Amazingly, worshippers at Holy Martyrs attended Holy Badarak for three consecutive days on January 4, 5 and 6, 2009, in preparation for and in celebration of the Nativity and Baptism of our Lord, despite New York’s snowy conditions.  Each day they responded to the exhortation of the choir to “…taste and see how sweet is the Lord. Alleluia!” (Jashagetzek yev desek zi kaghtzr e Der) and came forward to receive the Blessed Sacrament in great numbers.

            On the Eve of Theophany, Monday, January 5, students of the Day School read the Holy Scriptures with their perfect Armenian pronunciation, as they had been trained by their teachers.  Having completed their duties at the Chancel, the children hurried to the balcony to join the other members of our Junior Choir who were preparing to sing the Divine Liturgy under the direction of our new rising star Talar Aydin, and at the organ Janet Marcarian who is always ready to serve her church.  The angelic voices of our cherished youngsters created a joyful atmosphere in which to welcome the Birth of our Lord.  It was beautiful to see all the children joining adult worshippers in receiving Holy Communion.

             We congratulate Talar, Janet, and our multi-talented Junior Choir Director Maro Partamian, as well as every one of the young singers and their parents for their dedication.  We hope that additional youngsters will come to join the Junior Choir so that our forthcoming Easter Eve Badarak and other events featuring secular Armenian songs will be even more exciting.

            A delectable fellowship hour table was prepared by the parents of the Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School for all to enjoy in Kalustyan Hall following the Divine Liturgy.

            The Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord, Tuesday, January 6, was a day that will remain special in the history of Holy Martyrs.  The anticipated presence as guest celebrant, of His Eminence Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Diocesan Legate and President of the National Council of Churches, brought an unprecedented number of worshippers to church bright and early in order to receive the blessings of Srpazan Hayr during the Hrashapar procession.  Also present were our pastor Very Rev. Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian and our former pastor Rev. Fr. Carnig Hallajian.  Members of the Gomidas Choir had also come to join our Holy Martyrs Choir to sing the Yegmalian version of the Divine Liturgy under the direction of Kris Kalfayan, with Nevart Zeronian-Dadourian at the organ. With Archbishop Aykazian presiding, the Blessing of Water Service (Churorhnek) took place with young Andrew Gazal, the son of Mr. & Mrs. Avedis and Tessy Gazal, as godfather of the cross. 

          At the conclusion of the Services, clergy and deacons went in procession to the church auditorium where the Home-Blessing Ceremony (Dnorhnek) was performed.  The Women’s Guild of our church had prepared a fine communion breakfast for all parishioners who quickly occupied their places at the well-appointed tables.  Many acquaintances of Vicken Srpazan approached His Eminence to greet him and converse with him at length.  In all, it was a memorable and enjoyable day for all at Holy Martyrs on this Feast of Theophany 2009.