Soorp Badarak was celebrated at St. Mesrob Armenian Church of Ottawa, on December 10, 2011 by Rev. Fr. Komitas Mirzakhanyan, our visiting pastor with the assistance of Ottawa designate Deacon Ivan Gyadayan. The Holy Liturgy was most ably sung by the Ottawa Armenian Choir under the leadership of Marlene Iskedjian, accompanied by our organist Michael Tourabian with soloists Anna Bedrosyan and flutist Vicken Aprahamian. On this date, a new component was added to enhance and facilitate the singing of the service.  With the initiative of Mr. Vicken Avrikian, the faithful will now be able to take part and sing with the choir through the provision of an overhead projection of the lyrics to the Soorp Badarak.  The monitor shows the Armenian text with English translation below for the benefit of who wish to follow the Divine Liturgy.

Our December service is traditionally dedicated to commemorate the souls of the departed of the 1988 disastrous Earthquake that claimed the lives of so many of our brothers and sisters.  This year once again, our prayers were offered to recall the victims as we remember all the families who were touched and have suffered gravely as a result of the horrific tragedy.  Special hokihantes service was held in their memory.  In attendance on this solemn occasion were, His Excellency Mr. Armen Yeganian, Ambassador of Armenia to Canada and all members of the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Ottawa.

Also on this date, memorial services were offered in memory of two members of the St. Mesrob community.  Hokihantes services were held for the late, Mr. John Adjeleian, and Mrs. Ashken Civan, both long time members of the community and supporters of St. Mesrob Church.  .
As always, the community enjoyed a social hour in the Church hall, immediately following Soorp Badarak.  On this occasion, the congregation was invited by Mrs. Elizabeth Adjeleian and family to take part in a memorial dinner, in memory of   Mr. John Adjeleian.  Our sincerest sympathies and appreciation are extended to the Adjeleian family.

Our next scheduled Church Service is Sunday January 8, 2012, to celebrate the Feast of the Holy Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Shnorhavor Nor Dari ev  Soorp Dznunt From St. Mesrob Armenian Church of Ottawa