I want to thank Parish Council for inviting me to MC today’s joyous occasion.  I have to say that I am very honoured to be here today, and happy to celebrate the birthday of what I consider being my second home.  When I was first approached about becoming the MC today, I said yes without hesitation!  Despite the fact that I have an exam tomorrow, I wanted to be here to celebrate this occasion and to share with all of you my experience as an active member of this church.

When my family and I moved to Canada, we didn’t really have a place to go other than the church.  My parents were quick to get me involved.  As days went by, my family’s involvement in the church grew.

From Saturday School, Sunday School, Jr ACYOC, Sr ACYOC, Camp Ararat, CYMA, Sassoun Dance Group, and Theatre Group… what else is there?

My parents’ involvement in the church and the community was what began it all, and if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be as involved as I am today.

There came a point where I was immersed with so many church activities along with my school work that I stopped and asked myself “why do I keep saying yes and volunteering in all these events and committees, when I am the one who sits there and complains about not having enough time?”

After careful thought, I came to the realization that I owe my time to the church, because of all the things it has done for my life.  Nothing in this world is for free; I believe that you get what you give.

From the first day I set foot in this church I have received so much.  Being involved in this community has helped me grow spiritually, it has taught me life lessons, opened up opportunities and most importantly, it has made me a better Christian.

A plant needs food and water to grow and flourish into a beautiful flower, and just like that plant, this church has needs also, but the food and water of this church are you, the members of this church.  Your positive energy and efforts to help maintain this parish and make it grow.

I want to mention some great facts about this church:

-          Our church is not only a place of worship but in large it is also a community center! Did you know that we have more than 30 active committees working here? Under this roof!

-          We are a church with a vast array of committees ranging from Bible Studies, to Sassoun Dance Group.  Look at the amount of work being done under this roof, and I assure that there is more! more committees! and more events.

-          We are happy to announce the membership of over 100 new members within the last 3 months and here is the great part the majority are youths!  Isn’t that great?

With all these great facts, who here is inspired to join this wonderful family?  We have membership applications available every Sunday in the lobby at the welcome desk.

I have to tell you, nothing comes easy, everything you see here was not done overnight.  It is the result of the hard work, dedication and vision of our dear Der Zareh with the leadership and the full support of Serpazan Hayr.  On behalf of us all, I want to say “Thank you Serpazan Hayr” and “Thank you Der Zareh” and of course how can we forget our young and vibrant parish council members for all their efforts with their very active Chairman, Mr. Avedis Evran.

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I encourage you all to go home today and have a talk with your family members however young or old and tell them how important it is to be apart of their Armenian community and their Armenian church, our ancestors did not die for us to lose our heritage and religion they died so we can maintain our Christian Heritage, and here we have this church as a prime example, so take the torch passed on by your ancestors and keep the flame burning; do not let it go out.  By your involvement and your contributions, you can help to make this place not just my second home, but also everyone’s.  Thank You!