Sunday, December 26, 2010
An Interview with Ms. Semaline Bekarian, Unconditional Love
In spite of the selfishness that the world encourages us to become part of, and in spite of its daring effect also on the Christian community, there are people who fervently, adamantly and cheerfully follow the path of giving it all for the sake of others, to reflect Him. This is what Semaline Bekarian calls Unconditional Love.
(Interview by Raffi)
(Interview by Raffi)
Raffi - What are the reasons that make you want to help?Semaline - There is no reason… Well life is a gift, and all of us are gifted. I believe that improving this world and life begins with “I”. According to me, after the verb “to Love”, “to Help” is the most beautiful verb in the world.
Raffi - What about your parents and friends, don't they tell you that you should be taking care of your needs and that you're young and need to be happy, rather than taking others' burdens?
Semaline - Nice question Raffi =) First of all, it’s not a burden at all, it's happiness.
But first you need to discover yourself, your own happiness. If you don’t know how to help yourself, you can’t give to others, and you can’t understand other people’s needs. By helping yourself and your family, you will find yourself on a path to help others genuinely.
Well, my parents are the first supporters to me, beside my wonderful friends, especially to "Sossy and Armen Balian”. I am super thankful for them.
But first you need to discover yourself, your own happiness. If you don’t know how to help yourself, you can’t give to others, and you can’t understand other people’s needs. By helping yourself and your family, you will find yourself on a path to help others genuinely.
Well, my parents are the first supporters to me, beside my wonderful friends, especially to "Sossy and Armen Balian”. I am super thankful for them.
Raffi - What kind of reactions have you received, that you still cannot forget?
Semaline - I can’t find words to express… but I will say this that they will never forget you.
Raffi - How can you define love?
Semaline - Nice one =) The definition of love is unique, and every person has a different experience with it, and this difference in experiencing love is a big part of our problem today.
Let me clear it up… For me, the most true and pure love is unconditional. It has no strings attached, no class, no positions, no levels, no expectations, no conditions, no complications, no hidden agendas, no separation... Unconditional love is healthy, healing with uplifting joy, peace and freedom. I can say a lot more, but I want to stop here and say one word: Unconditional. Love is simply saying "GOD", Who is limitless, endless, infinite; the divine, the source. As we follow His example and live according to His words, we influence our minds and feelings, and His Word helps us discern whether something is true or not.
Let me clear it up… For me, the most true and pure love is unconditional. It has no strings attached, no class, no positions, no levels, no expectations, no conditions, no complications, no hidden agendas, no separation... Unconditional love is healthy, healing with uplifting joy, peace and freedom. I can say a lot more, but I want to stop here and say one word: Unconditional. Love is simply saying "GOD", Who is limitless, endless, infinite; the divine, the source. As we follow His example and live according to His words, we influence our minds and feelings, and His Word helps us discern whether something is true or not.
Raffi - What can you tell us about people today? Do you agree that they have become more selfish? If yes, why?
Semaline - Well Raffi people are the same in all times, and this isn’t something new. If you take a look at history, you will see that people are inherently selfish. Selfishness is rooted in our biology, even in our genes... Generally I find this trait, not only in the materialistic field, but also socially and emotionally. It’s a long story.
This world teaches us the following: I deserve "this" and "that", I want more for my children than my parents gave me, and the children (grown up children) continue the same thinking, especially in America. When I was living there, I seldom saw children holding credit cards in their hands. It's funny, one day I was joking, I said: you know you’re living in 2010 when you have to remind kindergartners to turn off their cell phones before the story starts.
Today’s "life style": I, ME, MY, MORE, MORE, MORE. We believe that technology can give us a better life and we want more of it.
In the end, I want to say the following: The more control and power you gain and achieve, the more fearful you become of losing it. Your situation is never totally secure. Pursuing great power is endless. In America, people have everything, but they have so many problems. Their outer actions just show the symptoms of larger inner problems. They have a lot of anger inside them.
I want to conclude with this: our Creator is the author of our lives. God wants us to show to this world what it truly means to be good, not only with sympathy but with empathy. And to use His wisdom in dealing with matters, emotionally and socially. God wants us to lay our self confidence in Him, by trusting Him all our burdens. He wants us to be solid and balanced persons that others will love, respect and admire as children of God. You cannot teach to people everything, but you can help them to discover themselves, by discovering their Creator and believe me, then, they will give without remembering and take without forgetting.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year. May the joy and peace of Christmas be with you all through the year.
Remember this on Christmas day, that love weighs more than gold!
Read More......
This world teaches us the following: I deserve "this" and "that", I want more for my children than my parents gave me, and the children (grown up children) continue the same thinking, especially in America. When I was living there, I seldom saw children holding credit cards in their hands. It's funny, one day I was joking, I said: you know you’re living in 2010 when you have to remind kindergartners to turn off their cell phones before the story starts.
Today’s "life style": I, ME, MY, MORE, MORE, MORE. We believe that technology can give us a better life and we want more of it.
In the end, I want to say the following: The more control and power you gain and achieve, the more fearful you become of losing it. Your situation is never totally secure. Pursuing great power is endless. In America, people have everything, but they have so many problems. Their outer actions just show the symptoms of larger inner problems. They have a lot of anger inside them.
I want to conclude with this: our Creator is the author of our lives. God wants us to show to this world what it truly means to be good, not only with sympathy but with empathy. And to use His wisdom in dealing with matters, emotionally and socially. God wants us to lay our self confidence in Him, by trusting Him all our burdens. He wants us to be solid and balanced persons that others will love, respect and admire as children of God. You cannot teach to people everything, but you can help them to discover themselves, by discovering their Creator and believe me, then, they will give without remembering and take without forgetting.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year. May the joy and peace of Christmas be with you all through the year.
Remember this on Christmas day, that love weighs more than gold!
And He Shall Be Called…
What child is this? Whose birthday are we celebrating?
You will find in your bulletin the 56 names and titles of Jesus. I enjoyed preparing my sermon by just going over these names and meditating on them. I hope you can take it home with you. I suggest you keep it in your Bible, go over each name and find its impact on your life.
It is Christmas and we are all going to give and receive gifts. It is a big hassle to shop for the right gift for each person. Each gift has to somehow relate to its owner. Each gift has to be appropriate to the person it is going to.
Today we are going to open the gifts that Baby Jesus received. Are they appropriate? Will Baby Jesus like them?
The first gift is GOLD.
What kind of a gift is that? Will the Baby like it or use it? Gold is a royal gift, a gift appropriate for kings. Let us go over our list and find if there are any royal titles. Yes, we find three such titles: Jesus is called “King of the Jews” and he is called “King of Kings” and “Prince of Peace.”
That day, when the Wise Men looked for the baby, they proclaimed him as king. In fact, the great King Herod was terrified of this “new baby king.” He butchered infant children thinking he would eliminate this newborn king.
From that day, till Palm Sunday, no one recognized Jesus as king. On Palm Sunday when he was riding on a donkey, they shouted "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" (Luke 19:38)
A king that rides on a donkey and not a horse is a king who, according to the prophecies of the OT, is coming to bring peace. (Prince of Peace)
"Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey's colt." (John 12:15, Zch. 9:9)
What kind of peace? Any king who enters the city on a donkey symbolized a peace maker. This peace is not a passive peace. Jesus offers an internal peace in each person who comes to him with the heavy burdens of life.
Another “king”, Pilate, was confused about the identity of Jesus and kept asking, “Who are you? Are you the king of the Jews?” (John 18:33)
“You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."(John 18:37)
Jesus answers wisely and gives the reason why this king was born.
“I came into the world to testify to the truth.”
Without his truth there is no real peace. Without knowing and experiencing His truth in our lives, there is no Christmas, and there is no Easter.
Lately we studied the “Triumph of the Lamb.” The imagery of Jesus in Revelation is just victorious. The King of Kings is ruling over the churches. All nations will see the presence of a triumphant lamb on throne. Please gaze at Jesus’ robe: “On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”(Rev 19:16).
Jesus is not an ordinary king; he is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
The Second gift is FRANKINCENSE
Is this an appropriate gift for a baby? Is incense any good for a baby? It might even cause a hazard? Will the fire alarms of the stable go off?
Frankincense is a gift symbolizes that Jesus is the “High Priest.” According the Old Testament the priest is the one who mediates between God and humanity. He brings the offerings of the people to God. He is the only one who can enter the Holy of Holies in the temple to offer the prayers of his people.
Therefore, I will take two names from the list: “Mediator” and “High Priest.”
For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,(1 Tim2:5)
We do not have different roads to God. We have only one mediator between God and us, and that is Christ Jesus our Lord. All other earthly priests offered lambs or doves as a sacrifice for the sins of the people. Yet, this Priest, he offered Himself to save us from sin and death.
“Such a high priest meets our need-one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.” (Heb 7:26)
He not only took the place of the sacrifice, he became an advocate for us sitting on the right hand of God:
“The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven.”(Heb 8:1)
In fact, he called us to be a priestly nation; we are all called to be priests, dedicating our lives to God in service.
“Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.” (Heb 3:1)
This is an extraordinary High Priest. We can fix our thoughts on him. We fix our eyes on this King, Mediator, High Priest, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
The Third gift is MYRRH
This is a most unusual gift that one can offer to a newborn baby. A gift that symbolizes…death. Can you imagine giving a newborn baby a gift card from a mortuary, or a funeral home? (Cypress Lawn, Colma). Myrrh was used to embalm dead bodies. my-ylnyru gu zm-synk This gift symbolizes that Jesus will die for our sins to give us salvation. Here are the names: Savior, Man of Sorrows, Lamb of God, Redeemer and the name Jesus (yashouh, savior).
The 1st and 2nd chapters of Matthew and Luke record the vent relating to the birth of Jesus. I am not sure anyone will preach from Matthew 2:16-18 verses. It is the story that I don’t want to read. It is the story of the massacre of the innocent children of Bethlehem. It was an order given by King Herod the lunatic.
Jesus was born in a world of violence. As if Jesus were born today. He was also killed in the most vicious way, hanging on the cross for hours. (Was born in a violent world, died in violent world.) His third gift, MYRRH was given to his parents, for him, for us, for the entire world to proclaim that this little child is not an ordinary child. He is our Savior, our Redeemer, he is a Man of Sorrows, he is the Lamb of God who paid the penalty of sin.
I will repeat what Jesus said when he faced the earthly king Pilate:
“…for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.”(John 18:37)
What is our response to this King?
Let me tell you the response of one person:
“The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ).” (John 1:41)
Take a look at the list again. Which name of Jesus speaks to your heart?
What gift are you going to offer him today?
Amen
Rev. Nerses Balabanian,
Calvary Armenian Congregational Church, San Francisco
Read More......
Armenian Evangelical Bethel Secondary School, Yearly Student Activities
Click on the image to view the report.
Reaching the Sun, by Krikor Aynilian
Isaiah 40:31 "They will soar on wings like eagles"....even if they fall they will rise up again
Oh My! The Ignominy!
Imagine for a moment that you’re speaking in public to a person who’s known by the neighborhood that he or she is a dishonest person, a thief, a hustler, a harlot, a homosexual/gay or simply an immoral person. Do you realize the avalanche of gossip whirling around the neighborhood condemning you for associating with a decadent person? What a shame! You’d be on the lips of people for weeks; the hot news for the local tabloids!
That’s exactly what Jesus endured as he faced the “pious” and “moral” people of his day and was relentlessly defamed. Jesus protected a prostitute from being stoned; he visited lepers and touched them; he spent time with a woman in public who was living with a man that wasn’t even her husband; he went to lunch with “cheap” people and even befriended and entered the dwellings of despised men.
How could Jesus communicate with such people? He didn’t just greet the lowest of the low of society on the street, he actually came to like them and visit them constantly. My God! Jesus was one stumbling block to every self-righteous man who was trying to live a clean life by keeping away from unclean men and women.
But did Jesus come to heal the healthy or did he venture to heal the sick? The irony is that since the Fall there has been not a single healthy person on earth – only sick ones.
Hence, what is the good news all about? Aren’t we called to spread Jesus' aroma to all living souls around us?
ManoChil
Read More......
MULTIFACETED DIMENSIONS OF CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION, by John Hovannes Havoonjian
In this multicultural diverse society of ours, the meaning and celebration of Christmas takes many forms and manifestations. To address this issue, and try to provide satisfaction to mixed gathering of people at Christmas, have come up with some trivia/information about non-trivial matters pertaining to Christmas.
I.- How many two-word expressions can you come up with (about 15) that contain the word "CHRISTMAS" used mainly as adjective?
II.- Name some of the Christmas decorations; describing their symbolic meaning.
III.- Name cultural things and events that are somehow associated with Christmas
IV.- Give the Non-English Titles of some of the Christmas Carols.
Mention the Country of Origin of the Carols
V.- List the Well Known Religious Carols of American-English Origin
VI.- List the Non-Religious Carols Dedicated to the Christmas Season
VII.- Give and Explain the Dates Related to the Celebration of Christmas
VIII.- Mention the Old Testament Prophecies (about 6) Regarding the Birth of Jesus
IX.- What are Some of the Names Given to Jesus in Old Testament Prophecies (about 10)
X.- How is Santa Claus Known in Various Countries of the World
XI.- How Do You Say "Merry Christmas" in Other Languages. Give 10 Examples!
XII.- Identify All the Proper Names Associated with the Birth of Jesus;
Mentioning in what Capacity were They Associated with His Birth.
SCROLL DOWN FOR THE SUGGESTED ANSWERS >>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I.- How many two-word expressions can you come up with (about 15) that contain the word "CHRISTMAS" used mainly as adjective?
Christmas tree Christmas lights Christmas cards Christmas carols Christmas gifts
Christmas wreath Christmas spirit Merry Christmas Christmas ornament/decorations
Christmas stocking, Christmas party Christmas holiday Christmas vacation
Christmas program Christmas Eve service
II.- Name some of the Christmas decorations; describing their symbolic meaning.
Christmas tree: Evergreen Christmas tree symbol of everlasting hope for mankind
The Star: The Symbol of God's promise for a savior
Candles: Christ is the light of the world
Wreath: Represents one continuous round of affection;
Christ's love never ceases.
Gifts: Magi brought gifts to the baby Jesus. More importantly,
God so loved the World that He gave his only Begotten Son!
Candy Cane: Represents the cane of "the good shepherd" [Jesus]
Angels: The heavenly host heralded Jesus' birth:
"Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will towards men"
Bells: Just as in the case of the sheep, lost mankind is called to return to the safe fold.
III.- Name cultural things and events that are somehow associated with Christmas
Santa Claus, Eggnog, Creche (Nativity Scene), Fruit Cake, Nutcracker Suite,
Poinsettia, New Year's, Christmas Parades, Christmas Pageants, Family Gatherings,
Garlands, Holly and Ivy, Mistletoe, Christmas Meals: turkey, fish, lamb, ham, etc.
IV.- Give the Non-English Titles of some of the Christmas Carols.
Mention the Country of Origin of the Carols:
ADESTE FIDELIS [Latin] (O Come, All Ye Faithful) Originated from England
STILLE NACHT! HEILIGE NACHT! (Silent Night, Holy Night) Originated from Austria
O TANNENBAUM (O Christmas Tree) Originated from Germany
LES ANGES DAN NOS COMPAGNES (Angels We Have Heard on High) Originated from France
UN FLAMBEAU JEANNETTE, ISABELLE (Bring a Torch Jeannette, Isabella) Originated from France
CANTIQUE DE NOEL (O Holy Night) Originated from France
IN DULCI JUBILO [Latin] (Good Christian Men Rejoice) Originated from Italy
VENI, VENI EMANUEL (O Come, O Come Emmanuel) Originated from France
PANIS ANGELICUS [Latin] Written by Thomas Aquinas
AGNES DEI (The Lamb of God) Originated from Italy
FELIZ NAVIDAD (Merry Christmas) Hispanic origin
CAROL OF THE BELLS. Ukrainian origin
V.- List the Well Known Religious Carols of American-English Origin
Joy to the world. written by Isaac Watts
Hark the Harold Angels Sing. written by Charles Wesley
The First Noel [Nowell]. Originated from England
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. Originated from England
I Saw Three Ships on Christmas Day. Originated from England
We Three Kings of the Orient Are. Originated from America
While Shepherd Watched. Originated from England
O Little Town of Bethlehem. Originated from America
Angels From The Realms of Glory. Irish Carol
Go Tell it on the Mountain. American Negro
We Wish You a Merry Christmas. Originated from England
VI.- List the Non-Religious Carols Dedicated to the Christmas Season
Winter Wonderland
White Christmas
Jingle Bells
The Little Drummer Boy
Good King Winceslas
Deck the Halls
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
The Twelve Days of Christmas
Holly Jolly Christmas
Silver Bells
Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Home for the Holidays
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
The Holly and the Ivy
VII.- Give and Explain the Dates Related to the Celebration of Christmas
December 25 is the date when Western Christianity celebrates Christmas.
It is carryover from the pagan cult holiday Sol Invictus.
January 7 is the date when Eastern Christianity celebrates Christmas.
[The 13 days difference is due to using the Julian calendar (vs Gregorian)]
January 6 is the date that Armenian Apostolic church celebrates Christmas.
[January 6 is the Epiphany date for the rest of Christendom]
January 19 is when Jerusalem Armenians celebrate Christmas based on Julian calendar.
VIII.- Mention the Old Testament Prophecies (about 6) Regarding the Birth of Jesus
- Savior will be born from the Woman's seed
- The Virgin will give birth to the savior
- Will be born in Bethlehem [City of David]
- From the Tribe of Judah
- Descendant of King David
- Bethlehem children will be killed [did upon order of King Herod]
- Jesus would live temporarily in Egypt [family will return when safe]
IX.- What are Some of the Names Given to Jesus in Old Testament Prophecies (about 10)
Emmanuel [God with us]
Counselor
Wonderful
Savior (*)
Seed of David
Almighty God
Everlasting Father
King of Kings
Lord of Lords
Prince of Peace
(*) Jesus = Yehoshua [Yahweh/Jehova + Yasha (to save) ]
{The Old Testament name Joshua has the same root in Hebrew}
X.- How is Santa Claus Known in Various Countries of the World
Gaghant Baba (Armenian)
Sinterklaas (Dutch)
Pere Noel (French)
Father Christmas (UK)
Weihnachtmann (Germany)
Kanakaloka (Hawaii)
Babbo Natale (Italian)
Daidi ra Nollaig (Irish)
Ded Moroz (Russian: Grandfather Frost)
Dzmer Babig (Soviet era Armenians)
Saint Nick
Kris Kringle (KristKindl)
XI.- How Do You Say "Merry Christmas" in Other Languages. Give 10 Examples!
Shnorhavor Sourp Dznount (Armenian)
Feliz Navidad (Spanish)
Joyeux Noel (French)
Froehliche Weihnachten (German)
Kala Christouyenna! (Greek)
E'id Milad Sa'eed (Arabic)
Buone Feste Natalizie
Natali Hilare (Latin)
Merry Kehmish (Navaho)
Schaslivovo Rozhdestva (Russian)
Noelinis Kutlu Olsun (Turkish)
XII.- Identify All the Proper Names Associated with the Birth of Jesus;
Mentioning in what Capacity were They Associated with His Birth.
GABRIEL: The archangel who announced the immaculate conception to Mary
AUGUSTUS: The Roman Empire Caesar who proclaimed the general census
QUIRINIUS: The Roman Governor of Syria
HEROD: The pro-Roman Jewish king; who ordered all male children killed
MARY: The virgin betrothal of Joseph who gave birth to Jesus via immaculate conception
JOSEPH: The fiance of Mary, who was understanding and protective of Jesus' birth
KING DAVID: His lineage goes down to Mary; thus ensuring royal blood of Judah
BALTHAZAR, MELCHIOR, CASPAR: Per tradition those were names of the three magi...
ELISABETH: The cousin of Mary, who was also pregnant at the time to John (The Baptist)
SHNORHAVOR SOURP DZNOUNT!
Read More......
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Pastor Sarkis Karaminassian's Ordination
Pastor Sarkis Karaminassian’s ordination and installation service took place on Sunday, February 28, 2010, at 6:00 p.m., at St. Nareg Armenian Church (6030 El Rancho Drive, Whittier, CA 90606).
Tertig, November - Issue IX - Year 4, 2010
Below, is the 9th issue of the newsletter of the Armenian Evangelical Cultural Association (Հայ Աւետարանական Մշակութային Միութիւն) of the First Armenian Evangelical Church, Beirut.
You can read it, by clicking on the following link:
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/document-preview.aspx?doc_id=64137598
Bashde Presents: New Armenian Scripture Reading CD and DVD
Merry Christmas from your family at Bashde.org ...
Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luke 2:14
Click on the image to read the announcement.
Read More......
Installation of Rev. Hendrik Shahnazarian at the Holy Trinity Armenian Evangelical Church of Glendale
On Sunday, April 25, 2010, during the morning service, Rev. Hendrik Shahnazarian was installed as the Associate Pastor. The Senior Pastor is Rev. Berj Djambazian.
Evangelistic Rallies in Beirut
Rev. Berdj Djambazian and the Real Life Team (Christian music band) had a three day (May 7-9, 2010) Evangelistic Worship services in the Hasesian hall of the Armenian Evangelical Church, Nor Marash, Lebanon.
Beside Rev. B. Jambazian, who preached during the worship services, the team was composed of :
Salpi Keleshian - renowned Armenian Pop soloist born in Lebanon, has been serving the Lord through her music ministry for over 20 years.
We Praise the Lord for these worship services during which many renewed their faith and others committed their lives to Christ our Lord and Savior!
UAECNE
Armenian Evangelical College Banquet in Beirut
The Armenian Evangelical College’s Annual Banquet took place at the Pheonicia Hotel’s Ballroom on May 22, 2010, at 9:00 p.m. under the auspices of the Prime Minister Sa’ad Hariri, who was represented by Minister of State Jean Oghassapian.
In attendance were many dignitaries and notables of the Armenian Community. After the National Anthem, the Principal of the College, Dr. Zaven Messerlian welcomed those present. He was followed by the Pastor of the First Armenian Evangelical Church of Beirut, Rev. Hagop Sarkissian, who gave the Prayer. The evening enjoyed the music of Hratch Isahakian and his band, as well as the noted Armenian singer Vicken Tarpinian, accompanied by Patrique Peryeras on the piano, who had especially come from Paris for the event.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of special awards. The First Armenian Evangelical Church honored with plaques of recognition Dr. Arda Ekmekji and Mrs. Roubina Artinian, respectively former and current chairpersons of the School Board of the Armenian Evangelical College, for their 25 years of dedicated service, as Board members.
Next came a surprise, when Mrs. Roubina Artinian announced that the President of the Republic, Gen. Michel Sleiman, had awarded Dr. Zaven Messerlian, Principal of the College, with the distinguished Medal of Education for his 50 years of service as an educator, 43 years of which as the Principal of the Armenian Evangelical College. Dr. Messerlian is also a historian and the author of five published books and over 100 articles. Minister of State Jean Oghassapian read the Presidential Decree, and bestowed upon Dr. Messerlian the Medal, to the enthusiastic applause of the banquet attendees.
A good number of donations were made by generous donors, to benefit the school’s scholarship fund.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
An Interview with Garbis Deyirmenjian about the Recent Kchag Renovations
The Armenian Evangelical Christian Endeavour Summer Center (Kchag) went through a lot of renovations this Summer. It is headed to restore back its vitality among the Armenian Evangelical churches and youth; and on this occassion, we had an interview with Garbis Deyirmenjian, who is leading the renovations. Mr. Deyirmenjian is an elected member of the Christian Endeavor Executive Board in Lebanon (Kordsatir Marmin), which manages and takes care of Kchag.
(Interview by Raffi)
(Interview by Raffi)
Raffi - Kchag went through essential renovations, and even the youth and junior youth joined their hands (see here) to make Kchag a better place. Who was leading the renovations and who participated in helping kchag to get back to its feet?Garbis - We have just finished the renovation of Bezjian and office buildings. These 2 buildings are part of the ones that will be kept in the master plan (they don’t need to be demolished). Bezdgian is planned to accommodate groups in winter also, since it has all the facilities in one building (meeting rooms, kitchen, bedrooms). The office building can also accommodate people in winter, but it doesn’t have meeting rooms and kitchen in its premises. By renovating these 2 buildings we can accommodate nearly 50 people in summer and 30 people in winter. By finishing these 2 buildings we can tell that Phase 0 & 1 of the Kchag master plan prepared by EMI (http://www.emiusa.org/projects/projectprofile_5410.php and http://www.chanitz.org/2007/06/emi-group-oh-yes.html) have been accomplished. Also our renovation plan for this summer includes the playground, where the basketball boards are renovated and people can also use it for football games with the high fence to make the playground safe. We cannot renovate the playground completely since in the EMI plan there will be a major change there. For these projects we have hired a contractor to do the construction works. The Kchag committee members did the volunteer works like replacing the basketball boards, cleaning works, electrical connections, cleaning of the basketball court ground, cutting some damaged trees and the grass with the help of our youth and junior groups. Also the Kchag committee does the follow-up works with the contractor by checking the quality of the work, follow up the schedule and supervise the work.
Raffi - AMAA interns were to arrive in Lebanon, but the plan went through change. Any reasons why?
Garbis - The reasons are not related to us.
Raffi - Summer time is a period when families come to kchag. This time you had another plan instead of Kchage Café, can you tell us more about this change?
Garbis - This year the activities were different in Kchag, we had our first youth camp there! YES, OUR FIRST YOUTH CAMP IN KCHAG SINCE 1986! After 24 years years. I know that it didn’t have all the facilities ready, but most of them were installed. I hope this will be the start of our camps in Kchag. This year we didn’t have Kchag Café, sorry for this but we thought that Kchag Café is being very routine, although many of our church members were enjoying it a lot. The Kchag Café must be stopped for a certain time. We are planning to have different programs in order to enjoy our fellowship there in summer.
Raffi - What plans do you have in the far future?
Garbis - The short plans are: To renovate the church in order to be presentable, to install Solar energy water heating system, on the Office building and Bezjian. As for the long term plan, we are working on the fundraising plan to find donors all over the world to participate in this beautiful plan of renovation and restoration of Kchag. The master plan with its details have been published in Chanaser.
Raffi - What would you like to say to the youth, the churches, and those who love Kchag?
Garbis - Kchag is coming back, and our youth will have the chance to go there to concentrate on God’s word and spend time with Him to seek His will and live a life that honors God. But it’s not easy, everybody must participate with the gifts that God has given to us.
Photos provided by Garbis Deyirmenjian
Read More......
Kchagin Hok Darek (Take Care of Kchag), by Hrayr Jebejian
Click on the image to read the article.
Armenian Evangelical Pastoral Conference, Having the Theme: “Addictions and Social misbehaviors”
The conference took place in Dhour Chouier, Lebanon, May 27-29, 2010.
Recommended Book: DO HARD THINGS
Do Hard Things is the Harris twins' revolutionary message in its purest and most compelling form, giving readers a tangible glimpse of what is possible for teens who actively resist cultural lies that limit their potential.
Combating the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility, the authors weave together biblical insights, history, and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life. Then they map out five powerful ways teens can respond for personal and social change.
Written by teens for teens, Do Hard Things is packed with humorous personal anecdotes, practical examples, and stories of real-life rebelutionaries in action. This rallying cry from the heart of an already-happening teen revolution challenges a generation to lay claim to a brighter future, starting today.
Click on the below to see the video of Do Hard Things.
Read More......
Rev. Krikor Youmshajekian's Closure of Ministry Service as Pastor of the Church in Sydney
The church members celebrated the 17 years of faithful service that Rev. Youmoushakian has provided to the church.
A Cultural Event with the Participation of the Six Armenian Evangelical Schools
Sponsored by the Lebanese Armenian Evangelical Educational Council and organized by the Lebanese Armenian Evangelical Educational Coordinating Committee, and on the occasion of the 95th Year of the Armenian Genocide, on Friday, 30 April, in the Boghossian Theatre, the cultural event was held, with the theme of rebirth, that were presented by the students of the Lebanese Armenian Evangelical Schools.
After the Lebanese and Armenian anthems, the chairman of the committee welcomed the guests.
Then six Armenian Evangelical Schools' (the Armenian Evangelical Secondary School of Anjar, the Armenian Evangelical Central High School, the Armenian Evangelical P. & E. Torosian School, the Armenian Evangelical Gertmenian School, the Armenian Evangelical College, the Armenian Evangelical Shamlian Tatigian Secondary High School) students presented dances,individual and group recitations of Armenian poems, songs, and musical pieces.
At the end of the cultural event, the Executive Director of the Armenian Evangelical Missionary Association, Mr. Levon Filian was invited to give a speech. He confirmed the fact that when 2-3 Armenians come together, they create culture, and build home, school, and church. He greatly appreciated and congratulated the students for the presentations, and he concluded with the following words, "Our mother tongue, our Armenian culture, our Christian forefather's spilled blood, let us keep it, let us uphold their faith".
In the end, Mrs. Sossy Balian congratulated and thanked all those who took part in making this event a successful one. She also thanked the students and their parents, the teachers and the principals. Also, to the mayor of Bourj Hammoud, Mr. Antranig Messerlian, for his support.
The event was closed with prayer by Rev. Soghomon Kilaghbian, the chairman of the Central Committee of the UAECNE.
The choir of the Armenian Evangelical Shamlian-Tatikian Secondary School
Students of the Armenian Evangelical Central High School playing on different types of musical instruments
Joint choir of Anjar & Torosian & AEC
Armenian Evangelical Gertmenian School's students singing
The Sipan Dance Group of the Armenian Evangelical Shamlian-Tatikian Secondary School
Dance Group of the Armenian Evangelical College
Dance group of the Armenian Evangelical School of Anjar
Dance group of the Armenian Evangelical Central High School
A student from the Armenian Evangelical College
A student from the Armenian Evangelical School of Anjar reciting a poem
Mr. Levon Filian, the Executive Director of the AMAA
Ms. Sossy Balian
The closing prayer of the Rev. Soghomon Kilaghbian
Read More......
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
