On Sunday, January 8, 2006 Holy Martyrs celebrated the Feast of Theophany and the Baptism of our Lord with the traditional Blessing of the Water ceremony. With Arman Ghazarian as godfather of the cross, the parish welcomed the birth of our Lord and the start of the new year with blessings. In an effort to start the year off on a positive note, Fr. Vahan and the Parish Council delivered wonderful news to the parish at its first Town Hall Meeting of 2006.

The meeting began with a welcome from Fr. Vahan and the great news that our Street Festival in September netted over $34,000. Thanks were again extended to Gregory Saraydarian and Peter Paternostro, as well as the entire Festival Committee for a job well done.

Following a lengthy but meaningful discussion about church traditions and etiquette, parishioners were given an update about the progress of the Building Committee. With the Parish Assembly a month away, Fr. Vahan, the Parish Council and the Building Committee were excited to state that over ¾ of a million dollars have been pledged thus far for our expansion efforts. Of importance was the fact that the funds were pledged prior to the mass mailing of a letter written by Fr. Vahan in December explaining the “Pillars of Strength” campaign. All present were encouraged that in a few months more funds would most likely be pledged as people read and reread the flyer and see more publicity about our building project. At the 2005 Parish Assembly, the parish decided to break ground once half of the needed funds were obtained. With almost 25% pledged with little efforts, those involved are encouraged and excited about the potential to build. With the Diocesan Assembly behind us and no major events scheduled for 2006, Fr. Vahan, the Parish Council and the Building Committee are committed to make the building project a priority in 2006 and beyond.

The Building Committee, after some changes and challenges in 2005 has now been meeting regularly to discuss more formal fundraising efforts and building plans. We need to build our future for our future. Fr. Vahan and the Parish Council were thankful to have Dr. Garo Armen, Nichan Tchorbajian and Ed Jamie Jr. from the Building Committee present at the Town Hall Meeting to see and hear first hand the enthusiasm of our parishioners. Their comments were also received positively and the solid foundation of the Building Committee was evident from their statements of commitment and their presence.

The Town Hall Meeting ended with our annual Christmas drawing. Although more tickets could have been sold, the Parish Council is grateful to all parishioners and friends who supported this fundraising effort. The prizes were distributed as follows: The 1^st prize ($2,250) and 3^rd prize ($900) were awarded to Matthew, David and Michael Babaian, and the 2^nd prize ($1,350) to Janice Kechijian.

Fr. Vahan and the Parish Council are asking all dues-paying members to make every effort to attend our annual Parish Assembly on Sunday, February 12, 2006, following Badarak. Elections will take place for important church leadership positions. Members will also be asked to vote on a proposal to build on the existing acreage of land owned by Holy Martyrs.

You need to present to have a voice! Remember, we are building our future for our future……