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PRESS RELEASE
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 689-7810
Fax: (212) 689-7168
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.armenianprelacy.org
Contact: Iris Papazian
October 14, 2009
St. Illuminator's Cathedral Reopens After Undergoing Year-Long Renovation
By IRIS PAPAZIAN
Photos by Bedros Yessaian
NEW YORK, NY-It was a glorious weekend for the Eastern Prelacy of the
Armenian Apostolic Church of America as St. Illuminator's Cathedral in New
York City reopened with impressive services on September 19 and 20.
Founded in 1915, St. Illuminator's, the first Armenian Cathedral in the
United States, has a rich history of service to the Armenian community in
the aftermath of the genocide, the Great Depression, and two World Wars.
The Cathedral has been undergoing extensive renovations for more than
one year. The sanctuary is complete except for some finishing artistic
touches. Work on the renovated hall and offices is continuing and a
completely re-designed exterior and interior front entrance will be
completed during the coming months.
Re-Consecration of Altar
Saturday evening, His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, the Prelate
of the Eastern Prelacy, re-consecrated the Cathedral's altar, as well as two
new candle altars and two icons donated by Mr. and Mrs. Edward and Carmen
Gulbenkian. Also consecrated were the five new crystal chandeliers and
various liturgical items such as crosses, altar covers, censor, pitcher, a
set of complete vestments for the celebrant, and a handmade silver and gold
chalice with cover, a gift from the Prelacy.
The familiar and beloved altar painting of the Mother of God with the
infant Jesus, by Arshag Fetvadjian, continues to grace the altar.
Clergy attending and participating in the Saturday services included:
His Grace Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar of the Prelacy; Archpriest Fr.
Moushegh Der Kalousdian, Pastor Emeritus of the Cathedral; Archpriest Arshag
Daghlian from North Andover, Massachusetts, who is retired but continues to
serve as an outreach priest; Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of the
Cathedral; Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York; and Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, pastor of Sts. Vartanantz
Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
In his message on Saturday, His Eminence praised the Cathedral's
faithful parishioners for their dedication through the years. He expressed
thanks to the donors who made the renovation possible and the members of the
building committee, headed by Setrak Agonian, who facilitated and guided the
renovation, encountering many unexpected "surprises" along the way which
added to the time and expense of the renovation. The Prelate noted how it
was the Cathedral community that helped the survivors after 1915 as they
arrived year after year in a new land with no possessions or resources
except the will to start over again. Many of the survivors relocated in the
vicinity of the Cathedral and that area became known as "Little Armenia."
During the Second World War, the Cathedral saw many of her sons and
daughters leave to fight foreign tyranny and when the war ended the
Cathedral once again opened her arms to welcome refugees from communist
countries who were living in camps and were saved by the American National
Committee for Homeless Armenians (ANCHA). In a partnership between ANCHA and
the Armenian Relief Society (ARS), the Cathedral became their stepping stone
to the new world. Mr. Agonian, who as a young boy was rescued by ANCHA, and
is now a successful businessman, a leader in the International Olympics
committee, and chairman of the Cathedral's Building Committee, recalled
those days. "I was 16 years old, and my mother and I arrived with almost no
possessions. This Church welcomed us, fed us, and helped us get settled in a
new life. Of course I am going to help now; this Cathedral is our Ellis
Island," he said. Many others in attendance who were aided by ANCHA echoed
the same sentiments.
Divine Liturgy on Sunday
On Sunday, Archbishop Oshagan celebrated the Divine Liturgy and
delivered the sermon to an overflow crowd of parishioners and friends. His
Eminence spoke about the significance of the Mayr Yegheghetzi (Mother
Church). "The Cathedral," he said, "has been a faithful and doting mother to
us. She has nurtured our wounds at the time of distress and has shared our
happiness in our moments of joy." He recalled how the Mayr Yegheghetzi kept
the Christian faith vibrant in the lives of her children, and the national
dream alive, including the symbols of statehood like the tri-colored flag.
"This Church and our Prelacy kept our dream alive and never wavered," His
Eminence said.
The Prelate warmly welcomed the newly appointed ambassador of Armenia to
the United Nations, His Excellency Garen Nazarian, and wished him success in
his important assignment.
Cathedral's Priest is Honored
The Prelate read an encyclical from His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of
the Great House of Cilicia, granting Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, the
Cathedral's pastor, the honor of wearing the Pectoral Cross on special
occasions. The Prelate presented a beautiful cross to the grateful Der Hayr.
Requiem Service for Clergy
Requiem Services were held for His Holiness Karekin I, on the tenth
anniversary of his passing, and for the past prelates and the priests who
served the Cathedral, including, Archbishop Hrant Khatchadourian, Archbishop
Mesrob Ashjian, V. Rev. Fr. Boghos Kaftanian, Rev. Fr. Matteos Mannigian,
Rev. Fr. Azaria Boyajian, Rev. Fr. Serovpe Nershabou, Rev. Fr. Bedros
Hagopian, Rev. Fr. Rupen Kapikian, Rev. Fr. Untzag Kazanjian, Rev. Fr.
Matteos Hekimian, Rev. Fr. Nishan Papazian, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Der
Hovannessian, Rev. Fr. Stepanos Garabedian, Rev. Fr. Arsen Simioniantz, Rev.
Fr. Khachadour Giragosian, Rev. Fr. Asoghik Kelejian, Rev. Fr. Nerses
Baboorian, Rev. Mampre Biberian, Rev. Fr. Ashot Kodjian.
Madagh Offered;
Eagle of Prelacy Awarded
After the conclusion of the Requiem Service, Madagh was blessed and
offered to the congregation gathered in the newly renovated hall. Attending
were many of the children of the survivor generation that had embraced the
Cathedral and kept her enriched with love and devotion. Many of those
first-generation children of the survivors were baptized in the Cathedral,
many were married there as well. They have since relocated to other areas
especially in New Jersey and Long Island, but their attachment to the
Cathedral remains fervent.
Archbishop Oshagan presented the highest Prelacy award, "The Eagle of
the Prelacy," to Mr. Agonian, chairman of the building committee, for his
extraordinary service to the Cathedral and community. With concise and
moving words Mr. Agonian accepted the award and expressed his love for the
Armenian Church and St. Illuminator's Cathedral. He called upon all to rally
around the Cathedral to keep her vibrant and strong. "Let us complete this
renovation so in five years we can celebrate the Cathedral's Centennial
anniversary proudly and with the secure knowledge that the Cathedral,
renewed in spirit and structure, will continue her service for another
hundred years."
Mrs. Lalique Vartanian, chair of the Cathedral's Board of Trustees,
expressed her heartfelt thanks to the many people who made this day possible
and she asked for the continued support and encouragement of parishioners
and friends.
Ambassador Garen Nazarian expressed congratulations to Archbishop
Oshagan and to Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian. He noted that this is a special
time in Armenia. "Tomorrow is the 18th anniversary of the independence of
Armenia and today all of the churches in Armenia are offering special
prayers for the Republic."
Rev. Fr. Mesrob expressed heartfelt thanks to His Holiness Aram I, and
to the Prelate Archbishop Oshagan, for the honor bestowed upon him. He
thanked the donors to the building fund and noted that 90% of the work is
complete and the remaining 10% will be completed within the next few months.
For all those who are eternally linked to the Mayr Yegeghetzi through
personal memories both joyful and sad, this weekend was a crowing moment in
the long and rich history of St. Illuminator's Cathedral strengthened by the
grace of the Holy Spirit.
Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
138 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 689-7810
Fax: (212) 689-7168
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.armenianprelacy.org
Contact: Iris Papazian
October 14, 2009
St. Illuminator's Cathedral Reopens After Undergoing Year-Long Renovation
By IRIS PAPAZIAN
Photos by Bedros Yessaian
NEW YORK, NY-It was a glorious weekend for the Eastern Prelacy of the
Armenian Apostolic Church of America as St. Illuminator's Cathedral in New
York City reopened with impressive services on September 19 and 20.
Founded in 1915, St. Illuminator's, the first Armenian Cathedral in the
United States, has a rich history of service to the Armenian community in
the aftermath of the genocide, the Great Depression, and two World Wars.
The Cathedral has been undergoing extensive renovations for more than
one year. The sanctuary is complete except for some finishing artistic
touches. Work on the renovated hall and offices is continuing and a
completely re-designed exterior and interior front entrance will be
completed during the coming months.
Re-Consecration of Altar
Saturday evening, His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, the Prelate
of the Eastern Prelacy, re-consecrated the Cathedral's altar, as well as two
new candle altars and two icons donated by Mr. and Mrs. Edward and Carmen
Gulbenkian. Also consecrated were the five new crystal chandeliers and
various liturgical items such as crosses, altar covers, censor, pitcher, a
set of complete vestments for the celebrant, and a handmade silver and gold
chalice with cover, a gift from the Prelacy.
The familiar and beloved altar painting of the Mother of God with the
infant Jesus, by Arshag Fetvadjian, continues to grace the altar.
Clergy attending and participating in the Saturday services included:
His Grace Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar of the Prelacy; Archpriest Fr.
Moushegh Der Kalousdian, Pastor Emeritus of the Cathedral; Archpriest Arshag
Daghlian from North Andover, Massachusetts, who is retired but continues to
serve as an outreach priest; Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of the
Cathedral; Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, pastor of St. Sarkis Church,
Douglaston, New York; and Rev. Fr. Hovnan Bozoian, pastor of Sts. Vartanantz
Church, Ridgefield, New Jersey.
In his message on Saturday, His Eminence praised the Cathedral's
faithful parishioners for their dedication through the years. He expressed
thanks to the donors who made the renovation possible and the members of the
building committee, headed by Setrak Agonian, who facilitated and guided the
renovation, encountering many unexpected "surprises" along the way which
added to the time and expense of the renovation. The Prelate noted how it
was the Cathedral community that helped the survivors after 1915 as they
arrived year after year in a new land with no possessions or resources
except the will to start over again. Many of the survivors relocated in the
vicinity of the Cathedral and that area became known as "Little Armenia."
During the Second World War, the Cathedral saw many of her sons and
daughters leave to fight foreign tyranny and when the war ended the
Cathedral once again opened her arms to welcome refugees from communist
countries who were living in camps and were saved by the American National
Committee for Homeless Armenians (ANCHA). In a partnership between ANCHA and
the Armenian Relief Society (ARS), the Cathedral became their stepping stone
to the new world. Mr. Agonian, who as a young boy was rescued by ANCHA, and
is now a successful businessman, a leader in the International Olympics
committee, and chairman of the Cathedral's Building Committee, recalled
those days. "I was 16 years old, and my mother and I arrived with almost no
possessions. This Church welcomed us, fed us, and helped us get settled in a
new life. Of course I am going to help now; this Cathedral is our Ellis
Island," he said. Many others in attendance who were aided by ANCHA echoed
the same sentiments.
Divine Liturgy on Sunday
On Sunday, Archbishop Oshagan celebrated the Divine Liturgy and
delivered the sermon to an overflow crowd of parishioners and friends. His
Eminence spoke about the significance of the Mayr Yegheghetzi (Mother
Church). "The Cathedral," he said, "has been a faithful and doting mother to
us. She has nurtured our wounds at the time of distress and has shared our
happiness in our moments of joy." He recalled how the Mayr Yegheghetzi kept
the Christian faith vibrant in the lives of her children, and the national
dream alive, including the symbols of statehood like the tri-colored flag.
"This Church and our Prelacy kept our dream alive and never wavered," His
Eminence said.
The Prelate warmly welcomed the newly appointed ambassador of Armenia to
the United Nations, His Excellency Garen Nazarian, and wished him success in
his important assignment.
Cathedral's Priest is Honored
The Prelate read an encyclical from His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of
the Great House of Cilicia, granting Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, the
Cathedral's pastor, the honor of wearing the Pectoral Cross on special
occasions. The Prelate presented a beautiful cross to the grateful Der Hayr.
Requiem Service for Clergy
Requiem Services were held for His Holiness Karekin I, on the tenth
anniversary of his passing, and for the past prelates and the priests who
served the Cathedral, including, Archbishop Hrant Khatchadourian, Archbishop
Mesrob Ashjian, V. Rev. Fr. Boghos Kaftanian, Rev. Fr. Matteos Mannigian,
Rev. Fr. Azaria Boyajian, Rev. Fr. Serovpe Nershabou, Rev. Fr. Bedros
Hagopian, Rev. Fr. Rupen Kapikian, Rev. Fr. Untzag Kazanjian, Rev. Fr.
Matteos Hekimian, Rev. Fr. Nishan Papazian, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Der
Hovannessian, Rev. Fr. Stepanos Garabedian, Rev. Fr. Arsen Simioniantz, Rev.
Fr. Khachadour Giragosian, Rev. Fr. Asoghik Kelejian, Rev. Fr. Nerses
Baboorian, Rev. Mampre Biberian, Rev. Fr. Ashot Kodjian.
Madagh Offered;
Eagle of Prelacy Awarded
After the conclusion of the Requiem Service, Madagh was blessed and
offered to the congregation gathered in the newly renovated hall. Attending
were many of the children of the survivor generation that had embraced the
Cathedral and kept her enriched with love and devotion. Many of those
first-generation children of the survivors were baptized in the Cathedral,
many were married there as well. They have since relocated to other areas
especially in New Jersey and Long Island, but their attachment to the
Cathedral remains fervent.
Archbishop Oshagan presented the highest Prelacy award, "The Eagle of
the Prelacy," to Mr. Agonian, chairman of the building committee, for his
extraordinary service to the Cathedral and community. With concise and
moving words Mr. Agonian accepted the award and expressed his love for the
Armenian Church and St. Illuminator's Cathedral. He called upon all to rally
around the Cathedral to keep her vibrant and strong. "Let us complete this
renovation so in five years we can celebrate the Cathedral's Centennial
anniversary proudly and with the secure knowledge that the Cathedral,
renewed in spirit and structure, will continue her service for another
hundred years."
Mrs. Lalique Vartanian, chair of the Cathedral's Board of Trustees,
expressed her heartfelt thanks to the many people who made this day possible
and she asked for the continued support and encouragement of parishioners
and friends.
Ambassador Garen Nazarian expressed congratulations to Archbishop
Oshagan and to Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian. He noted that this is a special
time in Armenia. "Tomorrow is the 18th anniversary of the independence of
Armenia and today all of the churches in Armenia are offering special
prayers for the Republic."
Rev. Fr. Mesrob expressed heartfelt thanks to His Holiness Aram I, and
to the Prelate Archbishop Oshagan, for the honor bestowed upon him. He
thanked the donors to the building fund and noted that 90% of the work is
complete and the remaining 10% will be completed within the next few months.
For all those who are eternally linked to the Mayr Yegeghetzi through
personal memories both joyful and sad, this weekend was a crowing moment in
the long and rich history of St. Illuminator's Cathedral strengthened by the
grace of the Holy Spirit.