Avaks begin fall season with trip to Ararat Center

by Florence Avakian

Published: Tuesday September 29, 2009

Members of the St. Vartan Cathedral Avaks group listen during a cultural presentation last season.

New York - The fall season has ushered in a new schedule of events for the St. Vartan Cathedral Avak group gatherings, with the hardy senior ladies and gents missing none of the weekly events under the leadership of St. Vartan Cathedral dean, the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian.

The Avaks are now preparing for their three-day trip to the Ararat Center in upstate New York, from September 29 to October 1. The program includes daily worship services, Bible study, exercise, apple-picking, and other entertainment.

Last spring, the Avaks took a trip to Washington, with a full program. The trip included a visit to Washington's St. Mary Armenian Church, with a lunch hosted by the local Armenian community.

Also on the schedule were visits to the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Library of Congress. Participants received professional guided tours of historic Washington, including the U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court, the White House, Embassy Row, and the National Archives.

Other trips the Avaks have taken over the past several years include a three-day trip to Montreal. In addition to these pleasurable out-of-town excursions, the Avaks meet every Thursday, during which they attend Bible classes with Deacon Sebuh Oscherician, enjoy a delicious homemade lunch, and are enlightened by a cultural program.

The Avaks have seen films and videos, heard lectures, and enjoyed musical programs after lunch.  Last season, talks have been given by the Diocesan Vicar General, the Very Rev. Fr. Haigazoun Najarian; Holy Martyrs Armenian Church pastor, the Very Rev. Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian; Dr. Svetlana Amirkhanian; St. Vartan Cathedral choirmaster Khoren Mekanejian; Diramayr Shake Kadehjian; Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center director Dr. Rachel Goshgarian; FAR representative Arto Vorperian; Flushing Armenian Home director Aggie Ellian; cosmetologist Rita Oscherician; fitness instructor Arpine Dod; and journalist Florence Avakian. Musical programs were shared by St. Vartan Cathedral soloists Hasmig Meikhanedjian and Maro Partamian.