A Brief History of Our Church
Starting 1928, the Armenian community of Toronto has been organizing Sunday Masses, cultural events and heritage perseverance programs for members of the community. Over the years they had to move a number of times until by the generosity and determination of the community members and its leaders the current building was built in 1987 in Scarborough to satisfy the nec
essities of the old and new settlers in Toronto in terms of spiritual, cultural, humanitarian services and programs. Armenians from all over the world, residing in Toronto and locals from different backgrounds have been benefiting from our services provided by the Parish Priest, the Council and Committees working under the umbrella of Holy Trinity Armenian Church. Here are a summary of our services:
Humanitarian & Community
Armenian Family Support Services:
• Elder care issues
• Advocacy and legal
• Banking services
• Doctors on call
• Food services
• Health information
• Hospitals
• Library services
• Recreation and activity centres
• Transportation
• Social services organizations
• Volunteer services
• Financial planning
• Government offices
• Home support services
• Housing
• Long-term care facilities
• Snow removal for seniors
New Comer Settlement Services:
We help newcomers at different stages of their settlement by providing direct services or partnering with other agencies in skill training, language, employment, settlement, mentoring and other services as needed. Using a team approach within the principles of case management, we endeavor to achieve optimum value and desirable outcomes for the individual. We offer one-one-one counseling for settlement information and guidance. Our regular Newcomer Gatherings allows new individuals and families in Canada to participate in a group, meet other newcomers, share in their difficulties but also successes allowing them the chance to connect and provide mutual support to each other. Through this project, newcomers are provided the opportunity to volunteer, helping with the many different services thereby gaining some Canadian experience. The Newcomer’s Volunteer Program provides opportunities for high school students to complete their 40 hours of community service. HIMA - Help Immediate Members Appeal
HIMA is an email contact list of individuals who have agreed to be contacted whenever there is a need for furniture or household goods for our Newcomer families. Community Outreach:
- Annual Thanksgiving Dinner at the Street Haven Women's Shelter
- Annual Soup Kitchen
- Annual Volunteer participation and donations to Habitat for Humanity Toronto. Through this humanitarian mission we remember the victims of the Armenian Genocide while providing a tangible difference in the life of a needy family. Culture & Heritage:
St. Sahag – St. Mesrob Armenian Saturday School – Recently celebrated its 55th Anniversary. Teaching the language, history and heritage of children with Armenian background. From kindergarten to grade 8th. Graduates of the school travel to Armenia every year in July for 2 weeks where they have a chance to see and experience their Motherland and all the things they have studied in Saturday School. Sassoun Dance Group: Senior & Junior groups – Armenian Folk Dance. Practices are held 2-3 times a week. This group holds their annual concert in June as well as appearances in different festivals & events throughout the year. Pokrig Pem – Hrant D**k Theatre Group works under direction of experienced director Mrs. Acemyan and performs in Holy Trinity Armenian Church and Armenian communities in Canada & US on regular basis. Lousapem – Junior’s theatre Group working and practicing with Mrs. Keshishian. Have had two very successful performances and a favorite of all ages. Sunday School – Spiritual teachings every Sunday. Yeraz Junior Choir –holding practices once a week. Younger generation learn the folk and spiritual Armenian songs throughout their practices and perform on Sundays as well as on their Annual Concert. Senior Choir – Adults & Seniors interested in singing practicing & perform on Sundays. Seniors Citizen's
Visitation Committee:
The Visitation Committee of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church Women's Guild regularly visits and hosts residents of Old Age Homes to bring joy to their lives as well as organize annual Special Seniors Day Luncheon at the church hall where there is great food, live music and fun times for all seniors. Ladies' Sewing Circle:
For the last 40 years, a group of ladies have been transported to church once a week where they gather, socialize and work on sewing projects. The cost of transportation and material for this group has been provided by the church. Women's Guild
Organizing many events, festive celebrations and cultural programs to introduce the culture and heritage of Armenia to younger generation and create a chance for older generation to feel closer to their roots. Providing Homeless Shelters of Toronto with homemade food:
The members of Bible Study group have been contributing their time and funds to cook for homeless shelters of Toronto, specifically the Red Door Family Shelter in downtown. Publications:
Holy Trinity Armenian Church publishes two magazines: Hayreniq in Eastern Armenian & Russian (over 5 years), and Nor Serount (over 50 years), in Western Armenian and English. This magazines are a great source of information for our community members from different backgrounds to keep them informed and entertained. Wall Calendar: Includes Canadian & Armenian National and statutory holidays and events organized by HTAC. The Telephone Directory is published every two years since early 1970`s and it contains the addresses and phone numbers of the community, business advertisements and well as other useful information that is a must to have for each household. Seda Pederian Memorial Bookstore
Providing books, CDs, DVDs, gift items to the community members. Mario Gumushdjian Memorial Library – Providing up to date, high quality reading material to children, teenagers and their teachers and parents. Annual Walkathon
A fundraising event that encourages members to take part and donate funds for great causes. 2010 walkathon was dedicated to the memory of fallen soldiers of Canadian Army in conflicts outside Canada. The money raised was donated to the soldiers` families.
“Ararat” Summer Youth Camp – Annual Week long Camping for Armenian youth of Canada taking place in Ontario. Debutant Ball – Organized every two years to introduce the Debutantes and their escorts (teenage boys and girls) to community members. Canadian Youth Mission to Armenia – An annual trip to Armenia created for the youth to stay in villages and help them with humanitarian work and return with priceless experience. Children’s Fund For Armenia – A program that was created to sponsor children who suffered from the aftermath of the 1988 earthquake in Armenia.
