Thanksgiving is upon us.  It’s a time when the seasons have completely changed and we have finally reconciled ourselves with the reality that winter is fast approaching.  Economically speaking, it is the season to change gears to the Christmas shopping frenzy. ‘Tis the season of packed parking lots, long lines in the malls, frustrated shoppers and long lists of gifts to buy for loved ones.  Most importantly, however, for us Christians, Thanksgiving is the time when loved ones return home, and the extended family members gather to spend an evening or weekend of fellowship, fun and food with friends and family, and to give thanks to God for the blessings that we enjoyed throughout the year in this blessed land we call our country.

          Here, at the headquarters of Holy Martyrs, we are fully in the Thanksgiving mood!  Our church calendar is filling up with several exciting Christmas events: gatherings, programs and dinners.  It is with thanksgiving to the Lord, however, that we look back at a year filled with achievements and festivities, as our parish family celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the consecration of its sanctuary.  Indeed, what a great occasion to ponder God’s blessings and to give thanks to Him!

            For fifty years, volunteers have given their time, talents and treasures to make sure that Holy Martyrs is founded on solid ground and that it continues its ministry and remains a shining center of Armenian Christianity in the Queens/Long Island area.

          It is the golden anniversary of worshipping God here in Bayside, New York, according to the beautiful Armenian traditions: Sunday Badaraks, baptisms, weddings, funerals, Great Lents, Holy Week services, ordinations and many other special church services that have kept the spiritual flame lit in the hearts and souls of thousands of Armenians throughout the decades.  Half a century of spiritual, cultural, social and educational programs that helped to and continue the weaving of the Armenian Christian fabric of Holy Martyrs programs that maintained and strengthened the Armenian Christian identity of the people who envisioned, planned and executed them in and for this God-fearing community.

          Indeed, what a blessing to be an active part of this Armenian fellowship and Christian ministry we call our parish.  As you join your family to celebrate this year’s Thanksgiving, may I suggest that we make a point to give thanks to God for the gift of Holy Martyrs, to remember the souls of those who were the founders, early pillars and leaders of her ministry reminisce about the beautiful days of her past and commit yourselves to active involvement and support of her present and future. 

            May Holy Martyrs remain a strong beacon of Armenian Christianity for another half century and for centuries to come.  “Lord, save Your people bless those who are heirs of Your kingdom and preserve the fullness of Your Church.” (Badarak).  Amen.

                                                              Yours in Christ,

                                                            Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian