Holy Trinity Armenian Church
80th Anniversary of the Parish
Gala Ball
By: Seta Keshishian
It’s Saturday, December 20th , the Gala Ball Organizing Committee chaired by Mrs. Irma Evran, along with more than 400 guests, and most of the church’s auxiliary bodies are all at the Venetian Banquet to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the foundation of our beloved Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church. Needless to state that we are so privileged to have the greatest spiritual leaders, His Grace Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate of the Armenian Church Canadian Diocese and our pastor Rev. Archpriest Zareh Zargarian.
Before entering the Banquet Hall, the attendees had a chance to enjoy the exhibition and sale of the unique and vibrant paintings of Armenian well known artist Mr. Shmavon Shmavonian. We would like to appreciate Mr. Harry Koundakjian from Art Picture Frame Gallery who generously donated his expert framing service.
The Master of the Ceremony of the night was Mrs. Taline Moushian who eloquently welcomed everyone and invited Miss. Ani Babayan to sing the Armenian & Canadian national anthems.
Mrs. Irma Evran thanked Gala Ball committee members for working so hard and diligently for seven months to turn the evening a reality. After Mr. Bogos Ishkanian’s (Chairman of HTAC Parish council) welcoming remarks was Mr. Haig Selyans’s(Chairman of the Babayan Foundation) address. Ara Boyajian’s (Chair of the Diocesan Council) address highlighted
the past, present and the future of our church.
There was DVD presentation prepared by Mr. Grigor Shahmouradyan. It was interesting to watch old and new video footages played on screens throughout the hall. The videos from earlier years were generously provided by Mr. Gerard Pederian. The powerful clips were a journey to the past, a history that has paved the way to the many generations to come. These are very delightful and gratifying moments that not only nourish our souls but also give us a sense of pride and belonging.
Finally, the wonderful performance of the Sassoon Dance Ensemble of H.T.A.C. choreographed by Mr. Joe Avakian energized the room with great joy and Armenian spirit.
Also, Rev. Archpriest Zareh Zargarian thanked the Parish Council, auxiliary bodies of the church, 80 Anniversary Organizing Committee Members and to all the members who contributed in so many different ways: voicing an opinion, expressing a concern and volunteering their valuable time to make sure all the events and activities at the church continue to flourish.
Volunteers everywhere are special people, it is no different in Holy Trinity Armenian Church; Therefore as a tradition, the Pastor and the Parish Council take on the very difficult task of choosing four individuals to honor and appreciate during the Anniversary celebration.
These wonderful ladies and gentlemen are chosen and honored based on the dedication and service. They are unique volunteers who offer their time, skills, experience and financial assistance to their Holy Trinity Armenian Church and its mission.
This year’s elected individuals were:
Woman of the Year: Mrs. Siran Elmasian
Man of the year: Mr. Gregory Kasparian
Youth’s of the year: Taline Afarian & Saro Sahagian
The graduating members of the Parish Council Mr. Avedis Evran, Mrs. Mona Selyan and Mr. Levon Mermer were presented with special memorable plaque.
Mr. Avedis Evran was also acknowledged for his successful leadership during his past Chairmanship of the Church Parish Council with a Certificate of Merit and was awarded with the Diocesan medal of Holy Cross by His Grace Bishop Bagrat Galstanian for his dedicated efforts to beautify the church and construction of the four-level full service “Babayan” Elevator.
Furthermore, Bishop Galstanian, expressed his gratitude to all the attendees and emphasized the importance of supporting our church during these crucial times and acknowledged Rev. Archpriest Zareh Zargarian and his family by awarding him with a very special cross and a book about His Holiness Karekin I.
As the speeches ended, we were entertained all night by the well known singer Elie Berberian and his talented band. The atmosphere was very joyful and we had a wonderful night! The evening was planned to be worthy of this special event. What a great way of wrapping up the 80th Anniversary of our beloved “Holy Trinity Armenian Church”.
On Sunday, December 21st, the Anniversary Liturgy was celebrated by His Grace Bishop Bagrat Galstanian. During his sermon the primate remembered and acknowledged the funding members of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church and also expressed his gratitude and blessing to the present large number of volunteers and members for their unconditional services for the success and prosperity of our beloved church.
We are grateful to be a part of such a generous community.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY AND MANY MORE YEARS TO COME!
Read Armenian article by Mr. H.Tersakyan