2008 was a memorable year for the Holy Martyrs Parish and Parish Council, as we completed our year-long celebration of the 50^th anniversary of the consecration of the Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs (1958-2008). Last year was also a pivotal year as we hired a professional Architect as consultant who is about to file the required plans and documents with the Department of Buildings in order to secure a construction permit for a Community Center that will include a full gymnasium, a large banquet hall, additional classrooms, as well as Pastoral housing.

            In addition, there were many special events, celebrations, lectures, and projects that took place at Holy Martyrs throughout the past year. As you probably noticed, this past year was also one of the busiest and successful years for Holy Martyrs due to the efforts of many dedicated and committed members. The Parish Council is proud and honored to serve the fine people of our Parish.

            I am also very proud and honored to serve the church as chairman for the second year under the leadership of Very Rev. Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian, and this tireless, hardworking and devoted Parish. Our accomplishments are due to the success of these Parish Council members and the giving of their unique Time, Talents, and Treasures selflessly. On behalf of the entire Parish, I would like to thank all the members of the Parish Council for all they have accomplished, as we look forward to the future challenges we will face and accomplish together.

            In 2008, some of the events, celebrations, and services that took place at Holy Martyrs and outside the church were as follows:

1-      Six major events took place, during a year-long celebration of the 50^th anniversary of the consecration of the Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs (1958-2008).

2-      Twelve major lectures and book readings took place, as part of the Adult Educational Ministry Program at the Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs.

3-      A major health and wellness workshop was presented by the Armenian-American Health Professional as known as AAHPO, of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

4-      A special lecture was presented by Professor Paruyr Muradyan during the Genocide commemorative week, titled “The Genocide and our Cultural Loss”.

5-      A private reception was held at the Diocese by the invitation of the Primate, Abp. Khajag Barsamian, to launch the publication of Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian’s new book “In Remembrance of the Lord”.

6-      A special Parish Assembly was held to appraise the Building Committee’s preliminary plans for our Building expansion project.

7-      The Shnorhali Choral Group of the Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs was invited to the Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Philadelphia, PA, for a special performance under the direction of Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian.

8-      Holy Martyrs Church honored Ms. Celia Handigian on the celebration of her 95^th birthday, as well as Mrs. Mayreni Sanag for her many years of service to the Armenian Church and Armenian schools.

9-      As part of the Parish Council fundraising events, our Church sponsored an Art Show and Auction, conducted by AJ Ross Auction.

10-  Special proclamations were delivered from Senator Frank Padavan, City Councilmnan Tony Avella, and also from Mayor Bloomberg honoring the 50^th anniversary of our Church during our Annual Festival on Oceania Street.

As always, without our office staff, Dn. Frank Kabarajian, Mariam Vakilian, and Marion Garry, many of the activities in the church could not have been possible, organized or implemented. On behalf of the Parish Council, I would like to thank all of them for their cooperation. Many thanks also to our custodial staff – Laert Martirosov, Hector Rivera, and Onfelia Guzman for helping to set-up our church facilities for our numerous programs and activities. I would also like to thank Mary Selvinazian for her love and dedication to our church, as well as helping the church office as a volunteer in various capacities for many years, especially as the editor of our NARREC monthly newsletter.

Lastly, I send my greatest thanks to Very Rev. Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian, who guided me along one of the greatest journeys of my life. We all successfully celebrated together a year-long celebration of the consecration of the Holy Martyrs Church, and will continue to celebrate more as long as we trust and understand the faith in each other. We all have proven to our community that a Pastor and a Council can work together in harmony. I wish Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian peace and joy as he continues to spread the word of God throughout his beloved ministry.

Michael Zohrabian, PE

            Parish Council Chairman