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Tuesday, March 09, 2010
Reclaiming the Season of Advent…>
Reclaiming the Season of Advent…
The season of Advent is the final season of the liturgical year of the Armenian Church. It escorts us to the Feast of Nativity and the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Advent is one of the most exciting seasons in the Armenian Church. Not only and simply because it is that time of the year when earth changes its appearance and mood from the beautiful foliage of Fall to the brisk and snow-covered days of Winter. More importantly, Advent is a period of preparation for the celebration of God’s love for us, supremely manifested in the birth of our Lord and Savior from the Virgin Mary. As such, Advent is a period of reflection on our privileged status as the beloved sons and daughters of God. Being the season before Christmas, Advent is also a period of anticipation. Christians around the world start counting the days for the arrival of the Feast of Feasts! Theologically speaking, the voyage of Advent mirrors the journey of every Christian that anticipates the day of our return home, to the Kingdom of God and our encounter with the Lord. However, in our culture today, this beautiful and holy season of Advent has been completely ignored. At best it has been marginalized as a season of consumerism and shopping and relegated to a season of hunting for gift ideas, parking spots and less crowded highways and streets. Mega-businesses have succeeded in hijacking this holy season from the church in the West and turning it into an aggravating and frustrating commercial season. Most of us go through the season like the rest of the non-Christian world, mainly shopping for gifts, yet ignoring the greatest gift of all: God’s love for us, the reason for the season. So, this year let’s make every effort to reclaim this holy season! May I suggest a few ideas? Make a commitment to yourself and your family members not to do any shopping on Sundays. After all, Sunday is the day of the Lord. (We might as well try to reclaim that one from the world of consumerism back to the church.) Instead, start the day by joining the church at worship and spend the afternoon or evening with your immediate family or extended church family. Start reading, or re-read, one of the Gospels. (May I suggest the Gospel of Matthew or Luke.) You can always join our Bible Study groups, including the newly-resumed evening group. Buy a book that reflects on the mystery of the birth of Jesus or on God’s love for us. (You can Google many websites which sell Christian books.) Also, make a donation to a Christian or benevolent cause or charity, in lieu of gifts to family members, and send a note to the family members explaining to them what and why you did. Finally, do not overload your schedule with social/business/shopping events. Set some time aside to enjoy the journey of Advent as an individual and as a family. Have a blessed Advent. In Christ’s service, Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian
News Articles
(Misc.)
Caring Hearts Q&A about death
Glory to God in the Highest
We Shall Never Forget September 11, 2001
Hayr Soorp Travels to Mother See to Defend Thesis
St. Nersess Armenian Seminary: Our "Hidden" Treasure
Fr. Vahan Elevated to Dzayrakuyn Vartabed (Chief Doctor of Faith)

Armenian Church Youth Organization
Lemonade Stand and,,,Car Wash?
Events planned for early 2005
ACYOA Jrs. Fall/Winter Activities
Winter Activities '05-'06
ACYOA Commemoration on Palm Sunday
Celebration of ACYOA Day '06

Bible Studies
Vacation Bible Study 2007
Hye Soorp's Cafe Discusses Bible and Badarak
A Special Bible Study Group at The Armenian Home
Importance of Reading and Studying the Bible

Church Activities
A New Year -- the Search for Meaning
Aradzani Dance Group Performs Dances of Daron Region
The Birth of Our Savior: A Glorious Tribute Echoes Throughout the Parish
Annual Parish Assembly of 2008
Men's Basketball Team at D.C. Sports Weekend
Bayside Srs. Are Basketball and Volleyball Champs
Annual Meeting with Parish Organizations
It Takes a Village: Three Schools Start One Fantastic Fall Semester
Sunday School Late Fall Activities
Parish Council Officers for 2009-2010
For the month of December, the ACYOA Juniors had plenty of activities planned.
Holy Martyrs Youth Reaching Out
by Talene Nigdelian
Fr. Vahan and Caring Hearts discuss 23rd Psalm
Holy Martyrs Competes at ACYOA Sports Weekend
Honoring the Memory of Hrant Dink
Holy Martyrs Web Site Launched on July 28, 2008
ACYOA Day / Palm Sunday 2007
Building Committee: A Lesson from Its History
All Are Blessed in the Prayer Shawl Ministry
Choir News: Jr. Choir, Election of Officers
Choirs Sing at Christmas Services
ACYOA Jrs. Lenten projects
Choir Family Dinner
Holy Martyrs ACSA Basketball Starts Its 42nd Season
Caring Hearts Hosts Enlightening Evening on the Armenian Church Requiem Service
Primate Confers Degrees of Tbir and Ordains Subdeacons
Parish Council Chair's Year-End Report '08
News from the Town Hall Meeting, July '07
It is hard to believe that the first month of 2007 is already behind us and we are about to reconvene for our Annual Parish Assembly.
Busy Start to 2007 for Holy Martyrs
by Lynn T. Cetin M.D.
Parish Council Spring Retreat; Vocations and the "Call" to Serve Christ
Parish Council Chair's Farewell Message
by Lynn T. Cetin MD
Martyrs Day '09 Commemorated with Vespers and Movie on Henry Morgenthau
Schedule of Services for Holy Week and Easter
Language School Forming Choral Group
Poem In Memory of Marguerite Tuntunjian Mazmanian
by Peggy E. Puskuljian Rizzo
Building Committee Update, 4/09
A Memorial Program: Dances of the Indigenous Christians of Anatolia
Fiesta -- Vacation Bible Study 2006
Welcome to New Members, June '06
Mother's Day ['08] at Holy Martyrs
Building Project Moves Forward
Themes at Hye Cafe
Building Committee Update, Aug. '08
Expansion and Improvement
Membership/Stewardship '06; New Members
Decoding the Fabrications of the DaVinci Code
How To Live a Book
Stewardship/Membership "In the Church"
New HVAC System at Church Complex
BBQ Night at Hye Cafe a Success
Parish Council Chair on the 50th Anniversary Celebration
Note From The Treasurer Of Our Council
by Jerry Babaian
How To Become A Friend of the Matenadaran
This House of God Welcomes All Armenian Organizations
Aradzani Dance Group
Youth Festival a Resounding Success
Holy Martyrs ACSA Basketball
Arousiag Papazian Theatrical Group Prepares for Spring Performance
Festival '06 Plans in Full Swing
91st Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide Commemorated
Sister Parish in Armenia
Abp. Barsamian To Bestow Orders of Tbir and Sub-Deacon
Holy Martyrs Basketball
Sister Parish in Spitak, Armenia
Building Committee News, 9/06
Vartanantz Day; Reading Contest at HMALS
Suggested Resolutions for 2009
Facilities Improvements
Women's Guild Activities Past & Upcoming
Helping Those in Need
A group photo
Hayr Soorp's Cafe Holds Successful Summer Kick-Off BBQ ... in the rain!
Planning Exciting Events for the Fall
Holy Martyrs Wins at ACSA Championships
Estate Planning -- Actions Speak Louder Than Words
ALLELUIA! HE IS RISEN! Holy Week Traditions Observed at Holy Martyrs
Women's Guild Spring Events Planned for 2007
A Bright New Season - Spring '06
HMALS 50th Anniversary Events Planned
View From the Pew
Interview with Four Young Parishioners
Hye Bar Dance Group To Make Solo Debut
New Upright Piano Purchased for the Auditorium
Farewell, and Welcome, to Our Church Secretary
Holy Martyrs Rings in the New Year ['08]
Hye Bar Dance Group's First Concert a Success
News from Town Hall Meeting, Jan. '06
Primate Confers Degrees of Tbir and Ordains Subdeacons
Building Committee Update, June '06
Fellowship...or Fellowship Hour? A Lesson from Eastertide
by Lynn T. Cetin MD
Women's Guild Spring Lectures and Activities
A Christmas Season of Prayer, Song, Blessing, and Joy
Appropriate Summer Attire for Church
HSC Enjoys Christmas Concert at Cathedral of St. John the Divine
Golden Anniversary
Caring Hearts: "I Wish You Enough"
Marble Floors Enhance Altar and Chancel
Call for Volunteers
Caring Hearts
Junior Choir Activities
Choir Concert and Dinner - Poon Paregentan
Aradzani Dance Group: Dances of the Indigenous Christians of Anatolia
Educational Ministry
Health and Wellness Workshop
Dr. Levon Avdoyan Lectures on Library of Congress Armenian Collection
Armenian Presence in Jerusalem
Martyrs' Day Vespers & Movie Night: Special Screening of "The Morgenthau Story"
Fr. Vahan's Newest Academic Achievements
EMP Completes a Successful Semester of Lectures and Events
Importance of the Family Dinner
Born of the Water and the Spirit: Course on Baptism Offered by the Educational Ministry Program
The Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople
Vartavar
Holy Martyrs Commemorates the Armenian Genocide with Special Week-Long Program
Baptism 101: Born of the Water and the Spirit
Why do we open and close the curtain during Badarak?
Badarak 101 Mini-Course To Be Offered Again
Movie Night : Jerusalem, Center of the World
The pastor and parish council of our church are happy to announce the offering of a new series of lectures as part of the parish’s Continuing Adult Education ministries for 2007.
Continuing Christian Education Program in Holy Martyrs
EMP Begins New Semester of Events
Why Does the Date of Easter Change?
Dr. Louis Najarian Discusses Trauma: Armenian Earthquake, 9/11, Genocide Denial
Professor Mark Movsesian Lectures on "The Ten Commandments and the Courthouse"
Documentary on Aram Khachaturian
Successful Start to the 2009 EMP: Lecture and "Movie Night" Highlight Armenian History

Holy Martyrs Day School
Cultivating the Future of the Armenian Community
Scholastic Book Fair and Thanksgiving Day programs
Celebration of Life in Armenian Culture at HMADS

Language School
Silva DerStepanian's Visit to HMALS and Other Fall/Winter Activities
Grandparents Day at HMALS
Language School Graduation '07
Manti Night a Huge Success
Monti Night, with Special Guests
Opening Day -- September 13, 2008
Year-end hantes ceremony, 2008
Celebration of Christmas and Other Special Events
Year-End Graduation Hantess Ceremonies
Mayreni Sanag Honored by HMALS
Special Assembly To Commemorate Armenian Genocide of 1915
Vartanantz Day Celebrations; Lenten Activities
Grandparents' Day '09 at HMALS

Special Events
Festival '07 News
Fr. Vahan in Edinburgh and London
Festival '07 Update
Happy 100th Birthday!
Golden Jubilee Celebrations Conclude with Gala Dinner Dance
Festival '06 News
Birthday Wishes to Mary Selvinazian
50th Anniversay Abundance Appeal: A Joyful Look Back
Golden Jubilee Weekend To Launch 50th Anniversary
Parish Gearing Up for Our 52nd Annual Festival
From Our Archives: Two Special Couples CelebrateTheir Golden Anniversary
2008 Street Festival Sizzles!
Fr. Vahan Publishes "In Remembrance of the Lord." Parish Celebrates with Reception and Book Signing
The Power of Planned Giving
New Chorale Celebrates 50th Anniversary of HMALS
Hayr Soorp's Cafe: From Lenten Reflections to Summer BBQ
Chalice from Etchmiadzin at Holy Martyrs
50th Anniversary Jubilee Dinner-Dance
Archbishop Avak Asadourian in New York
Report on the 106th Diocesan Assembly
by Bruce H. Ashbahian
Report on the 104th Diocesan Assembly
by Bruce Ashbahian
Our First 50 Years: Share in the Celebration
Schedule of 50th Anniversary Events
Episcopal Divine Liturgy
Shnorhali Chorale Enjoys Another Smashing Success
Arousiag Papazian Theatrical Group Presents Play
Recognizing Our Own: Interview with artist Mary Tchorbajian
Two Special Donations
Antranig Dance Ensemble Dazzles Audience at Holy Martyrs
Forum on the Future of Christianity in the Middle East
Fr. Vahan Attends Etchmiadzin Conference of the Brotherhood
"Hello Ellis Island" - An Unusual Evening of Theater
Catholicos Karekin II Work Project -- Habitat for Humanity Armenia
Celia Handigian's Birthday Celebration
50th Anniversary Archive Project
Diocese Hosts Reception to Celebrate the Publication of Fr. Vahan's Book
The planning of our church’s consecration anniversary has begun, with a large committee already working to present a year-long celebration in honor of this auspicious milestone in the life of our parish.
50th Anniversary Committee Formed
Holy Martyrs Celebrates Its Golden Jubilee
The Blessing of Holy Muron
Special Parish Assembly
Annual Parish Assembly Report, '09
Report on the 105th Diocesan Assembly
by Michael Zohrabian
Armenia: Twenty Light Years After Its Own Dark Day
Unique Concert from Providence Youth
One Thousand Pillars of Strength Campaign

Sunday School
Christmas Pageant - A Festival of Stars (and Camels and Lambs...)
2006 Sunday School Graduation
Sunday School Reaches Out to One of Its Own: A Prayer for Doug
Sunday School Enjoys Productive Spring Program
Reaching Out...to the Community...to the Cathedral
Sunday School Class of 2007 On Retreat at St. Nersess Seminary
On a Bitter Cold Day, Sunday School Students Bring Warmth to the Armenian Home
End of Sunday School year 2007-2008
Charitable Projects
Pre-Halloween Visit to St. Nersess Seminary - Boo-tiful!
2007 Sunday School Graduation
Proudly Celebrating the Class of 2008
Students Celebrate Poon Paregentan
Sunday School Spring Activities
Staff Attends Diocesan Workshop: Facing History and Ourselves
Bible Presentation Sunday
Spring News from the Sunday School

Women's Guild
Annual Silver Tea, '08 and other activities
Saintly Women's Day '09
Closing Membership Meeting
Spring 2006 Programs
Women's Guild Activities, Spring '09
Election Results '08 and New Members
Spring Activities; Mother's Day Luncheon 2006
Saintly Women's Day and Other Spring Programs '09
Spring luncheon 2008 and other activities
Prayer Shawl Ministry and Other Activities
Communion Breakfast for Feast of the Nativity, and Guild election results
Ringing 2010 @ Holy Martyrs>
Ringing 2010 @ Holy Martyrs
New Year's Eve Dinner-Dance Thursday, December 31, 2009 Kalustyan Hall at 8:00PM Full Course Dinner Music and Entertainment by Mark Khrimian and Ensemble Donations: Adult $100.00 Children under 12: $40.00 Cash Bar, CHambapgne, and Party Favors Santa Claus, movies and crafts for children Deadline December 29, 2009 RSVP Church Office (718) 225-0235

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