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St. James celebrates name day

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  • St. James celebrates name day

    PRESS OFFICE
    Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
    630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
    Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
    Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Website: www.armenianchurch.org

    January 18, 2005
    ___________________

    PRIMATE BLESSES NEW CROSS FOR WATERTOWN PARISH

    To mark its name day this past month, the parishioners at the St. James
    Church of Watertown, MA, gave the church a gift: a new cross to sit atop
    the edifice.

    In a sanctuary filled to capacity, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate
    of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), consecrated
    a new exterior Armenian cross following his celebration of the Divine
    Liturgy on December 19, 2004.

    Brothers Peter Babigian, Thomas Babigian, and K. Vasken Babigian, who
    donated the new cross -- joined by their wives Gloria, Linda, and
    Christina -- served as the godfathers of the cross during the
    traditional Armenian service of blessing. Fr. Arakel Aljalian, the
    parish pastor, first cleansed the cross by wiping it with water and then
    wine, before the Primate consecrated it with holy oil (muron). The day
    was an exciting, historical, and emotional one for the parishioners of
    the church.

    Following the Divine Liturgy and the blessing of the new cross,
    parishioners and friends celebrated the parish's 73rd anniversary during
    St. James Church's annual Name Day Banquet, organized by Jacob and
    Audrey Pilibosian.

    The highlight of the banquet was bestowing the title "2004 St. James
    Parishioner of the Year" on Harry G. Adamian. Wendy Adamian Avedisian,
    Denise Adamian Oldham, and the former pastor of St. James, Fr. Dajad
    Davidian, reflected on Harry's life of service to his parish. Dr.
    Gregory Adamian offered moving remarks about his brother and his
    commitment to his family, his Armenian heritage, and the Armenian
    Church. All present gave Harry applause in appreciation for his
    dedication and, likewise, showed their appreciation with his wife Diana
    for her continued love, support and encouragement.

    Harry expressed deep gratitude for the honor bestowed on him and shared
    memories of his years at St. James and what the church has meant to him
    and his family.

    "You are a role model for all generations to follow. You are a true
    example of Christian stewardship, and of what it means to serve God,"
    Fr. Aljalian said to the honoree.

    -- 1/18/05

    E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
    and Events section of the Eastern Diocese's website,
    www.armenianchurch.org.

    PHOTO CAPTION (1): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese
    of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), celebrates the Divine
    Liturgy at the St. James Church of Watertown, MA, on December 19, 2004.

    PHOTO CAPTION (2): Fr. Arakel Aljalian, pastor at the St. James Church,
    washes the newly donated cross for the parish's roof during a
    consecration ceremony.

    PHOTO CAPTION (3): Archbishop Barsamian consecrates a new exterior
    cross with Muron during the Name Day celebration at the St. James Church
    in Watertown, MA.

    PHOTO CAPTION (4): The Babigians -- Peter, Thomas, and K. Vasken -- who
    donated the new cross to the St. James Church of Watertown, MA, served
    as godparents during the cross' consecration on December 19, 2004.
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