HTAC Press Office
Rev. Fr. Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, Pastor of Tati Vank Monastry and Vaghuhas Diocese of Artsakh of the Armenian Apostolic Church paid a special visit to Toronto at the invitation of Hayastan Foundation Toronto Chapter during the second week of October.
On October 16, 2015, Fr. Hovhannisyan, accompanied by Mr. Migirdic Migirdicyan, Chair of Hayastan Foundation Toronto Chapter, visited St. Sahag-St. Mesrop Armenian Saturday School of Holy Trinity where they were welcomed by a warm reception of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church’s Parish Priest, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Zareh Zargarian, the school Principal, Dr. Arpi Panossian, the Vice-Principal, members of the board of directors, teachers, volunteers and students. During this visit Fr. Hovhannisyan met with the students in their classrooms and was familiarized with the methods and teaching materials.
Soon after, Rev. Fr. Hovhannisyan joined the 8th Annual Walkathon of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church. Fr. Zargarian invited him to say a prayer before the walkathon.
On Sunday, October 18th, Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Fr. Hovhannes Hovhannisyan and presided by His Grace Bishop Abgar Hovakimian. In his sermon, Fr. Hovhannisyan thanked Bishop Hovakimian and Fr. Zargarian for the warm welcome and the opportunity to celebrate Liturgy. The faithful parishioners heard about the history of Kantsasar Church in Artsakh, and how the Armenians defended the 13th century church during the war with the Azeris in the 1990’s and how praying and having faith has been a key factor in the survival and strife of the Armenians over the centuries. Fr. Hovhannisyan expressed his appreciation to the parishioners and Armenians of the Diaspora for their continued support and care over the years.
Following the Liturgy, Bishop Hovakimian and Fr. Zargarian joined the Armenian Family Support Services (AFSS) “Information Session” to welcome community members who were interested in learning about the services offered by the AFSS and in particular about the Refugee Sponsorship Program. Mrs. Rita Odjaghian, Chair of AFSS, Mrs. Maida Icliates and the team of Board Members, as well as Mr. Yosief Araya, Manager of Refugee Sponsorship Training Program, provided the community with information and registered volunteers. The participation and assistance of all community members in this program is strongly encouraged. Please contact the AFSS office at 416-431-5549 or by email: contactus@afsstoronto.ca.
