HTAC Press Office
On December 4, 2016, the Holy Trinity Armenian Church of Toronto celebrated the 88th anniversary of the establishment of the parish.
The Anniversary Divine Liturgy was celebrated by His Grace Bishop Abgar Hovakimian, Primate of the Armenian Church Diocese of Canada assisted by Rev. Archpriest Fr. Zareh Zargarian and Rev. Fr. Datev Menengichian. The Rev. Archpriest Sarkis Gulyan, and Rev. Archpriest Fr. Gomidas Panossian were also present.
During the service, members of the Church Choir and conductor Mr. Shahe Altounian were blessed and received handmade Armenian crosses.
Following the liturgy, over 300 guests gathered in the church’s “Magaros Artinian” hall for the celebration luncheon, which began with the national anthems of Canada and Armenia and the blessing of the meal by Bishop Hovakimian.
The MC, Mrs. Seta Keshishian, introduced the head table guests: His Grace Bishop Abgar Hovakimian, Primate of the Armenian Church Diocese of Canada, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Zareh Zargarian, Vicar of the Armenian Church Diocese of Canada, Yeretsgin Naira Samvelian, Mr. Richard Sevazlian, Honorary Consul of Republic of Armenia to Ontario, Mr. Ara Alpay, Mrs. Apet Alpay, Chair of the Diocesan Council, Mr. Ohan Ohannesian, Chair of the HTAC Parish Council, Mrs. Anita Ohanessian, Miss. Ivet Panossian, Chair of the HTAC Women’s Guild.
The presence of the following clergy and representatives of Armenian Organizations were acknowledged and appreciated:
Rev. Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Gulyan, Rev. Fr. Datev Menengichian, Rev. Archpriest Gomidas Panossian Parish Priest of St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church, Rev. Dr. Berdj Janbazian, Pastor of Armenian Evangelical Church of North America, Rev. Fr. Serop Megerdichian, Pastor of Armenian Evangelical Church of Toronto, Aris Babikian, Retired Citizenship Judge, Mr. Hagop Janbazian, Chair of the Interdenominational Committee of Toronto, representatives of Tekeyan Cultural Association, Armenian General Benevolent Union, Bolsahay Cultural Association, Nor Serount Cultural Association, Armenian Sports Association, Armenian Association of Toronto, Hayasdan All Armenia Fund, Armenian Canadian Medical Association of Ontario.
Mr. Ohan Ohanessian, delivered the welcoming remarks and word of appreciation to the Parish Priest, Fr. Zareh Zargarian, for his leadership and to all the volunteers, committees, and auxiliary bodies working under the umbrella of the Church.
This was followed by a slide show covering the Church’s religious, cultural, humanitarian, and social life during the year 2016.
Mr. Meher Minassian was invited to perform all-time favourite Armenian songs, which delighted the guests and created a truly festive mood.
Mrs. Apet Alpay, chair of the Diocesan Council, extended her heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Parish Priest and the congregation.
The congratulatory letter on this joyous occasion from the Social Democrat Henchag Party, Nor Serount Cultural Association and the Armenian Sports Association was read during the luncheon.
The 88th Anniversary cake was brought in and everyone joined in singing the “Pari Daretarts (Happy Birthday).
Mrs. Rosin Imasdounian, the Church Treasurer, announced the generous and heartfelt donations from auxiliary bodies and committees of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church, as well as Armenian Organizations of Toronto who made their donations to Holy Trinity Armenian Church. She expressed sincere appreciations to the Pastor, to Parish Council, and to all donors who support the Church’s spiritual, humanitarian, educational and social services in the community.
The youth group of Sassoun Dance Ensemble were next on stage performing beautiful Armenian dances, under the direction of Sevag Avakian assisted by Sareen Avakian. As always, the dancers were cheered by the audience for their lively performance.
Rev. Archpriest Fr. Zareh Zargarian delivered his message. He acknowledged the importance of the vision that our Church’s founders had and who established the Holy Trinity Armenian Church Parish in 1928 and praised the generations who followed their footsteps, continuing the mission. He praised the Lord for all blessings and the parishioners, volunteers and supporters who continue participating in the same mission and working to serve the community with enthusiasm and devotion.
Following the tradition, it was time for the awards. Fr. Zargarian announced the following names chosen by the Parish Council and recognized their devoted service to the Holy Trinity Armenian Church and the community:
Man of the Year: Mr. Garbis Bedrosian for his years of volunteering during the church services during Sunday Mass and important religious days. He has been a long time member of Church Altar and Sanctuary Committee and is always ready to help with any task.
Woman of the Year: Mrs. Armineh Boyadjian, St. Sahag and St. Mesrop Armenian Saturday School Council Member, was nominated and awarded for helping bring large number of positive changes in a short time towards the betterment of the school.
Young Lady of the Year: Miss. Lara Gumushdjian for her involvement since childhood in Sunday School, Sassoun Dance Ensemble, Bible Study group and her devotion and volunteer services to “Mario Gumushdjian” Library of the Church.
Young Man of the Year: Mr. Khachig Wanes for his eleven years of participating in Sassoun Dance Ensemble, Camp Ararat, and volunteering at Armenian Students Council of U of T and more.
Family of the Year: Mr. and Mrs. Khachig and Nevart Mirzoyan and family for their unconditional devotion towards the Holy Trinity Armenian Church and participation in sacraments, Saturday School, Sunday School, Pilgrimages and more.
Mrs. Diana Bogosyan has devoted her services to Holy Trinity Armenian Church’s committees and auxiliary bodies, including the Church office for over 25 years. She received the highest order of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church: The Holy Cross.
Mrs. Susanna Haroutyunyan, previous Parish Council was recognized and awarded for her years of service as an advisor on Parish Council and for her years of volunteering in numerous committees and auxiliary bodies of the Church.
Fr. Zargarian then invited three young men to receive special recognition for their exceptional involvement with the Youth and Sports Committee of the AGBU. Garo Semerdjian, Hagop Semerdjian and Vicken Ampagoumian were appreciated for their long years of volunteering and being big brothers to the Armenian youth of our community.
Der Hayr especially appreciated the parish council, the organizing committee, all godfathers, supporters, and friends of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church for their true dedication. Yeretsgin Naira was presented with a beautiful bouquet of roses as a token of appreciation for her ongoing support of the Church community in the past twenty years.
In his address, Bishop Hovakimian praised God for all His blessings and acknowledged Fr. Zargarian’s strong leadership and the devoted service. He also, extended his appreciation to the Parish Council, auxiliary bodies, and all parishioners and members.
Mrs. Apet Alpay was presented a bouquet of flowers by the Primate for her service as the Chair of Diocesan Council and for her service in other committees.
This was another festive day in the life of 88-year-old Holy Trinity Armenian Church. And now the parish is looking forward to celebrating the New Year and the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ on January 6, 2017.
