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;
November 23, 2006
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Primate Celebrates Church Anniversary in Saint Catharines, Ontario
Sunday, November 19, 2006 marked the 76th anniversary of the First Armenian
Apostolic Church in Canada. His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian during
the celebration of the Divine Liturgy spoke of the sacrifices those gallant,
genocide survivors had made in establishing this church. His wonderful and
inspiring words were delivered not only to those in the congregation, but
especially to the Sunday school children and young acolytes. They sat attentively
as Serpazan spoke of past valor and accomplishments, and how they were the
benchmark for the future of this church and community. His Eminence encouraged
the young to achieve and be best they could be in life, as they are
Canadians born of Armenian ancestry.
Immediately following the Divine Liturgy, a luncheon was served in the
Babayan Hall by the members of the choir. The Women Volunteers from Katah baking,
spearheaded by Helen Boyagian and Georgina Sarkisian presented a cheque for
$2000.00 to the parish. Alice and Ashod Kuderian also lifetime members of the
parish, remembered the anniversary, with a donation of $1000.00. A similar
donation of $1000.00 was made by Jean-Pierre Paroyan at this joyful
anniversary luncheon.
In keeping with the sincere words of the Primate, His Eminence Bishop Bagrat
Galstanian in the Divine Liturgy earlier in church, a generous gesture had
been made by our oldest surviving member, not only of our community, but also,
at 99 years of age, a survivor of the Genocide. Mrs. Varsenig Krikorian had
been vacating her home just a few days earlier, to reside in a nursing home
nearby. As she was leaving she made certain her `bardaganoutoon’ to her
church was not forgotten. Her donation of $1000.00 was given to Georgina
Sarkisian, as she valiantly pushed her walker towards the door.
These moments honour the tireless efforts of our community and inspire those
who remain to keep the faith and pass this spirit of steadfastness that our
Serpazan spoke of so warmly to the children, `be true.’ Adding to our
success was the presentation of Armenia Today, by Taline and Myda Kavazanjian,
former students and teachers of our Sunday school. They have recently returned
from several months of volunteering in Armenia, to resume their studies
toward a Masters in Education and to return to volunteer, yet again.
* * *
The Mid-Year Diocesan Conference ended with Optimism, Confidence, and
Enthusiasm
Representatives of the Canadian Diocese of the Armenian Church gathered in
Kingston, Ontario, on Saturday November 18, 2006, for a mid year conference
which was filled with hope, confidence and optimism about the growth and the
future of the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese.
His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate of the Diocese of the
Armenian Church of Canada, opened the conference at 10:30 a.m. with prayer. The
Primate then thanked the clergy of the Diocese, the members of the Diocesan
Council, chairpersons, and members of each parish council for their diligence. He
said that this conference is an opportunity to renew acquaintances of all
those devoted to the service of our Church, and serves to provide a forum to
discuss concerns, projects and ideas for the progress and prosperity of the
Diocese.
Mr. Jack Stepanian, Chairman of the Diocesan Council, conducted the meeting
and summarized the developments of the past six months. Mr. Ara Boyadjian,
Treasurer of the Diocesan Council, presented a financial statement, which
indicated that despite tremendous growth and demand for increasing financial need,
this interim financial report was satisfactory. The positive outlook was
possible mainly for the reason that parish dues were generally paid up to date
and current fund-raising activities were successful.
Each Parish Council submitted a brief report outlining the accomplishments
and the concerns of the parish. The rapidly growing community of Laval,
Quebec is actively working in their mission to build their own church and
community center, and the small community in the capital city Ottawa, is in search
of ideas to have a small center to meet their religious and community needs.
The Primate’s report also emphasized the vital need to attract children and
youth of our parishioners, to encourage attendance of the families to church
services and activities. The Primate’s vision was reflected in his
statement, `The main mission of our Diocese is the spiritual growthof our people.’
He said that we have eight fully functioning parishes and nine mission
parishes. He stressed the importance of developing and expanding our Sunday
Schools, the Bible Study groups, to update our communication systems, to expand our
summer-camp activities, to strengthen regional administrative structures, to
care more attentively for our remote communities, as in the growing
community of Calgary, and to encourage support for the Endowment Fund.
The conference ended in a mood of enthusiasm, with Bishop Galstanian=80=99s
blessings.
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Diocesan Event for the Armenia is 15th. Anniversary Donations to Montreal
Children’s Hospital and Hospital St. Justine
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL: Last Monday November 13, 2006 Bishop Bagrat
Galstanian, Primate of the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese,
accompanied with Mrs. Sossi Manoukian and Mrs. Marcelle Lavoie Meterissianarrived at
the Montreal Children’s Hospital to present the Otolaryngology Department with
a cheque of $46,000.
The funds were raised from the very successful event `Let there belight,
Let there be Life’ that took place September 22 at the Windsor Hotel.
On hand at this joyous cherub presentation were, Dr Melvin Schloss, Chief
of the Otolaryngology Department, Dr John Manoukian, Associate
Professor/Program Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, and from the Montreal
Children’s Hospital Foundation, Mrs. Valerie Frost, Director of Special Events and
Mrs. José Della Rocca, Event Coordinator.
The Otolaryngology Department has confirmed that the funds will go toward
the purchase of endoscope equipment. A plaque will be placed to acknowledge
this gracious donation from the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian
Diocese.
On behalf of the Diocese and Bishop Galstanian, we thank everybody who
helped us reach our goal and to give hope, care and love to our most precious
citizens, our children.
HOPITAL SAINTE JUSTINE: On Thursday November 16, 2006 Bishop Bagrat
Galstanian, Primate of the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church Canadian Diocese,
accompanied with Mrs. Sossi Manoukian and Mrs. Marcelle Lavoie Meterissianarrived
at l’Hopital Sainte Justine to present the Otolaryngology Department with a
cheque of $46,000. The funds were raised from the very successful event`Let
there be light, Let there be Life’ that took place September 22 atthe Windsor
Hotel.
Dr. Anthony Abela Director of the Otolaryngology Department took part at
this joyous cheque presentation. Also in attendance from the Sainte-Justine
Foundation, Mrs. Jeanne Day, the Public Relations Coordinator, and Mrs.
Madeleine Colaco, Director of Public Fundraising. Mrs. Jeane Day graciously thanked
Bishop Galstanian and presented flowers to Mrs. Manoukian and Mrs.
Meterissian in appreciation.
The Otolaryngology Department has confirmed that the funds will go toward
the purchase of a recording system for endoscopies and a cordless camera on
microscopes with monitors. On behalf of the Diocese and Bishop Galstanian, we
thank everybody who helped us reach our goal and to give hope, care and love to
our most precious citizens, our children.
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Hrant and Arlette Bardakjian Endowment Fund
It is with deep spiritual joy and gratitude that we announce a pledge of
$5.000 in the name of Mr. and Mrs. Hrant & Arlette Bardakjian Trust Fund, which
is part of the Endowment Fund of the Diocese. The Diocese has received an
installment of $2000. to date.
The Canadian Diocesan Endowment Fund was established in 2005. Its objective
is to secure a permanent and growing source of income for the Diocese to
help cover its administrative expenses, and to implement spiritual, cultural and
national heritage programs for the benefit of all parishes under its
jurisdiction. The principal of the Fund is untouchable, allowing only the
income
generated by the principal, to be used in accordance with the wishes of
individual donors.
On behalf of the Primate, His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, the
Diocesan Council, Clergy and faithful we thank Mr. and Mrs. Hrant & Arlette
Bardakjian Family for their continuous encouragement and support.
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Rejoice in the Grace of Christmas, aims at Reinstituting an Old Tradition
As we welcome in the Christmas season, The Armenian Holy Apostolic Church
Canadian Diocese extends invitations to join various Christian denominations
and communities to the `Rejoice in the Grace of Christmas’ together event on
Friday, December 15, 2006.
Christmas is a time of reflection. In the midst of our busy lives, we need
to give thanks to God our Saviour for all the blessings he has bestowed upon
us. This year, the Diocese has organized an exhibition of Christmas trees and
invited various Christian denominations as well as cultural communities to
partake in the festival by decorating a tree on behalf of their community or
parish. Together we will reinstitute an old tradition, create a warm
atmosphere we associate with Christmas as a constant reminder to our turbulent society
that God is with us – EMMANUEL.
It is important and significant to have trees decorated according to each
community’s own tradition and culture, thus manifesting the variety of
celebrating the Nativity of our Lord in the same spirit.
Please be advised that this event will commence on Friday, Dec. 15, at 7:00
pm, is free of charge and open to all. A light reception filled with
Armenian delights will follow the illumination of the trees. We welcome you to be
part of this enchanting evening and to enjoy the heavenly carols of our
wonderful choir, Komitas as well with us !
Let’s Rejoice together in the Grace of Christmas, let’s give some time to
ourselves in peace, harmony and joy, let’s give time to the newly born God.
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2007 Armenian Church Sunday School Wall Calendar
The Armenian Holy Apostolic Canadian Church Diocese and the Christian
Education Department are proud to introduce the 2007 Armenian Church Sunday School
Calendar. The students of various schools throughout the Canadian Diocese
created beautiful pieces of art to depict each month throughout the year and
submitted them for consideration to be included in this calendar. The contest
was open to all students of our Sunday schools, as well as those Armenian Day
school students wishing to participate. The topic was `MY VISION OF HOLY
ETCHMIADZIN.’ The judging was done by the general public and we congratulate
the winners and thank all those who participated.
This project was produced on the initiative of Deacon Hagop Arslanian, who
closely followed the realization of this unique and most beautiful calendar,
to completion. He has incorporated informative readings which will enhanceour
appreciation and enjoyment of the calendar. Our highest appreciation for
his diligent and keen eye to detail, that resulted in this wonderful
production. We extend our thanks to Mrs. Georgina Sarkissian, Chair of the Sunday
School Central Board who organized and oversaw the competition.
Our ongoing gratitude to the teachers of the Sunday Schools, who through
their teaching of Christian education to serve the Almighty God and participate
in the mission of our Church. Special words of praise from Bishop Galstanian
to all the children who participated and made such a lasting and loving
contribution spiritual life of our Diocese.