Srpotz Tarkmanchatz Alumni of North American
PO Box 10506
Glendale, CA 91209
Contact: Mr. Nahabed Melkonian
818-247-6809
January 16, 2004**
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*Bethlehem Style Christmas Eve Services in Hollywood*
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On Saturday, January 15, 2005 the Holy Translators School (Srpotz
Tarkmanchatz) Alumni of North America and the Friends of the Jerusalem
Armenians organized the 6^th annual Christmas Eve Service at St. John
Garabed Armenian Church in Hollywood.
The Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem as well as the other Orthodox
Churches of Jerusalem adheres to the Old Calendar (heen domar). In
accordance with the tradition, the Armenian faithful travel from
Jerusalem to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem (Armenian altar)
and the Grotto of the Nativity to observe the birth of Jesus Christ. In
Hollywood, the Night Service began at 11:00 PM followed by the Morning
Service. The Gospel was read at midnight, followed by the singing of
“Park ee Partzoonus”. The Blessing of the Water Service followed the
Night and Morning Services.
Rev. Fr. Arshag Khachadourian, pastor of St. James Armenian Church of
Los Angeles, read the Christmas message of His Beatitude Archbishop
Torkom Manoogian, Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem and former Primate of
the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.
Tarkmanchatz alumni from as far away as Vancouver, Canada traveled to
Los Angles for this special event. Fr. Arshag congratulated the
Godfather of the Cross, Mr. Harout Boyadjian, and wished him health and
happiness in 2005.
Mr. Nahabed Melkonian, founder of the Srpotz Tarkmanchatz Alumni of
North America and currently coordinator of the organization, expressed
his thanks to the faithful in attendance. Mr. Melkonian also thanked
the Friends of the Jerusalem Armenians for attending the traditional
service, which ended at 1:55 AM. Mr. Melkonian stressed his solidarity
with the Armenians of the Holy Land and the Armenian Patriarch of
Jerusalem, who is able to maintain the rights of the Armenian Orthodox
Church during the most difficult times. Also participating in the
service was Rev. Fr. Nareg Matarian, pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian
Church of East Los Angeles, Rev. Fr. Asoghig Jamgochian, visiting pastor
of the Armenian Church of Whittier, Deacon Hrair Karaverdian, Deacon
Mihran Toumajan, Deacon Carl Bardakian, and Mr. Nahabed Melkonian.
Afterwards, a traditional Bethlehem style breakfast was served for all
those in attendance.