Blog Archives
Establishing An Active & Permanent Armenian Student Presence At USF
Tampa, FL – On Wednesday, November 14 over 25 Armenian students, faculty and staff of the University of South Florida (USF) met for the first time at the main Tampa campus to get acquainted and discuss forming an active and permanent Armenian presence at USF.
The event began with introductory remarks by event organizer, Fr. Hovnan Demerjian, group introductions and wonderful Mediterranean food generously provided by Harout Topsacalian and Dennis Mousouris of Go Go’s Greek Grille in Tampa.
Armenian students, faculty and staff of the University of South Florida (Photograph courtesy of Teresa Haidarian)
The group then went on to learn about basic resources for being Armenian in and around USF. They heard from long time mathematics professor and Armenian-American activist Dr. Manoug Manougian, followed by Dr.Mark Greenberg from the USF Library Armenian Studies Program. Dr. Greenberg announced an endowment solicited by Dr. Manoug on behalf of the library, which will offer academic and financial help to USF students wishing to study Armenian issues.
[See more photos of USF Armenians here]
Fr. Hovnan Demerjian, pastor of St. Hagop Armenian Church in nearby Pinellas Park, offered the full resources and blessings of the church community in support of Armenian students, echoed by the presence of parish council representatives Chuck Sarkisian and Teresa Haidarian. He then spotlighted several programs and events at St. Hagop and beyond to get the most out of being an Armenian student at USF.
Fr. Hovnan also facilitated the final discussion, soliciting student ideas and enthusiasm for establishing a permanent Armenian presence on campus, and then handing over the establishment of the club to four capable student volunteers with faculty assistance from Dr. Manoug Manougian. The group hopes to file as an official USF organization by early next semester. If you are interested in joining the USF Armenian Student Club please contact us today!
Florida Mission Parish News: Armenian Church of Southwest Florida Holds Seasonal Worship
By Carole Meghreblian
FLArmenians Naples Contributor
After a hiatus for the summer months, the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida began its seasonal worship on Saturday, November 3, 2012. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Hovnan Demerjian of St. Hagop Armenian Church in Pinellas Park, Florida.
Over 50 parishioners worshiped together and renewed old friendships at the luncheon which followed. Please check FLArmenians.com for the announcement of our next service in January. Join us in worship and then treat yourself to our Annual Bake Sale, featuring homemade Armenian baked goods and jellies. For further information about our services, please contact me at 239-348-3804.
20th Anniversary of Armenian Armed Forces Celebrated at the U.S. Central Command
20th Anniversary of Armenian Armed Forces Celebrated at the U.S. Central Command
Tampa, Florida – On February 1, 2012, a reception on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Armenia’s Armed Forces was organized at the US CENTCOM Coalition Coordination Center (CCC), Mac Dill Air Force Base.
US CENTCOM Officers
The event brought together high-ranking officers and civilian officials from more than sixty countries, including top US Armed Forces representatives of US CENTCOM.
Lieutenant Colonel A. Mkrtchyan, Armenian Armed Forces representative for US Central Command, delivered opening remarks and presented the Armenian army’s history.
In his turn, US Central Command Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Karl Horst extended his well wishes to Armenia’s Armed Forces, and highly appreciated the Armenian military contingent’s participation in the security and stability operations in Afghanistan.
Fr. Hovnan Demerjian, Pastor of St. Hagop Armenian Church in Pinellas Park, Florida offered remarks on the common strengths of Armenia’s Army and its partners based on protecting freedoms of religion, conscience and human rights.
Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan, Visitng Pastor of St. Haroutiun Church in Orlando, offered the traditional prayer before meals and blessing for all who serve and protect in the armed forces.
Fr. Hovnan Demerjian and Lieutenant Colonel A. Mkrtchyan
Twenty years have passed from the memorable days when the Armed Forces of the newly-independent Republic of Armenia were created.
During those years the Armed Forces performed a multifold task. While in the process of creation, the Armed Forces both defended the Armenian borders and people, and had to combat and win a major war.
As of today, the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia is actively involved in international military cooperation, including peacekeeping and stabilizing operations in Kosovo and Afghanistan. Armenia proudly accomplished the task, with US and Polish troops, in Iraq in 2008.
The Armenian Armed Forces will spare no effort to preserve peace and security for themselves and for its allies and partners around the world.
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NR#: 2012-002
Florida Armenians 