St. John Armenian Church of Greater Detroit 22001 Northwestern Highway | Southfield, MI 48075

(248) 569-3405 (phone) | (248) 569-0716 (fax) www.stjohnsarmenianchurch.org

The Very Reverend Father Aren Jebejian, Pastor The Reverend Father Armash Bagdasarian, Assistant Pastor

Clergy residing within the St. John parish and community: The Reverend Father Garabed Kochakian The Reverend Father Abraham Ohanesian

Deacon Rubik Mailian, Director of Sacred Music and Pastoral Assistant

SACRED LECTIONS OF THE LITURGY

SONG OF SOLOMON 1:1-12, PROVERBS 11:30-12:4, ISAIAH 52:7-10, ZACHARIAH 2:10-13,

MALACHI 3:1-2, II CORINTHIANS 6:16-7:1, LUKE 1:39-56

FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD

Celebrant: Rev. Fr. Armash Bagdasarian Pastor: Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian

Welcome!

THE LORD’S DAY - SCHEDULE OF WORSHIP

Morning Service - 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy - 9:45a.m.

We welcome you to the Divine Liturgy/Soorp Badarak and invite all who are Baptized and Chrismated in, or are in communion with, the Armenian Church to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion. If you are new to our parish and would like information about our many

parish groups, please ask any Parish Council member on duty at the desk. Make certain you fill out a contact card before you leave so we can be in touch. Enter to worship the Lord Jesus

Christ who loves you and depart with His love to serve others.

Lector: Edward Korkoian

Fr. Aren will be visiting Church School today

Today’s Gospel

Luke 1:39-56

In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she

entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting

of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she

exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your

womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For

behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy.

And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her

from the Lord.” And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my

Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all

generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is

his name. And His mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. He has

shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, he

has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; he has filled the

hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. He has helped his servant Israel,

in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity

forever.” And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.

Public Health Advisory

On November 19, 2021, MDHHS has issued the following advisory on the use of face masks. This advisory takes effect immediately and remains in effect until further notice. All Michiganders, regardless of vaccination status, should take the following actions to pro-tect against COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses: Public Health Advisory: (a) All persons in indoor public settings are advised to wear a face mask, regardless of their

vaccination status. (b) Public establishments are advised to implement masking policies and encourage compli-

ance with such policies. (c) Individuals who are not fully vaccinated or who are immunocompromised are advised to

avoid large crowds or gatherings.

Learn more about masking at Michigan.gov/MaskUp.

Evgine Karapetyan Badrik Jooharigian Emma Betrosian Barbara Savick Charles Sansone Kathy Mekjian Boyer and Marge Sarkisian

Yeretzgin LuAnn Sabounjian Vladimir Avetisov

Doris Hazerjian Rose Lucassian

Adam Apigian Rose Baise Asher Jay

Richard Khederian Izabelle Jizmejian

Carol Sahakian Layla Malone

Jane Collette John Farsakian

Gar and Jan Paloian

Prayers for the Sick and Hospitalized

Divine Liturgy by Candlelight

Today, St. John Armenian Church will celebrate the 5th Annual Divine Liturgy by Candlelight. Please join us in prayer as we live what

our beautiful liturgy was for centuries without electricity and modern technology.

Gift to Church

John and Janet Shekerjian present a gift to the church in honor of the baptism of their grandson, Jameson John Vasileff.

Complex Closed

Next week is Thanksgiving week. In observation of the holiday, the church complex will be closed on Thursday, November 25th and Friday, November 26th.

Torchbearer

We invite all of our parishioners to participate in submitting an article for the January edition of the Torchbearer. The article can be one paragraph up to several. Please answer the

following question: “What does the Armenian Church mean to me?” and send it to sjactorchbearer@gmail.com. All articles are due by January 26th.

Coat Drive

We are extending the Men’s Society Capuchin Coat Drive through the end of the month. In addition to warm coats the Capuchin Soup Kitchen is collecting

underwear socks, blue jeans, and khakis for distribution to the needy.

Plate Collection

For the foreseeable future, Parish Council members will not pass a collection plate during the Divine Liturgy service. We ask that parishioners place their weekly offering in the collection

plates located on the candle table as they exit the Sanctuary.

Please use this QR code to donate online.

Women's Guild

You can pick up your prepaid Soo Boreg and Katah following the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, November 21 at the kitchen doors.

Please feel free to contact Yerchanig Tel: 248-533-6320 if you have any questions.

Men’s Society Outreach

Continuing their partnership with Motor City Mitten Mission, the St. John Men’s Society prepared hot lunches this passed Thursday and is going to prepare

more lunches this Tuesday for the homeless in metro-Detroit. The Men’s Society would like to thank Patricia Borman for her donation

to underwrite the cost of Thursday’s lunches. The Men’s Society also would like to thank Robert and Denise Karakashian,

Nancy and Fred Beattie, and Barb and Rick Widener for their donation of Tuesday’s lunches in Memory of Noubar and Agnes Dourjalian.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

St. John Armenian Church Parish Christmas Card

A Holiday Tradition to Support Our Church

Once again, parishioners may share their Christmas and New Year

greetings with their fellow St. John’s members in our Parish Christmas Card, and in doing so support a special

program. All proceeds will go to the Social Concern Fund. Your gift is a testimony of your love and support in Christian

stewardship for the works of Christ in our spiritual home.

Please complete the form below and forward to the church office with a donation from the heart, check payable to:

St. John Armenian Church 22001 Northwestern Highway

Southfield, MI 48075

Checks should be received no later than Friday, December 17, 2021

If you wish to charge your gift, please go to

https://abundant.co/stjohnarmenianchurch/christmascard or call the Church Office at (248) 569-3405

Thank you for your generosity

—————————————————Detach Here————————————————

Enclosed is my gift for the Social Concern Fund

Please include the name(s) for the Parish Christmas Card as written below

_________________________________________________________

Donation enclosed: $_______________________________

The Pastors and Parish Council thank you for your patronage

and wish you and your loved ones all of God’s blessings for Christmas and New Year.

HERMAN KASIMOGLU, 1st Year KEVORK CETINKAYA, 1st Year Requested by Fr. Armash and Yeretzgin Maran Bagdasarian LILLIAN KOJAMANIAN, 1st Year, Mother, Grandmother, Khanamee

Requested by Kenneth Kojamanian Cary and Lynne Kojamanian Craig and Caylyn Kojamanian Cynthia Apkarian Scott, Renee, Mike, and Reagan Apkarian David and Dawn Karagosian and Family

JUDY CRISTIANO, 1st Year, Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Cousin, Dear Friend

Requested by Daniel and Danielle Cristiano

Sean, Kelly, Logan, and Brady Horne

Suzanne Nazoyan and Family

Kazar and Marina Terterian

Edward and Yvonne Korkoian and Family Gregory and Edith Baise

David and Anita Kasper Donna Lafian Greg and Karen Movsesian

BASHDON HOKEHANKUSDYAN REQUIEM PRAYERS FOR THE SOULS OF THOSE WHO ARE ASLEEP IN CHRIST

REV. FR. DIRAN AVAK KAHANA PAPAZIAN, 3rd Year, Father, Grandfather, Brother-in-law, Uncle, Dear Friend Requested by Elise Papazian, Garo Papazian, Nicole and Nishan Papazian Drs. Dennis, Mary Papazian and Ani, Marie Papazian Dr. Haig and Louise Yardumian, Edward and Eva, Kennedy Priscilla and Elijah David Yardumian Dr. Ara, Tatiana and Valentina Louise Yardumian Leon and Sharon Sarkisian David, Marianne, Daniel, and Karen Dardarian Edward and Yvonne Korkoian and Family Dr. Edward and Anna Sarkisian and Family Roger and Ardis Gregory Isabelle Vahratian Daniel and Danielle Cristiano YERETZGIN ROSALIE PAPAZIAN, 16th Year, Mother, Sister, Aunt, Grandmother, Dear Friend Requested by Elise Papazian, Garo Papazian, Nicole and Nishan Papazian Drs. Dennis, Mary Papazian, and Ani, Marie Papazian Dr. Haig and Louise Yardumian, Edward and Eva Priscilla and Elijah David Yardumian Dr. Ara, Tatiana and Valentina Louise Yardumian Leon and Sharon Sarkisian David, Marianne, Daniel, and Karen Dardarian Edward and Yvonne Korkoian and Family Dr. Edward and Anna Sarkisian and Family Roger and Ardis Gregory Isabelle Vahratian Daniel and Danielle Cristiano

BASHDON HOKEHANKUSDYAN REQUIEM PRAYERS FOR THE SOULS OF THOSE WHO ARE ASLEEP IN CHRIST

PRISCILLA SARKISIAN, 16th Year, Mother, Sister, Grandmother, Aunt, Great-Aunt Requested by Dr. Haig and Louise Yardumian, Edward and Eva Kennedy Priscilla and Elijah David Yardumian Dr. Ara, Tatiana and Valentina Louise Yardumian Leon and Sharon Sarkisian Drs. Dennis and Mary Papazian, Ani and Marie Papazian Elise Papazian, Garo Papazian, Nicole and Nishan Papazian Dr. Edward and Anna Sarkisian and Family

EDWARD SARKISIAN, 15th Year, Father, Brother, Uncle, Grandfather Requested by Leon and Sharon Sarkisian Dr. Haig and Louise Yardumian, Edward and Eva Kennedy Priscilla and Elijah David Yardumian Dr. Ara, Tatiana and Valentina Louise Yardumian Drs. Dennis and Mary Papazian, Ani and Marie Papazian

Elise Papazian, Garo Papazian, Nicole and Nishan Dr. Edward and Anna Sarkisian and Family DR. MARGARET HOGIKYAN, 32nd Year, Mother, Grandmother DR. AZAD HOGIKYAN, 42nd Year, Father, Grandfather Requested by The Hogikyan Families

LUCY TORIGIAN AND TORIGIAN FAMILY

Requested by Edward and Yvonne Korkoian and Family

BASHDON HOKEHANKUSDYAN REQUIEM PRAYERS FOR THE SOULS OF THOSE WHO ARE ASLEEP IN CHRIST

MARY DARDARIAN, 44th Year, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Khanamee FRANCES AZADOUHIE KORKOIAN, 9th Year, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Khanamee

Requested by Edward and Yvonne Korkoian and Family Michael and Diana Dardarian and Family David and Marianne Dardarian and Family Gloria Korkoian George and Karen Nigoghosian and Family Alice and Sandi Nigoghosian

ZAROUHI AND ABRAHAM ASADOORIAN, Grandparents GEORGE AND ROXIE ASADOORIAN, Uncle, Aunt HARRY ASADOORIAN, Uncle ERNEST ASADOORIAN, Uncle ARAM AND SUE ASADOORIAN, Uncle, Aunt DAVID ASADOORIAN, Uncle FRANK ASADOORIAN, Uncle PAUL ASADOORIAN, Cousin KAREN ASADOORIAN, Cousin

Requested by Edward and Yvonne Korkoian and Family Michael and Diana Dardarian and Family David and Marianne Dardarian and Family

BASHDON HOKEHANKUSDYAN REQUIEM PRAYERS FOR THE SOULS OF THOSE WHO ARE ASLEEP IN CHRIST

FALLEN ASLEEP IN THE LORD

We offer our prayers for the servant of God, Lucy Merzian, who entered her eternal rest last week.

Her funeral took place at St. John Armenian Church on November 16th, 2021. May Christ our Lord shed His Eternal light upon her soul.

Altar Flowers – Poinsettias

A beautiful Christmas tradition at St. John Armenian Church

is the adornment of the Holy Altar and Bema with poinsettia plants. If you would like to contribute towards the plants, please contact the church office at (248) 569-3405.

Donors will be acknowledged in the Sunday bulletin.

Please Note: There will be No Seerov Jash meal on Friday, November 26th

Please use this QR code if you want to register online.

NEW: Handmade Face Masks with

Armenian tri-color trim Fabricated in accordance

with CDC guidelines 3-layer 100% Cotton - $15.00

Umbrella $85

Purses $35 Plate $75

NEW ITEMS FROM ARMENIA

Michael Aram pieces are now available

Many Items are in stock and others can be ordered through the catalog

Black Orchid Servers $120 Black Orchid/

Pomegranate Paper Towel Holder

$135

NEW ITEMS FROM ARMENIA AND ARTSAKH Sterling silver Armenian initials: $35.00 - $50.00

Sterling silver letter E (eh): $35.00

Red Grape Leaf

Cap $15

Black Orchid and Pomegranate Cake Server

$80

Black Orchid Ring Catch $70

Candles $70

Black Orchid Vertical napkin

Holder $115

Mobile phone stand - Available in two different images: Mary and Christ Child or Forget Me Not flower. $10.00

The best selection of Armenian books and CDs plus many gift items: jewelry, Armenian crosses, key chains, cookbooks and many “Made in Armenia” products.

Table runners, tablecloths, soccer balls, shawls and scarves from Armenia and much more!

SILVER CROSSES FROM JERUSALEM, VARIOUS SIZES-$35.00 - $75.00 “The Promise” DVD $15.00

Lavash—Armenian Recipe Book By Kate Leahy, John Lee, Ara Zada HC - $25.00

Armenian Proverbs and Expressions By Susan Kadian Gopigian HC- $25.00

Tending the Flock of God By Fr. Garabed Kochakian

SC - $15.00

Visit the Parish Bookstore The Parish Bookstore is now open during normal office hours

and on Sundays following Divine Liturgy

The Resistance Network By Khatchig Mouradian SC - $25.00

My First Book of Armenian Words By Ani Gigarjian and Linda Avedikian HC - $20.00

Forget Me Not: Armenian Genocide Recollections

By Ariana Kabodian SC- $20.00

The Vegan Armenian Kitchen by Lena Tashjian HC - $35.00

G e n e r a l I n f o r m a t i o n

Parish Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. After hours in an emergency, please contact:

Pastor’s Mobile: (773) 457-4122 e-mail: FrAren@sjachurch.org Fr. Armash’s email: FrArmash@sjachurch.org

Parish Administrator’s Mobile: (586) 817-2974

Visits to the Hospitalized and Homebound Please phone the Church Office when you or someone you love is admitted to the hospital and would like a visit from the Pastor. If you have an upcoming surgery, please consider requesting your name to be included in the “Prayers for the Sick and Hospitalized” list. Those who are homebound and would like to receive Holy Communion at home should phone the Church Office. Home Blessing If you would like the Pastor to visit your home and offer a home blessing, please contact the Church Office. Baptism Parents may prepare for the baptism of their child before he or she is born. For more information, phone the Church Secretary. We encourage parents to baptize their children between 40 days and 3 months. Marriage Please make sure to confirm your wedding date with the Pastor before booking your reception hall. Phone the Church Secretary at least nine months in advance of your proposed wedding date. Parish Membership If you are interested in becoming a member of the St. John parish, please speak to a Parish Council member on Sunday, or phone the Church Office. Sunday Bulletin Announcements for the Sunday Bulletin are due in the Church Office by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday preceding the date of service. Requiem Requests may be submitted to the Church Office by mail, phone or email to office@sjachurch.org no later than 5:00 p.m. Wednesday preceding the Sunday. Request forms are available in the Church Lobby. Requiem may be offered every Sunday of the year except for the five Tabernacle Feast Days.