Pari Loor

A Publication of

Saint Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church

Granite City, Illinois

Spring 2017

Saint Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church

1014 West Pontoon Road Granite City, Illinois 62040

Church: 618-451-7884 Community Center: 618-452-1915

www.stgregorychurchgc.com

Pastor

Der Torkom Chorbajian

Board of Trustees

Executive

Jake Varadian, Chairperson

John Varadian, Vice-Chairperson

Andrew Asadorian, Secretary

Lynne Hagopian and Henry Ohanian,

Co-Treasurers

Advisors

Art Asadorian

John Donjoian

Jeff Hagopian

Steve Hagopian

National Representatives’ Assembly

Delegates

Greg Hightaian

Andrew Asadorian

Pari Loor Staff

Editor and Co-Editor

Rose Lesko and Nancy Avdoian

Contributing Staff

Andrew Asadorian

Lynne Hagopian

Stephen S. Hagopian

Stephen Hagopian

Janet Haroian

Jean Nalbandian

Church Faculty

Altar Staff

Dn. Edward Haroian

Dn. Jeffrey Hagopian

Dn. George Berberian

Mr. Yero Manoogian (subdeacon)

Mr. Stephen S. Hagopian (subdeacon)

Mr. Garo Mikayelian

Mr. Zaven Nalbandian

Dr. George Schweitzer

Mr. John Varadian

Mr. John Donjoian

Mr. Andrew Asadorian

Mr. Zaven Nalbandian (third)

Mr. Ryan Varadian

Ms. Sarah Varadian

Mr. Naz Donjoian

Holy Seraphim Choir

Melanie Keeney, Choirmaster

Andrew Asadorian, Organist

Ladies Guild

Colleen Varadian, Chairperson

Sunday School

Barbara Varadian, Director

Fellowship Club

Melanie Haroian, Co-Chairperson

Caroline Sarian, Co-Chairperson

Community Organizations

Armenian Relief Society

Janet Haroian, Chairperson

Armenian Youth Federation

Gabrielle Krikorian, Chairperson

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Surpazan’s Message To NRA 4-6

News from our Board of Trustees 9-11

News from our Church Organizations 11-15

Easter 2017 17-18

Requiems 19-22

Gifts to the church 22

Prayer Requests 22

News from our Community 24

Coffee Sponsors 24

Calendar of Events 25

The editor and staff of Pari Loor wish to apologize in advance for any errors in spelling, omission of names or

misrepresentation of facts in our newsletter. Any corrections or additions to the newsletter should be

directed to the Pastor or a member of the Board of Trustees.

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CHURCH SERVICES

DIVINE LITURGY:

Morning services start at 9:30 A.M. and the Divine Liturgy (Badarak) starts at 10:00 A.M. every Sunday

Every Saturday Great Vespers at 5:00 P.M.

Other Services by Special Announcement

ARMENIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES

Every Saturday at 3:00 P.M. in church classroom or via Skype

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Year round, for all children. 10:30 – 12:00 every Sunday morning.

Children’s Sermon first Sunday of every month.

BAPTISM

Church Service Members (Parents only) $100

Non-Member $150

Services of the Priest Honorarium

WEDDING

Church Service Members (Bride or Groom) $150

Non-Member $300

Services of the Priest Honorarium

Services of the Organist Honorarium

Services of the Soloist Honorarium

FUNERAL

Church Service Member (Deceased) $100*

Non-Member $250

Services of the Priest Honorarium

*Fee waived when 100% in lieu of flowers goes to St. Gregory The Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church. This

service is not available to non-members.

CHRISTMAS & EASTER HOUSE BLESSINGS

Services of the Priest Honorarium

MEMORIAL DAY GRAVE BLESSING

Services of the Priest Honorarium

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP FEE

Per Person $100

The dues-paying member has voting rights in the Annual Church membership meeting and can get discounts for

church services or community center rentals.

COMMUNITY CENTER HALL RENTAL

Full Hall Member $500

Non-Member $700

Half Hall Member $375

Non-Member $450

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ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN CHOLOYAN’s MESSAGE TO THE NATIONAL

REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY

Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America

May 16-20, 2017 All Saints Church Glenview, Illinois

Dear Delegates,

Certainly all of you are aware that His Holiness Aram I declared 2017 as “The Year of

Renewal.” Renewal does not just mean renewing the “old,” or that which has become old. It

specifically means revisiting our programs, methods, and values utilizing modern and effective

methods with energetic and ardent effort.

In light of this initiative, our Prelacy’s Executive Council made every effort to implement the

directive to establish a separate department for Youth Ministry and for that purpose we invited

an experienced and qualified individual, Mrs. Annie Ohanessian, to work together with members

of the committee to guide our sons and daughters to learn the Armenian Church’s faith and

history. The formation of the youth ministry program will, of course, focus on the education of

the youth and the importance of knowledge. On the other hand we must consider “youth” to be

all those who do not have a complete understanding of the Armenian Church’s faith, history,

rituals, and traditions, and especially the Church’s previous role and vision for the future.

Without doubt, spiritual nourishment and lifestyle are necessary for the Christian faith. In other

words, faith must become a part of life and everyday occurrence through our deeds—deeds that

turn us into that kind of model examples whose presence and demeanor, aside from personal

success, brings spiritual peace, comfort, love, and honor, spread around us wherever we are. We

call this lifestyle spirituality that in its simplest form expresses humans’ inner spiritual world,

virtues and message of the divine commandments. Spirituality is a part of human nature from

birth and if spirituality is cultivated and grows with faith then it naturally binds humans to

principles of love and honor and the virtues of faith.

Spirituality on its own is not a religion, but rather an expression of spiritual understanding and

interpretation that can even be common to any religion.

Today, especially in western culture, it is often repeated that in order to believe in God we need

not follow a religion. It is enough to have spirituality that is a way for living and relationships.

Religion is a strong institution that advises and preaches an ethical lifestyle and where rituals

play a big role with great affect. Yes, often spirituality and religion share common traits, some of

which overlap. However, in collective expression they are different. Spirituality is personal,

whereas religion is a collective and communal group that can also become the specific trait and

identity of any nation. In this case religion becomes a nation’s possession just as it, Christianity,

has been the national possession of the Armenian people for centuries. Here a new understanding

is born that in past centuries, as a philosophical and sociological difference, was not noted in an

individual’s faith or a nation’s collective faith. That is to say that religion is an indicator of

belonging to a nation, differing from individual spirituality. Anyone can be spiritual wherever he

or she may live and whatever race they belong to. Racial originality and uniqueness are tied to

that race’s physiology, anatomy, and physical appearance, whereas ethnicity is the manifestation

of an individual or that person’s ethnic culture, that emanates from a geographical area and in

time the group—that is to say the nation—has its language, religion, habits and national

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uniqueness. In a word, its identity. In the case of the Armenian people in America, the picture is

clear. We call ourselves Armenian Americans. Our race is called hye and geographically the

Armenian race has flourished on its soil. In Armenia. If we in America cut our ties to our mother

land and lose the sense of belonging, that is to say, our language, religion, habits, ecclesiastical

and national traditions, and completely accept all facets of American culture, then we are

distanced from our source and we become American, rather than Armenian American.

Spirituality by itself can satisfy us as an individual, but the Armenian Church’s communal life

always binds us to our history and identity.

And here is the greater question. We could say the danger or challenge. Human beings have the

freedom to elect a more normal, pleasant and successful life; however, as Armenians and

Christian Armenians they lose their identity and identity becomes history.

Aside from these thoughts of spirituality, religion, race, and nation, I return to the first thought I

expressed when I spoke about the Youth Ministry, with the hope and assurance that this

Representative Assembly, the Religious and Lay Councils, Clergy Fathers, Boards of Trustees,

and all of our auxiliary organizations will make healthy spiritual education the focus, not only to

maintain and protect our Armenian identity—religion and ethnic—but also to improve and move

forward utilizing all professional means and making it the weapon of our struggle against any

assimilation and destructive attacks and power.

After the Armenian Genocide when we became a Diaspora, wherever we went in our struggle to

survive we made every effort to secure our livelihood. At the same time we built churches and

schools, surrounded by political, educational, cultural, athletic, and social institutions, because as

a natural defense after the horror and pain of the Genocide, we tried to keep all of our racial and

national qualities. And when we thrived and felt secure, we followed the voice of our race,

enhanced our quest for knowledge, and today we have hundreds of thousands of professionals—

generations of young people who found success and continue to succeed in various fields. At the

beginning they were content with a high school education. Later our sons and daughters earned

university and professional degrees, became independent and turned their attention to their

personal and family life. A university education, above all else, teaches us to have respect for the

thoughts of others in face of possibilities and decisions. This is a very respectful demeanor. This

became and remains a reason to have the freedom to make a choice in face of different situations.

As much as we value freedom of choice, we are equally concerned about our obligation to

present and pass on to our youth those values that have been the foundation of our nation’s

defense and survival. Freedom is a beautiful virtue, the right of all. However, we must not

convert it to anarchy and indifference, far from crystallized virtues gained by nations and

communities through which they are identified and defined. The Bible, which according to our

faith is a Godly revelation, is the best guide for the history of nations. God, by way of the Bible

and the Hebrew people, sends His message to all people.

The Bible is the way and guidance of our faith. It is our route and must be viewed with the

wisdom that God through the Bible and through the life of a people, presents to all people.

History shows us that before Christ from 607 to 537, the Hebrew people were uprooted from

their country. They were exiled to Babylon and became a Diaspora. Living on foreign land and

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adopting foreign habits, eventually they lost their national and religious sense of belonging; they

lost their language, they began worshipping foreign gods, and adopted foreign habits, and when

in 537 BC they were given permission to return to their country, they were already far removed

from their roots. During this time the messengers of God, the prophets Ezra, Nehemiah, and

Haggai with foresight and at times with toughness and reproach told those who had lost their

sense of belonging to return to their roots, keep their religion and language, maintain their

religious and national traditions and obligations. Read the 13th chapter of the prophet Nehemiah

and you will see how forcefully he speaks about racial authenticity, sanctity of the Sabbath, the

celebration of Holy Days, religion, and the worship of our Lord God. The Hebrew people

listened to the decisions of the prophets and after the fall of Jerusalem by the Roman Empire, in

spite of living as a dispersed people for 2,000 years, survived.

This lesson of history is also a lesson for us. Therefore, I highly commend our decision and

effort. By forming the Youth Ministry Committee and beginning its work, we must strive to

present the entire culture of the Armenian Church to old and young. Our culture, faith, language,

became the color of our skin; became our character like the unique physical attributes of a race.

With the message of the Bible as our directive, wherever we went, even before our homes we

built the fortress of our survival—the Armenian Church, that always stood by our people with

dedication and faithfulness to the culture always with sacrifice and faithfulness upheld our

people, our culture, that was gained through sacrifice and sweat of our fatherland that blossomed

with the blood of our saints and heroes. Sanctified with the word “mother,” our Mother Church

has been a genuine and upright mother, with a mother’s boundless love, affectionate nurturing,

and total devotion.

May this National Representative Assembly become the fertile soil of our thoughts, and for the

care you have for the children of our people. May the children under your care acknowledge our

rich spiritual and national posterity. Let us be renewed and let us by our collective effort become

more dedicated, more Christian, and complete Armenians, with a true and unique image, the

faith of the Illuminator, golden tongue, and immortal posterity. Success.

ARCHBISHOP OSHAGAN Prelate

Armenian Apostolic Church of America

(Eastern Prelacy)

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THE COMMEMORATION OF THE 102nd ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN

GENOCIDE

ՀԱՑՈՅ ՑԵՂԱՍՊԱՆՈՒԹԵԱՆ 102 ԱՄԵԱԿԻ ՆՇՈՒՄ

On Sunday, April 23rd, The Armenian Community experienced the joy of having a Joint

Armenian Genocide Commemoration, with the joint efforts and the participation of St. Gregory

the Illuminator Armenian Church and Holy Virgin Mary & Shoghagat Armenian Church.

The Divine Liturgy and the Reception took place at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian

Church and St. Gregory Armenian Community Center. The celebrant of the Holy Badarak was

Very Reverend Father Mesrob Parsamyan and Reverend Father Torkom Chorbajian was the

preacher. During the Service, both Pastors blessed and installed a special Cross that holds the

remains of an unknown Genocide Martyr. At the end of the Services, the Community gathered

around the Khachkar - Monument, where a requiem service was held for the souls of the

survivors of the Armenian Genocide.

Following the banquet at St. Gregory Armenian Community Center, a great program was

organized by the Armenian Genocide Commemoration Committee. The program comprised

recitations and performances. The Guest speaker of the program was Mr. Armen Sahagyan who

stressed the importance of the next level of the Armenian cause, which is demanding justice and

reparations.

At the end of the program, Armen ran a workshop for those who were interested to know

more about the mission of Armenian National Committee of America and how they could

work in their local cities for the benefit of the Armenian cause.

We would like to thank everyone who organized and planned this event.

#armeniangenocide #turkeyfailed #keepthepromise

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NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY-2017 Glenview

ԱԶԳԱՅԻՆ ԵՐԵՍՓՈԽԱՆԱԿԱՆ ԺՈՂՈՎ-2017 Կլէնվիու

The Eastern Prelacy’s National Representative Assembly (NRA) was convened in Glenview,

Illinois, from Thursday May 18 to Saturday, May 20. The Clergy conference began earlier, on

Wednesday, May 17. This year’s Assembly was hosted by All Saints Armenian Apostolic

Church of Glenview’s community. Our Pastor, Der Torkom Chorbajian, alongside our two

National Representative Delegates, Mr. Greg Hightaian and Mr. Andrew Asasdorian,

participated in the meetings and represented our Church and community. This year’s theme was

the imperative of Renewal, as was declared by our Catholicos Aram I.

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Լուրեր Հոգաբարձութենէն –Andrew Asadorian

Our members of our Board of Trustees would like to thank God for his countless blessings, for

our continued good health, prosperity, and ability to serve the parishioners of St. Gregory parish.

We would also like to thank Vehapar Aram I, for his continued leadership at an international

level, our Prelate, Srpazan Oshagan Choloyan, Vicar General Anoushavan Tanielian, and the

Religious and Executive Councils for their leadership at a national level of the Prelacy. We also

wish to thank Der Torkom Chorbajian and Yeretsgin Shogher for their continued love,

leadership, and support of all our parishioners at the local level.

Our Board had a busy first quarter of the year. We, along with the rest of the parish were excited

to celebrate the birth of our Lord on January 5th

and 6th

. We thank Der Torkom, as well as our

altar servers and choir members, for the beautiful services they gave us, and continue to give us,

week in and week out. The members of our parish, also wish to thank our Fellowship Club for

once again organizing the annual after service luncheon at Fazzi’s, everyone who attended had a

wonderful time. Along with the services and fun meal at Fazzi’s, our Church hosted its first

annual Trivia Night, thank you to all who attended, volunteered for, and supported, in any

fashion, this event, we would love to see this continue to flourish in the future.

Our year of work began with a focus on Aram Vehapar’s message of Renewal. We spent many

hours discussing how to approach this topic and what it may look like in terms of practical

implementation. We continued our work on our community phone directory, and kept our focus

on local charity work. We were fortunate to have created a Bas Relief for one of our major

donors, and beloved parishioners, Grant Korkoyan. We were also able to finalize our new Cross

which includes the remains of an unknown Genocide Martyr.

We held our Dyarnuntarach service in February, during which we invited all parents with

newborn children to present them to the altar. After the service, we held our annual bonfire, all

those who attended had a wonderful time, after which we had a nice dinner at Ravanelli’s. Thank

you to Hagop Varadian for providing us with the wood for the fire as always, and to all those

who helped light the fire, joined us in song around the fire, and later helped extinguish the fire.

We held our annual membership meeting in March, during which we saw many changes in the

leadership and representation of our Church. Lynne Hagopian, Arthur Asadorian, and John

Donjoian completed their terms as Board of Trustees members, and we elected Stephen S.

Hagopian, Zaven Nalbandian II, and Andrea Giovando in their places. We would like to thank

Lynne, Arthur, and John, all, for their service to our parish and look forward to working with our

new board members as well. Andrew Asadorian was elected to the National Representative

Assembly term of 3 years, a position vacated by Dcn. Edward Haroian, we thank Eddie for his

service as Yerespokhan, and all his continued service to our Church parish.

Der Torkom began our Lenten services, which occurred on Sundays after Badarak, and Friday

evenings, we thank all those who attended, as well as the organizations who hosted the after-

Friday service refreshments for our parishioners. We also hosted our Holy Week services, which

included Palm Sunday, The Service of 10 Maidens (Tuesday), Washing of the Feet and Betrayal

of the Lord services (Thursday), Burial of our Lord (Friday), Reading of Scrolls and Easter Eve

(Saturday), with the culmination being the celebration of the glorious resurrection of our Lord on

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Easter (Sunday) morning. We thank all those who attended our Holy Week services, as it makes

them truly prepared to receive our Lord in his glorious resurrection.

Our parish joined with Holy Shoghagat during the week between Easter and April 24th

to

commemorate the 102nd

anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Our two parishes had a week

full of events, from the showing of Orphans of the Genocide on Monday night at the Wildey

Theater in Edwardsville. We wish to thank Bared Maronian, the filmmaker who attended the

showing and took part in a Q&A session with all the attendees after. Also that week, we had

three showings of The Promise, first, on Thursday April 20th

, in Granite City, for which we thank

Casper Nighohossian and Lance Callis, for funding the event for us. On Friday, and Saturday, we

had showings in Edwardsville and St. Charles respectively, for which we wish to thank the

Thomas A. Kooyumjian Family Foundation for covering the cost(s) associated with that. The

week culminated with a joint Badarak, hosted in our Church, during with Hayr Mesrob

Parsamyan of Holy Shoghagat celebrated, and Der Torkom Chorbajian, of our parish, gave the

sermon. We thank Hayr Soorp, Der Torkom, all of the altar servers and choir members who

came together to provide us with a beautiful Badarak. We would also like to thank all those who

volunteered during the preparation of the Badarak, as well as those who attended from both

parishes. After the service, we held a program at our Community Center, where we had a

proclamation, presented by County Board Member Arthur Asadorian, and signed into effect by

Madison County Board Chairman Kurt Prenzler, who was in attendance, and has also been a

vocal and published advocate of Genocide recognition. Our program featured a reading of a

poem by Yeretsgin Shogher Chorbajian, as well as stories from students from both Sunday

Schools that focused on their ancestors’ stories. Hayr Mesrob, Der Torkom, Doreen Nersesian

and Jake Varadian also made speeches on behalf of both parishes. Armen Sahakyan spoke on

behalf of the ANCA to those in attendance, and also hosted a seminar after the program. We look

forward to next April, when we will join Holy Shoghagat at their Church for the joint

commemoration.

Our parish had three very painful losses early this year, as we had to say goodbye to Grant

Korkoyan, Sam Manoogian, and Arpie Sarian. All three were very longtime, and dedicated

parishioners to our parish, people who could brighten any room with their mere presence, and

will be sorely missed by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting them. Asdvads Hokin

Loosavoreh.

As always, we would like to again thank Der Torkom Chorbajian, and Yeretsgin Shogher, for

their countless hours of leading our parish to Christ. Also, thank you to all those who volunteer

their time for our parish, whether it be; my fellow members, the members of the Community

Center Committee, our Altar servers, Choir members, Church Office volunteers, Sunday School

teachers, those who help setup and cleanup before and after our Fellowship Hour after Badarak,

and Community Center volunteers, for Bingo and Weekend Rentals. Finally, and most

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importantly, thank you to the parishioners of our Church, who continue to support the Church,

whether it be through attendance at services, financially, or through living the word of Christ in

your daily lives, without faithful parishioners, a Church is just a building.

May God continue to Bless you all, throughout this Eastertide Season, and forever.

Լուրեր «Սրբոց Սերովբէից» Երգչախումբէն –Andrew Asadorian

The Holy Seraphim Choir has been busy since our last issue of the Pari Loor. We spent many

hours preparing for multiple feast days, and other important occasions, including: Armenian

Christmas, Holy Week, Easter, and the 102nd

Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.

Our Choir was very fortunate to have the time to host a refreshment hour after a Friday evening

Lenten Service, hold our annual Spring Retreat, the day before Palm Sunday, where we spent

hours cleaning the Church, along with members of the Fellowship Club, then more hours

rehearsing recurring and new Sharagans for Holy Week and Easter.

We wish to thank all members of the Holy Shoghagat Choir for joining us in preparation for the

102nd

commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, your contributions were most appreciated and

we look forward to working together again next year.

As always, we look forward with great anticipation with all the exciting things that the remainder

of 2017 may bring to us. We look forward to serving God, and our parish in whatever way we

can.

Finally, should anyone have an interest in joining the ranks of the Choir, please see Der Torkom,

or any Choir member. May God bless you all throughout this new year and in the future.

Jean Nalbandian

St. Gregory Sunday School has had a fun and productive Spring! We continue to learn the Word

of God through crafts, stories, songs, Bible readings and discussions. The older children in

particular have been discussing the challenges of maintaining a Christian life in upper grades and

middle school. Our younger ones made a spectacular Easter banner with the help of our older

students. Our Easter celebration was quite a success with breakfast, games organized by

Yeretsgin, and an Easter egg hunt! We continue to enjoy creative and fun first Sunday sermons

from Der Torkom. We welcome children from preschool age through 8th grade. Come join the

fun!

Lynne Hagopian

The Ladies Guild assisted with the Kharasoonk luncheon for Grant Korkoyan on April 2nd.

Grant was a gentle and loving man who always supported the Ladies Guild dinners and bake

sales. He especially loved the loosnags and simit cookies. He will be sorely missed.

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The Guild continued its tradition of dyeing and selling Easter Eggs along with delicious choreg

after Easter church services. Thanks to Barbara and Colleen Varadian for dyeing the Easter eggs

and thanks to the bake sale committee of Lori Saucier, Leslie Mikaelian and Takouhie Kakligian.

These ladies continue to volunteer year after year for these Easter activities.

Our church sponsored a joint commemoration of the Armenian Genocide on April 23rd

with Holy

Virgin Mary and Holy Shoghagat Armenian Church. Our Ladies Guild prepared a delicious

Madagh meal of roasted lamb, pilafs and salad. The desserts were prepared by the local ARS

chapter. Thanks to the committee of Lynne Hagopian, Janet Haroian, Susan Hagopian and

Colleen Varadian.

We had a Ladies Fun Day on Sunday, May 7th

with about 20 ladies participating. The ladies

were treated to a delightful luncheon of chicken salad sandwiches, various salads and breads.

Dessert was cupcakes individually decorated by each lady. The ladies participated in activities

and games, some of which resulted in some hilarious pictures. Many thanks to the committee of

Chairlady Yeretsgin Shogher, Janet Haroian and Barbara Varadian.

The Guild again organized the collection of personal care items during the month of May for the

Good Samaritan House in Granite City. The Good Samaritan House greatly appreciates these

donations.

Yeretsgin Shogher represented our Ladies Guild chapter at the National Association of Ladies

Guild annual meeting on May 17-19 in Chicago. Thank you Yeretsgin.

Future events include the annual Father’s Day luncheon chaired by Susan Hagopian, the

Blessing of the Grapes Picnic Bake Sale and a half day retreat in the Fall.

Լուրեր Եղբայրասիրական Միութենէն –

Andrew Asadorian The Fellowship Club of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church wishes to thank

all of our members, and all parishioners who have participated in our Club, or supported us in the

past.

During this most recent season, we hosted a refreshment hour after one of the Friday evening

Lenten services, and also held our annual Spring Cleaning at the Church the day before Palm

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Sunday. We would like to thank all those who attended and helped with the cleaning of our

Church.

As always, should you or anyone else you know have a wish to join our club, please see Der

Torkom, or any Fellowship Club member.

Janet Haroian

It has been a busy and exciting late winter/early spring for the Reubena members. We started

with the annual Souper Bowl Sunday, Soup and Bread luncheon on February 5th

which offered

10 different soups prepared by our members and friends. Thanks to all those who made and

donated the delicious soups and the bread consumed that day. The prize winners of the football

trivia won snacks for game time! Congratulations to Melanie Keeney, the Nalbandian family

and Schweitzer family for their prowess at football trivia. Funds raised at the event were initially

earmarked for a new whiteboard for the Armenian School classroom. Special thanks to Garo and

Leslie Mikaelian for their generosity by purchasing the board outright and donating it to the

school!! Funds generated at the event were then re-directed to other ARS relief programs and

projects.

The ARS Ungerouhies moved on to the month of March and sponsored the Lenten Agoump. It

was a meatless meal offered after the Lenten church services on March 31st. Thanks to Leslie

Mikaelian for chairing this event.

April 9th

was the ARS 107th

Anniversary dinner and program after Palm Sunday Badarak. ARS

Chairman Janet Haroian provided an update on the activities of the organization in the USA,

Armenia, Syria and the Stepanakert Sosseh Kindergarten building currently under construction.

The ARS Central Executive is organizing a trip to Armenia for anyone interested in attending the

opening and dedication of the new building. Those present at the dinner enjoyed a meal of

chicken, pilaf, salad and anniversary cake.

Also in April, the chapter co-sponsored the presentation of the movie, Orphans of the Genocide,

with the ARF, AYF and St. Gregory Armenian Church. It was shown at the Wildey Theatre

downtown Edwardsville, and the film director/producer, Unger Bared Maronian was present to

speak after the viewing of the movie. A question and answer session was held after the movie

and then movie viewers were invited to the theatre lobby for a reception offering a variety of

pastries, fruit, crackers and cheeses, and lehmejune. Thanks to all Ungerouhies that prepared

items for the reception table. We hope to work together again to bring Unger Bared’s newest

film, The Women of 1915, to the area. The ARS organization raised funds to help underwrite

the production of The Women of 1915.

The ARS members participated in the preparation of dessert items for the joint Genocide

Commemoration event held on April 23rd

at St. Gregory Armenian Church and Community

Center. Thank you to all who prepared the simit, paklava and other items donated by our

members.

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We are excited to announce that one of the winners of the annual ARS Armenian School Essay

Contest was Giselle Krikorian, of our Mesrobian Armenian School. Thank you Der Torkom

Chorbajian and Yeretsgin Shogher for organizing the language program and encouraging our

students to participate in the essay contest. There is always room for more students in class.

Contact Der Hayr if interested.

In the coming months, the ARS members will provide support to our Granite City Antranig AYF

Chapter by assisting with preparations for the AYF Midwest Junior Olympics. The Antranig

Chapter will host this family fun event July 14-15. There will be festivities for Alumni, current

members and of course, the future AYF ungers and ungerouhies! We will need mezze items for

the dance so watch for emails or other forms of contact as we get closer to the event.

The ARS Convention will be in Washington, DC, in July the week after the AYF Jr. Olympics if

any of our members are interested in attending. Contact Janet ASAP if interested so credentials

can be prepared and sent to the ARS Regional Board prior to the start of the convention.

If you are interested in joining the ARS, please feel free to contact one of the executive

members; Janet Haroian, Susie Hagopian, or Leslie Mikaelian, for information about the

organization and our mission. We are always looking for new members and new ideas they can

bring to the ARS.

Լուրեր Հ Յ Դ էնStephen S. Hagopian

The Granite City "Hrayr" Gomideh has had a great start to the 2017 spring! We partnered with

the local AYF, ARS and St. Gregory Church to bring the documentary "Orphans of the

Genocide" to the community in April of this year. The film was shown to a large crowd at the

Wildey Theatre in Edwardsville. We would like to thank all of the co-sponsoring organizations

and the community at large for supporting this film.

We were also excited to bring fellow Unger and ANCA Eastern Region Executive Director

Armen Sahakayan to the community for the joint commemoration of the Armenian Genocide

this year. This year’s event was sponsored by St Gregory and Holy Shoghagat churches and

Unger Armen was our Keynote speaker. We also had a busy few days with Unger Armen as

immediately following the joint commemoration we had a ANCA workshop with 13 community

members attending. It was a very informative workshop and gave many of our ANCA

(Armenian National Committee of America) members in Missouri and Illinois the skills to meet

with our locally elected officials. The day after our commemoration we had 2 meetings in

southern Illinois, with staff from Rep. Rodney Davis's office and Rep. John Shimkus's office

before heading over to Missouri. In Missouri that same Monday, we did a few "drop by's" with

Armen at Rep Clay's office and Rep Wagner's office before a meeting with Rep Luketmeyer's

office later that afternoon.

Since that week we have had two follow up meetings with U.S. Congressman Clay's office and

U.S. Congressman Wagner's office. Representative Clay agreed to sign on to house resolution

.220. We very much appreciate the support of the local community in all of our endeavors.

15

Լուրեր Հ Ե Մ էն Stephen Hagopian

The Granite City "Antranig" AYF Chapter has had a great start for the 2017 year. We co-

sponsored the film "The Orphans of the Genocide" along with the Granite City ARF, ARS and

St. Gregory Church. We almost had 100 people on the Monday night of the showing

and are looking forward to bringing further cultural events to the community in the coming

years.

The chapter has been hard at work getting ready for this year’s annual AYF Eastern Region Mid-

West Junior Olympics July 14-16 which we are hosting in the St. Louis Metro area. All events

are open to the whole community and we hope to see everyone that weekend! We will have a

picnic and social on Friday night at Township park in Edwardsville, IL. Saturday we will have

the track and field games at Edwardsville High School and on Saturday night we will have a

dance featuring the Nigosian Band from Detroit at the St Gregory Community Center. We will

also have a fabulous Mezza table and a 50/50 raffle that night.

Five of our young ungers and ungerouhis attended the annual AYF-YOARF junior seminar

educational weekend over Memorial Day weekend in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. We had 2 first

timers attend this event and they all enjoyed it thoroughly. We have a few comments from the

attendees below.

Gabby Krikorian (our lone senior member to attend)

"I learned that no matter what our interests are, there is always a way to use our skills and

passions to influence our Armenian community and even beyond it!"

Zaven Nalbandian (first time attending)

"I met a lot of cool people and had a lot of fun. My favorite lectures included sports and dance

and I was able to get the hang of several dances on Sunday night."

Mira Nalbandian (first time attending)

"I learned about the meaning of Hai Tahd and what we can do to help Armenia. I also really

liked the 2 lectures on education and sports."

Ryan Varadian (second time attending)

"I had a lot of fun, I met a lot of new people and had a great time and I want to go again"

The chapter would also like to thank John and Jake Varadian, former AYF members who drove

the kids to Pittsburgh this year. Thank you both.

We are always looking to include more young Armenians in our ranks so they can enjoy our

numerous activities throughout the year. If you know any Armenian youth, between the ages of

10-25 who would like to get involved, please reach out to our executive or advisors.

16

17

Happy Easter 2017

Chrisdos Haryav Ee Merelots

Orhnial Eh Haroutiunn Chrisdosi

For: Brothers & sisters at St. Gregory Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church

By: Iris Donjoian

For: Bill Fredrick & Becky Nalbandian For: Becky Nalbandian

By: Zaven & Jean Nalbandian and Family By: Zaven Nalbandian, Sr.

For: Marujan Karibian For: Andrew Hagopian

By: Stanley Karibian By: Deacon Jeffrey & Lynne Hagopian

For: Angeline Hagopian For: Larry Sanasarian

By: Deacon Jeffrey & Lynne Hagopian By: Mary Matoesian-Sanasarian

For: Helen & Abraham Sanasarian For: Verkin, Michael, & Krikor Donian

By: Mary Matoesian-Sanasarian By: Sam & Sue Spataro

For: Sabella & Raimondo Spataro For: Mr. & Mrs. Nishan Varadian

By: Sam & Sue Spataro By: Mr. & Mrs. Hagop Varadian

For: Mr. & Mrs. Harold Koch For: Nishan & Mariam Varadian; Harold

By Jacob Varadian and Mary Koch

By: Jacob Varadian

For: Andrew Hagopian, Angeline Hagopian, For: Michael Hagopian & Kathy Ovian

& Wallace Lee By: Stephen Hagopian

By: Stephen Hagopian

For: Andrew Hagopian, Michael Hagopian, For: Andrew, Angeline, & Michael

& Wallace Lee Hagopian

By: Mr. & Mrs. Paul Shirinian & Family By: Mr. & Mrs. Steve Hagopian

By: Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Hagopian & Family

For: Wallace Lee For: Harootyoon Kmoorjian

By: Mr. & Mrs. Steve Hagopian By: Chorbajian Family

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For: Karnick & Grace Ohanian For: Fred & Margaret Torigian

By: Henry & Connie Ohanian By: Vincent & Laureen Torigian & Family

For: Andrew (Tange) Torosian For: Sarkis & Louise Dolbashian; Jean &

By: Virginia Torosina Hana Burri

By: Denise Dolbashian

For: Louis & Alice Saucier For: Vartan Family

By: Lori Saucier By: Charles Vartan

For: Parsaghian Family For: Hightaian & Haroian Families

By: Charles Vartan By: Greg & Debbie Hightaian

For: Anna & John Stokes

By: Greg & Debbie Hightaian

Thank you to all who donated the lilies to beautify His Altar.

Easter Youghakeen – 2017 Jacob Varadian Deacon Ed and Laura Haroian

Graham & Melanie Keeney & Family Mary Haroian

Sam & Sue Spataro Michael Haroian

Rev. Torkom & YN Shogher Chorbajian Dennis & Denise Pates

David & Elizabeth Sarafian & Family John & Jennifer Donjoian & Family

Deacon Jeffrey & Lynne Hagopian Pam & Rich Asadorian

Mr. & Mrs. Greg Hightaian Yosefyan Family

Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Asadorian Hagop & Barbara Varadian

Mrs. Janet Haroian Lori Saucier

Manny & Sonya Ohanesian John & Colleen Varadian & Family

Dr. George & Soce Berberian & Family John & Christine Schweitzer

Beatrice Bazoian Joe Durham

Stephen & Susan Hagopian Karo & Leslie Mikaelian

Stephen S. Hagopian Rev. Stephan & YN Alice Baljian

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In Lieu of Flowers for Sam Manoogian Louie Miller

Phyllis Popmarkoff

Henry & Connie Ohanian

Harry Briggs

Iris Donjoian

Donald & Karen Bridick

Leo & MarLean Manoogian

Dick & Zabelle Vartanian

Pamela Dellamano

Janet, Melanie & Stephen Haroian

Rachael Friedel

Joseph & Jamie Schuler

Raffi Ovian

Stephen S. Hagopian

Richard & Pam Asadorian

Scott & Nancy Smallie

Diana Petrosian

Tamara & Jim Cluck

James & Sharon Parker

Patricia Gantt

Paul & Janet Bogosian

Vera Smolar, Devon & Laura Bridick &

Family, Carol & Rick Nolan, Jean & Larry

Zotti & Tim Smolar

Casper Nighohossian

Steve & Susan Hagopian

Clara & Russ Waterson

Jeff & Lynne Hagopian

Takhouie Kakligian

Edward Manoogian

Richard & Nancy Avdoian

Karo & Leslie Mikaelian

Deacon Ed & Laura Haroian

Annette Hagopian

Pearl & John Sarkissian

Roy & Joyce Dix

Karen Hagopian

Sam & Susan Spataro

Manny & Sonya Ohanesian

Ronald Moshoian

Gary Manoogian

Mathew & Sandra Kozyak

Paul & Kristi Batsios

Dave & Linda Ames

Terry & Beth Ravanelli

Mary Matoesian-Sanasarian

Mike & Matt Torosian

Garnett Moran & Family

The Smallman Family

Gail Fritzsche

Larry & Marian Wright

Elder & Disability Advocacy Firm of Christine

A. Alsop

TOTAL DONATION: $1,785.00

Հոգեհանգստեան Պաշտօն -Requeim Service Sunday, February 05

Andrew Hagopian, Angeline Hagopian,

Michael Hagopian, Kathy Ovian, Wallace Lee

By Stephen S. Hagopian

Sunday, February 12

Andrew Hagopian, Angeline Hagopian,

Michael Hagopian, Kathy Ovian, Wallace Lee

By Stephen S. Hagopian

Sunday, February 19

All deceased clergymen who served the Armenian Prelacy

By the Armenian Prelacy

Andrew Hagopian

By Greg & Silva Bedian and Family

Andrew Hagopian, Angeline Hagopian, Michael Hagopian, Kathy Ovian, Wallace Lee

By Stephen Hagopian

20

Hagop Asadorian, Edward Asadorian

By Asadorian and Keeney Families

Sunday, February 26

All deceased members & benefactors of the A.R.S.

By the Armenian Prelacy

Victims of the massacres of Sumgait, Baku, and Kirovabad

By the Armenian Prelacy

Sunday, March 05

Harry Derderian

By Janet, Melanie and Stephen Haroian

Sunday, March 12

Der Vartan Kassabian,

Richard McClintock

By Asadorian and Keeney Families

Sunday, March 19

Verkin, Michael and Krikor Donian, Sabella and Raimondo Spataro

By Sam & Sue Spataro

Sunday, March 26

Zabelle Arzrouni, Rosa Asadorian Jones

By Asadorian & Keeney Families

Archdeacon Vahan Haroian

By Agnes Haroian, Richard and Nancy (Haroian) Tashjian, Christopher Tashjian, Brianne

Killoran, Nicholas Tashjian, Keith, Christine (Tashjian), Alexandra and Maxwell Holman,

Deacon Ed, Laura and Ani Haroian and Zachary, Allison and Julia Stauder

Vivian Killoran

By Ed and Laura Haroian & Family

Robert and JoAnn Mullen

By Ed and Laura Haroian & family

Gloria DeBlaze

By John and Christine Schweitzer

Sunday, April 02

The fallen Artsakh soldiers

By Granite City ARS Chapter

Grant Korkoyan and Manny Esayian

By Genevieve, Deborah and Gary Esayian and Families

Andrew Hagopian, Angeline Hagopian, Michael Hagopian, Wallace Lee, Kathy Ovian

By Stephen S. Hagopian

Sunday, April 23

Kathy Ovian

By Raffi Ovian

Arousiag Raisian

By John & Christine Schweitzer

Hrand Ansourian, Ararat Solakhian

21

By Vardkes & Margarit Ter-Hovhannisyan

Eva and Krekor Hightaian, Hagop and Gooleg Haroian

By Greg & Debbie Hightaian

Garabed Sisoian

By Rick & Rose Lesko

Hagop and Mary Asadorian, Abraham and Hermine Kambarian

By Asadorian & Keeney Families

Nishan and Mariam Varadian

By Varadian Families

Andrew, Angeline, Michael, Sooren and Nevart Hagopian, Ohanes and Khanum

Manoogian, Wallace Lee, Wallace and Faye Elizabeth Lee, Lawrence and Mildred

Geisendorff, Avedis Alashaian

By Steve and Susan Hagopian

Verkin Phillipossian Donian

By Sam & Sue Spataro

Hemayak and Rahan Matoesian

By Davide & Janet Matoesian & Family

Dzaghig Asadorian, Armenag Bakaian, Guilnaz Bakaian, Seermeh Minassian, Hovsep

Stepanian, Shamiram Stepanian

By Deacon Ed and Mrs. Laura Haroian and Family

Svetlana Avakyan

By Karine and Boris Abadzhyan

Sunday, April 30

Boghos Muradyan, Hermine Kambarian, Virgil Kambarian

By Asadorian and Keeney Families

Astorian and Bogosian families

By Greg Bogosian

Arpy Sarian

By Rick and Nancy Avdoian

Sunday, May 14

Mary Asadorian, Hermine Kambarian, Ann Keeney, Alice McClintock, Angeline Hagopian

By Asadorian and Keeney Families

Angeline Hagopian, Mary Bedian, Khanum Manoogian, Nevart Hagopian

By Deacon Jeff and Mrs. Lynne Hagopian

Maryam Guirdjikian, Ozig Semerdjian, Mentouhi Ohanesian, Zabel Astorian, Beatrice

Kilndjian, Angeline Hagopian

By Manny and Sonya Ohanesian

Parentzem Manoogian

By Yero Manoogian

Margie Sisoian

By Rick & Rose Lesko

Kathy Ovian, Angele Hagopian, Mildred Geissendorf

By Stephen S. Hagopian

Mariam Varadian, Mary Koch

22

By Hagop & Barbara Varadian

Pileg Kakligian, Zavart Kakligian, Rose Meharian, Lucy Avdoian, Anahid Maghakian,

Satenig Geragosian, Marguerite Manoogian, Mary Siuramy

By Takouhie Kakligian

Beulah Saucier, Nevart Hagopian, Alice Saucier

By Garo & Leslie Mikaelian

Sunday, May 28

Maroujon Karibian, Louise Kabbendjian, Pierre Kabbendjian, Vincenzo Deleonardis,

Vanouhi Mouradian

By Stanley Karibian & Family

Maroujan Karibian, Louise Kabbendjian, Pierre Kabbendjian

By Jeanine and David Sams and Family

Խնդրուածս Աղօթից - Prayer Requests Sunday, February 12 Sunday, April 16

Paul, Liz and Andie Marie Shirinian Christopher Warren

By: Stephen S. Hagopian By: Margaret Darakjian and Patrick Rieck,

Sunday, February 26 By: Mike and Matthew Torosian

Arpy Sarian Sunday, April 30

By: Zaven Nalbandian Sr. Megan Malloy

Sunday, March 19 By: Asadorian and Keeney Families

Jeff Homan and Dave Weede Rose Kehetian

By: Matthew Torosian By: Janet, Stephen, Melanie Haroian

Diane Changelian Sunday, May 28

By: Jeff and Lynne Hagopian McClintock, Asadorian, Hatcher and

Brown Families

Rose Kehetian By: Asadorian Family

By: Janet, Melanie, and Stephen Hagopian

Sunday, March 26

Arpy Sarian

By: Taniel and Rida Garabedian

Եկեղեցւոյ Նուիրատուութիւն-Gift to the Church

March 05

Takouhie Kakligian

Thanking everyone who sent prayers, cards,

Food, get well wishes after her recent surgery

Anonymous Bingo Player

March 26

Mitch Kehetian donated all the proceeds

of the purchase of two of his books to the Church

23

In Lieu of Flowers for Grant A. Korkoyan Dcn. & Mrs. Edward Haroian

Rev. YN Torkom Chorgajian

Karo & Leslie Mikaelian

Lori Saucier

John & Colleen Varadian

Hagop & Barbara Varadian

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Avdoian & Family

Annette Hagopian

Haig & Marie Ohanian

Emmanuel & Sonya Ohanesian

Gregory M. & Dorothy A. Wilson & Rosalie

Hadda

Tom & Deborah Herman

Gloria Korkoian

Marguerite Parkinson

Jeff & Lynne Hagopian

Williams-Keepers LLC, CPA

Henry & Leigh Bienen

Denise Fehrenbach

Charles Merzian

Henry & Connie Ohanian

Raffi Ovian

Takouhie Kakligian

Henry & Amie Nersesian

Ellen McCloskey

Mike Torosian

Dick & Zabelle Vartanian

Genevieve Esayian

Paradigm Financial Advisors, LLC

Paul & Janet Bogosian

Richard & Pam Asadorian

Dennis & Marilyn Benassi

Janet, Melanie & Stephen Haroian

Stephen & Susan Hagopian

Stephen S. Hagopian

Graham & Melanie Keeney & Family

Jeff Fiala Family & Virginia Heckwolf

Mary, Rosemary & Michael Haroian

Leo & MarLean Manoogian

Craig & Christine Korkoian

Alice Korkoian

Mike & Cindy Mamelian

Diana Petrosian

Sam & Susan Spataro

TOTAL: $3,246.00

24

Community News

Births

Paul and Liz Shirinian, son in law and daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Steve and Susan Hagopian, gave birth

to their first daughter, Andie Marie Shirinian, on February 19, 2017. Congratulations to Paul and

Liz Shirinian and to the entire Hagopian and Shirinian Families.

Baptism

Theodore Asadorian, son of Mr. & Mrs. Rich and Lainey Asadorian, was baptized on May 28,

2017. His Godparents were Mr. and Mrs. & Joe and Alie Kirwen. Congratulations to the Asadorian,

Parsaghian and Smith Families.

Wedding

Mr. Tyler Alderson and Miss. Cristina Dolbashian were married on May 27, 2017. The couple

resides in Columbia, Missouri. Congratulations to the new couple and to Alderson and Dolbashian

Families.

Funeral

With great sorrow: Sam Manoogian passed on February 11, 2017. The burial services were held on

Thursday, February 2017, at Sunset Hill Cemetery. We want to extend our condolences to the

Manoogian and Moshoian Families and to their friends. We ask God to accept Sam into his heavenly

kingdom and grant his family the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

COFFEE HOUR SPONSORS

FEBRUARY 5 - ARS Super Bowl 12 - BOT

19 - BOT

26 - ARS

MARCH 5 - BOT – Membership Meeting

12 - Sam & Sue Spataro

19 - BOT

26 - Deacon & Mrs. Ed Haroian & Family

APRIL 2 - 40 Days – Grant Korkoyan Family

9 - ARS Palm Sunday

6 - Easter

23 - Martyr's Day

30 - Greg Bogosian

MAY 7 - BOT

14 - BOT Mother's Day

21 - Stanley Karibian & Family

28 - Pamela & Richard Asadorian

25

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS June 18 Father’s Day Luncheon organized by St. Gregory Ladies

25 Armenian Concert Organized by Lincoln Place Heritage Association

July 14-15 AYF Junior Olympics

23 Feast of the Transfiguration-Vartavar Water Games

August 13 Assumption of the Holy Mother of God-Annual Church Picnic

September 17 Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

ՕՐԱՑՈՅՑ ԳԱԼԻՔ ՏՕՆԵՐՈՒ ԵՒ ՁԵՌՆԱՐԿՆԵՐՈՒ

Յունիս 18 Հայրերու Տօնին նուիրուած տարեկան ճաշկերոյթ պատրաստուած

եկեղեցւոյս Տիկնանց Միութեան կողմէ

Յուլիս 23 Տօն Այլակերպութեան Տեառն Մերոյ Յիսուսի Քրիստոսի, Վարդավառի

ջրախաղ

Օգոստոս 13 Վերափոխումն Ս. Աստուածածնի, խաղողօրհնէք եւ տարեկան

դաշտահանդէս

Սեպտեմբեր 17 Տօն Վերացման Սրբոյ Խաչին եւ մեծահանդէս Թափօր Ս

26

Սբ. Գրիգոր Լուսաւորիչ Հայց. Առք. Եկեղեցի

St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church 1014 West Pontoon Rd, Granite City, IL- 62040 Tel: (618) 451-7884,

stgregorychurchgranitecity@gmail.com , www.stgregorychurchgc.org

ՏԱՐԵԿԱՆ ԱՒԱՆԴԱԿԱՆ ԴԱՇՏԱՀԱՆԴԷՍ Սբ. Աստուածածնի վերափոխման Տօնին առիթով

ANNUAL BLESSING OF GRAPES & PICNIC Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Theotokos

Կիրակի, 13 Օգոստոս, 2017 ին, կ.ե. ժամը՝ 12:30 – 3:30 «Խաղողօրհնէք»ի արարողութիւնը ժամը՝ 12:00ին

Sunday, 13 August, 2016, 12:30-3:30 PM.

Order of Blessing of Grapes performed at 12:00 P.M.

Սբ. Գրիգոր Լուսաւորիչ Հայ Կեդրոն

St. Gregory Armenian Community Center

3501 Century Dr., Granite City, IL 62040

Համեղ Հայկական Ճաշեր եւ

Ուտելիքներ

Armenian Dinners &

Specialty Foods

Անուշեղէններ

Bake Sale

Բոլորդ հրաւիրուած էք մասնակից դառնալու մեր

տարեկան դաշտահանդէսին: Բարի

Եկաք:

Հայկական Պարեր եւ Խաղեր Bring your Family and

Armenian Dancing, Games & More! Friends to our annual Picnic.

Everyone is Welcome!

27

28

St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church

1014 West Pontoon Road

Granit City, IL 62040

The Pari Loor staff requests community input. Your ideas and suggestions are welcome as we strive

to update the format and information in our newsletter. Volunteers are needed to assist with the

publication, assembly, and mailing of our newsletter. Contributions of worthy and interesting news

events about our community members are encouraged. We need your input - please contact the

Pastor or the editorial staff with your name and/or contribution to Pari Loor.

The Pari Loor staff urges more to sponsor an ad in Pari Loor. With a large circulation your ad

can reach many families in our church community.