Summer-2011 - St. James Armenian Apostolic Church

24 Pages·2011·21.49 MB·English

St. James ArmԼeոյnս Լiրaաnգի րA | աpմoառs 2t01o1 lic Church
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Summer 2011
Looys Newsletter
ամառ 2011
Ս . Յ Հ ա ե
բ ակոբ աՅաՍտանեաՅց ռաքելական կեղեցի
ANNuAL NAME DAY BANquET
Honoring Parishioner of the Year Ora Margosian
On Sunday, December 19, 2010, The entry doors, crafted of wood,
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, bear the image of a khatchkar and
Primate of the Diocese of the were donated on the occasion of
Armenian Church of America the 75th anniversary of the church.
(Eastern), visited St. James for The annual Name Day Banquet,
our Annual Name Day Banquet, chaired this year by parishioners
as our parish observed our 79th Harold and Gladys Partamian,
Anniversary. Fr. Arakel, Pastor followed, during which our parish
of St. James, celebrated Divine honored Ora Margosian as the 2011
Liturgy, and the Primate offered Parishioner of the Year. The 200
the day’s sermon. Following Divine people in attendance showed Ora
Liturgy, the new entry doors of St. appreciation with lavish applause
James Church were blessed and and gratitude, who has dedicated
consecrated by the Primate. The her services to the parish for over
church doors were donated by the 30 years. Throughout her decades
family of Charles Shahe and Joyce of service, Ora has been active in
Guleserian in memory of Catholicos all aspects of St. James, including
Ora Margosian with Archbishop Khajag Barsamian
Papken Gulesserian, Archbishop the ACYOA, choir, and Women’s
and Fr. Arakel Aljalian. Ms. Margosian was honored
Shahe Kasparian, and their parents
as “Parishioner of the Year” last December.
Papken and Arshalous Guleserian. continued on page 2
ARMENiAN FESTivAL 2011
continued on page 2
2 LooyS NewSLetter | Summer 2011
ARMENiAN FESTivAL 2011
continued from page 1
NAME DAY BANquET
continued from page 1
Guild. Notably, Ora’s leadership
in our church’s weekly Bingo has
helped generated over $3 million for
the church over the past 30 years.
Guests at the banquet also
enjoyed a musical performance by
the Belmont High School Madrigal
Singers, who performed a medley
of Christmas songs.
Der Arakel reminded attendees
that “Ora teaches us all the true
meaning of humility and sacrifice,
and is a wonderful role model for
our parish.”
The Primate with door benefactors
Charles Shahe and Joyce Guleserian,
and Fr. Arakel Aljalian and Fr. Arsen
Barsamian.
Լոյս Լրագիր | ամառ 2011
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TWELFTH ANNuAL ST. JAMES GOLF TOuRNAMENT
The Twelfth Annual St. James Open Golf Tournament got the outstanding golf committee and the volunteers who
underway under ideal weather conditions on May 31, 2011, assisted on tournament day without whom the successful
having been postponed previously due to cold inclement tournament could not have been achieved.
weather on May 17. Once again, a heartfelt thanks to all who participated
The venue was moved from the Oakley Country Club in in making the 12th annual golf tournament a social and
Watertown, where it was held for the previous five years, financial success.
back to the newly-renovated Marlborough Country Club, Ron Tashjian and Dick Janjigian
where it enjoyed success from 2000 to 2006. Tournament Co-Directors
A limited field of golfers registered to compete and enjoy
a wonderful full day of golf and camaraderie.
Following a continental breakfast, the field teed off at
10:30 a.m. Lunch was provided on the golf course.
Prior to a delicious dinner being served, Fr. Arakel Aljalian,
Pastor of St. James, greeted the attendees and thanked them
for their support. Before rendering the invocation, he also
thanked tournament co-directors Ron Tashjian and Dick
Janjigian and the entire golf committee for their continued
commitment.
Committee members conducted the raffle and silent
auction respectively. Tournament Master of Ceremonies,
Harold Partamian took the opportunity to thank all the
donors and sponsors who participated, in any manner,
for their continued support. He then presented and
awarded team and individual golfing prizes, and praised
Highlights from the 11th Annual Golf Tournament.
4 LooyS NewSLetter | Summer 2011
SuNDAY SCHOOL
A Year of Learning and Discovery
Through the years, i have written articles for the Looys, sharing with our
parishioners, the happenings of the Sunday school. We talk about the Halloween
parties, Christmas programs, Poon Paregentan, Lenten and Holy Week services and
programs. We talk about field trips, guests and special events. Today, I would like
to share with you, the very people who make the St. James Sunday school, foremost
in the Diocese.
The St. James Sunday School is a working unit of caring, committed, and loving
individuals who give freely of their time and talents. They take their ministry
seriously and with passion, teaching our students and mentoring our graduates.
Mrs. Susan Hennessey, Mrs. Shirley Hudson, Mrs. Stephanie Thompson, and Mrs.
Jayne Andonian, have been welcoming and teaching the youngest of our children.
Each Sunday they come prepared with lessons, crafts, snacks and smiles. i am proud
to say that there is over 30 years of combined service in our primary grade classes!
Ms. Linda Sahagian, Mrs. Marina Minasian, Mr. Haig Deranian and Mr. Mark
Kavonian take our students to the next level. With the introduction of attending
Badarak every Sunday as fourth graders and then, their preparation as altar servers
in the fifth and sixth grades. I am proud to say that these teachers have over 35 years
of combined service.
Mrs. Adrenna Antreasian, Ms. Alicia Antreasian, and Mr. Joshua Tevekelian have
the gift to minister to our middle school age students, and do so wonderfully. i
am proud to say that these teachers have over 20 years of service to our Sunday
school.
Mr. Laura Purutyan, Mr. Edward Brewster, Ms. Christa Bazarian and Mr. Paul
Abdalian have the daunting task of ministering to our high school students, and “
they do so with faith and wisdom. i am proud to say that these teachers have nearly
60 years of combined service to our Sunday school!
Staff “take their ministry
No school could function without substitutes , Mr. Charles Metjian, Mr. Edward
Kazanjian, Mrs. Zarouhi Suggs and Yn. Natasha Aljalian, always just a phone call seriously and with” passion,
away. Mrs. Nicole Simmons who brings music to our ears and our hearts; and no
teaching our students and
Superintendent could function without her attendance keeper and treasurer, Mrs.
Rachel Boloyan and Mr. Steve Derderian.
mentoring our graduates.”
My sincere thanks, and God’s blessings to the wonderful staff of the St. James
Sunday School, may they add many more years to their ministry.
DR. THOMAS SAMuELiAN SPEAKS TO SuNDAY SCHOOL
On Palm Sunday, April 17, 2011, Sunday School students had the
opportunity to hear Dr. Thomas Samuelian speak. Dr. Samuelian,
translator, writer, historian and attorney was in Boston to speak at
the State House for the Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide
and was kind enough to visit our students at St. James. Students in
grades 5-11 listened reverently, and answered and asked questions
long after the program was to end. Our thanks to Mr. Josh Tevekelian
for coordinating this event, and Dr. Samuelian for giving his time
and talent for our youth.
Dr. Thomas Samuelian addresses Sunday School
students during a visit last April.
Լոյս Լրագիր | ամառ 2011
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SuNDAY SCHOOL CALENDAR
”
Sunday, September 11, 2011
9:30 a.m. – Registration, new and returning students.
10:00 a.m. – Assembly and first day of classes.
12:00 noon – Homecoming breakfast
Sunday, October 30, 2011
12:00 noon – Halloween Party and Luncheon
Sunday, November 6 – 20, 2011
Annual Food Drive to benefit Watertown Food Pantries.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
10:00 a.m. – Sunday School Open House
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Annual Sunday School visit to Armenian Nursing Home

Sunday, December 11, 2011 SAvE THE DATE!
Sunday School Christmas Program
CLASSES BEGiN SEPTEMBER 11
6 LooyS NewSLetter | Summer 2011
CONGRATuALATiONS SuNDAY SCHOOL GRADuATES
The gentlemen wore ties; the ladies wore white, their eyes Following church services, the graduation program
still sparkling and their smiles still wide. How quickly the 12 continued in Keljik Hall, where Mr. Aram Soukiasian
years have passed since these sparkling eyes and wide smiles (Salutatorian) and Ms. Deanna Minasian (valedictorian) spoke
were just little children! of lessons learned, friendships made, and warm memories.
For twenty young adults, their formal religious education Both, challenging their classmates to be good role models,
classes came to an end on Sunday June 5th, 2011. After nearly give back and make good choices.
twelve years of Sunday School for many of the students, A lovely reception honoring the graduates was hosted by
they assembled in church to renew their baptismal vows and the Sunday school parents.
graduate. Our heartiest congratulations to: Allen Ackan, Aram
Fr. Arakel, having presented to them their diplomas/ Andonian, Silva Ayvazyan, Alexis Cheney, Berj Chilingirian,
certificates, gave a heartfelt and sincere message to the Kevin Eskici, Varteni Jamakorzian, Ari Kazanjian, Nicholas
graduates reminding them that St. James was their spiritual Kazizian, Julia Metjian, Deanna Minasian, William Musserian,
home and family, today and as they go forward. Der Hayr Siobhan O’Sullivan, Lorig Purutyan, Leanne Santorsola, Alec
also spoke of their making good choices as they go out into Seferian, Aram Soukiasian, Simon Tacvorian, Rachel Talanian,
the world, honoring their parents and themselves. and Melissa Trimble.
Sunday School graduates pose for
a group photo in the sanctuary
(above); Deanna Minasian delivers
the valedictorian address (right);
salutatorian Aram Soukiassian gives
remarks (far right).
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SuNDAY SCHOOL STuDENTS COLLECT TABS
Most Sunday mornings, Mr. George States from Armenia to receive services
Kaloostian stops by the Sunday School from the Shriner’s Hospital in Boston,
office, and greets me with a smile for burns she received from dancing
and a “what’s happening in Sunday with a lit candle. This made the project
School today?” On one particular even more meaningful.
Sunday morning, in our conversation, On Sunday, May 22nd, Mr. Paul
George told me about a program that Agostino Chairman of the Children’s
was founded several years ago by the Transportation Fund, spoke with the
Shriners to raise monies to support the Sunday School students about the
humanitarian and life saving services Pull-Tab Program. The students in turn
of the Shriners Hospitals. George presented Mr. Agostino with buckets
asked me if the Sunday School could and jugs of pull tabs.
participate. The answer was YES! Of note: there are approximately
We put the collection jars in the 1,300 tabs in a pound. in one year, over
Sunday school office, and the Children’s $310,000 was raised by the Pull-Tab
Transportation Fund for Shriners Program to provide transportation,
Hospital began at St. James! housing and food for patients and their
Shortly after the Sunday School families
started collecting the tabs, a young girl Marsha Alabachian George Kaloostian suggested raising
named Diana, arrived in the united Sunday School Superintendent funds for Shriners Hospitals.
NEWS FROM THE WOMEN’S GuiLD
The Women’s Guild has had a busy and fun calendar of convert from the early church and Sahagtookhd, a talented
activities during the spring. religious poet and musician of the eighth century.
in addition to hosting the New England regional After a delicious Lenten Luncheon, guests were treated
Women Saints Day, the Women’s Guild held regular dinner to a special message by the day’s speaker, Geri Denterlien.
meetings. We were pleased to welcome Susan Hazarvartian Geri, an executive level consultant for businesses,
who provided the guild a truly informative presentation non-profits and colleges. She is the former editorial
on nutrition and health. Complete with Q&A, quizzes, and director for WBZ News Boston, Communications Director
giveaways, the evening was a hit! for the Depts. Of Public Health, and Associate Press Secretary
The Women’s Guild closed out its year with a Spring for former Governor Michael Dukakis.
Potluck, featuring potluck appetizers and desserts with The day was a wonderful opportunity for fellowship of
a chicken kebab meal provided by the guild. The evening women within our region. Attendees left rejuvenated and
featured a very informative talk by Rachel Kapreilian, inspired.
Registrar of Motor vehicles. Rachel provided great insight
into the RMv and answered many questions.
Women’s Guild members have already started their
preparations for October’s Annual Bazaar – with manti
preparations underway in July! Join us as we prepare for
the Annual Bazaar and at the Women’s Guild’s fall events –
all are welcome and invited!
WOMEN SAiNTS’ DAY
On Saturday, April 2, 120 women from the New England
area churches, with 40 of the participants from St. James,
gathered at St. James for the 2011 Women Saints’ Day. Women
gathered in the morning for worship, and heard a lovely
sermon delivered by Laura Everett, Associate Director of
the Massachusetts Council of Churches. Two saintly women
were the focus of this year’s gathering: Lydia, St. Paul’s The Women Saints’ Day Committee with Geri Denterlein.
8 LooyS NewSLetter | Summer 2011
&
ST. SAHAG ST. MESROB
ARMENiAN SCHOOL
The Spring semester was very busy for the Armenian Also, on display were the posters prepared by the students
school. The students prepared for and read the Gospel and guided by their teacher Mayda Yetimian. The posters
passages during the Easter Eve services, studying for final depicted the cultural, historical, political aspects of Armenia
exams, and rehearsing for graduation program. which the students had studied this past year. A beautiful
The students successfully participated in church services. luncheon was served following the program. i extend
My congratulations go to all the students who had worked sincere appreciation to staff members Svetlana vehapetian,
diligently on the Bible readings. Thank you parents and Anna Kupelian, Mary Demirdjian, Rita Meneshian, Mayda
teachers who worked with the students and also helped Yetimian, Yelena Hakobyan and volunteer Luara Ghazarian
with the hospitality following the services. The fellowship for making the academic year successful. And of course
was filled to capacity with parishioners. nothing would be possible without the support from the
On Easter Saturday, the traditional Children’s communion parents and families.
and breakfast was hosted by Sunday School and Armenian
Marina Minasian
School. The morning was filled with joy and fellowship. It
Superintendent
was nice to meet new families and reminisce with the old
friends.
Students were treated to an ice-cream party at the end
of the school day and the five graduates had a celebratory
luncheon at Bertucci’s. The afternoon was filled with
laughter, jokes and joy.
On a beautiful, sunny spring morning five outstanding
students graduated from St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Armenian
school. The afternoon started with a prayer by Der Arakel
followed by a musical prelude by the student body. it was
followed by presentation of certificates of appreciation in
various categories and presentation of diplomas and gifts
to graduates Nareg Kalaydjian, Ariana Maserejian, Alec
Maserejian, Jacob Naroian and Alexandra Minasian by
Der Arakel and superintendent Marina Minasian. Each
graduate delivered a parting speech filled with emotions,
gratitude and cultural pride. The graduates also showcased
their musical talents individually to the public.
Nareg Kalaydjian opened the program by playing two
numbers by Komitas and Bach on the violin the sound of
which reminded us of calm pastures. He was followed by
Alec Maserejian performing the Armenian national anthem
on the electric guitar filled with national pride. Ariana
Maserejian’s beautiful voice brought the sweet ripples of the
Armenian countryside upon the audience. Jacob Naroian
introduced a modern piece “Fifth Avenue” and a song by
Komitas on the piano the sound of which blanketed the hall
with calm. The last performer was Alexandra Minasian who
combined the two cultures - Armenian and American - with
her pieces “Prairie Sunrise” and “Moratsar” (Forgot) on the
piano bringing the sounds of nature and heart into the hall.
All of these gifted and talented students were appreciated Armenian School graduates (top) and faculty (above).
and received high praises from the audience.
Լոյս Լրագիր | ամառ 2011
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RECENT GRADuATES
Alexis Koumjian Cheney, granddaughter of Sarah McDermott, daughter of Jim
Harry and Madeline Koumjian, graduated from McDermott and Sharon Bazarian, received her
Concord Academy. She will attend Macalester Master’s in Art Business from the Sotheby’s Art
College in St. Paul, Minnesota in the Fall. institute in New York City in March 2011. Sarah
John Delanjian Hennessey, son of John and works at Axelle Fine Arts Gallery in Boston.
Susan, and grandson of Joseph and Mary Maureen O’Meara graduated Waltham High
Hennessey and the late Andre and queenie School with honors. Maureen will attend Holy
Delanjian, graduated in May from Saint Anselm Cross in the fall, majoring in Biology.
College with a Bachelor of Science degree in John O’Meara graduated from Curry College,
Criminal Justice. He plans to pursue a career in majoring in Communications.
commercial real estate.
ST. JAMES SCHOLARSHiP AWARDS
The following young adults received scholarship awards from St. James Armenian Church. We pray that God watch over them and the
Holy Spirit grant them wisdom and strength to do well in their studies.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all parishioners who have established scholarship funds to support and encourage the youth of our
church in their academic studies. May God bless each of you for your generosity and kindness.
Tamar Aroyan Alexandra Berberian Ani Moushigian
Veronica Tarvezian Memorial Scholarship Alice Khederian Scholarship Yervant Balian Memorial Scholarship
(GKT) Madeline Kasabian Leone Memorial Haig and Blanche Yacubian Memorial
Scholarship Scholarship
Daniel Percy
Hindlian Memorial Scholarship Shant Broukian Serena Seferian
Virginia Bedrosian Memorial Scholarship Levoun, Herant, Zarouhi and
vartan Babikyan Raffi Hollisian Memorial Scholarship
Martin Martinian Memorial Scholarship Aaron Derderian
Jocko Ananian Memorial and Phyllis Toros Yeterian
Lucine Bahtiarian Ananian Scholarship Hovnan and Agnes Hovnanian Memorial
John Kurkjian Memorial Scholarship Scholarship
George and Rose Tashjian Memorial Aram Gurekian
Scholarship Edward and Elaine Patapanian
Scholarships
Alina Bazarian Gladys and Anna Najarian
Michael and Ovsanna Hovannesian Medzorian Scholarship
Memorial Scholarship
Ava Gurekian
Christa Bazarian Edward and Elaine Patapanian
Alice Kaprielian Memorial and Ann O. Scholarships
Kaprielian Scholarship Gladys and Anna Najarian
Simon DerSimonian Memorial Medzorian Scholarship
Scholarship
Raffi Kazanjian
Karina Bekelian Armene Tarvezian Memorial
Vernon H. Assarian Memorial Scholarship Scholarship (GKT)
Liana Bekelian Andrew Malian
Fr. Arakel Aljalian with scholarship award recipients.
Edward and Joyce Berberian Memorial Herach and Anne Kazanjian
Scholarship Memorial Scholarship
Robert Movsessian Memorial Scholarship Terjanian and Thomas Families
Memorial Scholarship
10 LooyS NewSLetter | Summer 2011
ACYOA Seniors
2011 General Assembly & National Sports Weekend
The Le Meridian Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was upon during a special assembly on Thursday morning. The
the destination of over 25 ACYOA Seniors over Memorial weekend sporting competitions were conducted during the
Day weekend for the ACYOA General Assembly & National day on Saturday and Sunday. St. James was able to capture
Sports Weekend. The weekend drew over 300 participants both 1st and 2nd place in volleyball as well as 3rd place in
during the four days. The annual weekend gives participants Women’s Basketball! The evenings were filled with social
the chance to compete, worship and socialize under the events, which included nights at popular Philadelphia
umbrella of the ACYOA and Armenian Church. Participants destinations including Philadelphia’s independence visitor
come from as far as Texas and Canada to attend. St. James Center and art gallery “Trust.”
was very well represented at the General Assembly as 6 The weekend was a great success and a good time was
delegates attended the meetings on both Thursday and had by all the participants. Participants from all over the
Friday. Diocese left with great anticipation and excitement for
During the Assembly, important issues were discussed the 2012 Sports Weekend, which will be hosted by the St.
and the annual business of the ACYOA was conducted. Gregory’s parish in Chicago, illinois!
in addition, the ACYOA by-laws were revised and voted
END OF THE YEAR ELECTiONS:
During the end of the year BBq with the ACYOA
Juniors elections were held for the coming
year. The new executive board is very energetic
and has lots of new ideas for the coming year!
Congratulations to the new executive board!
Chairperson: Karina Bekelian
vice-Chairperson: Aaron Derderian
Treasurer: Nanor Antreassian
Recording Secretary: Alina Bazarian
Corresponding Secretary: Caiti Zeytoonian
ACYOA Assembly delegates (top) and Sports Weekend basketball team (above).