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PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Karine Abalyan
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.armenianchurch.net
August 24, 2009
___________________________________
PRIMATE CONSECRATES NEW BAPTISMAL FONT, HONORS PARISHIONER AT ST. MARY
CHURCH IN WASHINGTON, DC
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), visited St. Mary Armenian Church in Washington D.C.,
on the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-of-God, Sunday, August 16.
The day also marked the church's name day.
Archbishop Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy and performed the
"Blessing of Grapes" ceremony. The Primate also blessed and consecrated the
church's new baptismal font, dedicated this year in memory of Yerchanik
Bolat and Philipe and Oghda O'Gulian.
The font, completed and installed at the church last month, is a project
years in the making. Money for the font had been donated by the O'Gulians in
their lifetime. This year, Yerchanik Bolat's family contributed the
additional funds needed to bring the project to completion.
A name day luncheon followed in the church hall, where guests were invited
to partake of madagh, donated and prepared by Mrs. Verjin Bolat and her
children.
During the luncheon, Archbishop Barsamian presented the Primate's Award to
Mr. Ghazaros Ghazarian in appreciation of his devoted service to the
Armenian Church.
"Ghazaros has dedicated his energy and enthusiasm to numerous activities,
becoming a familiar and beloved presence in the community," the certificate
said. "With his wife Hasmig, he has been an example to others, inspiring
them to embrace the treasures of the Armenian heritage, and the sweetness of
God's love."
Mr. Ghazarian has been an active member and supporter of the St. Mary Church
for more than two decades. He currently serves as head usher during
services.
"Ghazaros has been involved with the church for decades now, since he came
to this country from Jerusalem," said the Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, pastor
of St. Mary. "He is very dedicated and very humble."
Mr. Ghazarian said he was surprised by the recognition extended to him by
the community.
"The extent of Der Hayr's and Srpazan's appreciation really amazed me," he
said. "That made me very proud."
Musical selections were performed by Mr. Ervand Kristosturyan and Ms. Vivian
Shakarian. Dr. Hratch Semerjian served as Master of Ceremonies.
###
Photos attached.
Photo 1: The Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Mrs.
Hasmig Ghazarian, and Mr. Ghazaros Ghazarian at St. Mary Church.
Photo 2: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian consecrates the new baptismal font at
St. Mary Church, with the Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan assisting.
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Karine Abalyan
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.armenianchurch.net
August 24, 2009
___________________________________
PRIMATE CONSECRATES NEW BAPTISMAL FONT, HONORS PARISHIONER AT ST. MARY
CHURCH IN WASHINGTON, DC
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), visited St. Mary Armenian Church in Washington D.C.,
on the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-of-God, Sunday, August 16.
The day also marked the church's name day.
Archbishop Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy and performed the
"Blessing of Grapes" ceremony. The Primate also blessed and consecrated the
church's new baptismal font, dedicated this year in memory of Yerchanik
Bolat and Philipe and Oghda O'Gulian.
The font, completed and installed at the church last month, is a project
years in the making. Money for the font had been donated by the O'Gulians in
their lifetime. This year, Yerchanik Bolat's family contributed the
additional funds needed to bring the project to completion.
A name day luncheon followed in the church hall, where guests were invited
to partake of madagh, donated and prepared by Mrs. Verjin Bolat and her
children.
During the luncheon, Archbishop Barsamian presented the Primate's Award to
Mr. Ghazaros Ghazarian in appreciation of his devoted service to the
Armenian Church.
"Ghazaros has dedicated his energy and enthusiasm to numerous activities,
becoming a familiar and beloved presence in the community," the certificate
said. "With his wife Hasmig, he has been an example to others, inspiring
them to embrace the treasures of the Armenian heritage, and the sweetness of
God's love."
Mr. Ghazarian has been an active member and supporter of the St. Mary Church
for more than two decades. He currently serves as head usher during
services.
"Ghazaros has been involved with the church for decades now, since he came
to this country from Jerusalem," said the Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, pastor
of St. Mary. "He is very dedicated and very humble."
Mr. Ghazarian said he was surprised by the recognition extended to him by
the community.
"The extent of Der Hayr's and Srpazan's appreciation really amazed me," he
said. "That made me very proud."
Musical selections were performed by Mr. Ervand Kristosturyan and Ms. Vivian
Shakarian. Dr. Hratch Semerjian served as Master of Ceremonies.
###
Photos attached.
Photo 1: The Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Mrs.
Hasmig Ghazarian, and Mr. Ghazaros Ghazarian at St. Mary Church.
Photo 2: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian consecrates the new baptismal font at
St. Mary Church, with the Rev. Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan assisting.