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SOUP KITCHEN - SUNDAY JAN. 24th
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Dear Friends,
As we hear of the devastating news on the island nation of Haiti, we are reminded of the similar natural disaster beset the Armenian nation in 1988. The world at that time responded to the devastation with such outpouring of love and goodwill towards our people and nation. It is now our turn to respond to the people of Haiti.
Every year, the Armenian Family Support Services “Soup Kitchen” takes place in the month of January to raise funds for Soup Kitchens in Armenia. With the impending situation in Haiti and in keeping true to our mission “to help those in need”, the AFSS Board of Directors in conjunction with the Holy Trinity Armenian Church have dedicated this year’s Soup Kitchen in support of the earthquake victims in Haiti. All proceeds collected will go to the Canadian Red Cross - Haiti Relief. www.redcross.ca. As of January 15, 2010, the Canadian Red Cross appeals for more financial support to sustain emergency relief.
Enjoy a hot bowl of soup and know that your financial support will go to the much needed food, water and supplies in Haiti.
Please join us this
Sunday, January 24th, 2010,
at 1:00 pm
at Holy Trinity Armenian Church,
920 Progress Avenue in Scarborough.
As Armenians in Toronto, let’s join the world community in the relief efforts for Haiti. Let’s show our support, as a collective community, and give back the love and goodwill that was bestowed to us 21 years ago.
For further information or to make a donation, please call the AFSS office at (416) 431-5549 or the Church office at (416) 431-3001.
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Armenian Christmas celebrated in Holy Trinity Armenian Church
The solemn observance of the Armenian Christmas Eve, on the evening of January 5, 2010, was celebrated by Rev. Archpriest Zareh Zargarian, pastor of Holy Trinity Armenian Church. Attending the liturgy were guest clergy: Rev. Dr. Karen Hamilton, General Secretary of The Canadian Council of Churches; Reverend Canon Harold Nahabedian and Rev. Archpriest Sarkis Gulyan.
The faithful of the parish gathered in the Holy Trinity Armenian Church to celebrate Nativity and Theophany of Jesus Christ.
Fr. Zargarian delivered the sermon in Armenian, followed by Rev. Dr. Hamilton’s Sermon in English. Read more... |
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Sunday School’s Christmas Party 2009
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On Dec 19 – 2009, Holy Trinity Armenian Church Sunday School had a Christmas party for the children and either family members at the “Magaros Artinian” Hall. The Christmas party was organized by the Sunday School teachers and devoted parents. It was an encouraging party that filled the hall with energetic and enthusiastic families, children, and new comers to Canada who were introduced to us by Armenian Family Support Services.
More than 60 kids filled the place and they spent their time throughout different activities such as decorating cup cakes, the Christmas Tree, and creating Christmas card crafts. The story “Jesus Christ’s Birthday” was read and was an educating lesson both for the parents and the children. They told Santa Clause jokes, were given the Fruit of the Spirit, and also played musical chairs. |

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Food tables were prepared with an abundance of different types of food, desserts, and fruits. Everyone had a good time, snacking and socializing. However, the most fun and unexpected part of the night was the arrival of Santa Clause himself.
With Christmas songs being sung by everyone in the crowd, Santa Clause entrance involved dancing, clapping, and smiling by all. The children were extremely happy and each of them received a bag of goodies and a present. One can imagine how happy the children were from their faces.
Everybody left the party in a great mood, shaking hands and benevolently giving their best wishes for Christmas and New Years.
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ACTION ALERT:
Religious equality and freedom of consciousness in the Republic of Georgia
Dear friends,
The Diocese of the Armenian Church of Canada has learned of the collapse of the Armenian Church of St. Gevork of Mughni in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia. Saint Gevork Church dating to 1356, collapsed as a direct result of a lack of maintenance by the government of Georgia.
During Soviet times, churches became the property of the state and the St. Gevork, Armenian Church was used as a museum during which time its physical condition was left to deteriorate. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and with the coming independence of the Republic of Georgia, the Georgian Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, together with other religious minorities, has not received legal status. Consequently all Armenian churches in Georgia currently carry on under the jurisdiction of the Georgian Orthodox Church, without legal rights to safeguard their properties. Read more...
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Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church
81st Anniversary Divine Liturgy & Luncheon
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On Sunday, December 6, 2009 Holy Trinity Armenian Church was in a celebration mood. It was the 81st anniversary of our church and a year of many accomplishments to be proud of and a great occasion for all of us to rejoice.
His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, the Primate of the Canadian Diocese celebrated the Divine Liturgy with the assistance of Rev. Archpriest Zareh Zargarian, Rev. Fr. Myron Sarkissian and with the presence of Rev. Archpriest Sarkis Gulyan. |
 | The choir participation conducted by Mr. Shahe Altounian added a great sense of warmth to the ceremony. Read more...
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Armenian Family Support Services (AFSS) - Newcomers Gathering- November 2009
by Rita Odjaghian
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On November 15th, Armenian Family Support Services held another successful “Newcomers Gathering”.
At this event, we did have approximately 40 Armenian Newcomers from various countries, such as Iraq, Lebanon and Armenia. The newcomers were from all walks of life. From a professional perspective, we had a spectrum of expertise, medical, engineering, law, teaching and even athletes. |
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| Maida Icliates, Chair of the AFSS, launched the meeting with welcoming remarks, which was then followed by Rev. Archpriest Zareh Zargarian, Pastor of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church, addressing the support of our Church and the importance of being connected with the Armenian Community. Read more...
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Pilgrimage to Jerusalem – Summer of 2009
By Ari Boyaci
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There are two places in the world that I believe every Armenian must visit at least once in their lifetime, if possible. The first place we think about is of course our National Motherland of Armenia and the Holy See of Etchmiazin, but we often forget about our Spiritual Motherland – the Holy Land of Jerusalem.
This summer I was able to fulfil my dream of visiting the Holy Land of Jerusalem for the first time. Visiting Jerusalem as a pilgrim from the Armenian Apostolic Church is truly a blessing, knowing that a quarter of the historic Old City belongs to the Armenians and the Patriarchate of Jerusalem; by de-facto it’s considered as “Little Armenia”. Everywhere you go in the Armenian Quarter, you see people speaking in Armenian. The Quarter is currently home to about 1000 Armenians including clergy and seminarians. Read more... |
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Information & Pre-Sale Session
At York Cemetery
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The Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church & Mount Pleasant York Cemetery Group held an information & Pre-Sale session on Sunday, November 15, 2009 at the York Cemetery’s Chapel in North York.
The interested members of our community gathered to take a tour of sections 3 & 30 of York Cemetery which has been dedicated to Armenian community of Toronto and the Greater Area. Read more... |
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Armenian Family Support Services
2009 ‘Adopt a Family for Christmas’ Appeal
Do you want to make a difference in a child’s life in the true spirit of Christmas? Do you want to give your children or grandchildren an opportunity to bring Christmas cheer to others?
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Our unique Adopt a Family for Christmas program will allow you to make a difference in a needy child’s life during this Holiday Season. It’s easy and confidential-- we match Sponsors with a chosen family and give the age and gender of the children. The anonymity of both the families and the sponsors is strictly maintained. Sponsors send $25 per child to Armenian Family Support Services, 920 Progress Avenue, Toronto, M1G 3T5 . |
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We purchase a gift card for the entire amount and present it in a gift bag, together with a cute little stuffed toy, to the family in time for Christmas. All extra donations will be used for AFSS projects throughout the year. A tax receipt is issued for all donations.
This Christmas reach out and touch a needy family. Your kindness will be remembered for years to come. If you would like to participate in our Armenian Family Support Services’ Adopt a Family for Christmas Program, please call our office at (416)431-5549 or the Church office at (416)431-3001 by December 1, 2009.
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Sunday School's Visit to Library
On October 25, Sunday School Students had a Library Day. They Visited the Mario Gumushdjian Library and looked around at the new books and videos that were on display. The librarians Alexia and Lara gave a presentation by reading Bible stories.
Finally, whoever answered the most questions received a prize. It was fun, interesting, and a leaning opportunity for the students.
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Blessing Ceremony of Krikor & Varsenik Nalbandian Boardroom
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On Sunday, November 1, 2009 the Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Holy Trinity Armenian Church pastor, Rev. Archpriest Zareh Zargarian.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a special blessing ceremony of Newly Renovated “KRIKOR & VARSENIK NALBANDIAN” Boardroom took place. The renovation was made possible by the heartfelt donation of Armen, Murad & Stepan Nalbandian brothers in memory of their beloved late parents. Read more... |
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THANKSGIVING DINNER AT STREETHAVEN WOMEN’S SHELTER-
by Seza Nazarian
Thanksgiving Monday, October 12, 2009
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For the third year in a row, members of the Board of Armenian Family Support Services and volunteers gathered at Streethaven Women’s Shelter in downtown Toronto to prepare and serve a delicious Thanksgiving Turkey dinner to over forty women. The staff at the Shelter gave access to the kitchen and offered a tour of the shelter to those who were there for the first time. Decorated tables had been set by the Shelter Staff for the special occasion. When the meal was ready, the residents were invited to take a seat.
AFSS Volunteers served plates of turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, buttered vegetables, cranberry sauce followed by dessert plates filled with pumpkin and apple pie with whipped cream. Read more... |

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February 09, 2010
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