Blog Archives
Armenian Church of Southwest Florida Prepares for 2014-2015 Season
By Carole Meghreblian
FLArmenians Naples Contributor
The Armenian Church of Southwest Florida (ACSWFL) is pleased to announce the beginning of our mission parish services for the 2014-15 season. The ACSWFL celebrates Badarak during the months of November, January, February, and March, which is when the majority of our parishioners are in Southwest Florida. Services will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 3901 Davis Blvd., Naples, Florida.
Our first service will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2013 at 1:30 PM. Fr. Hovnan Demerjian of St. Hagop Armenian Church in Pinellas Park will officiate. A light luncheon will follow.
Future dates will be announced soon. Social events currently being planned for the upcoming season include a Christmas dinner, Bake Sale, Lenten Luncheon, Men/Ladies luncheon, and a picnic.
For further information about our mission parish, please feel free to contact me at (239) 348-3804 or carolemeghreblian@gmail.com. We look forward to welcoming you when you visit Southwest Florida.
A Successful Ghapama Day at St. David Armenian Church in Boca Raton
Ghapama prepared by Yeretsgin Anna
By Robyn Kalajian
FLArmenians Cuisine Contributor
After much hard work and anticipation, Yeretsgin Anna and her team of devoted Armenian School-Sunday School mothers, put together a most enjoyable array of refreshments for the parishioners of St. David Armenian Church on Sunday, October 26th.
Yeretsgin Anna (back row, center-right) with the students from St. David Armenian Church Armenian-Sunday School
The women prepared Ghapama and Jingalov Hats as part of a Cultural Day program for the children who attend Armenian language and religion classes in the church’s Manoogian School. The students, dressed in Halloween costumes, participated by helping fill the hollowed pumpkins with a mixture of rice, nuts, and assorted dried fruit.
Students help fill the hollow pumpkins before baking
Jingalov Hats
Honey was drizzled into the rice filling, and melted butter was ladled over the top of each pumpkin before baking.
Yeretsgin Anna puts the finishing touch on the Ghapama before baking
Father Paren and Yeretsgin Anna serve parishioners Ghapama and Jingalov Hats
The result was a delicious taste of Armenia enjoyed by all!
Congressman Gus Bilirakis Pledges to Bring Armenia Closer to Greece, Cyprus, and Israel as New Armenian Caucus Vice Chair
By Taniel Koushakjian
FLArmenians Managing Editor
Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL)
Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) has been named Vice Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues. In addition to playing an active role in the Armenian Caucus, notably efforts to secure Turkey’s return of confiscated Christian Armenian, Greek, and Assyrian religious property and U.S. reaffirmation of the Armenian Genocide, Rep. Bilirakis also serves as the Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, and as Co-Chair of the Congressional Hellenic-Israel Caucus, among others.
“I look forward to working with like-minded House colleagues in the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues to continue and grow the Caucus’ focus on issues of concern to the Armenian American community,” Congressman Bilirakis told FLArmenians.com. “I have long admired the tenacity and strong will of the Armenian people who have thrived despite enduring a history of suffering under repressive regimes. I am especially gratified to be a part of the Caucus as we come upon the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide – a horrific massacre of over 1.5 million innocent Armenian men, women, and children. I intend to work diligently so that the Caucus can pass a resolution that expresses a sense of Congress that is meaningful and effective.
“Finally, as Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Affairs and Founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Hellenic-Israel Alliance, I am eager to help incorporate Armenia into the broader discussion of energy and security issues with Greece, Cyprus, and Israel. The Caucus has a long history of bi-partisan cooperation which I look forward to continuing as we take on new challenges in the years ahead.”
Congressman Gus M. Bilirakis is a Republican from Palm Harbor, representing Florida’s 12th Congressional District, which includes all of Pasco and northern parts of Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. He was first elected to Congress on November 7, 2006, and is currently serving his fourth term in the United States House of Representatives.
As a young boy, Gus learned the importance of public service from his father, Michael Bilirakis, who represented Florida’s Ninth Congressional District from 1983 to 2006. The elder Bilirakis also instilled in his son a pride in the family’s Greek heritage, which Gus proudly carries into his career today.
Bilirakis sits on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and is the Vice Chair of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
Florida Armenians 