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; adiocese@aol.com
Website;
August 20, 2004
JOYOUS FIRST ANNUAL YOUTH PILGRIMAGE TO ST. CATHERINE’S
Georgina Sarkissian
Saturday, August 14th was a glorious day for those who attended the
First Annual Youth Pilgrimage to St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in
St. Catharine’s. As the youth arrived, sleeping bags in hand, they
were greeted warmly. This historic event was under the auspices of His
Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian.
The day began with a sight-seeing tour of the Niagara area and
returned to a barbecue prepared by Julia Sarkisian-Dumanian and her
husband Loris. Later, the group sat around a campfire with Serpazan
Hayr, Der Gomidas and Der Datev. During the night, His Eminence held
a prayer session that was an emotionally moving time for everyone.
The morning dawned on a weary, but happy group of youth, ready to
devour a breakfast prepared by the dinner crew. Following their early
morning program the youth participated in the church service with the
flocks of faithful in attendance.
The Blessing of the Grapes took place in the park of the church with a
processional of the youth carrying flowers and candles. His Eminence
BishopBagrat Galstanian blessed the grapes and all those present with
his prayers and sprinkled them with rose water according to the
tradition of the day.
The afternoon consisted of food, fun, dancing to a live Armenian band
and cementing friendships for the following year. What a great
beginning to an annual event that will hopefully draw more youth to
celebrate together the traditions of the Assumption of Mary, Mother of
God and the Blessing of theGrapes. The First Armenian Church in Canada
proudly welcomes all the faithful youth of our diocese to attend next
year, sleeping bag in hand.
* * *
TRADITIONAL CEREMONIES CELEBRATING THE FEAST OF ASSUMPTION OF THE HOLY
MOTHER OF GOD IN MONTREAL
The feast of Assumption of the Holy Mother-of-God (Verapokhoumn Sourp
Asdvadzadzni) is one of the five major holidays (Daghavar) of the
Armenian Apostolic Church. It is held each year on the Sunday closest
to August 15. This year it was celebrated on Sunday August 15, in the
St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Cathedral of Montreal.
Prior to the Divine Liturgy, the traditional ceremony of Antasdan was
held, whereby prayers are raised to the Lord to bless the four corners
of the earth. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Vazken
Boyadjyan, Pastor of the Cathedral. In his sermon Fr. Boyajyan
highlighted the Feast of Assumption as a major Christian holiday in
the entire Christian world, and related the historical Biblical
representation of the Assumption, when Jesus’ Disciplesfound
St. Mary’s tomb empty, indication the Mother-of-God’s ascension to
Heaven. Fr. Boyajyan then stressed the sanctity of motherhood as
exemplified by St. Mary, and talked about the Armenian tradition of
blessing of grapes at this time, symbolizing fruition of God-given
blessings. At the end of the Badarak, grapes were blessed, which were
then distributed to the faithful.
Following the ceremonies, an open-air luncheon was held on the church
grounds, instead of the banquet usually held in the church hall.
* * *
THE FEAST OF ASSUMPTION OF THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD IN TORONTO
On Sunday, August 15, 2004 the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church
of Scarborough, Ontario celebrated the Feast of Assumption of Holy
Virgin Mary. Rev. Arch. Fr. Zareh Zargarian celebrated the Divine
Liturgy.
During the liturgy Rev. Arch. Fr. Zareh Zargarian asked all women who
bear the name Mary or similar names which characterize the Holy Virgin
Mary to come forward and be blessed as it was their name day. Each
was given candles and a special prayer of blessing was said over them.
Immediately following the Divine Liturgy (badarak) the “Blessing of
the Grapes” ceremony was performed on the church grounds in front of
the Genocide Memorial.
The Annual Assumption Day Picnic organized by the Parish Council of
Holy Trinity Armenian Church was held immediately following the
Blessing of the Grapes ceremony. Those present enjoyed delicious
Armenian foods, Armenian music and the fellowship of the Armenian
Church community.
* * *
AN UNPRECEDENT EVENING TO HONOR THE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES 2004
It is with deep spiritual joy that we announce to the faithful of the
Armenian Church Canadain Diocese that the Armenian College Ministry
Department in conjunction with a group of young Armenians called
“Armenians for Higher Education” have been working hard over the
summer, planning an unprecedented event for all High School graduates
in the greater Montreal area to publicly showhow proud the Armenian
community is of the accomplishments of the Class of 2004.
The event will take place on Sunday, September 19th (6:00 pm), at the
Bolsahay Cultural Center. There will be a separate cocktail for the
graduates and another one for the accompanying family members. Each
graduate will receivea certificate of merit from the Primate, His
Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian.
For more information please visit the website at or
contact the Diocesan office at 514-276-9479.
* * *
BISHOP GALSTANIAN MEETS WITH THE MAYOR OF MISSISAUGA
On Monday August 9, 2004 the Primate of the Armenian Church of Canada
H. E. Bishop Bagrat Galstanian met with the Mayor of the City of
Mississauga Honorable Hazel McCaillon in the Mayor’s office. Present
to the meeting were Der Zareh Zagarian, Der Komidas Mirzakhanian,
Mr. Les Hamlin, Mr. Vartegez Simonian, Mrs. Lilian Sevadjian.
During the meeting discussions were focused on the future plans and
projects of the Saint Vartan Armenian Community of Mississauga. Bishop
Galstanian mentioned the importance of having a church and community
center in order to organize Youth activities within the church, thus
shaping a new portrait for the coming generations. The Honorable Mayor
Hazel McCaillon agreed that building churches and community centers
are vital and important factors for the growth of a healthy
community. His Eminence then thanked the Mayor and presented a stone
cross (khatch- kar) and a book on the History of the Armenian Church.
* * *
DIOCESAN ARARAT SUMMER CAMP 2004 A FUN-FILLED WEEK HAS COME TO AN END
Taline Baltayan
During the week of August 9-14, forty-seven campers from the Toronto,
Mississauga and Montreal parishes attended Camp Ararat at Woodland
Trails, just north of Toronto. The children, who were between 7 and
14 years of age, spent an active and educational week at camp where
new friendships were made and old ones were strengthened and renewed.
The camp was led by Fr. Komitas Mirzakhanyan and run by a crew of 13
dedicated counsellors and staff members. The camp’s delicious meals
were prepared by Mrs. Maro Menengitchian.
What was a typical day at camp? After a 7:30 am wake-up, campers
began their day with morning exercises before eating a hearty
breakfast. Next, time for morning worship and bible study class.
After a bit of free time, campers headed for arts & crafts and sports.
Lunch time! Following lunch came the highlight for most campers â=80¦
swimming! After a few hours in the pool, campers would have some
group time and free time before dinner. The camp evening program
usually consisted of a guest speaker or a group activity, a campfire
complete with singing and marshmallow roasting, and then evening
prayers. Once campers headed back for the dorms, it would be time for
a bit of journal writing and then bed!
In keeping with the Olympic spirit, the campers were placed in their
own Olympic teams where they earned points for various activities
during the course of the week. Congratulations go to Team Yellow for
bringing home the gold!
Visitors to Camp Ararat included Fr. Zareh Zargarian, Mrs. Maida
Icliates, Rev. Blain MacLeod, and circus performer Souren Torosyans .
Our Primate, Bishop Bagrat Galstanyan also visited the camp on a few
occasions to speak and spend time with the campers.
Once again, Camp Ararat was a great success this year. Stay tuned for
details regarding Camp Ararat 2005!
* * *
GENERAL ELECTIONS HELD AT THE DIOCESE OF DAMASCUS
The Diocese of the Armenian Church of Damascus announces that on
Sunday, August 15 2004 Diocesan Council meeting (Central Governing
Body) has been held at St Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in
Damascus.
Under the auspices of the Primate of the Diocese of Damascus Very
Reverend Father Armash Nalbandian the delegates have elected eleven
new Diocesan Council members who, together with the Primate of the
Diocese, would lead and serve the needs of the Armenian Community of
Damascus.
We pray the Almighty God to grant the newly elected Diocesan Council
members good health and many successes in their future undertakings.
* * *
ANNUAL SUMMER BARBEQUE WITH THE BOYAJYAN FAMILY
Saturday August 7, 2004, continued the tradition set by the members of
the Boyajian family who organize a summer barbeque each year in the
backyard of their residence This tradition began in 1992 and has
continued once a yearwhen the Boyajian family graciously opens their
home and hearts to His Grace Bishop, Bagrat Galastanian, Primate of
the Canadian Diocese, Rev. Arch. Fr. Zareh Zargarian, Pastor of Holy
Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church, Mr. Hratch Shishmanian, Chairman of
the Parish Council, Deacon Vrej Berberian and the members of the
Ladies Sewing Circle of Holy Trinity Armenian Church. Mrs. Zevart
Boyajian is the Chairperson of Ladies Sewing Circle. Through the years
they work voluntarily sewing and providing the beautiful vestments
worn by Primates and Priests as well as the deacons and choir robes
and the alter coverings for Holy Trinity Armenian Church as well as
churches in Armenia.
The party started in early afternoon and continued until
evening. Those in attendance enjoyed a delicious Armenian barbecue and
good music. The gathering came to a close with a prayer offered by His
Grace Bishop Bagrat Galstanyanand Rev. Arch. Fr. Zareh Zargarian.
They thanked the Boyajian family on behalf of all present and
expressed their gratitude for their hospitality.
Secretariat of the Diocese
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress