Blog Archives
Diocesan Staff Give Presentations in Tampa, Orlando Parishes
The Diocese’s Armenian Studies coordinator Gilda Kupelian and Christian Education coordinator Elise Antreassian visited two Florida parishes, where they made presentations and held meetings with local community leaders and educators.
On Saturday, July 21, Kupelian and Anteassian led a program titled “Raising Children of Faith in the Armenian Tradition – What Every Parent Should Know,” at St. Hagop Armenian Church in St. Petersburg. Over 30 parishioners attended, gathering in the sanctuary for a discussion on spiritual formation and a PowerPoint survey on important Armenian historical, literary, and cultural figures. A fellowship hour followed, during which the community considered a parish retreat in the fall or spring.
Armenian Community Members in Tampa
The afternoon program was arranged by the Rev. Fr. Hovnan Demerjian, pastor at St. Hagop Armenian Church. Their membership has nearly tripled in recent years according to Fr. Demerjian, who has been working tirelessly with the Parish Council to plan Sunday School, youth, and cultural initiatives to serve the needs of the growing community.
On Sunday, July 22, Diocesan staff visited Soorp Haroutiun Armenian Church in Orlando, where more than 50 parishioners gathered for the day’s program. Visiting priest Rev. Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan celebrated the Divine Liturgy.
Following services, Ms. Kupelian gave a PowerPoint presentation on Armenian heritage and culture. Ms. Kupelian and Ms. Antreassian then met with the pastor, Parish Council member Rita Harvey, parishioner Anna Stepanyan Vega, and teaching volunteers to discuss the launch of a new Sunday School in the fall. The school will offer both Christian and Armenian studies for parish children and teens.
Florida Armenians Congratulate Arman Avedyan
Boca Raton, FL – On Sunday, July 23, Florida Armenians gathered at St. David Armenian Church to congratulate Sub-Deacon Arman Avedyan on his acceptance to Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory in Armenia. During this four-year program, Avedyan will train his voice and master the language of music, while embarking on new adventures and a new life in the homeland.
Like many of his friends in south Florida’s growing Armenian-American community, Avedyan started serving God and fellow parishioners at the age of 14. Beginning as an Acolyte on the altar under the guidance of Very Rev. Fr. Nareg Berberian, pastor of St. David Armenian Church, Avedyan began to develop and display his talents, delivering powerful and uplifting renditions of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Badark (Divine Liturgy).
Arman Avedyan (center-left) with family
“In January 2012, at my 20th Anniversary banquet in Mardigian Hall of St. David Armenian Church, Arman Avedyan sang “Nessun Dorma” which is an aria from the final act of Puccini’s opera Turandot, and is one of the best-known tenor arias in all opera,” stated Very Rev. Fr. Nareg Berberian. “It was then that I realized he would be a wonderful candidate for the Yerevan Conservatory. Since that time, all efforts to admit him to the conservatory have succeeded, and I am extremely pleased to see the fruition of all the many years of work in the Deacon’s Training Program at St. David Church have such an exciting result for him. I am very proud of his accomplishment and am confident he will work hard in continuing his education and nurturing his career at the Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory in Armenia, and look forward to his success in the future,” stated Fr. Nareg.
Still early in his career, Arman Avedyan has already performed at Florida Atlantic University, Florida Suncoast Opera Guild, Lynn University and various Armenian-American community events throughout Florida. “Years of preliminary training, practice and performances have lead to the opportunity of a lifetime,” Avedyan told FLArmenians. “I cannot wait to begin my studies. This really is a dream come true,” Avedyan said.
Below is Arman Avedyan’s recital of “e lucevan le stelle” Tosca, Puccini, at Lynn University in Boca Raton.
Florida Armenians 