CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS AT SENIORS’ HOMES

Every year, on the occasion of Christmas and Easter Celebrations, the Visitation Committee of the Women’s Guild of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church organizes special visits to the three long term care homes in Toronto. On January 10, 2012 visitation committee volunteers and Nurhan Sargavak Ipekcian were at Leisureworld. We were joined by the students of AGBU Zaroukian School students, Principal, Mrs. Orysia Perun, teachers, Mrs. Gadarine Meneshian, Mrs. Hripsime Demirdjian, Ms. Juliana Brown and Ms. Pamela Falls, as well as volunteer parents. The students accompanied Nurhan Sargavak during the church service by singing number of hymns. Following the service they entertained the residents with songs and recitations. At the conclusion of the program the students and our elderly residents were offered treats prepared by the visitation committee. There was a festive atmosphere in the lounge where we had all gathered. Tears of joy were visible on some of the residents, and one could feel and see the warm and appreciative expressions of all.

On January 13, 2012 the visitation committee members were at Seven Oaks. Fr. Zareh conducted the service after which the residents were treated to a lovely lunch prepared by Mrs. Lida Kirtavit. On January 14, 2012, we visited the Armenian residents at Seniors’ Health Centre where we were joined by grade 6 students of St. Sahag, St. Mesrob Armenian Saturday School along with their teacher, Mrs. Seta  MacLennan, Principal, Mr.Yetvart Balian, and volunteer parents. The students joined Fr. Zareh during the service by singing hymns, after which they offered a program that included singing, piano selections and guitar playing. The students had pre- pared gifts for each of the residents and mingled easily with them spreading joy & happiness. Again, the students were treated to sweets and the residents were treated to a delicious lunch prepared by Mrs. Rita Bedirian in memory of her loved ones. It is admirable that students take part in these functions which brings much needed joy to our elderly residents in institutions. We are sure that the students, in turn, learn the true meaning of compassion and the satisfaction of bringing happiness to others. Our deep appre- ciation and thanks go to the principals, teachers, parents and the students for their participa- tion in these events. Nora Baltayan

The Visitation Committee of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church Women's Guild that
regularly visits and hosts residents of Old Age Homes to bring joy to their lives, is in
need of assistance from the parishioners of our community to help them in different ways:
              -Preparing and serving lunch      -Making financial contributions        

Those interested, please call: Mrs. Nevart Moushian (905)303-3857 Mrs. Arshaluys Kandaharian (416)445-1901 Light lunch is served to 10-12 residents at Seven Oaks Nursing Home every 3rd Wednesday of the month. If you would like to provide lunch and serve it, the following dates are available. Please call the above mentioned telephone numbers.

Please inform the Church office at (416)431-3001 if you know or become aware of any senior who has recently been admitted into a nursing home. Your help will be greatly appriciated.