Armenian Church of Southwest Florida Celebrates First Badark Service of 2012

Bonita Beach, Florida – On January 15, the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida celebrated their first Badarak service of 2012. Over 100 parishioners from across southwest Florida were present to welcome Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Diocesan Vicar of the Armenian Church of America. Florida Armenian local Mr. Vartkes Karaian served as Godfather of the Cross during the Blessing of the Water. A delicious luleh kebab dinner followed the service where guests renewed old friendships and welcomed new parishioners to the growing Armenian community in southwest Florida.

Deacon Zaven Hartutian, The Very Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Deacon Allan Tossoonian, and Godfather of the Cross Vartkes Karaian

The next Badarak service will be held on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at 1:00 pm. Services are held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Bonita Beach.  For more information or to join our mailing list, please contact Carole at (239) 3804 or cmegh@comcast.net.

Photo caption (L-R): Deacon Zaven Hartutian, The Very Rev. Fr.  Simeon Odabashian, Deacon Allan Tossoonian, and Godfather of the Cross-Vartkes Karaian.