Rev. Fr. Diran and Yeretzgin Rosalie Papazian Annual Retreat: Connecting with God

By Elise Papazian

On Saturday March 14, 2026, St John Armenian Church held its 31st annual Rev. Fr. Diran and Yeretzgin Rosalie Papazian Annual Retreat. More than 90 participants gathered for a special day of spiritual renewal, fellowship and reflection. 

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St. John Armenian Church Outreach Ministry

By Alice Argnian and Lisa Mardigian

The St. John Armenian Church student outreach ministry supports Armenian students living away from home at Michigan’s universities. Very Rev. Father Aren Jebejian and Youth Coordinator Lisa Mardigian visit students at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and Michigan State University in East Lansing, where the groups gather for pizza, conversation, and Christian fellowship.

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Church Education:

Learning About Our Theology

By Linda Jevahirian

Do you believe in God?

Yes

What is your religion?

Armenian

Armenian is not a religion 

Yes, it is. I go to an Armenian church

What is an Armenian?

A Christian

So, what is your religion?

I told you, Armenian

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Hye Doon Monthly Social Connects Young Adults Late Twenties Through Forties

By Ardis Gregory, Christine Santourian, Harry Kezelian

The “Hye Doon” (Armenian Home) ministry and social group continues to welcome young adults from their late twenties through forties, along with their little ones, to monthly social activities designed to form meaningful connections in a welcoming atmosphere.

“I strongly encourage you to join us at one of our meetings, meet some new Armenian friends, and plan on having a wonderful time!” says Harry Kezelian. 

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St. John Armenian Church Men’s Society

Contributors: Danny Cristiano, Linda Jevahirian, Dr. Gary Zamanigian 

Mission Statement

The Men’s Society is a fellowship of men who are committed to Christ and are active members of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church celebrating their unique roles in the parish, their families, and the greater community.

This organization provides opportunities for all men to examine their spiritual lives as they grow in their Christian Faith through education and service to God’s Household.

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The Repatriate Returns

By Alice Nigoghosian

About 50 people gathered in late February to hear the story of The Repatriate Returns: Home, Family, and the FBI, the sequel to Tom Mooradian’s The Repatriate: Love, Basketball, and the KGB. The event, co-sponsored by St. John Armenian Church and the Edward & Helen Mardigian Library, was held in the St. Vartan Room.

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Letter to the Editor

I like the new format for the torchbearer. The beginning of each entry gives the reader an idea of what the article is about and the "read more" allows the opportunity to continue or not. I also like that the articles were short enough to keep the reader's interest yet provide the details needed to understand or appreciate the topic.

I felt that a number of the past Torchbearer articles were too long, often making it hard to read the edition in one sitting and there were times I never got back to it. I also noticed that not every group submitted information and I didn't have a problem with that.

Thanks to you and the staff for bringing the Torchbearer back to life in this new format.

Best regards,

Denise Karakashian

Welcome to the New Torchbearer 

We have composed a format that we hope will be easy and enjoyable to use. Issues will be published four times a year. Each of the auxiliary groups will be contacted by the committee to explore what they would like to showcase and to request articles and photos of interest to the community.

Your Feedback is Important

We look forward to hearing from you. Please send your questions, comments and any suggestions you have to the editors. Thank you.

The Torchbearer Board

Very Reverend Father Aren Jebejian, Editor in Chief

Linda Jevahirian, Editor

Alice Argnian, Ardemis Gregory, Dr. Gary Zamanigian

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