Author Archives: Florida Armenians
Archbishop Barsamian Visits South Florida
Earlier this month, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), visited St. David Armenian Church of Boca Raton where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy and installed the community’s new parish council.
In a sermon on the Diocese’s theme for the year, “Legacy of Our Martyrs: A Gift to Carry Forward,” Archbishop Barsamian spoke about the importance of carrying forward the legacy of the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide.
“The faithful legacy of our martyrs is grounded in the gift of Jesus Christ,” he said. “It is our Lord who will guide our steps, comfort our hearts, and help us press forward-as he did for the Holy Martyrs, and as he does to all who honor his sacrifice.”
On Saturday, February 6, Archbishop Barsamian held a meeting to discuss goals and strategies for the year ahead with the new members of the parish council. That evening the entire community gathered for a Poon Paregentan dance and celebration in the church’s Mardigian Hall.
On Sunday, Archbishop Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy, with the Rev. Fr. Paren Galstyan, parish pastor, assisting. Following services, he installed the new parish council members: Marta Batmasian (Chair), Homer Gregorian, Beatrice Babgouni, Sonia Kradjian, Ara J. Garibian, Talin Kalender, Hovig Gregoryan, Maral Khanjian, Phillip Pilikyan, Marieta Akopyan and Dr. Rosemary Mencia. Carol Norigian will continue to serve as the parish delegate to the Diocesan Assembly.
Scout Tufankjian at St. David Armenian Church
The Assembly’s Annual Members Meeting weekend will conclude on Sunday, March 13 with a book presentation by Scout Tufankjian at 1:00 PM at St. David Armenian Church.
Tufankjian will present her book entitled There is Only the Earth: Images from the Armenian Diaspora Project.
Released in April 2015, her book is the culmination of six years spent documenting Armenian communities in over 20 countries.
The book presentation is free and open to the public, but online registration is required.
Naples Armenians Gather for ‘Basterma Breakfast’
By Carole Meghreblian
FLArmenians Naples Contributor
The 2nd Annual Men’s Basterma Breakfast was held at the home of Sarkis and Nancy Kazarian. A magnificent breakfast featuring a variety of Armenian foods was enjoyed by the 22 men attending. All proceeds were donated to the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida (ACSWFL).
Rev. Fr. Tateos Abdalian, Mission Parish Director will celebrate the Divine Liturgy with parishioners of the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida on Feb. 21st. The service will take place at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 1:30 pm in Naples. Following the service, the 15th Anniversary Banquet will be held at Vanderbilt Country Club in Naples. Advanced reservations only.
Upcoming Naples Armenian Community Events:
- Sunday, February 21, 2016 – Badarak with celebrant Rev. Fr. Tateos Abdalian; 15th Anniversary Banquet to follow.
- Monday, March 7, 2016 – Bake Sale & FunFest in Church Hall
- Sunday, March 13, 2016 – Badarak with celebrant Rev. Fr. Garabed Kochakian; Lenten luncheon to follow.
For further information or to register for the above events please contact FLArmenians Naples Contributor Carole Meghreblian at (239)348-3804 or carolemeghreblian@gmail.com.
Florida Armenians 