gowns for the Hamazkayin Choir s first concert in 1965, and the costumes for many Armenian theatrical productions. Unfortunately, Caline and her husband divorced. Her daughter Alice still lives in Montreal and has two children. She lost a son to an acute asthma attack last year. Caline married Dr. Krikor Soghikian in Embracing her life in Oakland, she is a member of St. Vartan Church Ladies Society. She has sewn the pastoral vestments for Father Mesrob and Father Hovel, as well as the robes for the young acolytes. She also sewed the blue satin cloths for the altar at Christmas and red ones for Easter. Krikor and Caline travel to Armenia almost every year since their wedding. Krikor would teach at the American University of Armenia, and Caline would visit the orphanages and schools, to help them with their needs. As a result, she promoted the establishment of the St. Vartan Church Milk Fund that regularly provides milk for babies in select orphanages. Caline sent, and personally took, clothing to the northernmost Armenian villages of Shamluk and Akhtala. She helped collect money to buy 90 pairs of boots for orphans in Pureghavan, and to build a water reservoir in Khachik Kyugh, along the southern border of Armenia. She also sent dental equipment to set up two dentists in their practice. I hope I can continue to support the St. Vartan Church and its Ladies Society and provide help to Armenia, with the limits of my ability, said Caline. Evelyn Tregoning (Hye Spirit) I was born in Visalia, California. I attended California schools, including CSU. I also lived in London and attended the University of London. Needless to say, I loved every minute. I attended weekly Bible Studies at St. Vartan Church for many years. About four years ago, I began to come to church on a regular basis. There began my love for our church. My donation of the chairs was a tribute to the Ladies Society. My donation of the cushions for the pews was in honor of all our parishioners. We have only this one church to represent us as a people. We must keep it in pristine condition. We must always be aware of what to do to keep it beautiful. My thanks to Fr. Hovel, whom I admire a great deal, for also wanting to make our church a lovely place to come and worship. Thank you for letting me be a part of St. Vartan Armenian Church.

10 St. Vartan ACYO Executive Board Chairman - Sevan Jindoian Vice-Chairman - Tanya Jindoian Treasurer - Andrew Yagjian Co-Publicity - Vicky and Alex Shartzer Recording Secretary - Maral Tatoian Corresponding Secretary - Talin Azizian Historian - Anashe Barton ACYO fall activities included ice skating at the Oakland Ice Center as well as elections of new officers. We congratulate the ACYO Executive Board. The ACYO Christmas party will take place on December 15 at 6 p.m. at the Jindoian Residence in Antioch. Contact stvartanacyo@gmail.com if you have any questions. St. Vartan Sunday School invites you to Christmas Family Night December 1, pm in the Church Hall Potluck Meal Arts and Crafts Games Music Family Night will feature Advent activities in preparation for the Christmas Season.

11 St. Vartan Church December 2012 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Family Night 5 pm Church Hall Morning Service 9:30 am Divine Liturgy & Sunday School 10 am Morning Service 9:30 am Divine Liturgy & Sunday School 10 am Morning Service 9:30 am Divine Liturgy & Sunday School 10 am Sunday School Christmas Pageant Club Hye Lunch Western Christmas Celebration Morning Service 9:30 am Divine Liturgy & Sunday School 10 am Morning Service 9:30 am Divine Liturgy & Sunday School 10 am Western Christmas Parish Council meeting 6:30 pm Ladies Society Holiday Luncheon & Raffle 12 noon Church Hall December 13, :00 Noon in the Church Hall ACYO Christmas Party 6 pm in Antioch Sunday School Nativity Pageant Please join the St. Vartan Sunday School after Badarak on Sunday, December 16 as they present the story of Christ s birth through the annual Nativity Pageant. Club Hye Lunch at Lake Chalet Club Hye will enjoy lunch on Sunday, December 16 after church at Lake Chalet Restaurant, 1520 Lakeside Dr. in Oakland ( Please RSVP to stvartanclubhye@yahoo.com.

12 Please bring non-perishable food to church for our annual Holiday Food Drive for the Alameda County Food Bank. Donation barrels are located in the Church Hall entryway. 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: Sevan Jindoian Sunday School Superintendent: John Eknoian Ladies Society Chair: Lisa Manoogian 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 Divine Liturgy Service Sundays 10:00 a.m.