Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Mother...

2

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Varoujan Der Simonian, Chair 224-1000W

Levon Baladjanian, Vice-Chair 439-6601H

Mary Ekmalian, Secretary 1.310.291.3550C

Hagop Krioghlian, Treasurer 439-0865W Berj Apkarian 324-7847H

Richard Bedoian 264-7734H

Ara Jierian 436-0291H

Barbara Mortanian 431-6902H

Michael Sarabian 493-2900W

DELEGATES

Berj Apkarian 324-7847H

Levon Baladjanian 439-6601H

Varoujan Der Simonian 224-1000W

Hagop Krioghlian 439-0865W

Serpouhie Messerlian 298-0445H

Bill Sahatdjian 438-4233H

Mark Shirin 226-5318W

LADIES’ GUILD

Virginia Sarabian, Chair 486-1637 H

MEN’S SOCIETY

Richard Bedoian, Chair 264-7734H

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Garo Poladian, Chair 237-8230W

ADMINISTRATION

Nazik Arisian, Secretary 486-1141W

[email protected]

Hagop Ohanessian, Office Assistant

[email protected]

Diana Shirin, Volunteer Coordinator

Tomas Santoyo, Custodian 355-0816C

CHOIR

Shoghig Papoyan Aladjian, 277-0888H

Director 304-0888C

Serpouhie Messerlian, Chair 298-0445H

ORGANIST

Naira Shahsouvarian 323-0457

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Sato Sanikian, Superintendent 486-0111

Leslie Antazo, Secretary 486-0111

YOUTH GROUP

Jason Davis 433-7066

WEDDING COORDINATOR

Lucille Gahvejian 431-4534H

[email protected]

Ս. ԵրրáրդութÇւն Հայաստանեայց Առաքելական

Մայր Եկեղեցի

Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Mother Church 2226 Ventura Street - Fresno, California 93721

Ðá·»õáñ ÐáíÇõ – Parish Priest ²ñÅ. î. ì³Ñ³Ý øÑÝÛ. Îáëï³Ý»³Ý - Fr. Vahan Gosdanian

E-mail: [email protected] (559) 492-3423 H (559) 260-6556 C

OFFICE HOURS: Monday-Friday 9:00AM-5:00PM

Church: (559) 486-1141 - FAX: (559) 486-1939

Sunday School (559) 486-0111

www.holytrinityfresno.org

Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate 818-248-7737

Executive Council Representative - Deacon Mark Shirin 559-265-4326

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PRELATE'S EASTER MESSAGE

GOLGOTHA TO RESURRECTION:

THE PATH TO GLORY

The Resurrection of Christ, the core of our Christian faith, stirs our hearts

and souls once again with the inspiring and heartening promise of hope; hope that

suffering will give way to triumph and glory. The Easter message is one of victory

and liberation; it is triumph of life over the bonds of sin and death, of good over the

dark forces of evil, of love over the destructive emotion of hate, and of truth and

righteousness over the thin veil of falsehood. The power and promise of the

Resurrection is ever-so consequential this year as we commemorate the 100th

anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

The path from the Cross to the Crown, from Golgotha to the right hand of

the throne of God, was one of great suffering. Our Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God,

was rejected, persecuted, mocked, spat on, struck, and with a crown of thorns upon

His head, walked to Golgotha to be crucified. He was buried in a cave, laid in another

man’s tomb, as those who sought to put an end to His mission were deemed

victorious. His disciples were left distraught and defeated at the suffering their

beloved teacher had endured; the accusations and slander, betrayal and arrest,

condemnation and torture, and ultimately, His death on the Cross.

Behold, the veil of doubt was torn off and the trumpet of victory was blown

on Sunday morning when Christ rose from the dead, trampling down death by death,

and heralding the promise of everlasting life. Christ’s opponents had in vain tried to

silence Him and put an end to His ministry, for the adversity and suffering they

brought upon Him was the fulfillment of prophesy, “that the Son of Man must suffer

many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of

the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31).

The disciples who bore witness to the glorious vision of the Risen Christ

took on a new life, one of revitalized faith and hope. Driven by the motivational

words of their teacher, “Be encouraged, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33),

they marched forward fearlessly, at the cost of their own lives, to illuminate the

world with the life-saving and life-giving message of the Resurrection. Their path

and mission was not an easy one. They endured persecution, torture, and death, but

the followers of Christ did not waver. Strengthened and comforted by the Lord’s

promise, that “He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live” (John

11:25), they became martyrs for the faith and were rewarded with the crown of

eternal blessedness.

The Armenian nation has walked the path of Christ for the centuries since

the illustrious disciples spread the Light of Christ to the Armenian people. We have

lived through the turmoil of countless occupations, exiled from our lands, our identity

and very existence threatened. Our path to an independent and Christian Armenia has

not been a smooth one. It has been paved with the sweat and tears and the suffering

and blood of our ancestors, from the fields of Avarayar to the Hamidian massacres,

Adana and Smyrna, Sumgait and Baku, to the borders of Artsakh today, and most

especially, the Armenian Genocide of 1915. The searing desert of Der Zor became

the Armenian Golgotha, and the Euphrates, the tomb of our people.

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But as the enemies of Christ in vain attempted to put an end to His life and ministry,

so too did the enemies of the Armenian people in vain attempt to annihilate the

Armenian people. Armed with the indestructible faith and hope of the Resurrection,

the Armenian nation was reborn from the ashes of the Genocide. “Now thanks be to

God Who always leads us in triumph in Christ” (2 Cor inthians 2:14).

Dear faithful,

The Resurrection is our reality, our hope, our victory, and our path from

suffering to glory. Our history has proven that “If God is for us, who can be against

us? (Romans 8:31). Our mar tyrs put on the full armor of God and always

abided in Christ. They put aside self and shed their blood for the victory of

protecting and preserving our faith and identity. And now, a century after their great

sacrifice, they will be canonized into the sainthood for their martyrdom as a

profession of faith. They crossed the path from untold suffering to “the riches of the

glory of His inheritance” (Ephesians 1:18). “Blessed are those who are

persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of

heaven” (Matthew 5:10), blessed are our mar tyrs who will soon be our

intercessors before God.

One hundred long years have passed. We lost our best and brightest, our

most prominent intellectuals, clergy, writers, teachers, and professionals in all

fields. Millions of Armenians were not born as a result of the Genocide. But if

“tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character,

hope” (Romans 5:3-4), as wrote the Apostle Paul, then we are a nation of

extraordinary perseverance, character, and hope. From the early days of our history,

to Der Zor and beyond, we have suffered but not faltered. We have risen again and

again, and today, we have an independent homeland and ten million Armenians in

the world to attest to our triumph. Furthermore, we have made significant

contributions to the world with important innovations in various arenas including

medicine, science, technology, arts, and more. Inspired by the legacy of our

forefathers, the Armenian people will endure and will emerge victorious. As the

heirs of a resurrected nation, we will persevere in our path as we remember and

demand justice for our martyrs.

On this holiest of holy days, we extend our paternal love and blessings to

our clergy, councils, parishes, schools, committees, sister organizations, and faithful

parishioners, praying for the glory of the Risen Christ to fill us with a hope, joy, and

peace which comes from God alone. May the transformative and enlivening

message of the Resurrection continue to resonate throughout the hearts and souls of

each and every Armenian individually and throughout our nation collectively,

spurring us in our pursuit of truth and righteousness.

With faith, hope, patience, and with God and the truth on our side, our path

will lead us to glory and we will stand up to our opponents and forcefully proclaim;

“O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?”(1 Cor . 15:55)

CHRIST IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD

BLESSED IS THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST

Prayerfully,

Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian

Easter 2015 Prelate, Western United States

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Get Well Soon! The Pastor and the Board of Trustees wish to

express to all church members who are ill and not feeling well

(listed or not listed below), a speedy recovery.

Lalig Bayrakdarian Pat Bouloutian Khatchig Mihranian

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Message From the Board Varoujan Der Simonian, Chair

Our Treasure

On a Friday night in March, the Church social hall was packed for a community

fundraising event. Our catering group was serving one of their well-known dinners. I

was “recruited to be trained” for the possibility of a promotion in the future to help the

group when needed. The guests had a great time, admired our beautiful social hall,

had the opportunity to visit the courtyard and learn about our faith and culture. “We

did not know such a beautiful place exists in Downtown Fresno!” one of the visitors

told me.

After the event was over, members of the Men’s Society began to clean the hall and

prepare for Sunday coffee hour. It appeared to me that these guys were having more

fun at 11pm than when they were cooking and serving food few hours prior!

Next morning, Levon received the following note from their representative: “Thank

you so much for making our event so beautiful! We had so many compliments on the

delicious food! The evening was perfect.”

The next two weeks were more impressive to observe. Spearheaded by Susie

Parnagian, once again she and her team spent countless hours preparing for yet

another remarkable service to our church! “It is amazing how our community comes

together when our church calls for support,” said board member Ara Jierian after our

recent two day lunch delivery marathon when some 300 volunteers came together to

help our Church! My heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you.

The following day, Men’s Society members prepared the social hall to serve our

Annual Pancake Breakfast. “Varoujan, should I call you when I get up in the

morning?” asked Marvin with a twinkle in his eyes, while washing one of the yalanchi

pans. Simultaneously, some Youth Group members were decorating the church with

palm fronds and the Vacation Bible School Committee was readying their display to

announce the upcoming summer program Weird Animals. Palm Sunday's Annual

Pancake Breakfast was enjoyed by Sunday School students as well as many others.

As my term in serving you on the Board of Trustees comes to a conclusion, I am

humbled by the dedication I have observed from our members to our church, which is

hard to surpass! It is evident to me that we are in unison in embracing Holy Trinity as

our collective Treasure! A testimony to the biblical verse: “For where your treasure

is, there will your heart be also.” Mathew 6:21 and Luke 12:34. Indeed, your hearts

and souls are in our church!

I have had the utmost satisfaction of being your servant. And, with outgoing board

members Richard Bedoian and Barbara Mortanian, I want to thank my colleagues and

everyone who has encouraged our efforts. Richard and Barbara join me with the

following words expressed by William Saroyan: “I did my best, and let me urge you

to do your best, too. Isn’t it the least we can do to one another?”

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The New Courtyard is looking better every day!

Preparing Pancake Breakfast & Late Night Cleaning

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Pictures From Food Deliveries

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ENGAGEMENT

BAPTISM

Congratulations to ANDREW MELKONIAN AND MEGAN

HOVANNISIAN who were engaged on Saturday, March 14,

2015 at Pardinis Banquet Hall. Father Vahan Gosdanian was

present to bless the rings. We also congratulate their parents

Kenny & Lisa Melkonian and John & Karen Hovannisian Jr,

grandparents Nan Melkonian, Avis & Diana Chilingerian, and

John & Vars Hovannisian Sr.

Congratulations to Der Vahan Gosdanian on the 22nd Year

Anniversary of his ordination into the priesthood. We also

congratulate Yeretzgin Sossy Gosdanian and daughter Rita-

Marie Gosdanian on this happy occasion. May God bless Der

Hayr & his family!

On Saturday, March 21, 2015 REAGAN

ELIZABETH SATTERBERG received the

Sacrament of Baptism. We congratulate her

parents Domenick & Lisa Satterberg. We also

congratulate Godparents Stephen & Michelle

Brown and grandparents Ann Satterberg, Jerry

& Valerie Satterberg, Marilynn & Joe Fazio.

Reagan is the great-granddaughter of the late

John & Dorothy Shamshoian. We congratulate

baby Reagan Elizabeth on reaching this

spiritual milestone.

SAVE THE DATE:

Family Night

Sunday, April 26, 2015

5:30 pm Church Social Hall

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IF YOU KNOW A HIGH SCHOOL OR COLLEGE

GRADUATE OF ARMENIAN DESCENT…

PLEASE CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE AT 559-486-1141

SO THAT WE MAY JOYFULLY INVITE HIM/HER TO BE OUR GUEST AT THE 16th ANNUAL

GRADUATE LUNCHEON

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Joseph Castro President of Fresno State University

Master of Ceremonies: Connor Esraelian

SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2015, AT 1:00 P.M. The gathering will take place in the

Holy Trinity Social Hall, located on the corner of Ventura and “M” Street

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Saturday School News By: Nazik Arisian

On Saturday, March 7, 2015, the 2nd and 3rd level classes of the ARS Sophia

Chapter Saturday Armenian School held at the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic

Church, supervised by teachers Sosse and Haverj, Teacher Assistant Lisa,

Principal Nazik, went on a field trip to see and observe the Statue of David of

Sassoon located at the corner of M and Tulare Streets in Fresno, California. The

weather was “iffy” with a promise of rain; however, when the group started their

walk down “M” street, the weather couldn’t be nicer.

It was a wonderful way to affirm the study of “Sassountsi David” by the students.

The students observed many symbols that Artist Varaz Samuelian had placed on

the statue and discussed their meanings, relating to being Armenian. After taking

some pictures and videos, everyone got back to school in time for dismissal.

This is an example of many wonderful things that are taught in the school.

Classes are held every Saturday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. We encourage all

(ages 4 and up) who are interested in learning how to speak, read, and write

Armenian, while learning anything and everything else Armenian, please call

Nazik Arisian for more information at 559-974-3089.

The school will mark the end of the year with a Program (hantes) on Thursday,

May 21 at 6:00 pm in the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church social hall.

Please encourage us with your attendance. Admission is free.

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FUNERAL/GRAVESIDE SERVICES

Funeral Services were held for MARY J. NOROIAN on

Wednesday, March 18, 2015. Interment was held at Masis Ararat

Cemetery. Our sincere condolences to her son Steven Noroian,

nephews Bob, Chuck, and David Casparian.

Graveside Services were held for BABY LEO ARAKELIAN on

Saturday, March 14, 2015. Interment was held at Masis Ararat

Cemetery. Our sincere condolences to parents Armond & Araks

Arakelian.

Funeral Services were held for SALAH HILMI on

Thursday, March 5, 2015. Interment was held at Masis

Ararat Cemetery. Our sincere condolences to his wife

Victoria Arteen and his son Azad Hilmi.

Our sincere condolences to the Ailanjian family on the passing of

their father JOHN “JOHNNIE” AILANJIAN.

Our sincere condolences to the Maroot and Diebert families on

the passing of husband and father CHARLES JON MAROOT.

Our sincere condolences to PIERRE & ANGEL

BARDIZBANIAN on the passing of Pierre’s nephew JOSEPH

HABOUSH, who recently passed away in Beirut, Lebanon.

Our sincere condolences to Diane Poladian Melikian, Marian

Habib, and the Melikian family on the passing of Marian’s

son-in-law RODNEY BRUCE MELIKIAN.

May God Bless Their Souls.

Pierre and Angel Bardizbanian appreciate the kindness shown to

them by Der Vahan Gosdanian and Der Hrant Serabian upon the

passing of their nephew Joseph Haboush in Beirut, Lebanon.

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HOKEHANKIST

will be said for

APRIL 12

HARRY BASMAJIAN on the 1st year of his passing, as requested by his

wife Elizabeth Basmajian and Family. ALTAR FLOWERS ARE

DONATED IN HIS MEMORY.

RAFFIE A. HAROOTIAN on the 1st year of passing, who was from

Bakersfield, as requested by his wife Mary C. Harootian.

APRIL 19

MARY NOROIAN on the 40 days of her passing, as requested by her

son Steven Noroian, and her nephews Bob, Chuck, and David Casparian

and their Families. ALTAR FLOWERS ARE DONATED IN HER

MEMORY.

ROSE ASLANIAN on the 10th year of her passing and HARRY

ASLANIAN on the 8th year of his passing, as requested by their children

Janelle Avedisian & Family, Joan Azarian & Family, and Tom Aslanian.

ALTAR FLOWERS ARE DONATED IN THEIR MEMORY.

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Hye’d Out News

Hello Everyone,

As you read this, Holy Week is upon us. This is our most

important Christian Holiday. Our Savior, Jesus, goes to the cross and

dies an excruciating and horrible death so that our sins may be forgiven

and we may commune with the One that created us. The Easter story is

such an amazing story as we see how the attitudes of the people change

so quickly from Palm Sunday to Good Friday. Everything that Jesus

goes through, all the pain and suffering; He went through all of it because

of how much He loved you and me.

Our Youth group is finishing up the Book of Acts. We have a

few young people graduating this year. This year’s seniors are an

amazing bunch of people. I am very proud of them and what they have

done for our group. They are getting their college acceptance letters in

the mail and I am hoping that we get to keep some of them in Fresno!

Last week we were able to see what the money we raised for Rafael

Asiryan did. The money we raised was used to build steps for him to go

up and down at his house. The previous steps did not seem solid nor

safe. We are glad that we could help and we thank you for your support

in this cause as well.

Our College and Career Group will be planning out the rest of its

year soon. We are currently going through the book of Genesis. If you

or anyone you know is in college or Post College we meet Friday Nights

from 6:30-8:30. We have time to catch up on what is going on in our

lives, Bible Study and sometimes dinner afterwards. We would love to

add you to our group.

We would like to invite you to our annual Mother’s Day

Luncheon. This year Mother’s Day will be on May 10th. This is our

annual fundraiser and we love and thank you for your support in advance.

May you have a blessed month and remember to think about the meaning

of Easter not just during Holy Week, but all year long.

In His Service,

Jason Davis

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The Holy Trinity Youth Group Invites You

To Our Annual Mother’s Day Luncheon

Sunday May 10, 2015 1:00 PM

Cost $15

Speaker: Arakel Arisian

For more information please contact the Church Office

at (559) 486-1141 or Jason Davis (559) 433-7066 or at

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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Spotlight on Sunday school By: Barbara Mortanian

This month’s spotlight on Sunday

school will focus on Lara

Simonian. Born in Jerusalem, Israel in

1972 Lara and her family immigrated

to Fresno, California in 1979 when she

was 7-years of age. A graduate of

Roosevelt High School in Fresno,

California she was the first person in

her family to go on to college and to

get a double Bachelor’s degree in

English and Philosophy from California

State University of Fresno.

After earning her undergraduate degree, Lara married her former

husband and moved to Dallas, Texas to earn a J.D. from Southern

Methodist University’s School of Law. After graduating Summa Cum

Laude, she spent 13 years in Dallas, practicing Employment Law and

enjoying life as a Texan, until the birth of her twin boys, Dominic and

Alexander Simonian. After her sons’ birth, mother and sons decided

to return to Fresno to be closer to grandparents, other family, and their

Armenian community. In the early 1990s, Lara volunteered to be a

Sunday school teacher for the elementary-level classes, but then had

to stop when she left Fresno to attend law school in Dallas. Upon her

return home in the mid-2000s, however, she found herself drawn to

the church once again. God apparently wanted her "back in the

saddle," and before she knew it, she was once again a permanent

feature in our Sunday school program. What began as a substitute

position for a couple of teachers, soon turned into a full-time position

as the 7th and 8th grade teacher. Lara has great rapport with her

students and is an enthusiastic teacher bringing an electric charge to

motivate and challenge her class. Lara says that the 7th and 8th grade

students are an amazing group. They are still young and innocent,

eager for knowledge, but at the same time, they are becoming young

adults with conflicts, questions, and new issues.

According to Lara, the emerging teens are a unique and challenging

age group to work with; being flexible and creative is vital for her

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weekly sessions. Many of her discussions and lessons branch off in

many different levels - all of which provide some value and benefit

for these amazing, young adults.

Lara’s twin boys, who are now 10-years old as of this month, keep

her extremely busy and happy with her life. Being a mother is by far

the most important and challenging job that she has ever had (and

that includes dealing with some crazy lawyers and some horrible

high-school jobs!). Raising intelligent, kind, Godly, and good-hearted

boys is her top priority. Lara tries to be very involved in her sons’

school, activities, and home life. Lara enjoys everything from

cooking, watching Shakespeare in the park, attending Monster Truck

shows, riding scooters in the park, and many other activities with

Dominic and Alexander with which God blesses their lives. Having

good values that come from God, family, and our Armenian heritage

is the center the life she is building for herself and her sons’

lives. Most importantly, she tries to be conscious of how blessed we

are to live in America while remembering to appreciate even the

littlest things that come our way. Gratitude is a daily exercise for the

Simonian trio and it includes being grateful that they are a very active

part of the community at Holy Trinity Church.

With the blessing of His Eminence

Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate

Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church

Guest Priest

Very. Rev. Boghos Tinkjian

Will celebrate the Holy Badarak and offer the Sermon

On

Sunday, April 19, 2015 At 10:00 am

Holy Trinity Church Board of Trustees

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday

1

5

Easter Sunday

Morning Service

9:00 am

Badarak 10:00 am

No Sunday School

No Hye’d Out

6

7 Ladies’ Guild 5:45 pm

Bible Study 7:00 pm at

the home of

Charlie & Siroun

Vanoyan

Basketball 6:00pm

Bible Study 8:00 pm

8

Men’s Society

6:30 pm

12 Morning Service 9:00

Badarak 10:00 am

(Birthday

Blessing Prayer)

Sunday School 10:30 am

Hye’d Out 5:30 pm

13

14

Bible Study7:00 pm at

the home of

Hagop & Silva

Arikian

Basketball 6:00 pm

Bible Study 8:00 pm

15

19 Morning Service 9:00

Guest Priest

Badarak 10:00 am

Sunday School 10:30

(Wedding

Anniversary Prayer)

Hye’d Out 5:30 pm

20 21


the home of

Aram & Elo

Zanontian

Basketball 6:00 pm

Bible Study 8:00 pm

22

26 English Morning

Service 9:15 am

Badarak 10:00 am

Sunday School 10:30 am

Family Night 5:30 pm

27

28


the home of Der Hayr

& Yeretzgin

Gosdanian

Basketball 6:00pm

Bible Study 8:00 pm

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April 2015

21

Thursday Friday Saturday

2

No Bible Study

Morning Service 9:00 am

Divine Liturgy 10:00 am

Washing of the

Feet 6:00 pm

Khavaroom 7:00 pm

3 No

Bible Study

Evening Service 7:00 pm

Order of Entombment

& Procession 7:30 pm

4 No Armenian School

Easter Eve Service 4:00 pm

Reading of the Scriptures

4:30 pm

Easter Eve Badarak 5:00 pm

Easter Eve Dinner 7:00 pm

9

Bible Study 10:00 am

(English)

Youth Basketball

7:15 pm

10

Bible Study 11:00 am

(Armenian)

11

Armenian School 10:00 am

16 Bible Study 10:00 am

(English)

Youth Basketball

7:15 pm


(Armenian)

18

Armenian School 10:00 am


(English)

Requiem Service

Ararat Cemetery

5:00 pm

Unveiling of Genocide

Monument, Fresno State

7:30 pm

24 OFFICE CLOSED

Armenian Genocide

Commemoration

Flag Raising 9:00 am

St. Paul Church 7:00 pm

25 Armenian School 10:00 am

Pre– Philharmonic Concert

Dinner 5:00 pm Church

Social Hall

Philharmonic Concert 7:30 pm

Saroyan Theater


(English)

Youth Basketball

7:15 pm

Deadline for

“Voice” submission

April 2015

22

IN-LIEU OF FLOWERS DONATIONS

Are made in Memory of...

Those who attended the Centennial Celebration Banquet received a

beautifully crafted ornament illustrating our Church Sanctuary, as a

souvenir. It was so well received that we have placed an additional

order. These items are available for purchase and pickup at the

church office. Each ornament will cost $12 and can be used as a

keepsake, to decorate your gift boxes and or your Christmas trees.

KAY KARNIG CLOUD

David & Linda Hovannisian

Olga Beers

Fanucchi Family

Esther Nalchajian

Robert & Melissa Sahatjian

BOB KEVORKIAN (Sunday School)

David & Linda Hovannisian

CHARLES JON MAROOT

MARY J. NOROIAN

Jane Alchian

Ruby Baladjanian

Richard Bedoian

Roger & Susan Byrd

Kenneth & Robyn Esraelian

Jack & Lucille Gahvejian

Aram & Barbara Garabedian

Dale Garabedian

Ladies’ Guild

Vars & David Gaston

Louise Hagopian

Mary Hokokian

Marian Hovannisian

Gladys Jamgotchian

John R. Manasselian

Laura Poston

Marshall & Helen Torigian

Ron & Rhonda Walterman

ATTENTION:

The Sunday school is selling “All Around Town” coupons. Each

book is $20. If anyone is interesting in purchasing a book, contact

the Sunday school office either Sato Sanikian or Leslie Antazo. You

may purchase them on Sundays in the Sunday School office. Thank

you for your support.

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Are made in Memory of...

HOKEHANKIST DONATIONS

VAHE KHATCHIGIAN Rita Khatchigian & Family

KACHICHIAN FAMILY Varoujan Kachichian

ARMAN NORADIAN, MARTY MINASIAN, VARTKAS MINASIAN Rosemary Minasian

TAVIT SAHAGIAN Edward & Roseann Saliba

PETER & ANNA SOLAKIAN Patricia Bouloutian

VICKY KASSIS Manoushag Diarian Der Hayr Vahan & Yeretzgin Sossy Gosdanian

RAFFIE A. HAROOTIAN Mary C. Harootian

SIMON & MARIAM MIHRANIAN

CHARLOTTE ASADOORIAN Alan & Michelle Asadoorian

HAIRABED & AGHAVNI, ROUPEN ASADOURIAN

HRANT & AROUSIAG KARAKESHISHIAN Der Hayr Vahan & Yeretzgin Sossy Gosdanian

MESROB DER SIMONIAN Der Simonian Family

Dr. Berj & Nelly Kalamkarian

Katchig & Maggie Mihranian

Mary Mihranian

Vahe & Naira Mihranian

KHEDERIAN FAMILY Bedros & Silva Khederian

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GENERAL Nazik Arisian (In honor of Der Vahan Gosdanian’s 22nd year ordination)

Bryan & Pamela Arakelian & Family (In memory of Pat Ourlian)

Carlotta Bedrosian

Aram & June Darmanian

Gary & Denva Kazarian (In honor of the 50th Wedding Anniversary of

Marshall & Helen Torigian)

Dr. Stephen & Judy Krikorian

Hagop Ohanessian (General Donation)

Hagop Ohanessian (In honor of Der Vahan Gosdanian’s 22nd year ordination)

David & Patti Sarabian (In honor of the 50th Wedding Anniversary of


Virginia Sarabian (In honor of the 50th Wedding Anniversary of


Tuesday Evening Bible Study (In honor of Der Vahan Gosdanian’s

22nd year ordination, Social Service) Douglas & Emily Yavanian

HOKEHANKIST DONATIONS

Thomas & Janice Fowler

Mary Harootian

Robert & Jackie Manselian

George & Rose Margosian

John & Mary Megerdichian

Dr. Randy & Kathy Shahbazian

Dr. Ara Topouzkhanian

Charlie & Siroun Vanoyan

VOICE

Easter Eughakin donations will be in the May issue of the Voice

KEVORK TAVITIAN Nerses Abouloboulian Hagop & Lousin Damirjian

Sarkis & Azniv Sakaian

KALOUST & TAKOUHI TERZIAN & JANSEZIAN &

BOYADJIAN FAMILIES Hagop & Shake Kelejian

ASTVADZADOOR TUFENKCHI Hamo & Seita Mihranian

Hagop Paklarian would like to thank all those who visited, called,

and sent him flowers and cards. He also thanks the Board of

Trustees, the office, the Men’s Society, and the Ladies’ Guild for

the flower bouquets, and a special thanks to Berj Apkarian,

Katchig Mihranian, and Harout Bedrosian.

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Vacation Bible School: Weird Animals

is coming June 28-July 2

The Vacation Bible School Committee would

like to share with you our Wish List. If you

would like to help defray some of the costs

we would appreciate your donations for . . .

T-Shirts-Banners-Craft Supplies

Stage & Set Decorations - Snacks - Prizes

26

PASS IT ON… Submitted by: Krista Parnagian

Carl’s Garden

Carl was a quiet man. He didn’t talk much. He would always greet you

with a big smile and a firm handshake. Even after living in our neighborhood for

over fifty years, no one could really say they knew him very well. Before his

retirement, he took the bus to work every morning. The lone sight of him walking

down the street often worried us. He had a slight limp from a bullet wound

received in WWII. Watching him, we worried he may not make it through our

changing uptown neighborhood with its ever-increasing random violence, gangs,

and drug activity. When he saw the flyer at our local church asking for volunteers

for caring for the gardens behind the minister’s residence, he responded in his

characteristically unassuming manner. Without fanfare, he just signed up.

One afternoon, Carl was finishing his watering for the day when three

gang members approached him. Ignoring their attempt to intimidate him, he

simply asked, “Would you like a drink from the hose?” The tallest and toughest

looking one said, “Yeah, sure,” with a malevolent little smile. As Carl offered the

hose to him, the other two grabbed Carl’s arm, throwing him down. They stole his

retirement watch and his wallet, and then fled. Carl tried to get himself up, but he

had been thrown down on his bad leg. He lay there trying to gather himself as the

minister came running to help him. When asked if he was okay Carl just shook his

head and said, “Just some punk kids. I hope they’ll wise up some day.” He

adjusted the nozzle and started to water again. “I’ve got to finish my watering. It’s

been very dry lately,” Carl said. A few weeks later the three returned. Their threat

remained unchallenged as Carl, again, offered them a drink from his hose. This

time they wrenched the hose from his hand and drenched him head to foot in the

icy water. Then they sauntered off down the street throwing catcalls and curses.

Carl just watched them. Then he turned toward the warmth giving sun, picked up

his hose, and went on with his watering.

The summer was quickly fading into fall. Carl was doing some tilling

when he was startled by the sudden approach of someone behind him. As he

stumbled and fell into some branches, Carl turned to see the tall leader of his

summer tormentors reaching down for him. “Don’t worry old man. I’m not going

to hurt you this time.” The young man spoke softly, still offering the tattooed and

scarred hand to Carl. He helped Carl get up and pulled out a crumpled bag from

his pocket. “Here’s your stuff back. Even the money in your wallet.” the man

explained. “I don’t understand, why would you help me now?” Carl asked.

Seeming embarrassed and ill at ease he said, “I learned something from you. I ran

with that gang and hurt people like you. But every time we came and did

something to you, instead of yelling and fighting back, you tried to give us a drink.

You didn’t hate us for hating you. You kept showing love against our hate.” He

paused for a moment, not knowing what more there was to say. “That bag is my

way of saying thanks for straightening me out, I guess.” And with that, he walked

off down the street.

He died one cold day after Christmas that winter. Many people attended

his funeral in spite of the weather. The minister noticed a tall young man that he

didn’t know sitting quietly in a distant corner of the church. He spoke of Carl’s

garden as a lesson in life.

27

He said, “Do your best and make your garden as beautiful as you can. We will never

forget Carl and his garden. The following spring another flyer went up for someone

to care for Carl’s garden. It went unnoticed until one day someone came to the

minister’s office door. There was a pair of scarred and tattooed hands holding the

flyer. “I believe this is my job, if you’ll have me,” the young man said. The minister

recognized him as the same young man who had returned the stolen watch and wallet

to Carl. He knew that Carl’s kindness had turned this man’s life around. As the

minister handed him the keys to the garden shed, he said, “Yes, go take care of Carl’s

garden and honor him.” The man went to work and, over the next several years, he

tended the flowers and vegetables just as Carl had done.

During that time, he went to college, got married, and became a prominent

member of the community. But he never forgot his promise to Carl’s memory and

kept the garden as beautiful as he thought Carl would have kept it. One day he

approached the minister and told him that he couldn’t care for the garden any longer.

He explained with a shy and happy smile, “My wife just had a baby boy last night,

and she’s bringing him home on Saturday.” “Well congratulations!” said the

minister, as he was handed the garden shed keys. “That’s wonderful! What’s the

baby’s name?” “Carl,” he replied.

Author Unknown

Message: Trouble comes no matter what. How you respond to it is what makes

the difference. You may bring others closer to God without even realizing it. “Even

in darkness light dawns for the upright. They will have no fear of bad news; their

hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” Psalm 112:4-7.

CENTRAL VALLEY’S GENOCIDE MOMUMENT

TO BE UNVEILED AT FRESNO STATE ON APRIL 23

The Armenian Genocide Centennial—Fresno Committee invites the

entire community to attend the historic unveiling of a monument

dedicated to the victims and survivors of the Armenian Genocide.

The event will take place at 7:30 pm on the Maple Mall (near the

Satellite Student Union) at Fresno State. Free parking will be

available in Lots P5 and P6 near the Peters Business Building.

Handicapped parking is available as well in the same lots. Overflow

parking will be available for free in the SaveMart Center parking lot.

Shuttles will also be available. For more details on the event, visit the

AGC—Fresno website at www.agcfresno.org.

Please note that on Sunday, April 12

coffee hour will be in the courtyard!

http://www.agcfresno.org

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Duo-Piano & Soprano In remembrance of the Armenian Genocide

Naira Shahsouvarian & Maria Amirkhanian

Anahit Nersessian, Soprano

Sunday, May 31, 2015 at 6:00 pm

Fresno State Concert Hall

Tickets: $20 per person; students $8

Journey to Infinity

The Rebirth of a Nation

An evening of poetry, literature & music

with local artists depicting the Armenian journey

Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 7:00 pm

Holy Trinity Church Courtyard, 2226 Ventura Street

Free Admission — Reception to Follow

The Cry of the Tormented Composition of over 300 accounts of atrocities,

deportation, and murder of Armenians between 1915-1917.

Preface by late journalist Roger Tatarian.

Panel spanning three generations:

Mary Alan Hewson - Alex Mckinsey

Garo Khatchigian, MD

Thursday, May 21, 2015 at 7:00 pm UC Merced Center, 550 E. Shaw Ave.

Free Admission — Reception to Follow

Presents...

*For more information, call 559.224.1000 or visit www.armof.org*

32

–2015

34

DAILY BIBLE READING

APRIL–

1. Great Wednesday Morning: Mark 14:1-11 Evening:

Genesis 18:1-19:30; Proverbs 1:10-19; Zechariah 11:11-14;

Matthew 26:3-16

2. Great Thursday Morning: John 12:27-43 Office of Penitents:

Isaiah 60:20-22; Ezekiel 36:24-31; Hebrews 10:19-31;

Luke 7:36-50 Holy Eucharist: Genesis 22:1-18; Isaiah 61:1-7;

Acts 1:15-26; Mark 14:1-26; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32;

Matthew 26:17-30 Washing of the Feet: Exodus 30:17-21;

1 Kings 7:38-40; 2 Chronicles 4:2-6; Isaiah 44:2-6;

1 Corinthians 10:1-4; 1 John 4:7-21; John 13:1-11; John 13:12-15

3. Great Friday Passion: John 13:16-18:1; Luke 22:1-65;

Mark 14:27-72; Matthew 26:31-56; Matthew 26:47-75; John 18:2-27;

John 18:28-19:16 Crucifixion: Zechariah 11:11-14;

Galatians 6:14-18; Isaiah 3:9-15; Philippians 2:5-11;

Isaiah 50:4-9; Romans 5:6-11; Amos 8:9-12;

1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Hebrews 2:11-18;

Matthew 27:1-56; Isaiah 63:1-6; Hebrews 9:11-28;

Mark 15:1-41; Jeremiah 11:18-12:8; Hebrews 10:19-31;

Luke 22:66-23:49; Zechariah 14:5-11; 1 Timothy 6:13-16;

John 19:17-37 Burial: Jeremiah 11:18-12:8; Isaiah 52:13-53:12;

Wisdom 2:1-22; Zechariah 12:8-14; 1 Peter 3:17-20; Matthew 27:57-61

4. Great Saturday—Easter Eve Morning: Matthew 27:62-66

Easter Eve: Genesis 1:1-3:24; Genesis 22:1-18; Exodus12:1-24;

Jonah 1:1-4:11; Exodus 13:24-15:21; Isaiah 60:1-13; Job 38:1-28;

Joshua 1:1-9; 2 Kings 2:1-22; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 37:1-14;

Daniel 3:1-90. Divine Liturgy: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Matthew 28:1-20.

5. Easter Acts 1:15-26; Mark 16:2-8

Evening Gospels: Luke 24:13-36; John 20:1-18; John 5:24-30;

John 19:31-37; John 20:19-25

6. Acts 2:22-41; Luke 24:1-12 Evening Gospels: Luke 24:1-12;

Mark 16:2-8; Luke 24:1-12

7. Acts 2:42-3:21; Luke 24:13-35

Evening Gospels: Luke 24:1-12; Luke 24:13-35

Readings for the Annunciation of the Holy Mother of God: Song of

Songs 1:1-11; Proverbs 11:30-12:4; Isaiah 52:7-10;

Zechariah 2:10-13; Malachi 3:1-2; 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1; Luke 1:26-38

8. Acts 3:22-4:12; James 1:1-12; Luke 24:36-40

Evening Gospels: Luke 24:13-35; Luke 24:36-40

9. Acts 4:13-31; James 1:13-27; Matthew 5:1-12

Evening Gospels: Luke 24:36-40; Matthew 5:1-12

35

10. Acts 4:32-5:11; James 2:1-13; John 21:1-14

Evening Gospels: Matthew 5:1-12; John 21:1-14

11. Beheading of St. John the Baptist

Proverbs 8:4-11; Isaiah 40:3-8; Malachi 4:4-6; Acts 13:26-33;

Mark 6:14-29

Acts 5:12-33; James 2:14-26; John 21:15-25

12. New Sunday

1) Luke 4:14-30; 2) Acts 5:31-6:7; James 3:1-12; John 1:1-17;

3) John 21:5-25; Matthew 27:50-61; 4) John 20:26-31

13. 1) Luke 4:31-41; 2) Acts 6:8-7:29; James 3:13-4:6; John 1:18-28;

3) Matthew 4:12-25; 4) Mark 1:14-20

14. 1) Luke 4:42-5:11; 2) Acts 7:30-8:2; James 4:7-17; John 1:29-34;

3) Matthew 5:1-16; 4) Mark 1:21-34

15. 1) Luke 5:12-16; 2) Acts 8:3-13; James 5:1-11; John 1:35-42;

3) Matthew 5:17-48 4) Mark 1:35-45

16. 1) Luke 5:17-26; 2) Acts 8:14-25; James 5:12-20; John 1:43-51;

3) Matthew 6:1-21; 4) Mark 2:1-12

17. 1) Luke 5:27-39; 2) Acts 8:26-40; 1 Peter 1:1-12; John 2:1-11;

3) Matthew 6:22-34; 4) Mark 2:13-22


3) Matthew 7:1-8:17;4) Mark 2:23-3:5

19. Green Sunday 1) Luke 6:12-45; 2) Acts 9:23-31;

1 Peter 2:1-10; John 2:23-3:12; 3) Matthew 8:18-9:8 4) Mark 3:6-12


3) Matthew 9:9-17; 4) Mark 3:13-19


3) Matthew 9:18-26; 4) Mark 3:20-30


3) Matthew 9:27-34; 4) Mark 3:31-35


3) Matthew 9:35-10:15; 4) Mark 4:1-9

24. Commemoration of the Martyrs of 1915

1) Luke 8:22-56; 2) Acts 11:27-12:24; 1 Peter 4:1-11; John 4:43-54;

3) Matthew 10:16-42; 4) Mark 4:10-20

25. 1) Luke 9:1-17; 2) Acts 12:25-13:15; 1 Peter 4:12-19; John 5:1-18;

3) Matthew 11:1-24; 4) Mark 4:21-25

26. Red Sunday

1) Luke 9:18-36; 2) Acts 13:16-43; 1 Peter 5:1-14; John 5:19-30;

3) Matthew 11:25-30; 4) Mark 4:26-34

27. 1) Luke 9:37-50; 2) Acts 13:44-14:6; 2 Peter 1:1-11; John 5:31-47;

3) Matthew 12:1-21;4) Mark 4:35-5:20


3) Matthew 12:22-37;4) Mark 5:21-34

29. 1) Luke 10:1-24; 2) Acts 14:18-27; 2 Peter 1:20-2:8; John 6:15-21;

3) Matthew 12:38-50; 4) Mark 5:35-43

30. 1) Luke 10:25-42; 2) Acts 15:1-29; 2 Peter 2:9-22; John 6:22-38; 3)

Matthew 13:1-23; 4) Mark 6:1-6

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OUTREACH COMMITTEE

Holy Trinity Connect

Holy Trinity Connect is a free resource now available to help connect

church members high school and above with other community members

offering employment, internship, and volunteering opportunities. If you

are seeking a job or community service experience, we recommend you

register for Holy Trinity Connect to learn about openings within our

church community.

We ask that businesses, organizations, and families consider listing job,

internship, and community service opportunities with our service to assist

in connecting with candidates from our church.

To register for, or list on Holy Trinity Connect, please call Harry

Buchaklian at 559-355-6196 or email Andrew Esguerra at

[email protected].

38

PASTOR’S BIBLE STUDY

ARS Manti Committee is taking orders

Please call Barbara Mortanian at 559-284-8478 for inquiries.

Please, use your S.H.A.R.E.S. cards.

This is a wonderful way to help the church financially.

You can use your card at Save Mart

or Food Max. If you need a card,

please contact the church office at 559-486-1141.

39

COMMUNITY CALENDAR APRIL 4:

Easter Eve Service 4:00 pm, Badarak 5:00 pm, Easter Eve Dinner 7:00 pm.

APRIL 7:

5:45 pm Ladies’ Guild Dinner Meeting.

APRIL 8:

7:30 pm Armenian Genocide in Film: Theoretical and Comparative

Perspectives, Part III lecture by Kazan vising Professor Dr. Myrna Douzjian.

Fresno State University Business Center Alice Peters Business Auditorium

Room 191. Free Admission.

APRIL 9, 17, 18 & 19:

7:30 pm on 4/9, 4/17, & 4/18; 2:00 pm on 4/19 Nine Armenians, A play by

Leslie Ayvazian dedicated to the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide, Fresno

Art Museum Bonner Auditorium Directed by Fred Bologna. Ticket $18 and $15

for Fresno Art Museum members. For tickets call 559-435-4478.

APRIL 19:

8:00 am ARS Sophia Chapter 19th “Show Me the Finish Line Fun Run. For

information call Nazik at 559-974-3089.

APRIL 23:

5:00 pm Requiem Service Ararat Cemetery 1925 W. Belmont, Fresno.

APRIL 23:

7:30 pm Unveiling of the Genocide Monument in the evening at the CSU Fresno

campus.

APRIL 24: 9:00 am Annual Flag raising to take place at Fresno City Hall, organized by the

ANCA Central California.

APRIL 24: 7:00 pm Annual traditional community commemoration of the Armenian

Genocide at St. Paul Armenian Church. For a list of all the commemorative

events taking place in the community, visit www.agcfresno.org.

APRIL 24: 19:15 or 7:15 pm World Moment of Silence and Tolling of Bells and Chimes.

For more information visit www.agcfresno.org.

APRIL 25:

5:00 pm Fresno Philharmonic concert dinner at Holy Trinity Church. Meet

Fresno Philharmonic performers and Fresno Master Chorale Choir members-

tickets $20 each RSVP by Monday April 20, 2015. Call the church 486-1141.

7:30 pm Witness and Rebirth Fresno pays tribute in remembrance of the

Victims of the Armenian Genocide at the Saroyan Theater. For tickets call

261-0600.

MAY 21:

7:00 pm UC Center "Cry of the Tormented" Presentation of a book in English

language composed of more than 300 "letters from home" written by Armenians

who faced atrocities, starvation, deportation, murder, and annihilation.

MAY 31:

6:00 pm at the Fresno State Concert Hall A Duo-Piano performance by Naira

Shahsouvarian, Maria Amirkhanian, & soprano Anahit Nersessian, will pay

tribute the victims of the Armenian genocide.

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