On Tuesday, June 26, 2013, representatives of over 30 committees and auxiliary bodies working under the umbrella of Holy Trinity Armenian Church attended the Volunteers’ Annual Meeting that took place at Magaros Artinian Hall of the church.
The Parish Priest, Archpriest Fr. Zareh Zargarian, welcomed all and invited them to join him in the Lord’s Prayer, followed by a reading of a scripture:
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
Mr. Ohan Ohanessian, Parish Council Chairman, welcomed all present as well and read the meeting agenda.
Fr. Zareh then read the letter of His Holiness Karekin II dated June 20, 2013, related to the election of Primate of the Armenian Church Canadian Diocese and the appointment of His Eminence Archbishop Nathan Hovhannisyan to serve in the Diocese of Canada as Locum Tenens. Fr. Zareh invited all faithful to show their unified and unconditional support to Archbishop Hovhannisyan in his important mission in the Armenian Church Canadian Diocese. He extended his great respect and appreciation towards Vehapar Hayrabed for his fatherly care and blessings.
The Pastor expressed his and the entire church family’s love and appreciation to Bishop Bagrat Galstanian for his ten years of dedicated leadership as Primate of the Armenian Church in Canadian Diocese and invited everyone to pray for the health and continuous success of Bagrat Srpazan. He continued by acknowledging all those who expressed their love and good wishes to Srpazan for his care and devotion.
Also, he appreciated Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian’s decision to withdraw as Primate Elect, for the establishment of peace and harmony of the Armenian Church of Canada. He invited all to continue their prayers for the peace and harmony in our Diocese, especially at a time when Armenians worldwide are organizing themselves to commemorate the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide.
There was a brief introduction of the celebratory functions dedicated to the 85th anniversary of our parish. On the occasion of this milestone, the year 2013 was declared Year of Holy & Divine Liturgy.
For those who may not know, our church was named Holy Trinity in appreciation to the Anglican Holy Trinity Church located in downtown Toronto, which graciously opened its doors to our parishioners from 1928-1953. This upcoming fall, the Armenian Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at the same Church of Holy Trinity on a Sunday in the fall of 2013(date to be announced). The plate money of heartfelt donations collected on that memorable day will be donated entirely to Holy Trinity Anglican Church’s ongoing and major Food Drive for the Homeless program.
The representatives of over 30 committees and auxiliary bodies were appreciated for their presence and their devoted services to this Holy Church.
Mr. Ohan Ohanessian gave a report about the major renovation projects of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church, the most important and expensive of which is the repair of the 26 year old building’s rooftop which will be successfully finished in a few days and the church will have a safe rooftop for the future 25 years. The upcoming projects are necessary and costly, such as the replacement of the original air conditioning and heating system.
Mr. Ohanessian continued with a financial report and clarified that the Holy Trinity Armenian Church is 100% mortgage free and there is not a dollar borrowed against the church building. Also he noted not a single payment is done using cash in Holy Trinity Armenian church. Besides our Auditing Committee’s annual audit and report, over the past several years the Church’s financial books and records have been audited by the Canada Revenue Agency, in all cases Holy Trinity Armenian Church received an unconditional clearance certificate.
A brief discussion about new fundraising ideas came up and was suggested this to be pursued actively. The committees and auxiliary bodies were invited to continue their vibrant and constructive services and take part in the mission of keeping what we have inherited and making it even better and stronger for our children and generations to come.
In conclusion, Parish Council Vice-Chair Mr. Stephan Ekmekjian, on behalf of the Council and auxiliary bodies, extended heartfelt gratitude and unconditional support to Fr. Zareh Zargarian for his devoted leadership and wished him and his family well.
The meeting was adjourned by a closing prayer, followed by a group picture.
A group photo with representatives of the following groups: Diocesan Delegates, Board of the Armenian Social Services, Deacons, Sub-Deacons and Acolytes, Sunday School, St. Sahag – St. Mesrop Armenian Saturday School, Bible Study Groups (Armenian & English), Church Choir, Women’s Guild, Visitation Committee, Mahs Baking Committee, Armenian Family Support Services, Nor Serount, Golf Committee, Telephone Directory, Hayreniq Cultural Association, ACYOC Sr. & ACYOC Jr. (Armenian Church Youth Organization of Canada), Sassoun Dance Ensemble, Nominating Committee, Auditing Committee, Membership, Hrant-Dink Pokr Pem Theatre Group, Lousapem Theatre Group, Annual Debutante Ball Committee, CAAPA, CFFA(Children’s Fund For Armenia), Camp Ararat, Seda Pederian Bookstore, Website/ E-newsletter, Annual Walkathon and Picnic committees.