Organizations and Programs The following are highlights of various organizations, programs, activities and amenities that our parish sponsors and offers. We hope that these will provide opportunities to make new friends, and broaden your horizons. But most of all, when you come to St. Thomas Armenian Church you will be in the presence of God, who will give you peace and guidance in your daily life. ACYOA JUNIORS: (Armenian Church Youth Organization of America) The ACYOA Juniors, ages 13-18, participate in many trips, sports activities, fund raisers, and parties, all of which are chaperoned. They also participate and assist in many of the major events the church sponsors. The group’s goal is to make teenagers active members of the church community while developing close friendships. For more information contact Anita Apanosian at (201) 666-6677. ADULT ARMENIAN CONVERSATION CLASSES: The classes are offered on Saturday mornings by the Kirikian Armenian School. Students are given practical conversational and written language instruction. These classes are for English speaking students only. For information call Mrs. Ani Capan, Principal at (201) 767-3846. ALTAR GUILD: The duties of the members of this Guild are to ensure that the St. Thomas Holy Altar, Clergy & Altar Server vestments, artifacts and related areas are in an appropriate and befitting condition. ALTAR SERVERS: To become a member of this association and to serve upon the Holy Altar of St. Thomas, one must first obtain the approval of the Pastor. Rehearsals are conducted by the Pastor. For more information please call the Church Office at (201) 567-5446. ARMENIAN SCHOOL -"Kirikian Armenian School": The classes are offered every Saturday from 9:30 AM to 1:15 PM. Classes include toddlers, pre-Kindergarden, Kindergarden, and grades 1st through the 7th, for children ranging in ages from 2 ½ to 12 year-olds. Subjects are taught both in Armenian and in English to fully accommodate both English & Armenian speaking students. · Separate Sections - Identical Curriculum: classes are offered both for English-speaking students and for Armenian-speaking bi-lingual students. The curriculum is exactly the same in both sections; however, in the non-Armenian speaking class the teacher has the added responsibility of teaching conversation as well. · Adult Armenian Classes: reading, writing and conversation are also offered Saturdays between 9:30 AM and 1:15. · NEW: Eastern Armenian Classes: for 5 and 6 year-olds, as spoken in Armenia! For any Armenian School information contact, Mrs. Ani Capan, Principal at (201) 767-3846, or the Church Office at (201) 567-5446. BASKETBALL TEAM: St. Thomas is a member of the Armenian Churches Sports Association and has teams for boys, girls and men, starting form age 11. For more information contact, Mr. Douglas Martaian, Basketball Coach, at (973) 616-5289. BAPTISMS: SEE SACRAMENTS. BIBLE STUDY IN ARMENIAN & ENGLISH: Bible Study classes are offered weekly by Very Rev. Fr. Papken Dz. V. Anoushian, Esq., Pastor. The Armenian Bible Study classes are offered Fridays at 10:30 AM; English Bible Study classes are offered Fridays at 7:30 PM. BOOKSTORE: The St. Thomas Armenian Church Bookstore is open on Saturdays (Sept. to June), and Sundays (year-round) mornings until 2:00 PM, and during the week by special appointment. A wide array of merchandise is carried such as: books, music cassettes and CD’s, jewelry, ceramics, t-shirts and many other items with Armenian motifs. Specific items may also be ordered by special request. For requests or additional information contact, Mrs. Sirvart Demirjian, Bookstore Manager, at (201) 265-5230, (evenings), or through the Church Office at (201) 567-5446. CHOIR: · Adult Choir: The St. Thomas Choir participates in the Divine Liturgy each Sunday, and during all holidays such as the Holy Week, and all Feast Days. Upon request, they also participate at Weddings or Funerals by prior special arrangement. Rehearsals are scheduled by announcement. For more information, please contact, Ms. Susan Shamamian, Choir Director and Organist at (201) 894-7488, or by calling the Church Office at (201) 567-5446. · Junior Choir: Every Sunday the members of the Junior Choir participate in the singing of the Holy Divine Liturgy. For more information contact, Dr. Levon Capan, Junior Choir Director at (201) 767-4066. CULTURAL COMMITTEE: The Cultural Committee of St. Thomas serves to periodically promote Armenian Heritage and Culture to the Armenian and non-Armenian community through various events such as: lectures, concerts, art exhibits, movie screenings, dance performances, and much more. For more information contact Mrs. Lucy Piligian through the Church Office at (201) 567-5446. FAMILY AUXILIARY: The main objective is to bring together all household members in a family atmosphere and at the same time to assist St. Thomas whenever help is needed. FUNERALS: SEE SACRAMENTS. HOSPITAL VISITATIONS BY THE PASTOR: If you, a member of your family or a friend are hospitalized, please contact the Church Office so that the Pastor may visit, to pray for the recovery and spiritual well being of the patient/parishioner. MEN’S CLUB: The club meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. For more information please contact, Chairperson, Mr. Matthew Keshishian, Esq., through the Church Office at (201) 567-5446. NOR TAR: St. Thomas Armenian Church monthly newsletter/periodical delivers parish news, articles of interest about Armenian art, news form Armenia and some educational material. For a fee you may also advertise your business. The dues paying members receive this publication free of charge. · News Items or Advertisements: Please contact Mrs. Madlen Setian, Managing Editor, with any AMONG US news items or to palce advertisements at setianm @optonline.net or at (845) 425-8683. PARKING & LOCATION: Wonderful, convenient location & parking! · St. Thomas is conveniently located just five minutes north of the George Washington Bridge, a unique & ideal location because of its close proximity New York City. It is an easy-to-find corner property accessible from Route 9 W, and the Palisades Interstate Parkway. · Moreover, the property boasts of a beautiful park-like setting with manicured grounds, running brook, picturesque bridge and wooded landscape. · St. Thomas has a sizeable parking area with ample space to accommodate large groups and gatherings, which adds to its feasibility. Click here for directions. REQUIEMS-HOKEHANKISD: Arrangements for Requiem-Hokehankisd Services, Altar Flowers, Altar Candles and Fellowship Hour, must be made through the Church Secretary or the Pastor no later than Friday at noon by calling the Church Office at (201) 567-5446. Please have the names of the deceased the service is requested for, and the names of those requesting the service ready at the time you call. Those who wish, may also donate Altar Flowers, Altar Candles, or food items for the Fellowship Coffee Hour which follows the Holy Divine Liturgy and Requiem Service, in memory of the souls of their loved ones, by informing the Church Secretary. RENTAL HALLS: St. Thomas has two beautiful halls for rent. Dues paying members of St. Thomas may rent the halls at a reduced rental fee (20% discount). Click here for Atrium of Tenafly Site. For information contact Mrs. Mary Tashjian, Rental Coordinator (845) 359-4855. SACRAMENTS-WEDDINGS, FUNERALS & BAPTISMS: Dues paying members of St. Thomas pay a reduced fee for these services to the Church. The ceremonies are performed both in Armenian and or English languages, per individual request. To ascertain availability of specific dates, or to schedule any sacramental services, please call the Church Office at (201) 567-5446. SENIOR CITIZENS - AVAK SOCIETY CLUB: The club meets every Thursday during the day. Card and backgammon games, and handicrafts are enjoyed along with refreshments. SEWING GUILD OF ST. THOMAS: This Guild voluntarily sews the necessary vestments needed for various religious ceremonies and services at St. Thomas. SOCIAL SERVICE GUILD: The duties of the members of this particular Guild are comprised of visiting the sick at their residences, and if needed, attend to their needs. SUNDAY SCHOOL: The classes are offered every Sunday form 10:15 AM to 12:30 PM (September - June). Classes include Nursery to the 11th grade. Youngsters receive religious instruction of the Armenian Apostolic Church, in English, under the direction of V. Rev. Fr. Papken Dz.V. Anoushian, Superintendent and Pastor of St. Thomas and supervision of Mrs. Diana Mkhitarian. Students also attend portions of the Holy Divine Liturgy and Fr. Anoushian will hold special learning sessions periodically during the year. Special activities during the year include the Christmas Dinner and Program, Poon Paregentan Party, Easter Communion Breakfast with the Kirikian Armenian School, visit to the Emerson Home for the Armenian Aged, Graduation and Year-End Party. For information contact Mrs. Diana Mkhitarian, Supervisor (201) 568-9748, or Church Office at (201) 567-5446. VODN LVAH - WASHING OF THE FEET CEREMONY: Those who would like their children to participate in this ceremony must contact the Pastor for the necessary arrangements. For more information, please contact the Church Office at (201) 567-5446. WEDDINGS: SEE SACRAMENTS.