Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Armenian Church Canadian Diocese Newsonline - 10/01/2004

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Armenian Church Canadian Diocese Newsonline - 10/01/2004

    PRESS OFFICE
    Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese
    Contact; Deacon Hagop Arslanian, Assistant to the Primate
    615 Stuart Avenue, Outremont Quebec H2V 3H2
    Tel; 514-276-9479, Fax; 514-276-9960
    Email; [email protected]
    Website; www.armenianchurch.ca
    October 2, 2004
    * * *

    PRIMATE OF NORTH AMERICAN (ESATERN, WESTERN US) AND CANADIAN DIOCESES MEET IN
    TORONTO'S HOLY TRINITY ARMENIAN CHURCH

    On Thursday, September 30, 2004 the Primates of Eastern and Western USA and
    Canada met at Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church of Toronto. This is the
    third meeting of the Primates.

    His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian (Diocese of Canada), His Eminence
    Archbishop Khajag Barsamian (US Eastern Diocese) and His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan
    Derderian (US Western Diocese) had discussions over various issues concerning
    the role and the mission of the Armenian Church in North America and Canada.

    The Primates agreed to further organize and cooperate in making the mission
    of the Armenian Church more vibrant. Discussions focused on Christian
    Education, Youth, the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, 1600th anniversary of
    the creation of Armenian Alphabet as well as pilgrimages both Inter-Diocesan
    and to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
    * * *

    JOINT CELEBRATION OF ARMENIA'S 13TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE AND OF
    LAVAL'S HOLY CROSS CHURCH'S 11TH ANNIVERSARY

    Under the auspices of H.E. Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate of the Diocese
    of the Armenian Church of Canada, and according to a precedence set last year
    as well as in collaboration with Armenian community organizations, on the
    weekend of September 25-26, the Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church of Laval
    organized a large-scale celebration of the Church's 11th anniversary and of
    Armenia's 13th anniversary of independence.

    The main celebration took place on Saturday, September 25, when a candle
    light dinner and dance was held under a large tent set on the church grounds. In
    attendance were the Primate, Federal MP Raymonde Folco, Mayor of the City of
    Laval Mr. Gilles Vaillancourt, a representative of Quebec Minister of Education
    and Social services Mrs. Michelle Courchesne, representatives of
    municipalities, Vicar General of Canada Rt. Rev. Fr. Ararat Kaltakdjian, Rev. Fr. Hayrig
    Apegha Hovhannisian, Rev. Fr. Vazken Boyadjyan, pastor of St. Gregory
    Illuminator Cathedral, Mr. Stephanos Mamdouh from the Coptic community, Diocesan and
    Parish Council representatives, and community organization representatives. The
    invocation was offered by Fr. Ararat and welcoming words were presented by Mr.
    Shahan Keushgerian, chairman of the organizing committee. Me. Vartan
    Dellekian, chairman of the Parish Council, spoke in French and acknowledged the
    presence of the dignitaries. Fr. Ararat Kaltakdjian, Pastor of Holy Cross, took the
    podium to hand out plaques of appreciation to a score of dedicated
    parishioners of the church. He then invited Bishop Galstanian to deliver his message.

    The Primate congratulated all those present on the dual anniversary occasions
    and wished continued success and prosperity to Motherland Armenia and to the
    Holy Cross Church.
    His Eminence had special words of gratitude to Mayor Vaillancourt for his
    compassion and understanding towards the needs of the Church, and expressed
    optimism that working closely with the Mayor's office, hopefully next year this
    celebration will be held in the new church. "The sea hates cowards," said the
    Primate, and added, "we are in the sea and are prepared to face the challenge of
    owning our church building and our community center to be able to serve better
    our enlarging community in Laval."

    Mayor Vaillancourt thanked the community for the invitation and expressed
    appreciation of the Armenian community in Laval for their diligence and
    participation in the rapid development of this city. He then assured that everything
    will be done to clear any obstacles by way of this community's dream of a new
    church building to come true. The Mayor's words were received by a thunderous
    applause. In her address, Liberal MP from Laval Raymonde Folco expressed her joy
    that for the second year she is sharing the joy of the Armenian community in
    the dual celebration of the anniversaries of Armenia's independence and of
    Holy Cross' establishment.

    Following a sumptuous dinner, the music was started by Arthur Apkarian's
    dynamic band, and soon the platform was filled with dancers. At the height of
    jubilation, even Mayor Vaillancourt joined the Armenian popular "shourchbar"
    dances.

    The next morning, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated by His Eminence Bishop
    Bagrat Galstanian, assisted by Fr. Ararat and Fr. Vazken. The altar servers and
    the joint choirs of both churches conducted the singing. At the end of the
    Divine Liturgy, a special ceremony of Grace and Thanksgiving was conducted to
    celebrate the 13th anniversary of Armenia's independence.

    The congregation was then led by a procession of the clergy and the choir to
    the front yard of the church where the scouts of AGBU had erected a wooden
    Cross and were prepared for the blessing of Armenia's flag. Following special
    prayers and songs of hymns, everybody joined to sing Armenia's anthem "Mer
    Hairenik", while the flag was being raised slowly. The Primate spoke
    enthusiastically thanking the scouts for their patriotism and invited everyone to join in the
    major effort of building our new church in Laval and to work toward the
    prosperity of the Diocese and the Armenian community in Canada.

    Shortly after, the tent area was set up for lunch, and more celebrations with
    music, songs and dances brought this festive occasion to a happy ending.

    On Sunday, September 19, 2004 Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Toronto
    celebrated the 13th Anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Armenia. Upon the
    directives of His Grace Bishop Bagrat Galstanyan, Primate of the Armenian
    Church of Canada, all churches were instructed to celebrate this event with the
    blessing of the national flag. Four students representing the Armenian Schools
    of Toronto from Holy Cross School, Zaroukian School, St. Sahak & St. Mesrob
    Saturday School and the Holy Trinity Armenian Church Sunday School, carried the
    national flag to the altar where Rev. Archpriest Fr. Zareh Zargarian blessed
    it and delivered his sermon to the faithful. In his sermon, Fr. Zareh called
    upon everyone to love, cherish and support our beloved homeland, Armenia.
    Following his sermon Fr. Zareh invited Mrs. Rebecca Sevazlian, asking her to say
    a few words to the faithful. Mrs. Sevazlian, who is 95 years old, is the
    beloved mother of our church. She is a survivor of the Armenian Genocide and
    dedicated her life to the Armenian Church by working voluntarily, and giving both
    moral and monetary support over the years. In a very emotional moment, Mrs.
    Sevazlian proclaimed "Keep and honor our flag, for this flag represents our
    beloved Armenia", she said.
    * * *

    NEWS FROM THE MOTHER SEE OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN

    On Sunday September 26, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
    Catholicos of All Armenians, ordained the Chancellor of Holy
    Etchmiadzin, Fr. Arshag Khachatryan, as a bishop in a ceremony in the
    Cathedral of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

    His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians has assigned Very
    Reverend Father Megerditch Apegha Broshian as the Dean of Vazgenian Theological
    Seminary in Sevan. Fr. Broshian is a graduate of Gevorkian Theological Seminary.
    During the year 2001-2004 he studied at Mir field College-Leeds University and
    earned the degree of Masters in Theology from the University of Cardiff.
    * * *

    REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CANADIAN DIOCESE PARTICIPATE IN PAN NORTH AMERICAN
    YOUTH MEETING

    Upon the directive and instruction of His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian,
    representatives from the Canadian Armenian Diocese Talar Chichmanian, Shogher
    Melengutchian, Armen DiMaria, David Kaprielian will participate in Pan North
    American Youth meeting in Greenville, New York at Ararat Center (October 1-3).

    The intent of this initiative is to bring together four young adult
    representatives from each of the three North American Dioceses (Canadian, Eastern and
    Western US) for a meeting to discuss common concerns and challenges related to
    youth involvement in the Church. The meeting will be an appropriate occasion
    to explore the possibility of a joint event that would assemble youth from the
    three Dioceses as well as to investigate the feasibility of sponsoring a joint
    pilgrimage to Armenia. Participants will draft a document to present to the
    respective Primates and Diocesan Councils on ways to involve youth in the life
    of the church.
    * * *

    SUNDAY SCHOOL OF ST. GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR CATHEDRAL ORGANIZED APPLEPICKING

    Yeretsgin Marine Zouloyan-Boyajyan

    Sunday, 26 September was a memorable day for the Sunday School students of
    St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral of Montreal. Organized by the Parents'
    Committee of the School, the students enjoyed a day in nature by apple picking.

    Following breakfast hosted in the residence of the School's principal, Mrs.
    Houri Hakimian, the children headed by bus to the orchards in the suburb of St.
    Eustache, accompanied by members of the Parents' Committee. It was a joy to
    see the happy children going from tree to tree, engaged in picking apples and
    filling the baskets they were carrying. Some had to stay in line to climb the
    ladders to be able to pick the more attractive apples.

    Besides giving the children of our Sunday School a happy and memorable day,
    the aim of the trip was to bring the children in contact with the God given
    nature and its blessings. At the end of the day, the children expressed their
    heart-felt thanks to Mrs. Hakimian for the love and care she lavishes on each and
    every of them.
    * * *

    MEETING BETWEEN HOLY TRINITY ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH AND THE ARMENIAN
    BENEVOLENT UNION

    On Tuesday September 14, 2004, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Zareh Zargarian and the
    Parish Council of the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church held a joint
    meeting with the newly appointed board members of the Toronto Armenian General
    Benevolent Union.

    The purpose of the meeting was to re-establish cooperation between the two
    organizations and coordinate activities towards strengthening the Toronto
    Armenian identity for future generations.

    Rev. Archpriest Fr. Zareh Zargarian stated that the time has come for these
    two pillar organizations to exert a concerted effort in bringing back the
    youth.
    * * *


    INTERFAITH COALITION CELEBRATES 20TH YEAR OF PEACE GARDEN

    On Sunday, September 19, 2004 the Multi-Faith Peace Coalition celebrated its
    20th anniversary. The celebration began at 12:00 p.m. in Nathan Phillips
    Square at Toronto's City Hall and continued into the late evening. The
    celebration was full of performances by singers and musical bands. At 3:00 p.m.
    spiritual leaders from the coalition stepped up to the stage and began prayers and
    readings from Holy Books. Following the prayers a tree planting ceremony was
    held as a symbol of peace and friendship. Dn. Vrej Berberian, Assistant to Rev.
    Archpriest Fr. Zareh Zargarian, represented the Armenian Holy Apostolic
    Church of Toronto, and expressed the respect and homage of the Armenian Church
    towards all martyrs.

    Twenty years ago on March 5, 1984 Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau
    turned the sod to begin the construction of the Peace Garden. On October 2, 1984
    Queen Elizabeth II dedicated the Garden. On September 14, 1984 the flame in
    the Toronto Peace Garden was lit by Pope John Paul II from and ember that Rev.
    Fr. Massey Lombardi, Chairman of the Multi-Faith Peace Garden Coalition,
    carried to Toronto from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. He also poured the water
    from Nagasaki into the pool of the Toronto Peace Garden. The Peace Garden
    was erected as a remembrance of the nuclear conflagration that engulfed both
    Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but also to remind all of us of the dangers of hatred and
    the importance of tolerance and mutual respect. As such the Peace Garden is
    both a somber memorial and shining reminder that we must pursue peace with all
    of our strength and determination for it is surely within our grasp.

    Twenty years after its completion, the flame of commemoration still burns
    brightly, as does the dream of peace in the hearts of men and women of good will.
    But events in Canada and around the world show that peace is a delicate
    thing that must be cultivated with care and diligence. It is in that spirit of
    stewardship that a collation of more than 20 faith communities has recently been
    formed with the Honorable Art Eggleton as Honorary Chairman, to develop a
    program that would celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Peace Garden. On
    Sunday, September 19, 2004, thousands of Torontonians from all walks of life came
    together to celebrate the diversity that is one of our city's greatest
    strengths, and through fellowship, reaffirm our commitment to peace in this city, in
    this country and in this world. Everyone was confident that the commitment of
    the coalition would make this a successful event. At the same time, they hoped
    that they could count on the assistance of the City of Toronto to make this
    celebration a meaningful occasion for all participants.
    * * *
Working...
X