Tweet
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.
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.