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NEWSLETTER OF

THE ZOROASTRIAN SOCIETY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

In Search of The Truth

Shahrivar-Aban

Sept – Nov 2018

Volume 27, No. 3

CONTENTS

President’s Message 1

Announcements 2

Gathas 3

Golden Jubilee 3

Donations 5

Past Events 6

Membership fees 7

Advertisement rates 7

Seminar 8

Upcoming Events (E) 9

Upcoming Events (F) 10

___________

The Zoroastrian Society of

British Columbia

6900 Halifax Street

Burnaby, B.C. V5B 2R5

Canada

Telephone (604) 420-3500

www.zsbc.org

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear ZSBC Members,

ZSBC held its AGM on June 10, 2018 at the Arbab Rustam Guiv Darbe Mehr. Even

though, it was open to the community, about 35 members attended in person. Since all

the directors of previous board were resigning, an election of new ZSBC Board

members was held during the AGM. Seven people were elected, however 3 decided to

drop out after the elections in July. At the first board meeting held on July 18, 2018 at

the Darbe Mehr the 4 newly elected directors attended, and they appointed 2 additional

directors because of the resignation of the directors elected at the AGM. A thorough

protocol was followed to elect the two new directors. The list of new ZSBC directors

and their contact information is listed below.

Dineyar Buhariwala President president@zsbc.org

Aurash Yazdgerdian Secretary secretary@zsbc.org

Percy Billimoria Treasurer treasurer@zsbc.org

Yezdi Davar Maintenance maintenance@zsbc.org

Behin Kavoosi Seniors seniors@zsbc.org

Pervin Buhariwala Socials socials@zsbc.org

(To Be Determined) Youth & Education

We take this opportunity to thank the previous board of directors for their excellent

work, the assistance provided during the transition and continue to provide guidance

and assistance when required. We would appreciate the participation from other

community members for the role of Director Youth and Education.

The five-day Gatha prayers were held from August 12th to August 16th, 2018. Detail

report is provided in the newsletter. Special “Thanks” to Yezdi Davar for getting the

Darbe Mehr cleaned and ready for the prayers, and to Kashmira Suraliwalla for being

the chief organizer of the Gatha event. The board also thanks other members who also

actively helped for bringing food and helping in many ways they can.

Shenshahi New Year was celebrated at the Darbe Mehr on August 17th after the Gathas.

It was well attended by 85 Zoroastrian community members. As always, the members

had a good time in connecting with each other along with dinner and dance. Thanks to

Parviz Rashidi for volunteering to provide music that included Iranian, Indian, and

English songs.

Two seniors’ day events were held since we took charge of ZSBC. Thanks to Behin,

Rustom, and Pervin for coordinating the events and bringing food at the Darbe Mehr.

Details are provided further in the newsletter.

Now for the big event – “50th Anniversary Celebration of ZSBC”. The newly elected

ZSBC Board members have been entrusted to celebrate 50 years of ZSBC with an event

within a short time frame. Our social director along with other directors are working

diligently, hard in coordinating and organizing the event. Such a prestigious event

cannot be undertaken without the help of the community. We would like this event to

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be memorable for all generations. Not just a place where we meet, eat and go home, but an event where we

learn from our elders of what it was like 40-50 years ago, have our youth participate and showcase their

talent to our community and welcome new immigrants to our ZSBC. If you have photographs and stories to

share, please forward them to any directors. We need to build better ZSBC for the next generation. Please

come in large numbers and show your support for our ZSBC and our Darbe Mehr. I look forward in

connecting with you’ll at the event.

Dineyar Buhariwala

President

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Deaths

Yezdi (Les) Pavri, 61 years, son of the late Roda and Jamshed Pavri, in

Vancouver, on July 4, 2018.

Neville Doodha, 55 years, husband of Rashna, father of Zubin, son of

Jerben, brother of Kamal Rohit Desai, and nephew of Koomi Homi Italia

(Burnaby, BC) passed away in Calgary, Alberta, on August 17, 2018.

Jamshid Khorasheh, 83 years, father of Shahriar, Farhad, Shideh and late

Babak; husband of late Mahindokht Foroughi, father-in-law of Mahnaz

Misaghi-Tafti, and grandfather of Mitra and Triti, passed away in North

Vancouver, BC, on August 23, 2018.

Our deepest sympathy and condolences go out to his family members, relatives and friends.

Marriages

Burjis Darabna and Sharmin Kooka celebrated their wedding on August 10th

Farhad Roueintan and Mahsa Yazdani, children of Homa Farahmand (North

Vancouver) & Mehrdad Roueintan (Tehran) and Sima & Khosrow Yazdani, in San

Francisco, on Saturday, August 4, 2018.

Roxana Jangi and Ravinth Latour, children of Faramarz & Villoo Jangi (North

Vancouver) and Ruben & Panchi Latour, in Priddis, Alberta, on Sunday, August 5, 2018.

Joshua Nanavaty and Jennifer Wills, children of Kershaw & Jane Nanavaty (Vancouver) and Brian &

Jacqui Wills, in Vancouver, on Sunday, August 5, 2018.

Mozaad Irani with Nisha Balsara, children of Nargish Irani (Richmond, BC) and Khursheed & late Sarosh

Balsara, in Richmond, BC, on Saturday, September 1, 2018

Wishing all the best to the couples

Births

Natalia Irani and Cyrus Irani had a son by the name of Zian on June 21, 2018.

Wishing the parents and Zian all the best in the years to follow.

Sadly this is the only entry we have data on. Hope to fill up a page in the births section

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GATHA

Gathas 2018 were once again celebrated at the

Darbe Mehr, 12 to 16 August 2018. As always, the

prayer hall looked resplendent with the many

flowers and vases, and the daily humbandagi and

presentations by our community members were

much appreciated at this special time of year.

On behalf of ZSBC thanks and gratitude extend to:

1. Our local Mobeds Ervad Adil Antia, Ervad

Firdos Balsara, and Ervad Arzan Balsara, and

additionally, to Ervad Rohinton Madon of New

Jersey. It is only because of their commitment to

the community that this event was even possible.

2. To Mrs Roda Elavia for again donating the

flowers for all the vases to start the Gatha prayers

for the year.

3. To Sharon Marfatia for leading the congregation

into performing religious songs/hymns, and to

Armin Kermani for leading us into meditation

and prayer.

4. To all the volunteers who cooked the delicious

meals over the 5 Gatha days.

5. To the kitchen volunteer crew under the

leadership of Behramsha Mizan for ensuring hot

meals were provided daily in a timely fashion.

6. To all the volunteers and organizers who helped

with the set-up, set-down, and coordination of the

event.

7. To our generous donors for ensuring the Gathas

Fund is maintained and the celebration

sustainable over the years to come.

Kashmira Suraliwalla especially thanked Ervad

Rohinton Madon of New Jersey, (who prayed on the

fourth and fifth Gatha) for giving up two evenings of

his vacation time in Vancouver. Piroja Amrolia was

also thanked for connecting Kashmira to Ervad

Madon, thereby ensuring the event was made

possible in its entirety this year.

Kashmira, while thanking the community for their

commitment, informed those present of the

importance of maintaining a healthy Gathas Fund by

generously donating toward the event, especially if

someday Vancouver again needs to import a priest

for the prayer ceremonies. She stated that monies

from this fund apart from subsidizing the Adar Mah

and Dae Mah Jashans, could also be used to

subsidize attendance of our mobeds to the annual

North American Mobed Council meetings or special

seminars—an idea supported by the congregation

during the 2017 Gathas.

Cooperation and enthusiasm all around truly makes

this a community event. We certainly are better

together!

GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION

Zoroastrian Society of British Columbia (ZSBC) is Celebrating their Golden

Jubilee on October 19, 2018 at The Aria Banquet Hall and Convention Centre. The

theme of our 50th Anniversary celebration is ‘An Enchanted Golden Evening’.

As you all may be aware, ZSBC will commemorate 50 years of existence. ZSBC

came into being on February 22, 1968 as a non-profit society. Fifty years later we

stand united and strong with over 1850 Zoroastrians in British Columbia.

The jubilee celebrations will therefore, give us an opportunity to look back and appreciate the grace of God

in keeping us truly united. The occasion will also remind all of us to count the blessings God has bestowed

upon us resulting into the growth, both spiritually and numerically.

ZSBC continues to preserve and showcase our rich heritage and will commemorate 50th anniversary with one

of our biggest event. A full venue is provided on our next page of our newsletter. We hope that you all will

attend and make this event memorable

Pervin Buhariwala, Social Director

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DONATIONS

All donations paid to Arbab Rostam Guiv Trust to help with Dare

Mehr's renovation costs are acknowledgeable by the Arbab Rostam

Guiv Trust exclusively. Tax deductible receipts will be issued by the

Trust. Please donate generously. With interest rates being very low

the Trust has no other source of income and depends on your

donation to keep the Dare Mehr in shape.

Donations made toward ZSBC will be acknowledgeable by ZSBC

and Tax-Deductible receipts will be issued likewise by ZSBC.

New ONLINE option to donate to ZSBC is now available on

www.zsbc.org

GENERAL DONATIONS

Manoucher and Shirin Mehin 99.00 Gahanbar Banoo Khanizadeh fund

Mehran Darvish 100.00 Group Sudreh Pushi Fund

Dinaz and Noshir Divecha 50.00 Dae Mah Jashan

Bella Tata 151.00 50th anniversary celebrations

Furdon Mehta 50.00 Seniors’ fund

Total: $ 450.00

GATHA DONATIONS

Anonymous 10.00

Italia, Homi 100.00

Appoo, J&M 201.00

Jayakar, Meher 101.00

Balsara, G & N 50.00

Kapadia, Navaz 100.00

Bhathena, J & A 20.00

Kasad, M & S 25.00

Bhathena, Jehangir 25.00

Kooka, N. 51.00

Bhesania, S & B 30.00

Lalkaka, N & R 101.00

Damji, Y & N 75.00

Madon, P. 50.00

Dar, K & S 100.00

Madon, R & Y 500.00

Daruwalla, Pesi 50.00

Maniar, R & R 101.00

Dastoor, R & F 51.00

Mavalvalla, Z & S 20.00

Dastur, Khorshed 100.00

Minocherhomjee 501.00

Deshmukh, M & R 25.00

Mistry, P & Z 50.00

Divecha, Dinaz 50.00

Misry, S 20.00

Divecha, Michelle 50.00

Mistry, R & D 51.00

Divecha, Shireen 50.00

Pithawalla, M & M 101.00

Elavia, Roda 101.00

Rupa, D. 151.00

Ghadiali, M & M 30.00

Suraliwalla, Kashmira 501.00

Godrej, R & B 100.00

Todiwalla, B 25.00

Gustavsp, J & T 200.00

Wadia, J & Y 100.00

Hathidaru, A & T 100.00

Total: $ 4,067.00

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PAST EVENTS

THE 5 DAY GATHAS PRAYERS

These were organised By Kashmira Suraliwalla, she managed the whole show like clockwork. Beautiful

setting of the vases, the flowers and their arraignments were divine.

Thank to all the volunteers who worked hard to make this a success. A big thank you to Kashmira for

organising the event.

At this event the prayers were conducted by the following Mobeds Firodos Balsara, Adil Antia, Arzan

Balsara. A big thank you to the Mobeds

SENIORS’ DAY ACTIVITY AND REPORT

On Sunday, July 22, 2018, seniors started to show up

around 10: 45. The program started at 11 am sharp with

about 25 seniors. After one-hour exercising, seniors

had a 15 minutes break to rest and have a tea and

coffee, also cheat chat together. About 12:20 pm the

lunch that had been prepared for them, got served. The

session adjourned at 1:10 pm. Session was conducted

by Berdjis Bahrami a Certified Fitness Leader.

On Sunday, August 19, 2018, seniors started to show up around 10:50

am. The program started at 11 am sharp. Session was conducted by

Shirin Aidun.

SHEHENSHAI NEW YEAR (PARSI NEW YEAR)

The Gathas were followed by a celebration of the Sheshanshai New

Year on Friday, 17 August, organized by the ZSBC Board at the Darbe

Mehr. Considering that this event was organized within a couple of

weeks it was super successful with about 85 Zoroastrians attending and

enjoying a terrific evening of good food and music. This event was

organised by our Social Director Pervin. A lot of effort went into

making sure everyone enjoyed. It was held at the Darbe-Meher, the

food was supplied by Maharaja of Surrey and it was yummy. Thank

you Pervin and all your volunteers for making this occasion

memorable.

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MEMBERSHIP FEES

PAY YOUR MEMBERSHIP FEES ONLINE ... NOW AVAILABLE!

A concerted effort has been made by the ZSBC Board of Directors to set up a system that will allow

members to pay their dues and donations online. If you prefer this method of payment, please visit

www.zsbc.org and use your credit card. The ZSBC Board of Directors urges you, your family, and

Zarathushti friends to pay the annual membership fees on time. This will enable our Society to better budget

projects and to continue to thrive and survive. We thank you in advance for your cooperation and

generosity!

MEMBERSHIP FEES for 2018

Family: Husband and wife, including children under 18 $50

Senior (65 years and over) $15

Full time student (18 years and over and not working) $15

Individuals (18 years and over, even those living with parents) $25

Our Board of Directors is always available to collect your membership fees. You can pay fees by cash,

cheque, or online by credit card. Please feel free to contact any of the Directors, on any issue relating to our

Society and/or convey your views.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

1- Students whose parents are members in good standing can qualify for scholarship.

2- Children get to learn about their culture and religion & meet and make friends with community

children.

3- Seniors get to attend programs for seniors.

4- Marriage Registration on behalf of the Government of Canada is available to members.

5- Event tickets (e.g. Nou Rooz and Parsee New Year, etc.) are available to members in good standing

at subsidized rates.

6- Dare Mehr community hall is available for rental at a very nominal fee to members in good standing.

7- Reference letters can be provided to members in good standing for at least 3 years and who

have become Canadian Citizens to apply for Canadian Citizenship and passport.

ADVERTISING RATES IN NEWSLETTER

(All advertisements in ZSBC newsletter will be in black and white only)

➢ Business card size ad in one issue $30

➢ Quarter page size ad in one issue $40

➢ Half page ad in one issue $60

➢ Full page ad in one issue $100

➢ To sponsor an issue and get recognition: $300

Your support by advertising in ZSBC newsletter will be highly appreciated.

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SEMINAR

The Zoroastrian Society of British Columbia presents

the SECOND SEMINAR on:

ZOROASTRIAN INFLUENCES & CONNECTIONS

IN ARYANA VAEJAA

Seminar is OPEN to persons over 15 years of AGE

Sunday 7th October 2018

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Arbab Rostam Guiv Dare Mehr

6900 Halifax Ave. BURNABY, BC

We thank ZSBC Board of Directors & Trustees of Arbab Rostam Guiv Dar e Mehr Trust BC.

SPEAKERS:

Dr. K. E. MEHRFAR

ZOROASTRIAN RELIGIOUS & CULTURAL IMPACTS IN ANCIENT ARYAN LANDS

Mr. K. E. EDULJEE

SPREAD OF ZOROASTRIAN-ARYAN INFLUENCE FROM ARYANA VAEJAA

Dr. K. E. MEHRFAR

ECONOMIC & SOCIAL IMPACTS ALONG THE SILK ROAD

Fee for Seminar, Lunch & Refreshments:

$5 Members of ZSBC $ 10 Non-Member Guests of Members, if confirmed before 10 SEPT.

$10 Members of ZSBC $ 20 Non-Member Guests of Members, if confirmed after 10 SEPT.

ANY DONATIONS TO HOST THE SEMINAR ARE WELCOME.

Reservations [MAXIMUM 70] are requested for all meal counts on or before 21

September.

If you have any special dietary needs, vegetarian, allergies, etc. please inform us.

To reserve you must call/leave message for Rashna or Firdosh Mehta

@ 604-544-8983 or email fdjmehta@shaw.ca

Cash or check payable to: “ZSBC” with a foot note: “SEMINAR”.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

All events are at the Arbab Rostam Guiv Dare Mehr, 6900 Halifax Street,

Burnaby, BC unless mentioned otherwise.

DATE EVENT

Sept 3, 2018 Monday Outdoor Sports day (Postponed)

Sept 6, 2018 Thursday Verahram Izad from 7 pm to 9 pm

Sept 9, 2018 Sunday Seniors’ day from 11 am to 1 pm

Sept 16, 2018 Sunday Z-classes from 11 am to 2 pm (Registration from 10 am)

Gahanbar from 5 pm to 7:30 pm (Potluck)

Sept 30, 2018 Sunday Z-classes from 11 am to 2 pm

Oct. 6, 2018 Saturday Verahram Izad from 6 pm

Mehregan Celebration from 6:30 pm to 11 pm (Potluck)

Oct. 7, 2018 Sunday One day Seminar: Zoroastrian influences & Connection 10 am to 4 pm

Oct. 13, 2018 Saturday Celebration of Life Jamshid K. Pavri, from 11 am to 2 pm sponsored by

ZSBC

Oct. 14, 2018 Sunday Z-classes from 11 am to 2 pm

Gahanbar from 5 pm to 7:30 pm (Potluck)

Oct. 19, 2018 Friday Golden Jubilee Celebration at Aria Convention Centre 7 pm to midnight

Oct. 21, 2018 Sunday Seniors’ day from 11 am to 1 pm

Oct. 28, 2018 Sunday Z-classes from 11 am to 2 pm

Nov. 5, 2018 Monday Verahram Izad from 7 pm to 9 pm

Nov. 11, 2018 Sunday Z-classes from 11 am to 2 pm

Nov. 18, 2018 Sunday Seniors’ day from 11 am to 1 pm

Nov. 25, 2018 Sunday Z-classes from 11 am to 2 pm

Dec. 5, 2018 Wednesday Verahram Izad from 7 pm to 9 pm

Dec. 9, 2018 Sunday Z-classes from 11 am to 2 pm

FEZANA BULLETINS

FEZANA's Monthly Bulletins can be viewed at the FEZANA Bulletin Archives:

Click here

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UPCOMING EVENTS IN FARSI

خیابان هلیفکس شهر برنابی 6900تمام برنامه ها در محل در مهر ارباب رستم گیو واقع در

. و در صورت تغییر مکان به اطالع همگان خواهد رسید برگزار میشود

تاریخ روادید

2018سپتامبر 3 دوشنبه مسابقات ورزشی در فضای باز )بتعویق افتاد(

شب 9تا 7 ورهرام ایزد از 2018سپتامبر 6 پنج شنبه

پسین 1بامداد تا 11گردهمایی سالمندان زرتشتی از 2018سپتامبر 9 یک شنبه

بامداد میباشد 10ثبت نام دانش آموزان از – پسین 2بامداد تا 11کالسهای آموزش دینی از

صورت سفره همگانی و نیم شب ب 7پسین تا 5بار از گاهان 2018سپتامبر 16 یک شنبه

پسین 2بامداد تا 11کالسهای آموزش دینی از 2018سپتامبر 30 یک شنبه

شب 6ورهرام ایزد از

شب بصورت سفره همگانی 11تا 6:30مهرگان از جشن 2018اکتبر 6 شنبه

ثبت نام الزامیست –بامداد 4بامداد تا 11مورد زرتشتیان و ارتباط آنان از در سمینار یکروزه 2018اکتبر 7 یک شنبه

پسین برگزار کننده انجمن زرتشتیان ونکور 2بامداد تا 11از سالروز درگذشت جمشید پاوری

2018اکتبر 13 شنبه خواهد بود.

پسین 2بامداد تا 11آموزش دینی از کالسهای

و نیم شب بصورت سفره همگانی 7پسین تا 5بار از گاهان 2018اکتبر 14 یک شنبه

سوری –پنجاهمین سالگرد تاسیس انجمن زرتشتیان ونکوور در تاالر آریا 2018اکتبر 19جمعه

پسین 1بامداد تا 11ز گردهمایی سالمندان زرتشتی ا 2018اکتبر 21 یک شنبه

پسین 2بامداد تا 11کالسهای آموزش دینی از 2018اکتبر 28 یک شنبه

شب 9تا 7ورهرام ایزد از 2018نوامبر 5 دوشنبه

پسین 2بامداد تا 11کالسهای آموزش دینی از 2018نوامبر 11یک شنبه

پسین 1بامداد تا 11گردهمایی سالمندان زرتشتی از 2018نوامبر 18یک شنبه

پسین 2بامداد تا 11کالسهای آموزش دینی از 2018نوامبر 25یک شنبه

شب 9تا 7ورهرام ایزد از 2018 دسامبر 5چهارشنبه

پسین 2بامداد تا 11کالسهای آموزش دینی از 2018دسامبر 9یک شنبه

FEZANA BULLETINS

FEZANA's Monthly Bulletins can be viewed at the FEZANA Bulletin Archives: Click here