Category Archives: Armenian Church
Orlando Students Receive ‘Back-to-School’ Blessing
Soorp Haroutiun Armenian Church of Orlando, FL, held a ‘Back-to-School’ celebration on Sunday, August 5, where parish youth from pre-K through college received a special blessing from the visiting pastor, Rev. Fr. Mampre Kouzouian.
Following the Divine Liturgy parish families gathered for a cookout, where students were able to pick out school supplies for the coming year, and were entered into a raffle to win a backpack and other prizes.
“We hold this event to remind our students that God loves them—and so does their church family,” explained parishioner Aram Nazarian. “We hope an event like this can be an inspiration to our sister parishes, too.”
Alabamans Learn ‘All About Armenians’
Educators in Montgomery, Alabama learned ‘All About Armenians’ at a conference this summer, when Audrey Pilafian, Sunday School Superintendent at St. Mary Armenian Church of Hollywood, Florida presented a workshop under that title.
The 50 participating teachers — members of the Alpha Delta Kappa society for women educators – entered the auditorium to the sounds of Gomidas melodies played by Pilafian on the cello.
Aided by multimedia resources provided by Gildak Kupelian, director of the Eastern Diocese’s Armenian Studies department, the educators viewed presentations on ancient Armenia and its geography, its role as the world’s first Christian nation, the Armenian alphabet, the battle of Avarayr, the Armenian Genocide, and prominent Armenians in the arts and various professions.
The day closed with educators joining in a line dance and enjoying a reception of Armenian pastries. “Many teachers commented that the session inspired a new interest in Armenia,” said Audrey Pilafian,“ and several intend to include Armenia in their cultural studies classes in the coming year.”
Florida Armenians 