Armenian Church of Atlanta March 2009
In This Issue General Council/Elections Note from Fr. Zaven Solemn Divine Liturgy Gift of appreciation Membership 2008-2009 Kef Night Sunday March 8, 2009 Recipe of month 11 a.m. at Hye Doon ACYOA Zach Bogisian-Atanta Thrashers Celebrant Announcements/ads Pictures Very Rev. Fr Tateos Abdalian Upcoming Events
Hye Doon Board Member Directory Chairman 9820 Coleman Road, Ara Keyfer 678-787-5715 Roswell, GA 30075 [email protected] Vice Chair Talin Major 770 235 7939 [email protected] Treasurer Hagop Asik 404 259 0333 [email protected] Secretary Ara Ohanian 770 912 0370 Easter Bazaar [email protected] Building & Grounds Chair Armenian Church of Atlanta Yegiya Aba 404 693 4149 [email protected] Build & Grounds Vice Chair Sunday Ara Ohanian 770 912 0370 [email protected] March 8, 2009 Crafts Fund Raising Chair At Murat Corluyan 770 833 1112 Hye Doon Food [email protected] Women’s Guild & Altar Chair Ani Tasciyan 678 836 7834 Following Goodies [email protected] Badarak Sunday School Talar Torossian 678 595 7823 [email protected] ACYOA For more information, please contact Ani Tasciyan tel Violet Mirzoyan 678 860 5623 [email protected] 678 836 7834, email: [email protected] Newsletter We look forward to everyone’s support Lena Murad 770 856 3316 [email protected]
March 2009 Page 2 of 10 Atlanta Parish Mission News
Armenian Church of Atlanta (ACOA) will hold its annual elections on Sunday March 8, 2009 at Hye Doon following the Devine Liturgy celebration. The Very Rev. Fr. Tateos will preside over the meeting and elections.
Who Can Vote? All dues paying ACOA members in good standing. You cannot pay and vote on election day! All members who are at least 18 years old Note: A member who has not maintained their membership for the last two years is not considered a member in “Good Standing”. To be reinstated in good standing, one must pay the current Annual Dues and those in arrears (minimum of two years). “It took a lot of How long are the terms? Five Parish Council (P.C.) Board positions – Two year terms Five Women’s Guild (W.G.) Board positions - three members will serve a two year term and two will serve a one year term per the By-Laws.
Who Can Run? Must be at least twenty-one years of age Must be a past voting member in good standing based on the Diocesan Bylaws. Any member of the Women's Guild who is a dues-paying member after one year of membership in the Guild.
What are the dues? ACOA dues: $15 Student, $25 for Individual and $50 for family membership (eligible for 2 votes). ACOA W.G. dues: $10 for individual membership.
Come and find out about the state of your Mission Parish and to cast your vote. Every vote counts! The General Assembly is scheduled to start at 1:00 pm after a short fellowship break following the Divine Liturgy. The P.C. Chairman, Ara Keyfer and the Treasurer, Hagop Asik will present their reports on the financial state of the church and the achievements for the last year, followed by a question and answer session. The W.G. Chair, Ani Tasciyan will also report on the organization’s past accomplishments and the state of the WG.
Do you have any questions? Would you like to find out about the status of your membership or eligibility to run? Are you interested in holding a position on the Parish Council or the Women’s Guild Board? Please email Mari Avedissian, the Election Committee Chairperson, at [email protected] and ask for your name to be added to the election ballot.
9820 Coleman Road, Roswell GA 30075 www.armenianchurchofatlanta.org
March 2009 Page 3 of 10
Graduattee Schooooll ooff Prooffeessssiioonaall Psychoolloggyy Thee Motheerr Seee of Holy Ettcchmiiaadzin Minneeapoolliiss//Stt.. Paaull Vagharsshapaat Minneesottaa, USA Reepublic of Arrmeniiaan
Dear all,
It is my great pleasure and with heartfelt joy that I inform you that I have passed The milestone in my personal and professional life. I have graduated from the University of St. Thomas (Minnesota, USA) with Master Degree in Counseling Professional Psychology in December of 2008 which has been an astonishing experience to me.
It is truly proper and right with most earnest diligence always to be grateful, thankful and appreciative to our Heavenly Father, the Almighty Lord, who did grant me this brilliant opportunity: “For all good gifts and all perfect bounties come down from above, from the Father of Light; to whom is befitting glory, dominion and honor, now and always.”
I also personally would like to express my thankfulness and gratitude to each and every single one of you – friends, families, communities, professors, teachers, tutors, faculty, staff, and to everybody who has dropped his or her “two small copper coins” into my success in this accomplishment. I thank you for helping and supporting me to come this far. I am really proud of this achievement; although schooling may be over, but my education and learning still continues.
In a little while I will be gone back to Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, where I was born spiritually and indeed back to my physically birthplace - Armenia our motherland. I shall start to write a new section of the life-book; to continue humbly and respectfully serve and guide the people of God: “…and I give to you yours of your own from all and for all.” and thus help us God.
May the peace of God the Father, the love of His Only Begotten Son, and the grace of the Holy Spirit be always with you and “…whatever you may do well may be accounted to you for good and for glory of the life to come. Amen.”
With best regards and thankfulness,
Very Rev. Fr. Zaven Yazichyan Member of the Brotherhood of Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
9820 Coleman Road, Roswell GA 30075 www.armenianchurchofatlanta.org
March 2009 Page 4 of 10 MEMBERSHIP FOR 2008 The below are the individuals and families that have paid their 2008 dues and will be able to VOTE in the elections: The below plaque was presented to Ida Aba, Yeghia Tjeknavorian- Schlossberg and Steven Agazatian, Diana Schlossberg of Salzburg Creations, Inc for Arpiarian, Dickran & Theresa Arpiarian, Simon & Felicia donating the gorgeous Christmas ornaments Asik, Hagop & Anita that helped us raise over $3000 with the help Avedissian, Greg & Mari of Mari Avedissian who lead the fundraising Catak, Herman & Luiz Corluyan, Murat and Eva effort. Dido, Paravon & Filyan Dostourian, Ara Dunkerly Alan & Kira Hohn, Jeffrey & Talin Isler Sebuh Kamishlian, Isabelle Karapetian, Tamar Keyfer, Ara & Joyce Kasarciyan, Vahram Khodaverdian family Kilbacak, Garo & Gilda Kosedag, Arman & Fusun Major, Russell & Talin Messerlian, Levon Mirzoyan, Anush & Vachik Mirzoyan, Janet Mirzoyan, Violet Murad, Jamil & Araxi Murad, Lena Najarian, Armen & Anait Ohanian, Sevan & Ani Ohanian, Ara Renjilian, Timothy Tashciyan, Aram & Ani Torossian, Manuk & Talar Torossian, Narine Zarikian, Avedis & Olgui Kef Night Zohrabian, Armineh
Recipe of the Month
Armenian Barley and Yogurt Soup (Judy Haight) 1 cup barley 6 cups chicken broth Next Kef Night will be 1 cup onion, chopped 1/4 cup butter Saturday, March 28, 2009 3 Tablespoons fresh or 1 Tablespoon dried mint 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, minced $15 cover charge Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Open cash Bar 1 quart yogurt
RSVP: Ani T. at 770-410-9699 Place the barley and the broth in a soup kettle and cook for a few minutes. Saute the onion in butter until it is golden and transparent. Add to the soup kettle, together with the mint, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer the soup until the Next Kef Nights: May 30, 2009 barley is soft. Stir in the yogurt and continue to dimmer (There will not be an April kef Night) for about 5 mins. Can be served either hot or icy cold.
9820 Coleman Road, Roswell GA 30075 www.armenianchurchofatlanta.org
March 2009 Page 5 of 10
ACYOA News
Each year hundreds of young Armenians come together for fellowship, faith, and fun times at the Diocese's two summer camps. St. Vartan Camp is held in upstate New York, while Hye Camp is held in Illinois.
These camps allow youth to spend time with Armenian children from throughout the Diocese, grow in their faith, and laugh and play in a wholesome atmosphere. Campers range in age from 8 to 15 at St. Vartan Camp and from 9 to 15 at Hye Camp.
The daily program at the camps provides a blend of Armenian religion, language, culture, history, dance, music, arts and crafts, and a full sports program, including soccer, basketball, softball, volleyball, tennis, and swimming. Special activities include dances, talent shows, camp Olympics, and much more.
For 2009 St. Vartan Camp has three two-week sessions. The first session runs June 28 to July 11 (Session A); the second runs July 12 to 25 (Session B); and the third session runs July 26 to August 8 (Session C). There is also staff training from June 24 to 27.
Hye Camp offers one session from August 2 to 9, 2009. There is also staff training from July 30 to August 1. St. Nersess Summer Conferences
St. Nersess Seminary expects more than 200 young people to attend this year’s summer conferences. This is a chance for young people to take a step closer to their Armenian Christian roots and a step closer to God.
Summer Conference Dates and Age Requirements: High School Conferences (for those entering 9th-12th grade in September 2009)
High School A: July 6-14 High School B: July 17-25 High School C: July 28 - August 5 Junior High School Conference (for those entering 7th-8th grade in September 2009): August 7-11 Post-High School A: June 9-14 Post-High School B: August 13-19 Deacon's Training: June 25-July 3
Register Early. Applications for the 2009 St. Nersess Summer Conferences will be available in early spring. It's going to be a great summer at St. Nersess! If you would like to attend one of the conferences, make sure and register early. Space is limited and the conferences will be filling up fast. Visit www.stnersess.edu for more information and to download an application. Upcoming ACYOA Event: ACYOA Membership/ Elections Please be advised that the 10th Young Adult Please remember to pay your ACYOA Leadership Conference will take place on membership of $10. March 6-8, 2009 at the Don Bosco Retreat Center in Stony Point, NY. We ask that you mark There are two open positions available for your calendars and make every effort to ensure ACYOA if anyone is interested, please that your chapter or parish is represented at this contact Violet Mirzoyan at 678 860 5623 historic anniversary milestone. or [email protected]. For more information, please contact Violet Mirzoyan at 678 860 5623 or [email protected].
9820 Coleman Road, Roswell GA 30075 www.armenianchurchofatlanta.org
March 2009 Page 6 of 10
What: An amazing chance to travel to Armenia, help children, see the country, meet great people and enjoy the time of your life. When: June 21-July 12 Who: You (see below for details)
The ACYOA is once again offering a unique opportunity for young adults interested in experiencing their roots by visiting the land of their ancestors and serving its youngest citizens. Through the years, the Armenia Service Program (ASP) has enriched the lives of scores of young Armenians eager for self- discovery and meaningful service to others.
College students and young professionals—ages 19 (or entering their sophomore year in college) to 28, will work as camp staff for approximately eight days at Camp Tzitzernak, a children’s camp in Vanadzor, sponsored by the Diocese of Gougark. In addition, the participants will visit religious and cultural sites throughout Armenia, including Yerevan, Etchmiadzin, Karabagh and Sevan.
The cost is $2,650, including a $300 scholarship from our Bishop. We can also raise money here in our parish to help support anyone interested in going.
For more information or visit the ACYOA website at www.acyoa.org. If you have any questions, you may contact ACYOA Executive Secretary Nancy Basmajian at [email protected] or 212-293-1248.
Through a number of endowments, the Diocese plans to grant scholarships to undergraduate students for the academic year 2009-2010.
These scholarships are earmarked for the needy Armenian American student attending accredited 4-year undergraduate university programs. Preferences will be given to those who are active in the life of the Armenian Churches of the Eastern Diocese and are US citizens.
Preferences should be given to those who are active in the ACYOA, alter servers, Sunday or Armenian school teachers, choir members etc of your parish. The application should also include a letter of recommendation from the Parish Council chairman or the parish priest if one is available.
Applications are now available and must be completed and postmarked no later than June 12, 2009. For more information or to receive a copy of the application, please contact the Diocese 212 686 0710.
9820 Coleman Road, Roswell GA 30075 www.armenianchurchofatlanta.org
March 2009 Page 7 of 10
For historical reasons hockey is not a sport in which one would expect to see many Armenians. What are the chances then to meet Armenian playing in the best professional hockey league in the world? Probably close to zero. Nevertheless last summer Atlanta Thrashers drafted a young American defenseman Zach Bogisian. He was the 3d draft pick in the first round! Zach was born 1990 in Massena, New York. His Armenian heritage comes from his father.
After being drafted to NHL young players usually return to the junior leagues for further maturation. Zach at his 18 proved he was ready to step on the NHL ice. He played his first NHL game in the season opener against Washington Capitals on October 10th 2008 in Atlanta. Needless to say what a pressure for the young Atlanta Thrashers defenseman was to play against almighty Ovechkin and Co. That was not only Zach's first NHL game, but also his first NHL fight. The legendary Capitals tough guy Donald Brashear attacked Bogosian after Atlanta's cheap shot to one of the Washington stars. Despite that Brashear is known to be the best fighter in the league, Zach dropped his gloves to respond to this "Welcome to the NHL, kid" greeting.
The handsome young player very quickly won the hearts Zach Bogisian of the Thrashers fans. However his promising start of the Atlanta Thrashers NHL career took a pause 8 games later - Zach broke his leg during the game. He missed two months after the injury. The second appearance in the team seemed to be even more successful. Bogosian, being defenseman, began to count the offensive points by scoring goals and making assists.
In February Atlanta Thrashers left for the road trip to the West coast. One of the away games was in Los Angeles, the city with the largest population of Armenian hockey fans. The LA Kings were holding a series of heritage nights throughout the season. The game against the Thrashers happened to be part of the Armenian Heritage Night in LA to the honor of Zach Bogosian, who was pronounced to be the first NHL player of Armenian heritage. Strictly speaking this would not be very accurate in a long historical perspective, since the first Zach Bogisian Armenian to play in the NHL was Eddie Jeremiah. He had Atlanta Thrashers been an active pro hockey player in the early 1930s, but his career was not very long. Jeremiah made the American hockey history as a coach, while Bogosian is expected by experts to become a top level NHL defenseman. To mark that event Zach decided to talk about his heritage: "My grandparents are Armenian and that part of my background is really important to me, because even though I'm not from there it's always go od to go back to your roots and understand where you came from." Zach who has never been to Armenia in his life learned a lot about it from his grandparents: "It's cool to me to be from such a small place- it makes you different. And even though Armenia is small, it's a special country. It's really old, and the Armenian people were the first ones to officially accept Christianity as their national religion." Zach did not hesitate to bring up the most touching question: "My grandparents are really serious about their Armenian heritage and that makes it important to me. My grandfather's whole family, aside from his dad, was murdered in the genocide. He gives me little history lessons and lectures about Armenia every time I see him. They're known for being strong, hard-working people." One word of professional hockey player immediately made many fans curious about Armenian history. It was a hard battle in Los Angeles. The Thrashers won and Zach got 3 points - his season and NHL career high for points and assists. That night many LA KINGS fans at Staples Center cheered wildly each time when Zach's name was announced with his every assist. Zach Bogosian's first NHL season ends mid April. It's not too late to cheer for him at Philips Arena, where he made his first steps as professional hockey player.
9820 Coleman Road, Roswell GA 30075 www.armenianchurchofatlanta.org
March 2009 Page 8 of 10
Announcements/Ads
Nannies Needed:
We have received several requests for Armenian speaking nannies.
If you happen to know someone that may be interested, please let us know by contacting Ara Keyfer at 678-787-5715 or [email protected]
`
• Classes are at Hye Doon twice a month, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday’s
• Yearly tuition is $100 per student.
If you have any questions, please contact Talar Torossian at 678 595 7823.
Please remember to bring your filled Piggy banks to the
March Badarak for collection!
DVDs of “Everyone Prays at Holy Etchmiadzin
The Armenian Church of Atlanta now has the DVD of “Everyone Prays at Holy Etchmiadzin”. The Eastern Diocese co-produced this beautiful film which conveys the inspiring majesty of our Mother See. The film details the history and spiritual heritage of the Armenian Church, with a particular focus on the efforts of the modern Armenian Church to foster Christian unity and interfaith dialogue.
If you would like to purchase your own, the DVD is available for purchase through the St. Vartan Bookstore at a cost of $19.99. For more information, call 212-686-0710.
9820 Coleman Road, Roswell GA 30075 www.armenianchurchofatlanta.org
March 2009 Page 9 of 10 Pictures from February Badarak
9820 Coleman Road, Roswell GA 30075 www.armenianchurchofatlanta.org
May
April April 12 Easter Badarak Note: No Kef Night for April
May May 10 Mother’s Day Badarak May 30 Kef Night