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Fr. Nareg Berberian’s 20th Anniversary of Consecration to the Order of the Holy Priesthood
Fr. Nareg Berberian’s 20th Anniversary of Consecration to the Order of the Holy Priesthood
By Claudette Sarian
St. David Armenian Church Public Affairs
Fr. Nareg Berberian's 20th Anniversary Committee
On Sunday, November 27, 2011, the 20th Anniversary Committee comprised of members of our various Church organizations, met together to start organizing our Pastor’s 20th Anniversary of his Ordination to the Order of the Holy Priesthood. The meeting was chaired by Carol Norigian. The members of the Committee are: Armen Melkonian, Rose Kazanjian, Rose Tatarian, Nadia Isguzar, George Stapan, Nina Stapan, Claudette Sarian, Maral Kazandjian and Beatrice Babgouni.
At the meeting, the committee members decided to print official invitation cards for our parishioners and private letters for dignitaries. The committee decided to hold this function on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at the Mardigian Church Hall. It was confirmed that His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church, will preside over this function. An invitation was extended to His Eminence Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the Ecumenical Director of our Diocese, and his participation was confirmed. There will be many guest clergy and dignitaries. Further information about the Sunday celebratory event will be forthcoming.
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 