PRESS OFFICE
Department of Communications
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Media Relations Specialist
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 160; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
April 17, 2007
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LEITNER FAMILY PLEDGES TO MATCH DONATIONS FOR NEW PARISH EDUCATION AND
RECREATION COMPLEX IN FAIR LAWN, NEW JERSEY
Even the largest rainfall since 1892 couldn’t keep parishioners of the St.
Leon Armenian Church of Fair Lawn, New Jersey, away from a groundbreaking
ceremony for their new education and recreation complex. Despite the
nor’easter that ravaged the eastern seaboard, over 300 parishioners gathered
on Sunday, April 15, 2007 for Badarak celebrated by Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
(Eastern), which was followed by a ground blessing ceremony for the parish’s
new education and recreation complex. Because of the rain, soil from the
construction site was brought indoors for the blessing.
"This is a great day for St. Leon, and indeed, a wonderful day for the
entire Armenian Church," Archbishop Barsamian said. "The young people whose
cultural, national and faith identities that were first nurtured in their
homes at the hands of their parents will be furthered here, in the parish –
a true reflection of the importance of Church and Home."
Also present at the ceremony was Fair Lawn Mayor Steven Weinstein, who
presented the 250 attending parishioners with an official letter of
congratulations.
To be constructed on land purchased by the parish in 2003, adjacent to the
existing parish community center on Saddle River Road, the ambitious
multi-million dollar construction project will provide greater opportunities
and resources for the parish’s children. The building was designed
following an exploration of the needs of the parish’s various organizations
and parishioners.
The complex, being designed by architect Thomas Ashbahian, who is also a
parishioner of St. Leon Armenian Church, will hold classrooms, meeting
rooms, and a full-size, regulation gymnasium suitable for competitive play.
The new complex will also provide parking for almost 100 additional cars.
Construction is scheduled to begin by Summer, 2007.
The parish is in the midst of a $5 million fund raising effort. So far, the
parish has raised $3.4 million for the project. Major gifts have issued
from several individuals, including Charles and Grace Pinajian, Mrs. Siran
Gabrellian and Jim and Sandra Leitner – all of whom were all recognized
during the ground blessing service.
Encouraging others to become good stewards of the new education and
recreational center, parish leaders James and Sandra Leitner announced their
intent to create a grant that will match, dollar-for-dollar, all new
donations made to the building project for one year, or until the
outstanding $1.6 million in needed funds are raised.
Speaking to the assembled parish at a reception and celebration following
the Badarak and ground breaking service, Sandra Leitner said, "The evidence
shows that profound contentment is found in bonding with others in
community-building and public service, and in cultural and spiritual
pursuits. Ever since we joined St. Leon 17 years ago, our family has been
inspired by so many in this community who are living examples of this
approach to life: their deepest satisfaction and joy come from their
commitment to others."
The Leitners hope that their appeal will not only help the project reach its
goal, but also bring others closer to the community.
"We hope that this challenge grant will encourage anyone who has not yet
made a donation to jump on the bandwagon now and experience the satisfaction
that will bring," Mrs. Leitner added. "A donation will be your statement
that you want to build an improved future for this and future generations of
Armenians in the embrace of the Armenian Church."
Donations can be sent to St. Leon at 12-61 Saddle River Road, Fair Lawn, NJ,
07410.
— 4/17/07
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of
the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), joined by Fr. Diran Bohajian,
pastor of the St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, New Jersey, and parish leaders
conducts a ground blessing service for the parish’s new education and
recreation complex on Sunday, April 15, 2007.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): The brochure compiled by the St. Leon Church Building
Committee.