PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
October 18, 2013
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Sts. Vartanantz Church Celebrates Milestone, Honors Parishioners
Sts. Vartanantz Church of Chelmsford, Mass., marked its 35th anniversary
with services and a program last weekend, and welcomed Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
(Eastern), who joined the community in its celebration.
On Saturday evening, October 12, Archbishop Barsamian met with the parish
pastor, the Rev. Fr. Khachatur Kesablyan, and members of the parish council
and parish delegates. He spoke about the historic bishops synod, which
convened at Holy Etchmiadzin last month, and he also highlighted Diocesan
programs. Parish leaders shared with the Primate updates on local programs,
and a discussion ensued on parish life.
On Sunday, October 13, Archbishop Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy
and gave a sermon on the importance of the cross as a symbol of victory and
hope. “The Armenian nation is a cross-bearing nation-we are a khachagir
people,” Archbishop Barsamian said. “We have been the followers of Christ
for two millennia, and today our children and grandchildren must carry
forward our faith and heritage in the twenty-first century.”
Following the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Barsamian ordained five altar
servers. Jeremy Oldham was ordained to the sub-diaconate; David Arakelian,
Gregory Chekmeyan, Benjamin Clark, and Dominic Sampson were ordained to the
rank of acolyte. The young men have been working with Fr. Kesablyan to
master their new responsibilities.
Archbishop Barsamian then led the congregation in a special service of
veneration of the St. Vartan the Brave relic-a piece of stone encrusted with
the blood of Armenia’s 5th-century warrior saint, and encased in a beautiful
silver cross. The Primate had brought the relic to Chelmsford from St.
Vartan Cathedral in New York City, where it was first unveiled on the
occasion of the cathedral’s 45th anniversary in September. The relic is a
gift of His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians.
Later that afternoon, some 180 people gathered in the church’s Kazanjian
Ballroom to mark the church’s 35th anniversary. Diocesan Council chair James
Kalustian gave a toast congratulating the Chelfsford community on its
achievements and wishing them continued growth in the future.
Matt Hanson, chair of the Chelmsford Board of Selectmen, presented the
parish with a proclamation honoring the day’s milestone. Richard Juknavorian
served as master of ceremonies. Remarks were made by parish council chair
Bruce Kayajanian and Sandra Boroyan. The afternoon also included musical
performances by parishioners.
“For the past 35 years, our church has attended to the spiritual needs of
our church family, providing an inspirational place of worship, religious
education for our children, a place to celebrate, nurture, and experience
our Armenian Christian heritage, and a haven to bring hope and comfort to
parishioners who seek relief from the many trials and tribulations of
everyday life,” Fr. Kesablyan said. “I am truly inspired by and proud of our
parish.”
The original Sts. Vartanantz Church was consecrated in 1916, in Lowell,
Mass. As the community grew in the decades following World War II, plans
were made to relocate the parish to a larger house of worship. Under the
leadership of its former pastor, the late Very Rev. Fr. Ghevont Samoorian,
the parish purchased a property in Chelmsford, and in 1978 the present
church was consecrated.
Also during Sunday’s banquet, the parish honored longtime members Patricia
Amboian and George Simonian with the “St. Vartan Award.”
Mrs. Amboian has taught the parish Sunday School, chaired the parish
council, and assisted with other church organizations. She currently serves
on the Women’s Guild and is a member of the church choir.
Mr. Simonian is a veteran of the Korean War and a longtime public school
educator. At Sts. Vartanantz Church, he chaired the parish council, led the
church’s building memorial committee, and launched its endowment fund.
“Both Pat and George, through their model of love, faith, and devotion, have
been inspirations not only to our parishioners but also to me personally,”
Fr. Kesablyan said.
Archbishop Barsamian closed the program with a message and benediction. He
expressed his gratitude to Mrs. Amboian and Mr. Simonian for their
dedication, and thanked the entire parish for their commitment to the
mission of the Armenian Church.
“Throughout our history, the Armenian people have been building churches
wherever they went. They have been raising up beautiful houses of worship
where they have gathered to rejoice, to pray, and to strengthen their faith.
And Sts. Vartanantz Church is no exception,” Archbishop Barsamian said.
“The spirit of the living Gospel has been exemplified by the people of this
parish, through your service on the altar, your efforts in parish
organizations, your outreach to the community, and your ministry to each
other. As you embark on the next chapter of your history, I pray that you
continue on this journey and inspire others to join you in your service.”
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Photos attached.
Photo 1: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian ordains acolytes at Sts. Vartanantz
Church.
Photo 2: (from left) George Simonian, Patricia Amboian, and Rev. Fr.
Khachatur Kesablyan.
Photo 3: Jeremy Oldham is ordained to the sub-diaconate.
www.armenianchurch-ed.net