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Armenian Community of Naples Celebrates Armenian Christmas
The Very Rev. Daniel Findikyan
By Frank Avakian Stoneson
FLArmenians Naples Contributor
The Armenian Church of Southwest Florida (ACSWFL) in Naples, Florida, had its Armenian Christmas service on Sunday, January 8, 2017. Guest celebrant The Very Rev. Daniel Findikyan, Director of the Zohrab Information Center at the Diocese of the Armenian Church in New York City, presided.
In addition to the Christmas Service, a Blessing of the Water Service was also conducted with Daniel Nersesian serving as the Godfather of the Cross. Nersesian is a student at The University of Dayton in Ohio, and the son of Lucine and John Nersesian of Chicago, Illinois.
A catered buffet supper with all the trimmings followed in the Church Hall, with about 75 parish members attending, making Armenian Christmas 2017 a joyous one for all.
Liturgy, Luncheon and Lecture
HOLLYWOOD, FL – Upon the invitation of Fr. Vartan Joulfayan, Pastor of St. Mary Armenian Church, the V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, Director of Zohrab & Clara Information Center in New York, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the homily on Sunday, November 6th.
Rev. Fr. Vartan shared the Bible story with the children. Following the Liturgy, Khashlama luncheon was sponsored and served by the Kocharyan family. Assisting in the preparation of the luncheon were, Suren & Hasmik Hairapetyan.
After the luncheon, Fr. Findikyan made a power-point presentation and delivered a very enlightening and highly educational lecture. The topic of the lecture was: “The Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide: From Victims to Victors.”
All parishioners and children had a blessed day, enjoyed the luncheon and listened to the illuminating and very interesting lecture, which gave knowledge and understanding of the meaning of martyrdom and sanctification, holiness and ultimate sacrifice for the love of Jesus Christ to inherit the kingdom of God.
V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan
St. Mary Armenian Church thanks the Kocharyan and Hairapetyan families for sponsoring, preparing and serving the delicious luncheon. St. Mary also offers their gratitude to V. Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan for celebrating the Divine Liturgy with us and delivering a very enriching and dynamic lecture.
Florida Mission Parish Update from Armenian Church of Southwest Florida
Naples, FL – The Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, Dean of St. Nersess Seminary celebrated Armenian Christmas with the parishioners of the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida (ACSWFL) on January 13, 2013. He was assisted at the altar by Seminarian student Levon Asdourian, and Deacon Allan Tossoonian of St. Hagop’s Church in Pinellas Park.
The service concluded with the Blessing of Water. Vahan Janoyan served as Godfather of the Cross. A procession then followed into the fellowship hall where Fr. Chevian performed a Blessing of the Home ceremony. Each family received a Nishghark from Fr. Chevian.
The ACSWFL annual bake sale gave parishioners the opportunity to purchase a variety of Armenian breads and desserts on display. A catered dinner followed with parishioners greeting old friends from up north and welcoming new members to the parish.
Sylvia Raubolt was presented a Waterford Cross by Fr. Chevian and Carole Meghreblian, chairperson of the ACSWFL. Mrs. Raubolt was one of the orginal parish council members until her retirement this year.
February & March 2013 Services at ACSWFL
The Armenian Church of Southwest Florida is pleased to welcome the Very Rev. Fr. Daniel Findikyan, Director of the Zohrab Center in New York City, to celebrate the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, February 3, 2013 at 1:00 pm. A light lunch will follow the service.
On March 3, 2013, at 1:00 pm, Fr. Tateos Abdalian, Director of Mission Parishes will celebrate Holy Badarak. The annual Lenten luncheon will follow.
[See more photos from ACSWFL here]
ACSWFL services are held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 3901 Davis Blvd., Naples, Florida.
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Photo Caption 1: (L-R): Allan Tossoonian, Deacon, Rev. Mardiros Chevian, Celebrant, Vahan Janoyan, Godfather of the Cross, Levon Asdourian, Seminarian
Photo Caption 2: (L-R): Shirley Yergatian, Tony Akgulian, Diane Akgulian, Julie Couyoumjian
Photo Caption3: (L-R): Parish Council Members Pamela Torosian, Carole Meghreblian, Mariam Tatosian
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