On Thursday, June 14, 2012 the Holy Trinity Armenian Church hosted the annual Seniors’ Day Celebration. It was a lovely, sunny morning when buses arrived bringing residents from Seven Oaks, Leisureworld and Seniors’ Health Centre.
Many others came by other means or with their families. Rev. Archpriest Father Zareh Zargarian celebrated a special Holy Mass and blessed our seniors. In his remarks, Father Zareh thanked and praised the various Armenian organizations and long term care facilities for their commitment to our beloved seniors. V. Rev. Archpriest Fr. Yeghia Kirejian, Pastor of St. Gregory Armenian Catholic Church and Mr.
Hagop Janbazian, the chairman of Toronto’s Interdenominational Committee, participated in prayer. Following the service, all were escorted to the Magaros Artinian Hall of the church for lunch and entertainment. Arsho Kandaharian of the Visitation Committee delivered the welcoming speech and expressed words of appreciation to all who helped in this event. Fr. Hedra Faltas, Chaplain at Seven Oaks, blessed the tables and the food that was to be served. Music was provided by Greg Benoit and Brian Beveridge who entertained with many old familiar songs. As usual, they brought great pleasure to the guests. A young visitor from Armenia, Rita Kuyumcuyan, delighted everyone by playing two pieces on the piano, and Mrs.
Ishkhanuhi Minassian sang beautifully a selection of Armenian songs. Many thanks go to all participants who contributed to the joy of the audience and enriched the day. The Seniors’ Day is an annual event that is organized by the Visitation Committee of the Women’s Guild. It usually takes place in June. Invitations and flyers are extended to all Armenian Seniors in the city and neighbouring communities. The committee members spend many weeks of planning, organizing, shopping, cooking and coordinating to make this event a success. 
The Visitation Committee would like to express its gratitude to each and every individual who helped the committee in the setting of tables, decorating, preparation of the meal, serving, cleaning, and many other ways. Special words of appreciation also go to all the staff and coordinators of the three long term facilities who made extra effort to bring the Armenian residents to this function, as well as, to the volunteers who helped these residents with their meals. We also would like to thank everyone who made donations on this occasion. This day is always special in many ways. It is one way of showing our respect, care and love for our elders. It is also a way to celebrate them, acknowledging their worth and existence. Our efforts and hard work are rewarded by seeing them leave the church hall happy and in good spirits. (by Nora Baltayan)
