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Transcription

1 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: MONTEREY AVE RANCHO MIRAGE CA PHONE (760) FAX (760) Christmas Message to the Faithful By Archbishop Hovnan Derderian We leave in a time when now more than ever we need to feel the presence of God, and do His holy will, to be impeccable, and stay away from the snares of evil. Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and Our forefathers felt the presence of God and lived their lives spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 according to His will. They grasped the true meaning of Christmas and accepted God's invitation to cleanse themselves The birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the presence of and leave holy lives in the fear of God. For them, Christ was the the Divine in the life of humanity that leads us embodiment of holiness. He's biblical to holiness and purity. God's creatures teachings, our Christian values, a life naturally depend on systematic lived with faith, the Armenian spiritual renewal, so that they ancestral model family based may keep their innate faith on love and wisdom we're actively engaged in all all synonymous with our endeavors of life, forefathers understanding reflecting God's will by of holiness. deeds and words. Christ is born and Christ is born and revealed! Blessed is revealed! Blessed is the revelation of the revelation of Christ, Our Lord! Christ, Our Lord! Beloved faithful, the Every year, when we Theophany is the golden celebrate the Theophany and bridge that spans divinity to recite the above-mentioned humanity. Glory be to the Almighty proclamation, we feel the need for God for sending His Only Begotten Son to spiritual renewal in the depth of our souls. When we this world to guide us through darkness to light, so reiterate the Christmas greeting, we celebrate the beginning of we may see the path that leads us to holiness. Today, as we a new life gifted to us by God Incarnate, who is the path to celebrate Christmas, we strive to reclaim that holiness in our wisdom, humility, and holiness. lives. Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, Our Christmas prayer for this year is that we may become perfecting holiness in the fear of God. instruments of peace and vessels of the Holy Spirit to live tranquil lives and continue to prosper as individuals and as faith The miraculous birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ communities perfecting holiness in the fear of God in our reawakens in us the very particles of life that has been breathed everyday lives. into us by God, turning us into living souls on the day of the Creation. Whoever comprehends this truth, walks on the path to Christ is born and revealed! Blessed is the revelation of Christ, purity and holiness in the fear of God, which is nothing than Our Lord! the wisdom of God. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate

2 Page 2 Dear Parish Members and Friends, Thank you all for your yearlong support of our Church, events and community. As chairman of the Parish Council, I would like to praise and thank my board. Through the many issues of this past year, they have stayed focused, dedicated and positive. Thank you to Carolon Nigosian, Gary Funtas, Ani Markarian, Dianne Marderosian and Ginny Kelekian...the most hard-working fellow members of our Church. When things get rough, the Board gets tough! It has been my passion and LOVE of our Church and community that drives me to hold my position as Chairman of the Parish Council. Thank you to the Festival Committee and to all who volunteered and worked so hard to make another successful event. Thank you also to the Ladies Society, for their support. We all need to do what we can to support our Church and are determined to meet the needs of our Parish. I wish that all those who are not members of our Church, or those who are no longer a member, to please be a part of our Armenian Church PARISH COUNCIL NEWS CHRISTMAS SERVICES SHEDULE Christ is Born and Revealed. Blessed is the Revelation of Christ community and pay your Church dues next year. We are stronger in numbers than when standing alone. I believe that each of us love this community, and need to be a part of it, and not just a sometimes participant. At this time of the year, I wish you all good health, and joy with your loved ones. We remember and thank those who had a dream and have built this Church community, and thank God for the love of our people. We move forward to the New Year with love and passion, and I pray that we keep that dream alive. I wish all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Respectfully Submitted, Mary Vartanian, Parish Council Chairman Sunday, December 24, 2017 Western Christmas Morning Service 10:30 am Divine Liturgy 11 am Friday, January 5, 2018 Armenian Christmas Eve Jurakalouyts Badarak (Liturgy of the Lights) 6:30 pm Sunday, January 7, 2018 Armenian Christmas Celebration Nativity and Baptism of Jesus Christ Morning Service 10:30 am Divine Liturgy 11 am Blessing of Water (after Services) Sunday, January 14, 2018 Memorial Sunday Merelots Morning Service 10:30 am Divine Liturgy 11 am Requiem for Deceased Loved Ones (after Services) 2018 ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY Sunday, February 25, 2018 (after Church services) 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 SUBSCRIBE CHECK OUT

3 THANKS FOR GIVING ALICE SAFOYAN Alice Safoyan has been an integral part of this community and of St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert for many years. After living in the desert since 1983, Alice is now moving to Los Angeles. On Sunday, November 26th, the Parish Council honored her at a Thanks For Giving luncheon held at Kirkjan Family Hall. Many friends and family were there to help celebrate Alice s contributions to the Armenian Church. Alice became part of the Parish Council in 1993 where she has served in various capacities throughout the years. She has held positions as an Advisor, Corresponding Secretary and Chairman for two years. Alice became Treasurer of the Parish Council in 2002 and held that position for the next ten years, except for the one year that she was assistant treasurer and the one year she was required by the bylaws to sit off the board. When construction of the social hall was completed in 2005 and we began to hold our Church services and social events here, the Parish Council needed to change the way church business was done and devote more time and energy towards running our new religious facility. Treasurer Alice used her business skills and implemented the accounting ledger system that we still use today. For the next several years, she kept records of bills paid and donations made while helping to keep the hall in working order. Alice has also been very passionate in her dedication towards the Ladies Society. She has served on the Ladies Board of Directors in many capacities and as the Ladies Chairwoman for many of those years. She helped to initiate several events, bake sales and the first Grandma s Attic, which has evolved into Grandma s Treasurers. Alice has enjoyed singing in the Choir for many years. She has a true love of the Divine Liturgy and the music of the Armenian Church. She has been a devoted Church monitor and greeted the many parishioners on Sundays during Church services. On a Diocese level, Alice has served as our Parish Assembly Delegate at many annual Diocese Assembly meetings and also has Page 3 served on the Diocese Ladies Central Council. To say that Alice has devoted herself to our Church would be an understatement. Her energy spills over on all who surround her. Whenever others would say that might be too much for us to handle.she would encouragingly say.. oh come on kids..we can do it! It was hard to ever say no to Alice! The gifts she has given to this community are endless and are truly appreciated by everyone. Alice did not give us much notice that she would be moving out of the desert. Of course, we all understand and are very excited for her new adventure of living in Santa Clarita with her daughter, Vanessa, and son-in law, Scott. She has a new Great Grandchild and will undoubtedly enjoy spending more time with her grandchildren and great grandchild. I know that her son Greg and daughter-in-law Kim will really miss Alice, but have been so lucky to have had her live close to them for these past several years while their children were growing up. Greg and Kim and the girls are also very supportive of St. Garabed s Armenian Church. We are so fortunate for their involvement and know that we will be able to keep our connection to Alice through them. The Safoyan family is part of the St. Garabed family and families always keep in touch. It will just been a long distance relationship with Alice now, but also know that she will be visiting us as often as possible.and we will look forward to all of those visits. The Parish Council presented Alice a beautiful key necklace and a special commemorative Key to the Church, which we hope will serve as a reminder of the Church that she loves and the people at this Church who love her so much. We all thank Alice for everything she has done for St. Garbed Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert. She has been a true treasure to our Armenian community and we will all miss her! By Carolon Nigosian

4 Page ARMENIAN CULTURAL FESTIVAL St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert held its 10th annual Armenian Cultural Festival on the weekend of November 4th and 5th. More than 2,000 people attended again this year, making the Festival a great success! The Festival Raffle was held on Sunday afternoon. Jacci Tutunjian from Smoke Tree Jewelers generously donated the grand prize of a beautiful Diamond and Sapphire Ladies Ring. Other prizes were a Flat Screen television, Laptop Computer, Switch Nintendo Game system, Electric Razor Scooters, gift certificates for dinners and golf, and Armenian Brandy. Our 60/40 raffle was well this year by adding snow cones and cotton candy. The kids enjoyed the 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 The Festival Committee was very well organized and we again had two food lines where 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 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 and Armenian dancing. While in between dance performances, the guests could enjoy dancing to the Armenian music, which was provided by DJ Rex. Harut Hagopian was our featured Armenian singer this year, who performed on both Saturday evening traditions, music, dance, artwork, and of course, our were a highlight for many. Of course, we also and Sunday afternoon. delicious specialty foods, with the community. served other traditional favorites of Kufta, The Parish Council and Armenian Lahmajoon, Cheese Boreg and Yalangi Grape Festival Committee would like to take this Leaves. The Pastry table was consistently busy with opportunity to thank our many Sponsors for their those who came to enjoy our deliciously sweet support of this year s Armenian Cultural Festival. Paklava, Khadaif and Shaabiyat. Many attendees Because of their generous contributions, along with wait all year for our Festival so that they can enjoy the overwhelming food sales, this year s Festival was our delicious Armenian foods and culture, which we very successful and profitable. are so happy to be able to share everyone. Several Vendors came from all over to Thank you from the provide the opportunity for people to purchase items 2017 Festival Committee of jewelry, nets and candies, honey, gifts and more! See you at next year s Festival! We expanded our children s area again 2017 Festival Chairman - Carolon Nigosian (Left to right) Ani Markarian, Alishan Kelekian, Dianne Marderosian, Chris Markarian, Mary Vartanian, Sylva Mazmanian, Greg Safoyan, Medick Yarijanian, Ginny Kelekian, Janis Avedesian, Jacci Tutunjian, Koko Mazmanian, Sonia Matossian, Sarkis Bedrosian, Carolon Nigosian, Der Krikor Zakaryan, Nick Nigosian. (Not in the picture) Gary Funtas, Greg Avedesian & Nicole Mazmanian THANK YOU TO OUR FESTIVAL COMMITTEE AND ALL OUR VOLUNTEERS

5 Page 5 THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATIONS GENERAL FUND DONATIONS $1,500 Paul & Lena Kaloutian GENERAL FUND DONATIONS $1,200 Anonymous GENERAL FUND DONATIONS $100 or more Mary Swajian George & Tammy Kirkjan IN MEMORY OF KIRKORIAN AND SERGIUS FAMILIES $2,000 By Donald Kirkorian, Ph.D. IN MEMORY OF RON KRAJIAN IN HONOR OF ALICE SAFOYAN IN MEMORY OF EDWARD MINASIAN Patrick Bedrosian Lori Marcarian Arshalus Lucy Benge Gary & Talene Churukian Greg & Seta Tcherkoyan Inger Yarijian Jon & Jackie Agajanian Judy Moordigian Medick Yarijanian Nick & Carolon Nigosian Norair & Anoosh Avakian Patrick Bedrosian Stella Ohanesian IN MEMORY OF ANITA YEGSIGIAN Walter & Hannah Webb Foundation C. Licudine Mary & William D'Agostino IN MEMORY OF HOLLIN BENGE by Arshalus Benge IN MEMORY OF GARO TUTUNJIAN by Jacci Tutunjian

6 Page 6 CHILDREN S SUNDAYS For the last several months, every first Sunday the church and grounds got filled with the lively and cheerful voices of the children of St. children, parents and Der Hayr gathered at Kirkjan Family Hall for arts and crafts related to the Sunday theme, as well as a movie and a delicious lunch prepared by Gary Churukian. The spiritual nourishment of the children one day develop into Armenian School and Sunday School. We welcome all volunteers who believe and want to contribute towards the realization of these wonderful programs! We would like to express our deepest Garabed, as Der Krikor dedicated those special Sundays to the kids and young families of our community. After a special sermon in the Church, Dear Church and Community Members, I am happy to announce the 2018 Ladies Society Executive Board Members: Dianne Marderosian-Chair, Sophia Miller-Vice Chair, Sylva Mazmanian-Treasurer, Ginny Kelekian-Recording Secretary and Medick Yarijanian-Corresponding Secretary. We would like to thank our passed board members for their dedication and service and welcome the new board. We are also very fortunate and happy to have a couple of new and active members and strongly encourage the participation of our existing members for the thriving of our organization and the Church. We are excited to announce not one, not two, but three great upcoming events: The Champagne Brunch on January 14, The Kef Night on LSCC VISITS ST. GARABED S LADIES SOCIETY The Ladies Society Central Council (LSCC) organized a pilgrimage to St. Garabed Church of Rancho Mirage on November 30, Present were Chairlady, Lena Simonian and recording secretary Aida Chakarian. There were and young families is a vital ministry of the Church, and ensures the continuation of our faith and traditions, and we are hoping that this endeavor will LADIES SOCIETY NEWS that as ladies society members we are the leaders who serve best of our capabilities for we are considered the caring mothers of our churches. After church service we gathered in church hall where Ladies Society members as well as Yn. Anoush hosted a home-made luncheon and gave us a very warm welcome. Fr. Krikor introduced the newly formed executive body who were eager to share their challenges and difficulties with us. gratitude to those who support this endeavor, and especially Gary Churukian, parents volunteers, as well as Ladies and Parish members. February the 10th, and the Fashion Show & 40th Anniversary of the establishment of St. Garabed s Ladies Society on April 21. We are looking forward to seeing you at these events, as we organize them to celebrate and bring our community together and support our Church. We would like to use this opportunity and wish you all Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Sincerely, Dianne Marderosian, 2018 LS Chair churches and serving with humility and peace. The newly formed ladies society executive body discussed some of the difficulties they were facing and were happy to know that all ladies societies were experiencing similar challenges and situations. Before departing the ladies enjoyed the magnificent outdoor grounds of the church. Fr. Krikor and the host Ladies Society members were very glad to have met us and hoped we can visit again in the also ladies society members from St. Leon Cathedral Burbank, St. Peter Van Nuys and Holy Apostles Crescenta Valley. The visitors were greeted by Rev. Fr. Krikor Zakarian, Parish Priest in the Church where he performed a short service and gave a short sermon on Luke 22:24-30 where he stressed the fact Chairlady Lena Simonian congratulated and thanked the newly formed executive members for their warm hospitality, especially the food they have prepared with love, then she discussed the purpose, benefits and responsibilities of Ladies Society membership stressing the fact that we are all here for the only purpose of strengthening and beautifying our near future. As LSCC executive board members, bound in our faith, we are committed to guide, to encourage, to support, to educate and to supervise the indoctrination of values within our church through servitude and benevolence. By Lena Simonian

7 Page 7 SAVE THE DATE April 21, 2018 FASHION SHOW & 40th ANNIVESARY OF THE LADIES SOCIETY

8 Page 8 ST. GARABED ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF THE DESERT Monterey Avenue ~ Rancho Mirage CA (760) Phone - (760) Fax 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 2018, 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 new 2018 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 2018 MEMBERSHIP FORM

9 Page 9 SPONSORS PAGE

10 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 Marderosian Corresponding Secretary, Ginny Kelekian