avedis աւետիս - St. Hagop Armenian Church

AVEDIS
St. Hagop Armenian Church
ԱՒԵՏԻՍ
The Good News| June/July/August 2012
IN THIS ISSUE…
Pastor’s Desk
Parish Council Report
Women’s Guild Report
Living As Armenian
Orthodox Christians
Spirit of Contemporary
Armenian Music
Armenian Corner
Dr. Suny Visits St.
Hagop
Genocide Lecture At
USF
An Evening of
Armenian Music
ACYOA Report
How Do You Wish To
Receive Your Avedis?
Announcements/
Advertising
Issue Information
Calendar
7020 90th Avenue North, Pinellas Park, Florida 33782
The Rev. Fr. Hovnan Demerjian, Pastor
PASTOR’S DESK by Father Hovnan Demerjian
Every year on the fourth Sunday after Easter we Armenians celebrate the Apparition
(Appearance) of the Cross, where at three o'clock in the morning of Pentecost May 7,
351 a giant, bright cross burned in the sky in Jerusalem. This brilliant sign was viewed by
hundreds of people for many hours; inspiring early Christians that God was indeed with
them as they endured the hardship and persecution that was part and parcel to practicing
their faith.
To this day, we still look for big signs—great miracles like thunder and lightning in the
sky—to initiate or confirm our belief in God. I believe in big miracles. I have seen a few
in my life. But more and more I have come to find that the greatest miracles don’t come
to those who wait for God to show them a sign, a blazing cross in the sky. The greatest
miracles occur when, out of a deep faith and love of God, we ourselves become a sign
of God’s presence, a “cross in the sky” for someone else.
Maybe you have experienced this yourself. Your unplanned visit or words, behind the scenes actions or prayers
have been magnified by God to have a much greater effect than they would on their own. This “appearance of the
cross” in everyday life is just as great as its appearance in the clouds, and each and every one of us as Armenian
Christians are called to be this sign of God’s loving presence to all those around us.
I will give you one small example of how God has recently used me as a sign of his presence. I went out to a dinner
meeting recently in Hartford, CT with members of the St. Nersess Alumni Board. Our table had a loud and
passionate discussion about the state of our church. A young busboy approached us, with dirty blond hair and soft
features. “Did I hear you talking about the Armenian Church,” he asked, “my name is John, my grandfather was
Armenian. His last name was Avetisian.” This young man proceeded to tell us that he did not go to church and that
nothing remained of his Armenian heritage, save the memory of his grandfather.
After a few more words were exchanged, it became clear that this teenager was searching for something greater in
his life. We told him where to find the Armenian Church in Hartford, and encouraged him to explore his Armenian
heritage. As he was leaving, something moved me to give him a reminder of this meeting and what he was seeking
for—to give him a sign. So I took the cross I wore from around my neck and gave it to him. “This is an Armenian
cross from our homeland,” I said, “may God bless and guide you when you wear it.”
I continue to pray that, through this small act, the four of us gathered around that dinner table were a sign to this
young man that God is above him, and around him there is an Armenian Church family wishing to embrace him in
his faith and heritage.
There is a post script to this story as well. After we said farewell and John took the cross, he returned 5 minutes
later. “By any chance to do you have another cross that I can give to my friend,” he asked us. We looked around
the table at each other and laughed, “well this proves he is definitely Armenian!”
May the cross that John, you and I wear around our necks be a powerful reminder that we are to be signs of God’s
presence to each other; and reminders of his promise to save, bless and keep forever whosever believes in His allholy Name.
PARISH COUNCIL REPORT by Stepan Serpekian
It has been three months since I updated you with our news. I will introduce you to
our new TEAM, update you on the Multipurpose building, share our vision, events
taken place and give you some choir news.
At the general assembly, February 12, 2012 we welcomed Charles Sarkisian and
Stephen Stapanian as new members. Also, we welcomed Dr. George Kamajian and
Chuck Begian as returning members. We sincerely thank the efforts of Linda Maslar,
Karen Minassian and John Shamsey as they had dedicated their time and energy to
the success and growth of St Hagop. The new officers have the following positions:Chairman – Stepan Serpekian, Vice Chairman – David Kazarian, Treasurer- Chris
Sassouni, Assistant treasurer- Charles Sarkisian, Secretary- Chuck Begian, Assistant
secretary- Stephen Stapanian and very active and hands on members Andrew
Anusbigian, Dr George Kamajian and Tanya Sarafian.
On February 24, 2012 we established a building committee to study the existing drawings of the multipurpose
building to maximize the current and future needs of the project. Myself, Avedis Serpekian (Civil Engineer), David
Kazarian, Andrew Anusbigian, Charles Sarkisian and Fr. Hovnan were on this team. We had weekly sessions on
Fridays at David’s office and brainstormed the possibilities. As a result of these meetings and explorations, we were
able to increase the gross area to 7,000 Sq Ft without changing the footprint that was approved by SWFMD, who is
in charge of the drainage and environmental regulations. The design plan includes having seating capacity for 35
tables, a stage, dance floor, professional kitchen, conference room, classrooms and office space for the pastor and a
secretary. Since the initial drawings, there were 4 different regulatory updates and requirements that we had to factor
into our updated plan. The cost will be $875,000.00 and it will take 12-18 months to complete, if our parish were
able to secure funding upfront. I thank the team for their dedication and sincere love to St. Hagop and the future of
our children.
Based on this knowledge, we have established a fundraising team with the leadership of Aram Megerian. He is
working very hard on establishing the guidelines on collecting all the necessary funding to convert the dream into a
reality. As you all know we are in desperate need of finding the appropriate classrooms, kitchen, banquet space and
structure to our community. If you know anyone who would be willing to contribute to making this dream a reality,
please feel to contact me anytime 813-817-3757.
We held our first annual Winter Bazaar on February 19, 2012. We were lucky with the weather to have the event
outdoors, since that was the only option. We had twenty different displays and vendors. Thanks to the Anusbigian
family, who sponsored the event and had the vendors, donations, food, etc…everything was aligned for the first
successful Bazaar.
On April 14, 2012 we had our pastoral visit with his Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Oscar TatosianDiocesan Council Chairman and Dr Sam Mikaelian-Diocesan fund developer. The meeting was fruitful and
productive. We reached out to Surpazan to support our effort in building the multipurpose building by finding a
donor to put the wheels in motion. We discussed the ACEF loan that was generated during the final phase of the
construction of the church. The next morning we celebrated a Pastoral Badarak. He was very pleased with our
success and growth in membership and attendance.
WOMEN’S GUILD by Teresa Haidarian, Recording Secretary
The women’s guild has been very busy the last few months. We have helped out at the Winter Bazaar and the wine
and cheese reception after the talk by author Dr. Ronald Grigor Suny on the genocide, held our annual bake sale,
helped out during Holy Week Services and provided hard boiled Easter eggs, bread and cheese for Easter Sunday
coffee hour. Our guild members also do much behind the scenes work with little or no recognition. Zvart
Jambizian provides the flowers and decorates the Good Friday tomb each year. Martha Samuelian makes sure that
get well soon and sympathy cards are sent to church members when appropriate. Others visit the sick and the shutins regularly and volunteer for hospice. If no one has signed up to provide food for coffee hour, the women’s guild
makes sure there is a small snack available to those who fasted for Badarak. Coffee is always provided. The women
work hard at setting up and putting away everything from coffee hour. You may have noticed that most of the
women are old enough to be the “old ladies of the church”. They still manage to make the coffee, prepare the
sandwiches and haul everything out to the pavilion, serve the food then clean up after coffee hour. They usually are
the last to leave on Sunday.
Having said all of that, we would like to extend a welcome to any women who would like to become members,
especially young women. Consider making a commitment with your best friend to help serve during coffee hour
one Sunday a month. We can even teach you how to make coffee! Come be a part of the most active group in the
church. We would love to have you as a member. The Guild will provide you an opportunity to use your time and
talents to glorify God and help the growth of St. Hagop Church.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens to the donations received during the coffee hour, we purchased five of the
tables in the pavilion, and we are now saving toward building the kitchen in our future hall.
Being part of the women’s guild is not all work, we also get together for fellowship. On May 19 we met for a lovely lunch
at the Bon Appétit Restaurant in Dunedin. We have other outings in the planning stages so be sure to attend meetings.
Living as Armenian Orthodox Christians
Small Group Study Session, Beginning Wed. June 27th at 6:30 PM
What is an
Armenian Orthodox
Christian?
How can living like
one enrich your
life?
When: Wednesdays
from 6:30-8PM
starting
Wed. June 27th
What: We will
explore our history,
worship and faith as
Armenian Orthodox
Christians in this
seven part series.
Session 1—Living as an Armenian Christian: Our Sacred History Part 1
Session 2—Living as an Armenian Christian: Our Sacred History Part 2
Session 3—Living as an Armenian Christian: Worship
Session 4—Living as an Armenian Christian: The Church's Teaching and the Bible
Session 5— Living as an Armenian Christian: Spirituality
Session 6— Living as an Armenian Christian: Our Church & Other Christian Churches
Session 7— Living as an Armenian Christian: Ministry and Organization—The Church's Mission
No knowledge, faith or ethnic background presumed. All are welcome to attend!!!
Mkhitarian Captures “Spirit” of Contemporary Armenian Music
Los Angeles - On December 18, 2008, as Gor Mkhitarian took the
stage and the lights dimmed, he sat on a chair with his guitar on his lap
and began to sing: "Hayr mer, vor hergins es, surp yeghitsi anun ko. . . ."
The performance, at a concert celebrating the release of his seventh
studio album, Spirit (Hoki) - held at the Zipper Concert Hall in
downtown Los Angeles - probably marked the first time that "Hayr
Mer" (the Lord's Prayer) was being sung with guitar accompaniment in
front of an audience.
While today spiritual and specifically religious compositions are a major
component of world music, contemporary Armenian music has yet to
warm to the idea of infusing spiritualism - or even spiritual elements into new material. Mkhitarian is trying to change that.
Though far from being a strictly religious album in the vein of Christian rock, Spirit honors the great ancient
tradition of Armenian sacred music and introduces a thoroughly modern spiritual - and humanistic - musical idiom
that has been sorely lacking in much of Armenian pop and rock.
Spirit is the fruit of a collaborative effort between Mkhitarian and Fr. Vazken Movsesian, founder of the Armenian
Church Youth Ministries and the In His Shoes Mission. Arguing that it is important to make spiritual music
resonate with today's audiences, and young audiences in particular, Fr. Movsesian says: "From the church's early
saints, like Gregory the Illuminator and Mesrob Mashdots, to the prayerful lives of Nerses Shnorhali and Grigor
Narekatsi, from the melodies of Sayat-Nova to [the compositions and arrangements of] Komitas Vardapet, the
message was given in a language understood by all."
"This is the first time we are trying to create new, modern, spiritual songs," Mkhitarian echoes.
The album's concept is credited to both Mkhitarian and Fr. Movsesian, who has introduced the artist to the In His
Shoes Mission. A nonprofit organization open to people of all religious backgrounds and persuasions, In His Shoes
was established in response to acts of ethnic cleansing such as the Armenian Genocide. Through rallies, fundraisers,
and other public events, the organization provides support to marginalized populations and strives to help end
hunger throughout the world. All proceeds from Mkhitarian's latest album will be donated to the In His Shoes
Mission (www.InHisShoes.org).
While several songs on Spirit carry a specifically Christian message, Mkhitarian stresses the universal nature of the
album's spiritualism. "I want people to get exactly what they want out of it," he says, explaining that his goal is
ultimately to help listeners achieve a certain inner awakening, whether or not they choose to see it connected with
their particular religious beliefs.
“Spirit” is available for purchase on itunes, and cdbaby http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/GorMkhitarian
This press release for Gor Mkhitarian’s album Spirit, was sponsored by his friend and #1 fan Fr. Hovnan
Demerjian, who invites those interested in modern Armenian music, a Christian message, and a good cause to
purchase this album!
Please contact Avedis managing editor, Carla Megerian, if you have a product or event of interest to our community
that you would like to sponsor for release in the Avedis.
ARMENIAN CORNER
The first song on the album “Spirit” is re-arranged from a medieval spiritual poem by Nahapet Kouchak, which is
included below in Armenian, English transliteration and translation:
I'm The Eye
Ես աչք ու դու լոյս, հոգի,
առանց լոյս աչքն խավարի.
Yes achk oo doo looys hogi
Arants looys achkn khavari
I'm the eye, you're the light, my soul,
Without light, the eye will black out.
Ես ձուկ ու դու ջուր, հոգի,
առանց ջուր` ձուկն մեռանի.
Yes dzook oo doo joor hogi I'm the fish, you're the water, my soul,
Arants joor dzookn merani Without water, the fish will die out.
Երբ զձուկն ի ջըրեն հանեն
ւ’ի այլ ջուր ձըգեն նայ ապրի,
Yerb dzookn ee jren hanen
Li ayl joor dzgen na apri
Երբ զիս ի քենէ զատեն`
Քան զմեռնելն այլ ճար չի լինի:
Yerb zis ee kene zaten
But to part me from thee, my soul,
Kan uzmereln ayl jar chi lini I'll stand no chance to survive.
If to cast the fish from this into that water,
It won't die, it will stay alive,
Nahapet Kouchak-Lyrics
(Born - end of the 15th or beginning of the 16th century; died in 1592)
Gor Mkhitarian -Music
(Born in 1973 in Vanadzor, Armenia)
DR. SUNY VISITS ST.HAGOP by Sophia Manoulian Kugeares
On April 24, Dr. Suny participated with the congregation of St.
Hagop and members of the St. Petersburg Holocaust Museum in a
candlelight ceremony commemorating the Armenian Genocide.
He addressed the gathering with optimistic views and novel ideas
about the direction of recognition of the Armenian Genocide. As a
respected historian he has been in the forefront of Armenians
Studies, however, his keen insights have led him to view the current
international discussion through the lens of a sociologist as well.
What this means is that he is able to persuade other scholars to
overcome prejudice and narrow-mindedness to understand the
underlying human issues regarding the Armenian Genocide.
Supported by his impeccable research and assertive personality he was led to establish an international collection of
scholars in what is called the Workshop for Armenian-Turkish Scholarship (WATS). This elite group of scholars
has opened a pathway to understanding the events of the past in an interdisciplinary arena. The discussions and
publications of WATS members are widely disseminated and analyzed by scholars and students at Universities all
over the world. The outcome of WATS’ scholarship has raised public awareness of a history that has been too-long
hidden from Turkish citizens, who are now, in 2012, eager to grasp the full meaning of their own past.
Suny’s meticulous and precise research, enhanced by the opening of archives within Turkey, and other international
agencies, has inspired many young people to take up the gauntlet and pursue Armenian studies and help bring
awareness, not only to the Armenian Genocide, but to to all forms of social injustice.
The highlight of Suny’s address to the congregation was when he firmly and hopefully described the fact that for the
first time in modern history, in Istanbul, on that very day, April 24, a public demonstration commemorating the
Armenian Genocide, complete with recitations, speeches and a candlelight vigil, Armenians and Turks, side by side.
Who would have thought this possible even 5 years ago? Those of us who were able to view the video reports of
this event on the Internet were heartened by the courage and determination of so many humanitarians on behalf of
Armenian justice.
A growing chorus of scholars, Dr. Suny stated, are sounding the clarion call of hope that recognition of the
Armenian Genocide will enable both Armenians and Turks to move ahead in the 21 st century, not with malice,
divisiveness, and lies but with scholarship, cooperation and understanding. He believes that the complexities of the
Ottoman and Turkish histories can be untangled and understood in simple and direct terms, with the result that
denialists will eventually lose their weak argument.
Suny’s uplifting and enlightening discussion left the St. Hagop
congregation with the hope that, in fact, the old Kemalist
ideologies are fading and a new “orthodoxy” of openness and
enlightenment is being born; and Armenians may indeed realize
recognition of the Genocide within their lifetimes.
HOW DO YOU WISH TO RECEIVE YOUR AVEDIS?
With escalating printing and postage costs, we will be streamlining our mailing procedures this
year.
Starting with out next issue, all those who have an email address on file with St.Hagop will be
sent an electronic copy of our newsletter by default. If you have an email address on file but
wish to continue to receive a paper version of the Avedis, we must receive your written
request via email (see below).
Those without an email address on file will continue to receive a print version of the Avedis.
We recommend that all those receiving a paper copy of the Avedis make a donation of $20 a
year to cover the cost of their subscription (if not already dues paid member and regular
supporter of our church).
We love communicating the “Good News” to our entire St. Hagop Armenian Church family.
Thanks for helping us be good stewards of our resources, and for your ongoing support!
TO DO:
1) If you have an email address on file with St. Hagop, but prefer to receive your Avedis
via postal mail, email info@sthagoparmenianchurch.org to request a paper subscription.
Please consider making a donation of $20 a year to cover the cost of the subscription.
2) If you don’t have an email address on file with St. Hagop, it is not necessary to do
anything. Just consider making a donation of $20 a year to cover the cost of the
subscription.
AN EVENING OF ARMENIAN MUSIC—APRIL 21, 2012
Below are my personal reflections brought about by an
outstanding evening of music performed by our own
talented members of the St. Hagop family.
Our personal thanks and appreciation to the
organizers, especially “Dr. George” and the artists who
shared their various talents with us. What TALENT!
As I sat back and absorbed the Armenian Musical
selections. I recalled many memories of my family and
my personal exposure to the musical world around me
especially in my youth.
I questioned why I wasn’t taking part in the presentations. I questioned why I can’t sing the Hayr Mer nor play a
musical instrument? I recalled that 75 years ago while in grammar school during a music class my teacher stopped
the class from singing a song and turned to me and said “Serge you are a listener, please don’t attempt to join in”. I
have not, since that day, attempted to sing. Not Hayr Mer or even the Star Spangled Banner. I do mumble to
myself quite well!
Fast forward 15 years….as I was discharged from the U.S. Navy the V. A. had an extensive and comprehensive
evaluation program for veterans to determine their aptitude and talent as part of the G.I. Bill. I was tested as
“religious, and socially oriented”. On top of the list of jobs in that category was a PRIEST???
An Armenian Priest? Why not? Well….I shared my test results at a holiday family gathering and I received my
second direction that influenced my lifetime LACK OF musical talent. My Uncle Ashavir, of historical Armenian
fame, strongly suggested and was very enthusiastic in urging me to become a Hayr Soorp and he would use his
political influence to sponsor me to become the “first American to become the Catholicos of all Armenians”. The
first Catholicos that could not carry a tune!
Now you share in my “lifetime of listening” and why I chose to become a Professional Industrial Engineer and not
compete with voices such as Der Abraham’s and Der Hovnan’s Spirit of God, that dwells in him as our Shepherd.
My memories flowed in time with the selections by our talented artists. Our Concert, once again, made me envious
of those with such talent!
Thank you all for the first ever St. Hagop talent concert and I am looking forward to future concerts and the
memories which they will generate. Finally I also pray that I will someday be able to sing the Sanctus with our choir.
“Holy, Holy, Holy Lord of hosts;
Heaven and Earth are full of your glory.
Blessed in the highest Blessed are You
Who did come in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the Highest.”
–Submitted by Vasken “Serge” Minassian
Believe it or not there is more to Armenian music then Sunday church services and Gomidas. An enthusiastic
audience greeted the performers on Saturday April 21st, 2012 for St Hagop’s first all Armenian music fest. The
program was initially envisioned as a platform for Suzzie Hovhanissian and Seta Hakopian, two musicians well
known to the St Hagop family. Quickly other talented performers volunteered their services including Fr. Abraham
and Yn. Karine Malkhasyan, former Rhode Islander Julia Dadekian, violinist Michiganders mother-daughter team
Carolyn Waidley Mekjian & Virginia Mekjian, physicist and mountain climber Aram Hovhannisian, grandmother
and church pillar Rose Zartarian and the champion of tango Takvor Evrekian. Music included composers over
several hundred years of Armenian music with selections from liturgical “Der Voghormya” to contemporary
Rouben Hakhverdyan. As the evening concluded, teenagers Ani and Janae Kamajian were overhead to say “it ended
too soon.” Submitted by Dr. George Kamajian
ACYOA TEEN RETREAT—LENT 2012
My favorite
activity was
the Q&A with
Fr. Hovnan.
I definitely learned new things and now I feel
more open-minded and more observant of
my actions. I really like the activities that we
did! I would like to do this again!
I really enjoyed the baptismal renewal that Der
Hovnan gave. I also enjoyed all the thinking activities
that Jenni did. The campfire was great and I really
enjoyed Arman playing the guitar for me and
everyone letting me sing. He sleeping wasn’t too
great from the boys talking, but boys will be boys I
guess. Besides that, everything was perfect! I loved
spending time with everyone! Great job!
I enjoyed the last hours here at the Armenian Church. It
brought us all very close, and made a once fragile group
grow ever closer. I appreciate the work and thought that
went into the whole weekend and would love to see more
in the future for St.Hagop Armenian Church.
The question and answer session
was good because we all have got
to learn new things, or things we
didn’t know before.
It was fun. I got to see
my friends. I learned so
much about Christianity.
I enjoyed the time I’ve
spent here. I‘ve gotten
closer to the people I
already know. There were
times to be close to God
and times to have fun.
Overall, I feel like I’ve
become a lot closer with
the kids that are in my age
group. This experience has
been a lot of fun!! I’m
hoping to do this again, it’d
be great Jenni has such a
great attitude, and very
uplifting…I think that’s
what made it pretty fun
Come sometime again!!!
Fun and cool. Can
we go to another
church next year?
I really enjoyed spending time with my church friends. I loved the bonfire
because everyone’s personality showed. I think that next time we should try to
get more churches to come. Other than that, I had a great time!
This past 20 hours spent with all the kids our
age was really fun, the girls got to know
each other a lot better, which was great!
And from the looks of it, the guys got to
know each other better also. We should do
these retreats more often because it brings
all of us closer together every time.
ANNOUNCEMENTS/ADVERTISING
St Hagop Armenian Church members, family and friends receive 20% off any product or procedure at Dr. K’s
Wellness and Rejuvenation Med Spa 10593 Ulmerton Road, Largo, FL 33771
Including: Facials, Diamond Microdermabrassion, Chemical Peels, Massages, Laser Hair Removal, laser Vein
Removal, 2-D and 3-D Non surgical Face lifts
Obagi and Skinceutical products
THANKS TO ALL OUR EASTER SEASON DONORS BELOW
FOR THEIR CONTINUING SUPPORT OF OUR CHURCH
Avedis & Naira Mangasar ●Agop & Victoria Mouradian ●Stepan and Seta Serpekian ●Alice Miller & Sonia
Cure ●Fred & Karissa Dikranian●Nancy Kazarian ●Greg & Alysia Ekizian● Leo Kassabian & Martha
Garabedian ●Christine Martin● Linda Maslar● Arthur & Virginia Mekjian● Daniel & Norma Takoushian●
Grace Austin● Gregory & Stephanie Hovsepian● Aram & Carla Megerian● Charles Begian● Dr. George &
Marion Rejebian● Rudi Kimatian● Charles & Eva Sarkisian● Hagop & Tobe Mashikian● Kevork & Marisol
Demirjian● Ida Merakyan● Eileen Barsamian Jennings● Michael & Catherine Boucher●Mary Haydostian●Art
& Adrienne Ekizian●Arda Unjian●Ida Varadian●Bob Mirak● Apkar & Florence Omartian● Gregory
Mahdesian● Sima Palakian● Martha Samuelian● Nora Serposs●Adrienne Guendjoian● Berjouhi●Milian●
Artoosh & Susan Avanessian ● Arthur Poulin● Fr. Hovnan & Yn. Anna Demerjian ●Sergei and Irene
Kardashian● Michael & Jean Shahnasarian● Harb and Mary Garabedian● Haig Dikranian● Margaret
Panerian● Lucie Jamie● Eric & Arlen Thorensen ●Teresa Haidarian● Avedis & Hayarpie Mouradian●
Margaret Bedrosian●Martin & Nancy Mouradian●Anahid Ayrandjian●Allan & Linda Tossoonian●Charles
Walker●Greg Gurbikian● Ara & Rita Keshishian●Michel & Elise Amboyan●Sophia Manoulian Kugeares
PLEASE DON’T FORGET THAT THE CHURCH NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT YEAR ROUND!!!
The Avedis is grateful to accept business ads which help us pay for our newsletter and help you reach your customers. Please
notify Carla Megerian at cmegerian@gmail.com if you are interested. Make checks payable to St. Hagop Armenian Church.
Rates are per issue: $50 for a business card, $150 for a half page or $300 for a full page.
Office Hours: 9:30am-5:30pm
Parish Council
Worship Hours: Sunday 10:30am
President
Rev. Fr. Hovnan Demerjian
fr.hovnan@gmail.com
Contact Information
St. Hagop Armenian Church
7020 90th Ave. North
Pinellas Park, FL 33782
P: 727-545-0380, F: 727-549-0500
E-mail: info@sthagoparmenianchurch.org
www.sthagoparmenianchurch.org
Newsletter Committee:
Editor
The Rev. Fr. Hovnan Demerjian
Managing Editor
Carla Megerian
Contributors to this Issue
Rev. Fr. Hovnan Demerjian, Stepan Serpekian, Vasken Minassian,
Dr. George Kamajian, Yn. Anna Demerjian, Teresa Haidarian and
Sophia Manoulian Kugeares
Avedis Newsletter is a publication of St. Hagop Church in Pinellas
Park, Florida.
Submissions are welcomed and should be sent to the church office.
All text should be electronic format, preferably Word. Editorial board
reserves the right to modify or reject any submissions. All material
must be received no later than the published deadlines below:
Issue
Submission
September/October/November August 10th
December/January/February
November 10th
Currently it costs over $700 to print and send each issue of Avedis.
We would like to communicate as often as possible with our
parishioners. Will you help defray some of the costs? Please send
your check memo: Avedis Newsletter 1/2 issue ($350); 1/4 issue
($175) or other ($) amount.
The Avedis is grateful to accept business ads which help us pay for
our newsletter and help you reach your customers. Please notify Carla
Megerian at cmegerian@gmail.com if you are interested. Make checks
payable to St. Hagop Armenian Church.
Rates are per issue:
$50 for a business card, $150 for a half page and $300 for a full page.
Chairman
Stepan Serpekian
813-651-4900
sserpe9181@aol.com
Vice Chairperson
David Kazarian
727-507-9222
David@InfuserveAmerica.com
Treasurer
Chris Sassouni
727-535-6363
csasoun1@tampabay.rr.com
Assistant Treasurer
Charles Sarkisian
813-925-1901
chucksarkisian@yahoo.com
Recording Secretary
Chuck Begian
813-792-0259
chuckbegian@gmail.com
Assistant Secretary
Stepan Stapanian
813-405-4645
Members
Andrew Anusbigian
727-787-8072
andyanusbigian@yahoo.com
Tanya Sarafian
727-394-1503
tanyasarafian@yahoo.com
Dr. George Kamajian
727-595-0780
pilafporeeg@tampabay.rr.com
Organizations
ACYOA
Alex Oganesova
oganesovar@yahoo.com
Sunday School
Adrienne Vartanian Dikranian/Alysia
Ekizian StHagopSundaySchool@gmail.com
Women's Guild
Rudi Kimatian
Engel1035@gmail.com
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
**Divine Liturgy & fellowship take place every Sunday from 10:30-12:30 unless otherwise noted below**
Sun June 3
Sun June 10
Sun June 17
Tue. June 19
Sun June 24
Wed June 27
Sun July 1
Wed July 4
Sun July 8
Tue. July 10
Wed July 11
Sun July 15
Wed July 18
Sun July 22
Wed July 25
Sun July 29
Sun Aug. 5
Wed Aug 8
Sun Aug. 12
Tue. Aug 14
Wed Aug 15
Sun Aug. 19
Sun Aug 26
Sun Sept 2
Sun Sept 9
Sun Sept 16
Divine Liturgy
Last Day of Sunday School
Divine Liturgy-Feast of Etchmiadzin
Fr. Abraham Celebrant
10:30 AM
Divine Liturgy-Father’s Day
Parish Council Meeting
10:30 AM
Divine Liturgy
Sunday School Parent/Teacher Meeting
Living as an Armenian Christian:
Our Sacred History Part 1
Divine Liturgy
Sunday School Teachers Planning Meeting
10:30 AM
12:30 PM
Living as an Armenian Christian:
Our Sacred History Part 2
Divine Liturgy
6:30 PM
Parish Council Meeting
Living as an Armenian Christian: Worship
6:00 PM
Divine Liturgy-Transfiguration
Living as an Armenian Christian:
The Church's Teaching and the Bible
Divine Liturgy
10:30 AM
Living as an Armenian Christian: Spirituality
Divine Liturgy
No Divine Liturgy at St. Hagop Armenian Church
(Fr. Hovnan Directing St. Nersess)
6:30 PM
Living as an Armenian Christian:
Our Church & Other Christian Churches
Divine Liturgy- Assumption of Mary
Blessing of the Grapes Picnic
Parish Council Meeting
6:30 PM
Living as an Armenian Christian:
Ministry & Organization—The Church's Mission
Divine Liturgy
6:30 PM
Divine Liturgy
Divine Liturgy
Divine Liturgy
1st Day of Sunday School-Opening Day Picnic
Divine Liturgy-Exaltation of the Cross
10:30 AM
10:30 AM
6:00 PM
6:30 PM
10:30 AM
12:30 PM
10:30 AM
6:30 PM
6:30 PM
10:30 AM
10:30 AM
10:30 AM
12:30 PM
6:00 PM
10:30 AM
10:30 AM
10:30 AM
12:30 PM
10:30 AM
St. Hagop Armenian Church
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
ST. PETERSBURG, FL
Parish of the Gulf Coast of Florida
7020 90th Avenue North, Pinellas Park, Florida 33782
727-545-0380 Fax 727-549-0500
The Rev. Fr. Hovnan Demerjian, Pastor
www.sainthagoparmenianchuch.org
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
PERMIT NO.7071