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Dear Parishioners & Friends,

As we come to the end of 2024, we are filled with gratitude and joy for the many blessings this year has brought. Together, we have experienced God’s grace and made meaningful progress in our mission as a church community. This has been a year of growth, connection, and impactful ministry—achievements made possible through your faith, dedication, and generosity.

As we reflect on 2024, we highlight five significant milestones that indicate the strength and spirit of our church family…

    1. Youth involvement at St. Sarkis Church has been vital to our vibrant community, showcasing their deep faith, commitment, and energy. Our young members have served with devotion and enthusiasm this year in various roles. As altar servers and choir members, they have reverently assisted in celebrating the Divine Liturgy and have lifted their voices in praise, enriching our services with their beautiful singing. Through the Salt & Light Youth Ministry, which has grown to a record 90+ participants this year, they have developed spiritually and relationally. They engage in meaningful discussions, service projects, and fellowship, all strengthening their connection to our church and one another. Their active presence inspires us all as they embody the future of our church while honoring its rich traditions.
    2. The Suzanne and Hovsep Hagopian Saturday School at St. Sarkis Church has kicked off an exciting new academic year, boosted by a significant capital improvement project that enhances the school’s facilities. Thanks to a generous grant from the Armenian Youth Foundation (AYF), the school now offers an upgraded and welcoming environment for students to continue their Armenian language, culture, and heritage education. These improvements coincide with the start of the new school year under the leadership of the new principal, Yn Annie Terterian, and the Educational Committee. Their vision and dedication have inspired students, teachers, and staff to come together enthusiastically and commit to fostering a love for Armenian traditions. The school community is deeply grateful to all who contributed to making these vital upgrades a reality, ensuring a bright and inspiring learning experience for current and future generations.
    3. This past fall, St. Sarkis Church hosted its inaugural Golf Outing, bringing together community members for camaraderie, competition, and charitable giving. The event, held at a beautiful local golf course, attracted enthusiastic participants of all skill levels, united in their support for the church's mission and programs. The outing featured a friendly tournament and fellowship opportunities and concluded with a celebratory gathering where prizes were awarded, and gratitude was expressed to all attendees and sponsors. The success of this inaugural event not only raised valuable funds for St. Sarkis Church but also strengthened the bonds within the community, setting the stage for future gatherings.
    4. On October 6, 2024, the St. Sarkis Church community gathered at Crest Hollow Country Club for "Journey to Tomorrow," a tribute honoring both past and present members of the Board of Trustees. The event celebrated the contributions of 110 church board members since 1962. Attendees received a keepsake booklet featuring biographies of these members, along with a special tribute to Dr. Aram Cazazian for his exemplary leadership. The evening included heartfelt remarks and artistic performances, inspiring everyone to appreciate the church's legacy.
    5. In November of this year, we were excited to launch the redesigned St. Sarkis Church website at www.stsarkischurch.net! The new site has quickly become a central hub for our parish community, offering easy access to the latest news, upcoming events, worship schedules, and ministry information. Its key features are weekly blog posts with pastoral reflections, sermon videos, and a secure online giving platform allowing one-time or recurring donations to support our ministries. We invite you to explore the website, share it with others, and continue using it as a valuable resource to stay connected and deepen your engagement with our parish family. Let’s continue growing together in faith and fellowship!

Dear Parish Family,

As we come to the close of another blessed year in our parish, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you. This year has been another testament to the strength and resilience of our community as we’ve come together in faith, fellowship, and service, and we’ve seen the love of Christ reflected in all that we do. Your dedication, support, and prayers have made this year truly special, and I am filled with joy as I look back on all we’ve accomplished. May we continue to grow in faith and unity as we look ahead, always striving to be a light to one another and the world around us. Thank you for being such an integral part of our parish family. May God bless you all abundantly in the year to come.

Prayerfully,

Fr. Nareg Terterian