Category Archives: Armenian Church
Florida Armenians Meet in Tampa with Armenian-American Community Leaders
Florida Armenians Meet in Tampa with Armenian-American Community Leaders
St. Hagop Prepares for Fourth Anniversary Consecration Dance
Tampa, FL – Last month, Florida Armenians representatives Arsine Kaloustian-Rosenthal and Taniel Koushakjian traveled to Tampa to meet with various Armenian-American community leaders. The Tampa/St. Petersburg area is home to approximately 3,000 Armenian-Americans throughout the year, and even more during winter months. The community is centered around St. Hagop Armenian Church, established in Pinellas Park in 1985, and consecrated on October 14, 2007, by His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America.
Community leaders from various ages and professions gathered to discuss issues important to the Florida Armenian-American community. From the Armenian homeland, to issues affecting Armenian-Americans, from youth issues to the importance of our faith, everyone was engaged in a lively discussion. In addition, plans for Florida Armenians and upcoming events and activities were shared and embraced by all the participants. Guests were especially pleased to be joined by Fr. Hovnan Demerdjian, Pastor at St. Hagop and his lovely wife Anna. Fr. Hovnan provided the blessing.
Tampa Armenians
“By discussing various issues that concern us in an open forum, the miles between us suddenly mattered much less,” stated Florida Armenians Communications Director Arsine Kaloustian-Rosenthal. “We were able to sit, not only as members of a Tampa church, a Boca Raton church, or an Orlando church, but as members of the Armenian-American Diaspora. We look forward to continuing these “town hall” style meetings in various Armenian communities throughout the state of Florida,” Kaloustian-Rosenthal said.
Participants also discussed plans for the upcoming fourth anniversary consecration dance, which will be held at St. Hagop Armenian Church on Saturday, October 15. Members from across the state-wide Florida Armenian-American community are encouraged to attend and support St. Hagop Armenian Church.
“We were delighted to meet the organizers of Florida Armenians and we are excited about their vision for the future of our community,” stated Alex Oganesova, Armenian Church Youth Organization (ACYOA) Chair at St. Hagop. “We are especially excited about our upcoming 4th Anniversary Consecration Dance and encourage all Florida Armenians to join us,” concluded Oganesova.
Armenian Church of Southwest Florida Participates in Ecumenical Service for Assumption Day
Armenian Church of Southwest Florida Participates in Ecumenical Service for Assumption Day
By Carole Meghreblian
FLArmenians Guest Contributor
On August 14, 2011, the Mission Parish of the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida (SWFL) was invited by Fr. Michael Rowe, Rector of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church to join his congregation in celebrating the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God. Rt. Rev. Dabney T. Smith, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of SWFL celebrated the Holy Eucharist. An explanation of the Armenian custom of the Blessing of the Grapes on the Day of Assumption was provided by Fr. Rowe. The 11 parishioners of the Mission Parish of Southwest Florida were then called forward for the blessing of the grapes by Rt. Rev. Bishop Dabney T. Smith. The service was followed by a luncheon and, to our delight, the menu was chicken, beans and rice (which almost tasted like pilaf!).
Armenian Church of Southwest Florida
Realizing the demand to serve the spiritual needs of both local, permanent residents and our winter parishioners, the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida was formed in 2001. This mission parish which had begun by word of mouth, has steadily grown over the past decade.
Services are held in season only, specifically November, January-March, and sometimes April. Having no church of our own, services are held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Bonita Springs.
The first Badarak of the coming season will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2011, at 1:00 pm. For further information or to be placed on our mailing list, please contact me at 239-348-3804.
Carole Meghreblian is the Parish Council Chair of the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida.
Florida Armenians 