On Sunday, December 5, 2010 Holy Trinity Armenian Church was filled with celebration mood. It was the 82nd anniversary of our church and another year of accomplishments – a great reason for all of us to rejoice once again.
His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, the Primate of the Canadian Diocese celebrated the Divine Liturgy with the assistance of Rev. Archpriest Zareh Zargarian, Rev. Fr. Datev Menengichian and Rev. Archpriest Sarkis Gulyan. The church choir conducted by Mr. Shahe Altounian made this day even more special by adding a great sense of warmth to the ceremony.
During the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Galstanian granted the rank of Sub Deacon to:
Haygaz Mirzoyan, Sarkis Mirzoyan, Nareg Kara-Yakoubian, Saro Wanes and Sarkis Kaltakjian.
Also, new Acolytes were ordained by the primate.
Following the Church Ceremony, a special Anniversary Banquet organized by the parish council members took place in “Magaros Artinian” Hall.
The event started with the National Anthems of Canada and Armenia followed by Bishop Galstanian’s Grace. The Master of Ceremony was Mrs. Sis Abajian, who started the program by introducing the guests of honor.
“Yeraz” Youth Choir of the Church performed Armenian beautiful songs accompanied by their conductor, Mrs. Meline Afyan on piano. This year we enjoyed the Angelic voices of adorable singers in this wonderful group; some of them have joined the group recently.
During the lunch, a video presentation from the July’s trip to Armenia was being played in which we witnessed the joy and life changing experiences of our youth taking part in a journey to Motherland. The graduates of St. Sahag – St. Mesrop Armenian Saturday School of church, The Canadian Youth Mission to Armenia and “Sassoun” Dance Ensemble of Holy Trinity Armenian Church who were accompanied by Primate Galstanian, Fr. Zargarian, Fr. Myron Sarkissian, Parish Council Chair, Mr. Satouri, board members and some of the parents.
The Babaian Foundation’s president, Mr. Haig Selian, addressed the guests and explained about the support and assistance of the foundation to Church.
As a tradition of anniversary, the church auxiliary and committees presented their financial donations to the church treasurer, Mrs. Rosin Imasdounian, in support of maintaining the church mission, projects and costly maintenance of the building which was appreciated with great rounds of applause from the guests.
Mr. John Satouri, the Chairman of Parish Council welcomed the guests and gave an explanation about different projects the church has been involved within the last year. He thanked our beloved Primate and Pastor, for their leadership and support, as well as parish council members for working tirelessly through different challenges.
The next performance was two amazing songs by vocal solo artist Mrs. Sona Hovsepyan, accompanied by Mr. Vazken Kaljian on piano.
The Chairman of Diocesan Council, Mr. Ara Boyajian addressed the guests with a heartfelt speech, congratulating the Church Anniversary to all with warm wishes to the Pastor and Parish Council of Holy Trinity.
The series of wonderful performances that took place in Artinian Hall that day, was continued by “Sassoun” Dance Ensemble of the church. Once again they brought such a joy and delight to the audience by performing a number of Armenian folk dances. The group has been training for 6 years with Choreographer and instructor Mr. Joe Avakian and assistant Mrs. Sossi Avakian.
Rev. Archpriest Zareh Zargarian welcomed and appreciated the presence of the guests on this special celebration and thanked all members of the parish council for their services to the church throughout the year, expressed his gratitude to the volunteers of Holy Trinity for their ongoing support and heartfelt work and invited His Eminence Bishop Galstanian to the podium to deliver his heartfelt remarks. Bishop Galstanian congratulated this special occasion to all and urged everyone to continue with their great work and enthusiasm.
On the occasion of the church anniversary a very special award was given to Dn. Krikor Tozak for his 40 years of service on church altar and the faithful. As a token of appreciation, Dn. Tozak received the highest order of Holy Trinity Armenian Church, The Golden Cross.
The Youth recognition award went to:
Miss. Sareen Avakian, the instructor of “Sassoun” Dance Ensemble’s junior group for her dedicated work with our youngsters.
Hagop Imasdounian from Armenian Church Youth Organization of Canada has been involved in many committees and always helpful. He received the award for the Young Man of the year 2010.
The Woman of the year award went to the church’s Sunday School Principal, Mrs. Sossi Barounian for her devoted and wonderful services to the students and the church in general. The Man of the year award went to Mr. Harutyun Tersakyan for his years of service and writings for Nor Serount Publication of the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church.
Fr. Zargarian invited all to join him appreciate the ongoing support and services of previous Parish Council member, Mr. Ohan Ohanessian. Mr. Ohanessian and his family have been involved and active in different committees of this church.
The parish council presented Yeretsgin Naira a bouquet of flowers as a token of appreciation for her supporting role over the years.
At the end of the speech, on behalf of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church faithful, Fr. Zareh, extended words of gratitude to His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, the primate, for his leadership and care.
The 82nd Anniversary Luncheon came to its end with the hope for a better year in 2010 for everyone and a brighter future for our church and our community.
See photos and the video clip on www.htacmedia.com