HOLY
WEEK
FORTY MARTYRS ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC
CHURCH
Great Tuesday (Rememberance of the Ten Maidens) April 06, 2004
FATHER’S
DAY CELEBRATION IN
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On
To make this day special for fathers, fun games were organized to keep them happy and busy. Thirteen fathers participated in the musical chair game, people were chanting to encourage the participants, and after almost an hour of fun and torture, Mr. George Mahroukian was the winner of this game.
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FORTY
MARTYRS ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH |
On
The bus
ride provided us with time to informally ask questions of and receive answers
from our knowledgeable Hayr Vrouyr Demirjian.
After
singing and socializing for a while, we reached our destination where we were
warmly welcomed. We immediately
attended their morning service and then proceeded to wander their grounds.
We took a
short tour of the premises where we were given explanations for some of their
diverse traditions and customs.
After
stopping for lunch, we headed back to our beloved church and home.
MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION |
On May 08, 2004, Mother’s Day Celebration was organized by The Board of Trustees and Ladies Auxiliary of Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church.
The celebration took place at “Gugasian" hall, with more than 270 people in attendance. Mrs. Silva Tutunjian, Chairlady of Ladies Auxiliary, welcomed the attendees and delivered a short message. She welcomed Mr. Garo Sinbilian, Chairman of The Board, to deliver his message.
Mrs. Tutunjian invited Very Rev. Fr. Vrouyr Demirjian to deliver his message. He emphasized on the importance of a mother’s roll in our lives.
This year nine mothers were honored with bouquets of flowers and individual awards.
Hayr Sourp thanked the Ladies Auxiliary for the success of this event.
APRIL 24 COMMEMORATIONS |
On Friday, April 23, 2004, students of Ari Guiragos Minassian Armenian School along with the Principal Mr. Assadour Assadourian and the faculty, gathered outside in front of the April 24 monument to pay their respects to more than 1.5 million Armenians who were massacred by the Turks.
Very Rev. Fr. Vrouyr Demirjian, Parish Priest, conducted a special requiem service in front the monument, and briefly explained to the students the importance of April 24 in our lives.
The ceremony ended by singing the prayer “Hayr Mer”. At the end, students placed flowers on the monument.
On Saturday, April 24, 2004, a special Holy Liturgy was conducted at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church in Glendale. His Eminence Arch. Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of Western United States, officiated the service, that was conducted by Very Rev. Fr. Vrouyr Demirjian, Parish Priest of Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church in O.C.
Present were representatives of the three denominations (Coptic, Catholic, and Evangelical):
Following the Holy Liturgy, a special requiem service was conducted in front of the Khatchkar in memory of 1.5 million Armenian victims.
On Sunday, April 25, 2004, a special commemoration event took place at “Hovnanian” complex, to commemorate 1915 genocide victims. This event was jointly organized by the community’s organizations of Orange County.
Flag ceremony took place by the Ari and Arenoush’s of Homenetmen Sartarabad Chapter. Both Armenian and American Anthems were sung by Rima Karapetian. A special requiem service was conducted by Very Rev. Fr. Vrouyr Demirjian, Parish Priest in front of “April 24” monument at “Hovnanian” complex,. More than 350 people came to pay their respects to the 1.5 million Armenian Genocide Victims.
Following requiem services, Ari and Arenoush’s placed a wreath in front of the monument. Afterwards, Hayr Sourp lit a candle off of the monument torch and passed it along to the people . Finally, people placed the lit candles in front of the monument and placed carnations on the monument.
A cultural program followed at “Gugasian” hall. Students of A. G. Minassian School & A.Y.F. Aghpiour Serop badanees participated in the program.
Mr. Sourig Torigian, Chairman of A.Y.F. Ashod Yergat Chapter of O.C., welcomed the attendees and introduced Mr. Dikran Sassounian, Chairman of A.R.F. Armen Karo Committee of Orange County, to say a few words and to introduce the key note speaker Mr. Raffi Hamparian.
The final word was given to Very Rev. Fr. Vrouyr Demirjian, Parish Priest, of Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church, who thanked and congratulated the committee members for the success of this event. He also thanked all of the attendees and especially Mr. Hamparian for his dedication for the interest of Armenians.
Hayr Sourp’s short yet strong message to all Armenians was to stay and work together for the interest of the recognition of the Armenian Cause. He added, “The day will come, when we will bring back all of our land, and will see the Armenian Flag placed over Mount Ararad.
The event came to its end with Hayr Sourp’s “Bahbanich” :
HOLY
WEEK
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Great Tuesday (Rememberance of the Ten Maidens) April 06, 2004
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On this day the story of the ten maidens (virgins) are read. Five of whom were wise enough to put oil in their lamps while they were waiting for the bridegroom to come and take them to the wedding. And the other hand the five foolish maidens who did not bring enough oil with them.
This evening service was conducted in our church on Tuesday, April 06, 2004, at 5:30p.m. by Very Rev. Fr. Vrouyr Demirjian, with the present of ten young maidens all from A. G. Minassian Armenian School’s past and present students.
In his sermon of the day, the Very Rev. Fr. Explained the parable of the ten maidens and he emphasized on the importance of always being awake and ready for the second coming of Jesus.
The morning and night hours of song on this day celebrate Christian love and Christ’s redemptive work. Remembering Christ’s spoken words “Since the light is with you, believe in the light and be children of light”
WASHING OF THE FEET. (VODNLUVA)
The evening of Holy Thursday is also a very special time. We remember how Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, to teach them to be humble, and to show them that they must be ready to serve all men.
On this day, more than 14 children were gathered at Forty Martyrs Armenian Church, to have their feet washed by Very Rev. Fr. Vrouyr Demirjian.
In his Sermon, Hayr Sourp explained the true meaning of why did Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, and as true Christians to walk the same path as Jesus did.
VIGIL OF THE NIGHT OF SUFFERING AND DARKNESS (KHAVAROUM)
We commemorate Jesus’ betrayal, His arrest, trial, and suffering, Peter’s denial and Jesus’ facing death alone.
The service of Holy Thursday, prepares us to remember the suffering and crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Church was full of pious people. After reading of the six canons of the Gospel, the lights of Church are all put out, and a single candle was left to remind us of Christ’s singular presence in the darkness. Hayr Sourp sang the appropriate hymns. People were sad as if they were feeling Jesus’ suffering on their own skin, specially when “Oor es mayr eem” was sung by Hayr Sourp.
A very touchy and strong sermon was given by Very Rev. Fr. Vrouyr Demirjian.
The night service came to its end about 12:00 midnight. People left the church with full satisfaction and their souls were filled with God’s words.
Good Friday April 09, 2004
Commemoration of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. Good Friday is the most sacred day of Christendom. It is a day of remembrance of Jesus’ earthly last hours. His sentencing, crucifixion, and finally His burial.
His Eminence, Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, Western United States, Presided over the service and delivered the Sermon of the day.
The Church once again was full of our parishioners. Jesus’ tomb was beautifully decorated, where Srpazan Hayr and Hayr Sourp knel in front of the tomb and sang “Sourp Asdvadz”, where according to tradition, Joseph Arimathea sang as Jesus was lowered from the cross.
At the end of the service, faithful people knelt in front of Jesus’ tomb and crawled underneath, and took a flower from Jesus’ tomb home with them to show their reverence toward the crucified and buried Savior.
Scriptures of the Creation of the world were read by the students of Ari Guiragos Minassian Aremnian School.
The Holy Mass and Sermon was conducted by Very Rev. Fr. Vrouyr Demirjian.
“Tonight we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, we are celebrating the creation of the new life that Jesus gave us through His death, we celebrate God’s victory over evil, darkness and death.” “Today we should also prepare ourselves to receive and celebrate Jesus Christ’s victory over death by His Resurrection.”
This was Hayr Sourp’s message of the day to the pious parishioners who attended Church to celebrate “Jerakalouyts.”
At the end of Mass, candles were lit and taken home.
“Why do you seek the living
among the dead? He has risen”. These
were the words of the angel who appeared to Mary Magdalene, the other Mary and
Salome, who on Sunday morning went to Jesus’ tomb to burn incense and to
anoint Jesus’ body with oils.
PALM SUNDAY
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Sunday, April 04, 2004
This is the day of Jesus’
victorious entry into Jerusalem, and the love that the crowds showed for
Him, waving palm branches and shouting “Hosana”. Christians all over the world
celebrates Palm Sunday as a sign of victory.
A sign of accepting Christ as our Lord in our hearts and minds. Very Rev. Fr. Vrouyr
Demirjian, beautifully conducted the Palm Sunday ceremony with more than 400
parishioners in attendance. The
Church was decorated with palm branches (which was donated as always by Mr.
& Mrs. Vicken Apelian), children holding beautifully decorated candles
(which were donated and prepared by Mrs. Arpi Keshishian) anxiously waiting
for the Tapor.to begin. With the sign of the Cross (donated and prepared
with palm branches by Mrs. Madeline Keshishian) on everybody’s chest, the
Tapor was led by Very Rev. Fr. Demirjian and the Choir. At the end of Taper, children
were gathered inside the “Tas” area, where the Very Rev. Fr. gave a
short yet meaningful explanation to why they are at church today.
He also asked the children to attend church every Sunday not only on
holidays. In his Sermon, Very Rev. Fr.
Vrouyr Demirjian, explained to the parishioners in detail about Christ’s
victorious entry into Jerusalem, and this is a glorious day to all
Christians and particularly to Armenians all over the world. At the end of the Holy
Liturgy (Badarak), the ceremony of the OPENING OF THE DOORS (TRENPATZEK) is
celebrated. This service is unique to the Armenian Church. Opening of the Gates,
proclaims and celebrates our entrance to the heavenly Jerusalem after
Christ’s second coming and brings to mind the picture of the day of the
Last Judgment. According to Armenian Church
tradition, a God Father is always present
at the time of the Trenpatzek ceremony.
The Trenpatzek ceremony was conducted and officiated by Very Rev. Fr.
Vrouyr Demirjian, and this year God Father of the KEY was George Parseghian. At the end of the Holy Eurasian, parishioners gathered in Eurasian hall for the traditional coffee and sweets prepared by the Ladies Auxiliary.
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NAME
DAY CELEBRATION |
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Sunday, March 21, 2004 On Sunday, March 21, 2004, a
very special High Mass was conducted in honor of the Forty Martyrs (karasoun
manougs) devotion and sacrifice to Christ. On this special day, we celebrate
the name of our church “Forty Martyrs”. Very Rev. Fr. Vrouyr
Demirjian, Pastor of Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church, celebrated the
Divine Liturgy and delivered the message of the day.
He explained to the parishioners the story of the forty martyrs, and
how they became saints because they believed and died for Christ.
He added, “A saint is a person who has a strong soul, who with
bravery and goodness approaches people to stand between them and sin and to
be victorious against evil.” He concluded his sermon by saying; “Let it, in honor of the
forty Martyrs Church’s celebration, be for all of us a new beginning and
awakening toward immortality in the heavenly paradise.” After church services, the
congregation led by Hayr Sourp and the choir headed to “Gugasian” hall
for the blessing of the “Madagh”. More
than 500 people were present. At this time, we would like
to extend our sincere appreciation to Mr. & Mrs. George Gemayel for
donating $1,500 towards the Madagh expences.
Miss Rosie Onbachian for donating the salt, and to all who, for a
special vow or purpose, made a donation to our church.
A special thanks to all the women who devoted their time and
made this day possible by preparing
the Madagh. May God bless you all.
(Oukhdernit gadar).
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BLESSING
OF THE MEAT AND SALT |
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Friday,
March 19, 2004 On Friday, March 19, 2004, immediately following
Arevakal services, the congregation led by Hayr Sourp and the Choir, headed
to the entrance of the “Gugasian” hall, where the table was set with
meat and salt to be blessed. Mrs.
Siroun Gemayel (donated the meat), and Miss Rosie Onbachian (donated the
salt) were present. With
special hymns Hayr Sourp blessed the meat and salt.
Blessing of the Madagh was concluded by the singing
of “Hayr Mer” and finally, “Giligia.”
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ArmenianChristmas Eve (Djerakalouyts) and Christmas day (Dznoont) |
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January 05, 2004 On Monday, January 05, 2004, Armenian Christmas Eve (Djerakalouyts) was celebrated in our Church. Our faithful people attended church to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The celebrant of the day was Very Rev. Fr. Vrouyr Demirjian, Pastor of Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church. Instead of the daily sermon, the Very Re. Fr. Demirjian read His Eminence’s Christmas message. At the end of the Holy Badarak, people lit their candles and headed to the entrance of the hall where the Very Rev. Fr. Blessed the bread, salt and the water. At the end people sang “Khorhourt Medz” and then “Giligia”. Everyone congratulated each other by saying “Khristos Dznav yev haydnetsav, Orhnial e Haydnoutiounen Khristosi, Tzezi mezi medz Avedis”. Afterwards, a traditional ChristmasEeve dinner was prepared by the organization of the Ladies Auxiliary and A.R.S. “Sevan” chapter, at “Gugasian” hall. On Tuesday, January 06, 2004, Armenian Christmas Day was celebrated in our Church. The High Mass was celebrated and Very Rev. Fr. Vrouyr Demirjian delivered the Sermon. After the Holy Badarak, the Blessing of the water was celebrated. Alex Hachigian, was the Godfather of the Cross. Later the blessed water was given to our pious people.
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The Opening Ceremony of the “Khatchkar” |
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January 04, 2004 On Sunday, January 04, 2004, the Orange County community welcomed His Eminence, Arch. Moushegh Mardirossian, to celebrate the first mass of 2004 in our church. Immediately after the Divine Liturgy, our pious people headed to the left side of the entrance of the church , where the new “Khatchkar” stands. With special prayers and a ceremony, his Eminence blessed the “Khatchkar” and the faithful people of our church. Very Rev. Fr. Vrouyr Demirjian, on behalf of the Board of Trustees of our Church, thanked His Eminence and the Executive Council for their permission to have a “Khatchkar” in our complex. He also thanked Mrs. Nazeli Tutunjian and her family for donating the “Khatchkar” in memory of their late husband and father Krikor Tutunjian. Mr. Dikran Sassounian, Chairman of A.R.F Armen-Karo Gomideh, thanked the Tutunjian family for their dedication. The opening ceremony came to its end by the singing of “Giligia” and a few songs by the young badanees of Orange County Ashod Yergat AYF.
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New Year’s eve celebration in Orange County |
December, 31, 2003Once again, the Board of Trustees of the Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church celebrated New Year’s Eve at “Gugasian” hall. With more than 400 people in attendance, everyone enjoyed an evening full of entertainment and fun. A photographer was on hand to capture the special moments. At midnight, the crowd moved towards church to ring in 2004 with prayers and hope for a glorious upcoming year.
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New Ladies Auxiliary Board Member Election |
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Dec. 11, 2003 On Thursday, Dec. 11, 2003, Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church’s Ladies Auxiliary new board members were elected. Tthey are as follows:
Congratulation to the newly elected members and GOOD LUCK!!!!
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COMMEMORATION OF THE 1000TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. KRIKOR NAREGATSI’S Life and work (Book of Laminations) |
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November 18, 2003 This year, His Holliness Aram I Catholicos of Cilicia, dedicated the year 2003 to St. Krikor Naregatsi. To commemorate the 1000th year of St. Krikor Naregatsi’s life and work, On November 18, 2003, under the auspices of His Eminence, Moushegh Arch. Mardirosssian, Prelate of the Western Pprelacy, and with the organization of Very Rev. Fr. Vrouyr Demirjian, pastor of Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church and the Board of Trustees, a spiritual lecture was held at “Hovnanian” complex’s “Gugasian” hall, at7:30p.m. Mrs. Tahlene Gourdikian, M.C. for the evening, in her opening remarks, welcomed the attendees on behalf of the Pastor and the Board of Trustees and Among the participants during the event were the A.G.Minassian Armenain School’s Choir “singing” (Vork Zartaretsin & Aravod Lousso) under the leadership of Mr. Aram Aghababyan. Mrs. Maggie Dishoian, recited “From the Depth of Heart Prayer unto Saint Krikor Naregatsi” written By His Holiness Aram I Catholicos of Cilicia. Harout Oglian, on the flute, played “Kristos ee mech mer haydnetsav”, “Der Voghormia” and “Ourakh Ler”. The keynote speech was delivered by` Very Rev. Fr. Vrouyr Demirjian, Pastor of Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church. The subject was “Nareg in the prism of the people”. Mr. Levon Hassarjian, sang “Havou¯n Havou¯n” with his Pavarotti voice. Finally a dance performance (Giligia) from Hamazkayin “Nairi” dance ensemble, under the leadership of Ms. Katherine Hayrabedian. This beautiful and unique event came to an end with the singing of “Giligia”, and Hayr Sourp’s closing prayer and words. Three hundred people were present at the event, and all were spiritually satisfied. All individually congratulated and thanked Hayr Sourp for this beautifully organized event. Those in attendance, left the lecture with a deeper understanding and appreciation of “Naregatsi”. At this time we would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Mrs. Shake Konyalian for donating much of the profit of her hand made works to our Church. A heartfelt thank you to Hamazkayin’s “Nairi” dance ensemble, who, without any hesitation, agreed to perform at this event. A special thanks to our enthusiastic Ladies Auxiliary, who did not spare any effort in preparing the delicious hors devours which were served at the end of the event. These ladies are always ready to work to serve our church. Thank you ladies. And finally, thanks to everyone who participated in the success of this event. Thank you and God Bless! Click here to read the Armenian press release
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STUDENTS INVOLVEMENT IN CHURCH |
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October 31, 2003 On Friday, Oct. 31, 2003, A.G.Minassian Armenian School’s students from kindergarten through fifth grade, with Mr. Assadour Assadourian and the faculty, gathered in church for the monthly Holy Badarak Sermon. This time, Very Rev. Fr. Vrouyr Demirjian, pastor of Forty Martyrs Armenian Church, conceived the idea of having students read from the Bible and try to explain what they have understood. Students were thrilled and excited. Ani Akmakjian read from the Bible in Armenian , David Khacherian, talked about “Why should we love each other” in English. Karina Papirian read from the Bible in English and Anahid Bariyan gave the resolution in Armenian. After reading from the Bible, Lucy Dishoian, Shogher Wartan and Shantal Guldjian (fourth grade students) recited “Yegeghetsin Haygagan” Hayr Sourp congratulated the children for a job well done.
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FAMILY NIGHT |
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October 18, 2003 On the occasion of “Armenian Cultural Month”, a “Family Night” was jointly organized, by all community organizations on Saturday, October 18, 2003, to benefit A.G. Minassian Armenian School. Over 450 people packed the “Gugasian” hall, to enjoy the voices of Karnig Sarkissian and Ara Shahbazian, who donated their talent for the evening. This unique event brought together ALL COMMUNITY MEMBERS with one goal in mind; to work collectively to bring much needed funds to our dear A.G. Minassian Armenian School. Ms. Zepur Ohanessian, M.C for the evening, invited various people to the podium to address the joyful crowd including Very Reverend Father Vrouyr Demirjian, who thanked all of the volunteers, especially the ARS Sevan Chapter and the Forty Martyrs Ladies Auxiliary. Principal Mr. Assadour Assadourian was very touched by the sincere show of support from the community. Also addressing the people present was Mr. Dikran Sassounian, Chairman of the Armen Garo Gomideh, and Mr. Garo Sinblian, Chairman of the Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church Parish Counsel. Students from A.G.Minassian Armenian School participated in this event, Ms. Annie Ekmekjian gave her opening remarks in Armenian, Ms. Karina Papirian gave her opening remarks in English, and students from 3-rd and 4-th grades recited “Mayreni Lezou” . Ms. Zella Keuylian, Ms. Salpy Kabaklian and Mr. Garo Kilejian, alumni students of A.G.Minassian Armenian School took part in addressing the community of how important was A.G.Minassian school in their lives. They encouraged all community parents to bring their children to our school. The delicious food was donated by the Fermanian family of Super King Market and by Mr. And Mrs. Khacho and Margo Bartoumian of “Ararat Restaurant”. We would like to thank each and every one of you who attended this wonderful event. It is because of people like you that our community and especially our school can survive. We are pleased to announce to the entire community, that the outcome of this event was enormously successful. We were able to collect more than $35,000.00 to A.G. Minassian Armenian School. At this time we would like to thank all community members, who, with their persistent encouragement and generous donations, continue to support our beloved school.
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LECTURE ON THE OCCASION OFARMENIAN CULTURAL MONTH |
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October 08, 2003 October being Armenian Cultural Month, prompted the A.R.S. “Sevan” Chapter to invite the Very Reverend Father Vroyr Demirjian, Pastor of Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church, to lecture on the subject of "The Role of the Armenian Mother in Our Armenian Culture". In his lecture, Hayr Sourp emphasized strongly on the effect of the Armenian Mother in keeping our culture alive throughout our history. Finally, Hayr Sourp thanked A.R.S. “Sevan” chapter, for inviting him, and allowing him the opportunity to lecture on such a touchy subject. He also congratulated all A.R.S. members for their dedication. The attractive topic brought over 100 people to Armenian Center “Ghazarian” Hall, on Wednesday October 8, including executive members of A.R.S. central region . The pleasant event left a good impression on the people in attendance. Coffee and desserts were served giving the attendees the opportunity to further discuss the subject at hand.
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CELEBRATING ARMENIAN CULTURAL MONTH |
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Sunday, October 05, 2003 To celebrate Armenian Cultural Month, Very Reverend Father Vrouyr Demijian and the Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church Parish Counsel, invited His Eminence, Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, prelate of Western Prelacy, to deliver his Divine Liturgy in our church on Sunday October 5th. To further enrich the ambiance, the A.G.Minassian Armenian School students collaborated with the church choir, creating an even more angelic voice from above. Just looking at the multitude of people, one could see how moved and effected they were. No seats were left empty. The Tbirs and Tbrouhis adorned the alter, like flowers in bloom. Both Very Rev. Fr. Vrouyr Demirjian and Der Ashod Kambourian joined the Serpazan Hayr in the days events. Following the Holy Badarak, the crowd followed the Tapor to Gugasian Hall, where the A.G. Mminasians’ “PTO” had eloquently organized its annual Book Fair. Fun was had by all in the church parking lot at the picnic, where the aroma of kebob had enveloped the streets of Santa Ana. Everyone seemed to enjoy the fun day!
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a new generation of choristers |
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As you all may be aware, a new generation of choristers (Tbir & Tbrouhi)’s are being educated on Friday evenings in our church. Very Rev. Fr. Vrouyr Demirjian, with the assistance of Mr. Garo Kiledjian, are training an increasingly growing group of young adults and children, both male & female, to take on the beautiful task of enriching our already divine Badarak. Hayr Sourps mission is to involve and educate our new generation about the values, traditions according to our Armenian Church, the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, how to become true Christians by serving God. More than 20 youngsters have joined this program. They are eager to learn and be a part of our divine Liturgy every Sunday. These children have improved our communitys awareness about our church and its heavenly practices. If you are interested in being a part of this uplifting program, please encourage and bring your own children to Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church every Friday evening at 5:00p.m. Please support and encourage this heavenly program. After all these children are the future. Let’s work together for the success of this program. If you have any questions, you may contact the Church office @ (714) 839-7820
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August 17, 2003
Click here to learn more about the feast On August 17, 2003, our church celebrated the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Mother of God). The Church was filled with pious people, who came to Church to hear God’s words, and to witness the blessing of the Grapes. Very Rev. Fr. Vrouyr Demirjian was the Celebrant of the day. He conducted the Holy Badarak and delivered the Sermon. He explained in details about the Assumption of the “Mother of God”, where he emphasized on the role of the mothers in our lives in general, specially the role of the Armenian mothers in our lives. Then he congratulated all mothers specially mothers who bear the name of “St. Mary”. At the end of the Holy Badarak, Very Rev. Fr. Demirjian along with Fr. Ashod Kambourian, the Deacons, the Choir and our pious crowd, joined together with the singing of “Amen Alelluiah”, to conduct the Blessing of the Grapes. After the Church ceremony, everyone headed to Mile Square Park, for the annual traditional picnic, under the presidency of Very Rev. Fr. Vrouyr Demirjian, organized by the Board of Trustees of Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church, with the help of our enthusiastic Ladies Auxiliary, who are always with no doubt ready to work alongside the Board of Trustees for the benefit of our Church, and volunteer members from our community. More than 350 people attended the picnic. For the second time, Very Rev. Fr. Vrouyr Demirjian blessed the grapes in the presence of our faithful people, for those who were unable to attend church and witness the blessing of the grapes. Beautiful Armenian music was performed by DJ Simon. Women were busy dancing Armenian “shourch bar”. Children were busy with the presence of the R.J. Clown, and 3in 1 moon bouncer that kids love and enjoy. Men of course, were busy with their traditional games such as backgammon, blot and kouanch. A trophy was awarded to the champions of both games. In reality, the biggest trophy should be awarded to the members of the Board of Trustees, the Ladies Auxiliary and to all the volunteers who participated and devoted their precious time and energy for the success of this event. At this time, Very Rev. Fr. Vrouyr Demirjian, would like to extend his sincere appreciation to all who helped in any way to bring this event its success. May God Bless you, and Grant you health.
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Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian in our church |
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July 08, 2003
On Tuesday, July 08, 2003, Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church, and members of the Honorable Executive Council met with Very Rev. Fr. Vrouyr Demirjian, Pastor of the Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church, Rev. Ashod Kambourian, Delegates of our Community, and the Board of Trustees.
The meeting was held at Gugasian Hall at 7:30p.m.
Very Rev. Fr. Vrouyr Demirjian, welcomed His Eminense and the Honorable guests to our community.
The purpose of this meeting was to congratulate and meet with the newly elected members of the Board of Trustees, to know about their future activities and their participation in the improvement of the Church and the community.
Members of the Board of Trustees, assured His Eminense and the Executive Council, even with the heavy burden they carry on their shoulders, they promised to work together with Very Rev. Fr. Vrouyr Demirjian, for a brighter and better future.
The outcome of this meeting was successful. |
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Anniversary Badarak |
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June 29, 2003 As all the Armenian Apostolic Churches that are under the jurisdiction of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia, The Armenian Community of Orange County celebrated the 8th Anniversary of the election and ordination of His Holiness Aram I Catholicos of Cilicia. V. Rev. Fr. Vrouyr Demirjian, who celebrated the Divine Liturgy in Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church, talked about the pontifical ministry and the achievements of His Holiness and asked the faithful to pray the Lord to grant His Holiness wisdom and courage in his service to the Armenian Church. “Hayrabedagan Maghtank” was performed by the choir at the end of the Divine Liturgy.
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EPISCOPAL BADARAK |
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June 22, 2003 Pastors of Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church, V. Rev. Fr. Vrouyr Demirjian, Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian, Board of Trustees and the Armenian Community of Orange County, welcomed His Eminence, Arch. Moushegh Mardirossian, prelate of Wester Prelacy, with great honor and distinct pleasure who celebrated the Holy Liturgy and to delivered the Sermon, on the feast of “Holy Etchmiyadzin” and on the occasion of his newly attained title “ARCHBISHOP”, which he accepted from His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of Cilicia In his Sermon, the Archbishop reflected on how St. Gregory the Illuminator, with divine vision laid the basis of Holy Etchmiyadzin Cathedral and how he expanded and lightened the new religion. He talked about St. Gregory’s life style and encouraged the faithful to embrace the Christian morality and become distinct members and models in the society. At the end of the Holy Badarak, in “Gugasian” hall, a special luncheon was offered by The Ladies Auxiliary of the Forty Martyrs Armenian Church in honor of His Eminence’s attained title. The Orange County Armenian Community was invited to attend this celebration and were given the chance to congratulate the Archbishop. At this occasion, on behalf of Rev. Kambourian, our community’s Delegates, Board of Trustees, Ladies Auxiliary and the Armenian Community Orange County, V. Rev. Fr. Vrouyr Demirjian, Pastor of Forty Martyrs Armenian Church, congratulated His Eminence and informed him that the community is very enthusiastic about the church activities and said that the church would work hard to bring people closer to Church, particularly the youth. In addition, Mr. Garo Sinbilian, Chairman of The Board of Trustees and Mrs. Janet Dishoian, Chairlady of the Ladies Auxiliary, both congratulated the Archbishop and wished him good health so he may continue his ministry to the Armenian community in Western U.S.A. His Eminence thanked the Orange County Community for their hospitality and for the generous gift that was donated by the Board of Trustees. The day’s program came to a close with the singing of “GILIGIA,” which was beautifully performed by our Church’s Choir.
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