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Armenian Church of Southwest Florida Hosts Religious Leaders
Armenian Church of Southwest Florida Hosts Religious Leaders
By Carole Meghreblian
FLArmenians Naples Contributor
The Armenian Church of Southwest Florida concluded its last service of the season on Sunday, March 11 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Naples, Florida. Over 125 parishioners were present, the largest number of parishioners to attend Holy Service (Badarak) to date. The Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian from St. Gregory Armenian Church in Chicago was the celebrant. He was assisted by Deacon Allan Tossoonian from St. Hagop’s Armenian Church in Pinellas Park. Organist Pierre Abadjian and fourteen choir members from across the United States, provided the beautiful music. Also in attendance were Hayr Soorp’s parents, Rev. Fr. Nerses and Yeretzgin Aurora Jebejian.
A light luncheon followed in the hall where parishioners enjoyed both an Armenian and American menu. The annual bake sale, featuring delicious katahs, simit, and other Armenian favorites, was completely sold out.
Anyone visiting or living in the Naples, Fort Myers, Marco Island area and wishing to participate in future events, please follow http://www.FLArmenians.com. Services are held November through April.
Carole Meghreblian is the Parish Council Chair of the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida. She can be reached at carolemeghreblian@gmail.com.
This story has been updated.
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 