Armenian Church of Atlanta April 2009
Holy Week Schedule of Service In This Issue Diocese News ACOA elections April 24 Commemoration Friday, April 10 Mariam Mattosian Concert Charles Aznavour as convoy Crucifixion service at 8:00 p.m. ACOA business directory ≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈ Women’s Guild Elections Kef Night Saturday, April 11 Recipe of the month ACYOA Corner Celebration of the Jrakaloutz at 8 p.m. Armenian Language Classes ≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈ Ads/Announcements Pictures Sunday, April 12 Upcoming events Easter Divine Liturgy at 11 a.m.
Board Member Directory ≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
Chairman Celebrant Ara Keyfer 678-787-5715 [email protected] Very Rev. Fr Tateos Abdalian Vice Chair Talin Major 770 235 7939 Hye Doon [email protected] 9820 Coleman Road, Treasurer Sevan Ohanian 240 899 6938 Roswell, GA 30075 [email protected] Secretary Violet Mirzoyan 678 860 5623 [email protected]
Building & Grounds Chair Vahagn Khodaverdian 678 522 7813 [email protected] Fund Raising Chair Please join us for an Easter Luncheon & Egg Hunt John Nercessian678 480 3380 [email protected] Altar Chair Violet Mirzoyan 678 860 5623 Sunday, April 12 [email protected] Women’s Guild Following Badarak Ani Tasciyan 678 836 7834 [email protected] Sunday School Talar Torossian 678 595 7823 [email protected] The Easter Bunny will make a ACYOA Violet Mirzoyan 678 860 5623 special appearance so bring [email protected] your baskets and come along Newsletter Lena Murad 770 856 3316 to hunt and celebrate with us! [email protected]
April 2009 Page 2 of 14
Diocese News Appeal for Information "As a nation that has suffered genocide, we Armenians know too well the enormous pain and suffering of this heinous crime, and our Church has repeatedly confirmed that this greatest of crimes is not perpetrated against one people, one race or ethnicity, rather it is a crime against all of mankind." His Holiness Karekin II
As the Armenian nation approaches the 94th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, is issuing a special appeal for information.
" . . . the highest aspiration and goal, the greatest efforts for all times must be that charity,rights and justice remain victorious against hatred and enmity, against terrorism and war, and against all other evils which are present in our contemporary reality,and are the challenges facing humanity in this century." His Holiness Karekin II
During the time of the Holocaust, Armenians were involved in the rescue and protection of Jews in various countries of Europe. However, only a few have been identified to date, and only one, Dr. Ara Jeretzian is widely known. Dr. Jeretzian saved a great number of Hungarian Jews during World War II. What is less known are the great feats of Catholicos of All Armenians His Holiness Vasken I, of blessed memory, who saved Jewish children in Romania from Nazi extermination during those same years.
The Armenian Church has been contacted with by the International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation, with a request for assistance in identifying Armenian men and women who played a role in the rescue of victims of the Holocaust.
The International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation is an NGO founded by the late United States Congressman Tom Lantos and interfaith activist Baruch Tenembaum. The mission of the foundation is to identify, honor, preserve and divulge the legacies of the rescuers of victims of the Holocaust, genocides, etc. In his letter to His Holiness, Mr. Tenembaum states, "Armenian people have made a major contribution in this rescue saga but it is safe to assume that only a handful of Armenian rescuers have been identified. We believe we have an historical duty to unveil their heroism in order to prevent any further Genocide or Holocaust."
The churches affirmative response to the appeal read in part: "His Holiness has stated many times that if the Armenian Genocide had been recognized and condemned in its time, then the suffering of the Jewish people in the Holocaust, as well as countless other nations in subsequent genocides may have been prevented."
The Foundation is requesting testimony that would shed light on rescue efforts made by any Armenian during the time of the Holocaust. Information can be sent to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin at [email protected]. This information will be translated if needed, and forwarded to the Wallenberg Foundation. Or information can be sent directly to the following offices:
International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation 3 34 East 67th. Street New York NY 10065 Tel. 1-212-737-3275 Fax 1-212-535-6262 E-mail: [email protected] 9820 Coleman Road, Roswell GA 30075 www.armenianchurchofatlanta.org
April 2009 Page 3 of 14
DIOCESAN COUNCIL PLANS FOR ASSEMBLY, LOOKS AHEAD TO SPRING, SUMMER PROGRAMS
The Diocesan Council met today to review a number of Diocesan programs and activities and to plan for the upcoming Diocesan Assembly, which will be hosted April 30 to May 3 by St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Armenian Church in Philadelphia.
Council members discussed the success of last weekend's ACYOA Leadership Conference and plans for the upcoming ACYOA General Assembly and Sports Weekend. They also looked ahead to the youth organization's Armenia Service Program, scheduled for June 21 to July 12.
In addition, Diocesan Council members spoke about St. Garabed Armenian Church, a mission parish in Orlando, FL that is planning to build a permanent sanctuary. Later in the meeting, Rev. Fr. Tateos Abdalian, director of Mission Parishes at the Diocese, presented recent projects organized across the mission parishes and spoke about the possibility of developing other communities into full parishes. Rachel Goshgarian, director of programs at the Diocese, presented plans for the next six months for the Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center, the Communications Department, and the Department of Youth and Education.
IN MEMORIAM: GEORGE KEVERIAN
The Eastern Diocese was saddened to learn the news of the passing of George Keverian, a former speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and an active member of the Armenian Church, on Friday, March 6.
A funeral service for Mr. Keverian was held on March 10. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), delivered the eulogy Former House speaker George Keverian, at Everett City Hall last during a wake service at Holy Trinity Armenian Church in April, engineered and implemented a Cambridge, MA on Tuesday, March 10. campaign that toppled a powerful sitting House speaker in 1984. He The Primate also delivered a prayer at a memorial service held the position from 1985 until 1990. held in the Massachusetts State House on Wednesday, March 11, describing Mr. Keverian as a "a faithful steward" and a man who "had a lofty spirit, and was a generous friend to countless people."
ACEF BOARD APPROVES 2008 DISTRIBUTION TO BENEFICIARIES The Board of Directors of the Armenian Church Endowment Fund (ACEF) met at the Diocese on Thursday, March 5. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), presided over the meeting. Charles Simonian, a newly-elected Board of Directors member, was welcomed by Mark Gabrellian, chairman of the board. Mr. Simonian is a portfolio manager at SAC Capital in New York City. Also at last week's meeting, the ACEF board approved the 2008 distribution of approximately $3.7 million to beneficiaries.
9820 Coleman Road, Roswell GA 30075 www.armenianchurchofatlanta.org
April 2009 Page 4 of 14 Atlanta Parish Mission News
Congratulations to the following board members that were elected last month to serve 2009- 2010: Chairman: Ara Keyfer Vice Chairman: Talin Major Treasurer: Sevan Ohanian Secretary: Violet Mirzoyan Building & Grounds Chair: Vahagn Khodaverdian Fundraising Chair: John N ercessian Fundraising Vice Chair: Hagop Asik Women’s Guild Chair: Ani Tasciyan Altar Guild chair: Violet Mirzoyan Newsletter Committee Chair: Lena Murad ACYOA Chair: Violet Mirzoyan We look forward to blessed years filled with new and exciting events. God bless our newly elected board. In honor of the 94th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
Please join us for a Commemorative Service To remember all those who died.
Friday, April 24, 2009 7 p.m. at Hye Doon
The service will follow with a showing of the movie “Mayrig” sponsored by ACYOA Suggested $5.00 donation for food
RSVP is a MUST for food 678‐860‐5623 / 678‐642‐8697 / 404‐932‐1609
9820 Coleman Road, Roswell GA 30075 www.armenianchurchofatlanta.org
April 2009 Page 5 of 14
Mariam Mattosian Concert
Thirteen individuals from Atlanta attended the Mariam Matossina concert on February 28. The ACYOA group drove together in a big van which all had a great time on our way there and back home. Violet, ACYOA chair, said “it was a fun trip hope we can do stuff like this more often and more young people can join us next time---from all.”
ACYOA group with Mariam Mattosian (in middle)
9820 Coleman Road, Roswell GA 30075 www.armenianchurchofatlanta.org
April 2009 Page 6 of 14 Aznavour to become Armenian envoy
The veteran French singer, Charles Aznavour, says he has agreed to become ambassador to Switzerland for his ancestral homeland of Armenia. Mr Aznavour, 84, told Armenian TV that although initially hesitant, he had accepted the offer with "pleasure, joy and a deep feeling of honour". He was born Shahnur Aznavourian in Paris in 1924 to Armenian immigrants. Even during the Soviet era, Mr Aznavour maintained close ties with Armenia. He was granted citizenship in December. Mr Aznavour currently lives in the Swiss city of Geneva
After an earthquake in 1988 killed 25,000 people, he set up the Aznavour for Armenia committee to help survivors. The following year, he wrote and recorded a charity single, Pour Toi Armenie, which sold more than a million copies. "It is a great honour that Armenia proposed that I become its ambassador," said Mr Aznavour, who currently lives in Geneva. "At first I hesitated, as I thought that this is no easy matter. But then I thought that, in the end, what is important for Armenia must be important for all of us. I accepted the proposal with pleasure, joy and a deep feeling of honour."
Mr Aznavour, dubbed the "French Frank Sinatra", performed his last major concert in 2001 after more than six decades of entertaining. He is best known for romantic love ballads such as Yesterday When I Was Young, and had a number one hit in the UK in 1974 with She.
ACOA would like to start a business directory of Armenian businesses in the Atlanta Metro Area.
Please send us your information if you are interested in having it in a business directory. We need the following information: Business Name Type of Business Contact Name Address Phone # Email address Web Site (if available)
Please send this information to [email protected]. Depending on the response level, this will dictate whether a directory will be published or not.
9820 Coleman Road, Roswell GA 30075 www.armenianchurchofatlanta.org
April 2009 Page 7 of 14
Women’s Guild Corner
Kef Night
Congratulations to the newly formed ACOA
Women’s Guild Board…. Kef Night for April has been cancelled.
Anita Asik
Luiz Catak Next Kef Nights is scheduled for
Nadine Kassabian May 30, 2009 Jilda Kilbacak
Talin Major
Vera Nercessian $15 cover charge
Ani Taschciyan Open cash Bar
We look forward to a prosperous year filled RSVP: Ani T. at 770-410-9699
with good food and activities!
Next Kef Nights: June 27, 2009
Arkayagan Abour(Meatball Soup)
* 1/2 lb Lean venison or lamb (Ground twice) * 1/2 c Cooked rice, ground wheat or bulghour * 1/4 c Finely chopped onion * 1/4 c Finely chopped parsley * 2 cn Condensed chicken broth (10-1/2 ounces each) * 2 cn Water * 1/3 c Lemon juice * 2 Eggs * Salt, pepper
Instructions Combine first four ingredients. Shape into 3/4-inch balls. Heat broth and water to the simmering point. Add meatballs; simmer 15 to 20 minutes. In a soup tureen, beat lemon juice and eggs until smooth. Gradually beat in hot broth. Add meatballs last. Season to taste with salt, pepper.
9820 Coleman Road, Roswell GA 30075 www.armenianchurchofatlanta.org
April 2009 Page 8 of 14 ACYOA News
ACYOA 10th annual Leadership Conference
Violet Mirzoyan, Chair of ACYOA attended ACYOA 10th annual Leadership Conference in NYC on on March 6-8. Below is a summary from Violet:
“It was a great opportunity for me, once again to participate and represent our Atlanta ACYOA chapter and our Church among all the other chapters.
There were 78 participants from 28 parishes. It is a great opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and see old friends as well. You learn about your culture, your church, bring young Armenians together and much more. I spend 2 days at St. Nersess which was a great opportunity for me to meet all the Seminarians our future priests, faculty, staff and see Fr. Daniel again.
At the conference we had different group discussions and Bible studies. This year ACYOA concentrates on “A Journey from Fellowship to Discipleship”. I strongly encourage our young Armenians to become part of ACYOA which will lead you to a great future by keeping you in touch with other Armenians throughout USA.
Atlanta ACYOA needs its official LOGO. Now that we have an official chapter, we need our very own LOGO. There will be a special prize for the best and final LOGO. This is open to everybody and anybody. No age limit.
Here is the official ACYOA Logo. Rules not to be broken: The Logo must say Armenian Church Youth Organization of America. No date or year needed. Cant copy the original logo.
You can submit your designs via e-mail, mail, fax, picture message or via Facebook message.
Please send your designs ATTN: Violet Mirzoyan, 3379 Benthollow Ln, Duluth, GA 30096, tel # 678-860-5623, email: [email protected], www.facebook.com search for Atlanta ACYOA Be creative and have fun!
9820 Coleman Road, Roswell GA 30075 www.armenianchurchofatlanta.org
April 2009 Page 9 of 14
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
April 2009 Page 10 of 14
Announcements/Ads
SIGN UP FOR THE 2009 FAR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS TRIP Join FAR’s Young Professionals` (YP) in 2009 and discover Armenia and her history, experience her culture, learn the future of the region, and make new friends. Travel with FAR and see more than just the country’s landmarks: You’ll learn about Armenia’s place in the world, her religious, political, and economic heritage, and engage government and religious leaders in official state visits. You’ll visit FAR’s projects throughout the country and engage in conversations with beneficiaries. You’ll meet with His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, and the newly appointed Minister of Diaspora, Hranush Hakobyan. The 14th annual FAR Young Professionals Trip will take place from June 8 to June 22, 2009. The two- week trip provides the ideal opportunity for young professionals between the ages of 23 and 40 to travel to Armenia as a group. It will include tours of the entire country, with overnights in Yerevan, Gyumri, Sanahin, Lake Sevan, and Goris. Make your reservations today. For more information, contact Arto VorperianThe Baptism at [email protected] , or 212- 889-5150, or visit FAR’s website www.farusa.org. of
Gavin Ara Stuart
GRIGORIS BALAKIAN'S ACCOUNT OF ARMENIAN GENOCIDE AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH TRANSLATION
Armenian Golgotha, Grigoris Balakian’s book on the Armenian Genocide,
will be available in English on March 31. Translated by Peter Balakian and Aris Sevag, the book documents the harrowing journey of Grigoris Balakian, an Armenian priest who was arrested in Constantinople on April 24, 1915. Forced on a death march, Grigoris Balakian escaped and later recorded his experiences.
The forthcoming translation marks the first time the work has been made available in English.
9820 Coleman Road, Roswell GA 30075 www.armenianchurchofatlanta.org
April 2009 Page 11 of 14
Buckhead Jewlery Corporation
LADIES FASHION RINGS Ladies Wedding Band ENGAGEMENT RINGS Congratulations and Best Wishes to Mens ring Ani and Sevan Ohanian Semi Mounts Earrings Bracelets Pendants Colored Stone Rings HAPPY HANDS PLAIN WEDDING BANDS
935 Chattahoochee Ave., N.W. Atlanta Georgia 30318 Telephone: 404 352 9001 www.buckheadjewelry.com
Open to Public Thursday Thru Saturday Operation Hours: 11am - 6pm The couple got married on February 21, 2009 at the Greek Orthodox Church and they reside in Atlanta. Written Appraisals for $25 fee donated Congratulations and Best of Luck! towards Armenian Church. Ask for Hagop Asik.
• Classes are at Hye Doon twice a month, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday’s 1545 McFarland Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30005 • Yearly tuition is $100 per student. (770) 664-9947 If you have any questions, please contact Ask for Vahagen Khodaverdian. Talar Torossian at 678 595 7823.
10% discount will be given to parish members Posting Ads in the Nannies Needed: Newsletter
We have received several requests for Armenian speaking nannies. If you would like to post an ad for your business, please send the information to If you happen to know someone that may be [email protected]. A nominal interested, please let us know by contacting Ara fee will be charged. Keyfer at 678-787-5715 or [email protected]
9820 Coleman Road, Roswell GA 30075 www.armenianchurchofatlanta.org
April 2009 Page 12 of 14 Pictures from March Badarak & General Elections
9820 Coleman Road, Roswell GA 30075 www.armenianchurchofatlanta.org
April 2009 Page 13 of 14
9820 Coleman Road, Roswell GA 30075 www.armenianchurchofatlanta.org
May
May May 10 Mother’s Day Badarak May 30 Kef Night June
June 14 Father’s Day Badarak June 27 Kef Night