Tamar Atik
Vice- Secretary of the Senior ACYOC
This year, Sunday, April 1st marked Palm Sunday, and everyone who attended mass at the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church got a taste of all the action for the day. The Church was filled with people wearing bright spring-time colours, and it certainly wasn’t lacking in children, especially the Sunday School’s students excited to be holding their beautifully decorated Palm Sunday candles, handmade signs and drawings to go with the theme of the day.
Palm Sunday marks Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem approximately 2000 years ago where he was greeted by people who adorned him with palm leaves and spread out their clothing on the ground as he entered the city whilst riding a donkey. Since incorporating a donkey might prove to be a bit complicated, Churches usually just stick to passing out palm leaves (or leaves that can act as an equivalent) to their congregations.
Holy Trinity’s youth have always been an integral part of the Church community, (especially during festivities) and this occasion was no exception. The ACYOC played an important role in ensuring that the big event scheduled for after mass- the Palm Sunday luncheon- was planned perfectly for all parishioners. Members of the ACYOC arrived early on Sunday morning to continue their work from the day before in preparing food and setting tables for the luncheon. The dedicated members (from both the Junior and Senior ACYOC’s) took a break from their work mid-mass to walk up to the altar and be blessed by Rev. Archpriest Fr. Zareh Zargarian who was joined by Rev. Fr. Datev Menengichian, the Deacons, Sub-Deacons, Acolytes and the church choir for the festive occasion.
Following the mass, faithful parishioners made their way to the “Margaros Artinian” Hall where they dined on appetizers ranging from sarma to hummus, babaganoush, and beurek while they waited for the main course of salmon fillets to arrive (lovingly prepared by Sibil Kurkjian), served with a side of rice and steamed vegetables. If this sounds mouth-watering and delicious, that’s because it was!
After the meal, everyone shared laughs as some of the youth put on an improvised talent show for the guests. Although many youth participated, some of the most memorable acts were put on by the most musically talented of the ACYOC members. Sr. ACYOC President, Diran Parnakoglu, charmed the audience with his rich and lively singing voice, while shy Junior member, Seta Derohanessian, stole the spotlight with her powerful and lovely rendition of Adele’s “Someone like you”. Senior member Aroutin Avanessian started a new tradition of beat boxing which got everyone fired up and moving along to his energized vocal percussion.
The food was delicious, the entertainment was golden, and the event was a success. Palm Sunday luncheons will never be the same!
