Bethlehem Style Christmas Eve Services in Hollywood
Srpotz Tarkmanchatz Alumni of North American
PO Box 10506
Glendale, CA 91209
Contact: Mr. Nahabed Melkonian
818-247-6809
January 16, 2004
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Bethlehem Style Christmas Eve Services in Hollywood
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On Saturday, January 15, 2005 the Holy Translators School (Srpotz Tarkmanchatz) Alumni of North America and the Friends of the Jerusalem Armenians organized the 6^th annual Christmas Eve Service at St. John Garabed Armenian Church in Hollywood.
The Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem as well as the other Orthodox Churches of Jerusalem adheres to the Old Calendar (heen domar). In accordance with the tradition, the Armenian faithful travel from Jerusalem to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem (Armenian altar) and the Grotto of the Nativity to observe the birth of Jesus Christ. In Hollywood, the Night Service began at 11:00 PM followed by the Morning Service. The Gospel was read at midnight, followed by the singing of "Park ee Partzoonus". The Blessing of the Water Service followed the Night and Morning Services.
Rev. Fr. Arshag Khachadourian, pastor of St. James Armenian Church of Los Angeles, read the Christmas message of His Beatitude Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem and former Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America. Tarkmanchatz alumni from as far away as Vancouver, Canada traveled to Los Angles for this special event. Fr. Arshag congratulated the Godfather of the Cross, Mr. Harout Boyadjian, and wished him health and happiness in 2005.
Mr. Nahabed Melkonian, founder of the Srpotz Tarkmanchatz Alumni of North America and currently coordinator of the organization, expressed his thanks to the faithful in attendance. Mr. Melkonian also thanked the Friends of the Jerusalem Armenians for attending the traditional service, which ended at 1:55 AM. Mr. Melkonian stressed his solidarity with the Armenians of the Holy Land and the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, who is able to maintain the rights of the Armenian Orthodox Church during the most difficult times. Also participating in the service was Rev. Fr. Nareg Matarian, pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Church of East Los Angeles, Rev. Fr. Asoghig Jamgochian, visiting pastor of the Armenian Church of Whittier, Deacon Hrair Karaverdian, Deacon Mihran Toumajan, Deacon Carl Bardakian, and Mr. Nahabed Melkonian. Afterwards, a traditional Bethlehem style breakfast was served for all those in attendance.