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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
June 11, 2010
________________________________________________
ORLANDO, FL COMMUNITY CELEBRATES CONSECRATION OF NEW CHURCH
The consecration of Orlando's new Soorp Haroutiun Armenian Church last
weekend closed one chapter in a community's longstanding building project -
an initiative launched in central Florida by a small but determined mission
parish two-and-a-half decades ago - and opened a new chapter involving the
development of a rich, full-fledged parish life.
The consecration weekend began on Saturday, June 5, with the traditional
Turenpatzek (or door-opening) Service. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate
of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), assisted by four
clergy - the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of New York's St. Vartan
Armenian Cathedral and coordinator of the consecration services; the Rev.
Fr. Hovnan Demerjian, pastor of St. Hagop Church of St. Petersburg, Fla.;
the Rev. Fr. Vartan Joulfayan, pastor of St. Mary Church of Hollywood, Fla.;
and the Rev. Fr. Shnork Souin, pastor of St. Mary Church of Livingston, N.J.
- kneeled before the church doors and knocked on the portal three times in a
symbolic gesture asking the Lord to "open to us this door of thy mercy."
The Primate then led a procession into the church, where some 250 people
gathered to witness the historic moment. "What a glorious day this is - a
day of joy and pride for the city of Orlando, for the people of this parish
and its leaders, for your generous benefactors, for myself and for our
entire Diocese," Archbishop Barsamian said.
"It's a miracle that in nine months this church was built on land where
there was nothing," he added, congratulating parish leaders, benefactors
Hratch and Suzanne Toufayan and their family, and all community members who
helped realize the dream of erecting an Armenian church in the area. A
reception followed in the church hall.
On Sunday, June 6, Archbishop Barsamian officially consecrated the new house
of worship, anointing with holy muron (oil) the altar, baptismal font, and
pillars of the sanctuary. The church was named Soorp Haroutiun Armenian
Church: "Holy Resurrection." "Haroutiun" was also the name of Hratch
Toufayan's late father.
The consecration fell on the Feast of Holy Etchmiadzin, a day commemorating
St. Gregory the Illuminator's vision of Christ striking the ground with a
golden hammer and instructing Gregory to erect a church on the site. St.
Gregory proclaimed to the Armenian people, "Come, let us build the holy
altar of light, for in it light shines on us in the land of Armenia."
In his sermon, Archbishop Barsamian reminded the faithful that 1,700 years
ago the people of Armenia responded to St. Gregory's call by erecting the
Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin. That initial step launched what would
become a rich tradition of building churches throughout Armenia, and later,
in the diaspora, the Primate said.
Archbishop Barsamian stressed that it is the spirit of the Armenian people -
their unfailing commitment to their Christian faith - that has illuminated
these places of worship and continues to do so to this day.
"The altar of light is not just a structure of stone and marble, but it is
something bigger," he said. "It is the light in each of us, brought together
in imitation of Christ. Ultimately, we are the light of the world."
He went on to speak about ways the Armenian Christian faith empowered
Armenians in the face of persecution and oppression. From the 5th-century
Battle of Avarayr to the 20th-century marches through the desert of Der Zor
and the irreligiousness characterizing the Communist era, the Armenian faith
has remained firm in the hearts of its people, he said.
"The survivors of these dark episodes in our history always continued to
build new churches," Archbishop Barsamian said. "And today, the Armenian
community in Orlando is likewise responding to St. Gregory's call: 'Come,
let us build the holy altar of light.'"
A bridge across generations
The consecration service concluded with the first celebration of the Divine
Liturgy at St. Haroutiun Church. The choir members, altar servers, and
parishioners of the local Armenian churches participated in the services.
Also serving on the altar were the grandchildren of Hratch Toufayan, the
church's main godfather. Maestro Khoren Mekanejian, coordinator of Music
Ministry at the Diocese, led the singing of the hymns.
Guests then gathered at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel, part of the Walt
Disney Resort complex, for a celebratory banquet.
Addressing the gathering, His Excellency Ambassdor Tatoul Markarian,
Armenia's ambassador to the United States, congratulated the Orlando parish
on its remarkable accomplishment. "Undoubtedly, building a new Armenian
church is a sign of the vitality of the Armenian community of the greater
Orlando area," he said. "It means our next generations will be not only
well-established and loyal citizens of this great country, but also
dedicated representatives of our nation and our church, and great
compatriots of our homeland, Armenia."
"May this wonderful community and the church flourish to the benefit of
Armenia and the entire Armenian nation," he added.
Diocesan Council chair Oscar Tatosian spoke about the faith and commitment
of the Orlando parish. "This church was built on a thousand individual acts
of faith, by contributions bold and subtle," he said. "What we celebrate
today is not the building, but the new community of faithful - a community
that is a bridge from our faithful ancestors to a generation not yet born."
Also representing the Diocesan Council was vice chair Dr. Raffy Hovanessian.
The program featured performances by guest soloist Maro Partamian and
pianist Sara Nazarian. Samantha George played the viola.
Serving spiritual needs
St. Haroutiun Church had its beginnings in 1985, when then-Primate
Archbishop Torkom Manoogian established a mission parish in the Orlando area
and the community began considering the construction of a church.
A five-acre plot was purchased in 1993, and a smaller purchase followed
three years later. As property values rose, the parish council decided to
sell both parcels and purchase a third section of land on which to build the
new church. The sale, completed in 2005, helped the community raise money
for construction costs.
Designed by the late Ramon H. Hovsepian of Worcester, Mass., the new church
would feature a copper dome and elements of traditional Armenian Church
architecture. The house of worship would, first and foremost, serve the
community's spiritual needs. But organizers hoped it would also become an
important cultural beacon, inspiring its members to carry forth the Armenian
language and traditions.
A little more than a year ago, the Orlando parish received the final permit
needed to proceed with the project. Construction began last August, with the
official groundbreaking and cornerstone-blessing ceremony taking place on
September 27.
It was also on that day that Archbishop Barsamian announced that the
Toufayan family of New Jersey had pledged $750,000 for the church. Longtime
supporters of the Eastern Diocese and the global Armenian Church, Hratch and
Suzanne Toufayan run a bakery in Orlando, and their son, Greg Toufayan,
sometimes serves on the altar at the Orlando parish. Greg Toufayan also
served on the building committee for Soorp Haroutiun Church.
Other godfathers of the new church include Richard Bargamian, Charles and
Sara Chemenian, Ethel Duffett, Dr. Albert G. Eckian, Haig Hagopian, Lucine
Mardirosian-Harvey, Dr. Michael Keotahlian, John Shahinian, Simon Tashjian,
Samuel Vardanian, Marietta Vazquez, Drs. Aram and Aida Tchobanian, and Jerry
L. Youderian. In addition, hundreds of others have volunteered their
services over the years to ensure the success of the initiative.
Parishioners also noted the contributions of Lucine Mardirosian-Harvey, who
has been involved with the project since its earliest days, attending
countless planning and zoning board meetings and helping gather support for
the undertaking.
"We accomplished what we set out to do," she said, adding that the community
would now focus on developing spiritual and educational programs to meet the
needs of its members.
Ms. Mardirosian-Harvey was honored for her efforts at the consecration
banquet, when Archbishop Barsamian presented her with the "St. Nersess
Shnorhali" medal and pontifical encyclical issued by His Holiness Karekin
II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.
"It is a great joy for us that the Armenian community of Orlando, after many
years of hard work and dedication, built this church," the Catholicos wrote.
"You, dear Lucine Mardirosian-Harvey, are among those who first initiated
this undertaking, whose unshakable faith kept this community standing and
inspired the sons and daughters of our people to take up responsibilities
and to make sacrifices for this God-pleasing project."
His Holiness Karekin II urged the parish to "always tend to the well-being
of Soorp Haroutiun Church with endless love and zeal, and preserve your
national and spiritual life under her shadow."
Also recognized at the banquet was parish council chair Aram Nazarian, who
received the Diocese's "St. Vartan Award."
"It was a very emotional time," Mr. Nazarian said of the consecration. He
said that the parish is proud of its achievement, but aware of the work
still ahead.
A diverse, growing community
Having a permanent place of worship will help centralize the parish's
ministry and make it easier to reach out to the local Armenian community,
Mr. Nazarian said. In the works are plans to offer Bible study courses,
strengthen the ACYOA, and create other church organizations. The church has
already established an outreach committee to evaluate the needs of the
community and to brainstorm ways to fulfill them.
Dr. Albert G. Eckian, who chairs the outreach committee and served as the
master of ceremonies at the consecration banquet, said the community is
diverse, with members representing Armenia and all parts of the diaspora,
including Iran, Turkey, and South America, as well as various regions across
the United States.
With an increase in the number of young families settling in the area in
recent years, Dr. Eckian said "there is a great need for teaching not only
the sacraments of the Armenian Church, but also its culture and language."
"We know that everything will take a little bit of time," Mr. Nazarian said.
"With the direction of the Diocese, we hope to set goals and to work to
attain them."
In the coming months, the parish will continue to be served by visiting
priests. In July, the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian and Sam Mikaelian,
coordinator of development at the Diocese, are scheduled to conduct a
workshop for the parish council on strategies for designing some of these
new programs.
"I was pleased to be able to offer my services again to help a parish
community realize its dream of consecrating an Armenian Church," Fr. Chevian
said. "Now it's up to the community to give the edifice life and vitality."
Parishioners say they have no doubt that the parish will blossom in the
coming years.
"I am very optimistic that now that we have a church that reminds us of our
Armenian roots and our Armenian homeland, it will become a focal point not
only for the central Florida community, but for many visitors we have in
Orlando," Dr. Eckian said. "And I am optimistic that this church will grow
in a much faster and rapid way."
###
Photos attached.
Photo 1: Orlando's new Soorp Haroutiun Armenian Church, consecrated on Jun.
6 by Diocesan Primate Abp. Khajag Barsamian. (Photo: L. Altiparmakian)
Photo 2: Abp. Kajag Barsamian, flanked by (l-r) Fr. Hovnan Demerjian and Fr.
Vartan Joulfayan, conducts the "Door-opening" (Turenpatsek) ceremony which
preceded the consecration of the Soorp Haroutiun Church in Orlando, Fla.
Photo 3: Diocesan Primate Abp. Khajag Barsamian consecrates the altar of the
new Orlando church, flanked by (l-r) Fr. Mardiros Chevian and Fr. Hovnan
Demerjian. (Photo: L. Altiparmakian)
Photo 4: As part of the June 6 consecration, Abp. Barsamian anoints a pillar
of Orlando's new Soorp Harouiun Armenian Church. (Photo: L. Altiparmakian)
Photo 5: Abp. Khajag Barsamian addresses members of the Orlando Armenian
community during the consecration of their new church. Seated at lower left
are church benefactors Hratch and Suzanne Toufayan, as well as Armenia's
ambassador to the U.S., Amb. Tatoul Markarian. (Photo: L. Altiparmakian)
Photo 6: The St. Nersess Shnorhali Medal, bestowed by Catholicos Karekin II,
is presented by Diocesan Primate Abp. Khajag Barsamian to Lucine
Mardirosian-Harvey, a parish leader whose longtime dream was to build an
Armenian Church in Orlando. (Photo: L. Altiparmakian)
From: A. Papazian
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
June 11, 2010
________________________________________________
ORLANDO, FL COMMUNITY CELEBRATES CONSECRATION OF NEW CHURCH
The consecration of Orlando's new Soorp Haroutiun Armenian Church last
weekend closed one chapter in a community's longstanding building project -
an initiative launched in central Florida by a small but determined mission
parish two-and-a-half decades ago - and opened a new chapter involving the
development of a rich, full-fledged parish life.
The consecration weekend began on Saturday, June 5, with the traditional
Turenpatzek (or door-opening) Service. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate
of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), assisted by four
clergy - the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of New York's St. Vartan
Armenian Cathedral and coordinator of the consecration services; the Rev.
Fr. Hovnan Demerjian, pastor of St. Hagop Church of St. Petersburg, Fla.;
the Rev. Fr. Vartan Joulfayan, pastor of St. Mary Church of Hollywood, Fla.;
and the Rev. Fr. Shnork Souin, pastor of St. Mary Church of Livingston, N.J.
- kneeled before the church doors and knocked on the portal three times in a
symbolic gesture asking the Lord to "open to us this door of thy mercy."
The Primate then led a procession into the church, where some 250 people
gathered to witness the historic moment. "What a glorious day this is - a
day of joy and pride for the city of Orlando, for the people of this parish
and its leaders, for your generous benefactors, for myself and for our
entire Diocese," Archbishop Barsamian said.
"It's a miracle that in nine months this church was built on land where
there was nothing," he added, congratulating parish leaders, benefactors
Hratch and Suzanne Toufayan and their family, and all community members who
helped realize the dream of erecting an Armenian church in the area. A
reception followed in the church hall.
On Sunday, June 6, Archbishop Barsamian officially consecrated the new house
of worship, anointing with holy muron (oil) the altar, baptismal font, and
pillars of the sanctuary. The church was named Soorp Haroutiun Armenian
Church: "Holy Resurrection." "Haroutiun" was also the name of Hratch
Toufayan's late father.
The consecration fell on the Feast of Holy Etchmiadzin, a day commemorating
St. Gregory the Illuminator's vision of Christ striking the ground with a
golden hammer and instructing Gregory to erect a church on the site. St.
Gregory proclaimed to the Armenian people, "Come, let us build the holy
altar of light, for in it light shines on us in the land of Armenia."
In his sermon, Archbishop Barsamian reminded the faithful that 1,700 years
ago the people of Armenia responded to St. Gregory's call by erecting the
Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin. That initial step launched what would
become a rich tradition of building churches throughout Armenia, and later,
in the diaspora, the Primate said.
Archbishop Barsamian stressed that it is the spirit of the Armenian people -
their unfailing commitment to their Christian faith - that has illuminated
these places of worship and continues to do so to this day.
"The altar of light is not just a structure of stone and marble, but it is
something bigger," he said. "It is the light in each of us, brought together
in imitation of Christ. Ultimately, we are the light of the world."
He went on to speak about ways the Armenian Christian faith empowered
Armenians in the face of persecution and oppression. From the 5th-century
Battle of Avarayr to the 20th-century marches through the desert of Der Zor
and the irreligiousness characterizing the Communist era, the Armenian faith
has remained firm in the hearts of its people, he said.
"The survivors of these dark episodes in our history always continued to
build new churches," Archbishop Barsamian said. "And today, the Armenian
community in Orlando is likewise responding to St. Gregory's call: 'Come,
let us build the holy altar of light.'"
A bridge across generations
The consecration service concluded with the first celebration of the Divine
Liturgy at St. Haroutiun Church. The choir members, altar servers, and
parishioners of the local Armenian churches participated in the services.
Also serving on the altar were the grandchildren of Hratch Toufayan, the
church's main godfather. Maestro Khoren Mekanejian, coordinator of Music
Ministry at the Diocese, led the singing of the hymns.
Guests then gathered at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel, part of the Walt
Disney Resort complex, for a celebratory banquet.
Addressing the gathering, His Excellency Ambassdor Tatoul Markarian,
Armenia's ambassador to the United States, congratulated the Orlando parish
on its remarkable accomplishment. "Undoubtedly, building a new Armenian
church is a sign of the vitality of the Armenian community of the greater
Orlando area," he said. "It means our next generations will be not only
well-established and loyal citizens of this great country, but also
dedicated representatives of our nation and our church, and great
compatriots of our homeland, Armenia."
"May this wonderful community and the church flourish to the benefit of
Armenia and the entire Armenian nation," he added.
Diocesan Council chair Oscar Tatosian spoke about the faith and commitment
of the Orlando parish. "This church was built on a thousand individual acts
of faith, by contributions bold and subtle," he said. "What we celebrate
today is not the building, but the new community of faithful - a community
that is a bridge from our faithful ancestors to a generation not yet born."
Also representing the Diocesan Council was vice chair Dr. Raffy Hovanessian.
The program featured performances by guest soloist Maro Partamian and
pianist Sara Nazarian. Samantha George played the viola.
Serving spiritual needs
St. Haroutiun Church had its beginnings in 1985, when then-Primate
Archbishop Torkom Manoogian established a mission parish in the Orlando area
and the community began considering the construction of a church.
A five-acre plot was purchased in 1993, and a smaller purchase followed
three years later. As property values rose, the parish council decided to
sell both parcels and purchase a third section of land on which to build the
new church. The sale, completed in 2005, helped the community raise money
for construction costs.
Designed by the late Ramon H. Hovsepian of Worcester, Mass., the new church
would feature a copper dome and elements of traditional Armenian Church
architecture. The house of worship would, first and foremost, serve the
community's spiritual needs. But organizers hoped it would also become an
important cultural beacon, inspiring its members to carry forth the Armenian
language and traditions.
A little more than a year ago, the Orlando parish received the final permit
needed to proceed with the project. Construction began last August, with the
official groundbreaking and cornerstone-blessing ceremony taking place on
September 27.
It was also on that day that Archbishop Barsamian announced that the
Toufayan family of New Jersey had pledged $750,000 for the church. Longtime
supporters of the Eastern Diocese and the global Armenian Church, Hratch and
Suzanne Toufayan run a bakery in Orlando, and their son, Greg Toufayan,
sometimes serves on the altar at the Orlando parish. Greg Toufayan also
served on the building committee for Soorp Haroutiun Church.
Other godfathers of the new church include Richard Bargamian, Charles and
Sara Chemenian, Ethel Duffett, Dr. Albert G. Eckian, Haig Hagopian, Lucine
Mardirosian-Harvey, Dr. Michael Keotahlian, John Shahinian, Simon Tashjian,
Samuel Vardanian, Marietta Vazquez, Drs. Aram and Aida Tchobanian, and Jerry
L. Youderian. In addition, hundreds of others have volunteered their
services over the years to ensure the success of the initiative.
Parishioners also noted the contributions of Lucine Mardirosian-Harvey, who
has been involved with the project since its earliest days, attending
countless planning and zoning board meetings and helping gather support for
the undertaking.
"We accomplished what we set out to do," she said, adding that the community
would now focus on developing spiritual and educational programs to meet the
needs of its members.
Ms. Mardirosian-Harvey was honored for her efforts at the consecration
banquet, when Archbishop Barsamian presented her with the "St. Nersess
Shnorhali" medal and pontifical encyclical issued by His Holiness Karekin
II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.
"It is a great joy for us that the Armenian community of Orlando, after many
years of hard work and dedication, built this church," the Catholicos wrote.
"You, dear Lucine Mardirosian-Harvey, are among those who first initiated
this undertaking, whose unshakable faith kept this community standing and
inspired the sons and daughters of our people to take up responsibilities
and to make sacrifices for this God-pleasing project."
His Holiness Karekin II urged the parish to "always tend to the well-being
of Soorp Haroutiun Church with endless love and zeal, and preserve your
national and spiritual life under her shadow."
Also recognized at the banquet was parish council chair Aram Nazarian, who
received the Diocese's "St. Vartan Award."
"It was a very emotional time," Mr. Nazarian said of the consecration. He
said that the parish is proud of its achievement, but aware of the work
still ahead.
A diverse, growing community
Having a permanent place of worship will help centralize the parish's
ministry and make it easier to reach out to the local Armenian community,
Mr. Nazarian said. In the works are plans to offer Bible study courses,
strengthen the ACYOA, and create other church organizations. The church has
already established an outreach committee to evaluate the needs of the
community and to brainstorm ways to fulfill them.
Dr. Albert G. Eckian, who chairs the outreach committee and served as the
master of ceremonies at the consecration banquet, said the community is
diverse, with members representing Armenia and all parts of the diaspora,
including Iran, Turkey, and South America, as well as various regions across
the United States.
With an increase in the number of young families settling in the area in
recent years, Dr. Eckian said "there is a great need for teaching not only
the sacraments of the Armenian Church, but also its culture and language."
"We know that everything will take a little bit of time," Mr. Nazarian said.
"With the direction of the Diocese, we hope to set goals and to work to
attain them."
In the coming months, the parish will continue to be served by visiting
priests. In July, the Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian and Sam Mikaelian,
coordinator of development at the Diocese, are scheduled to conduct a
workshop for the parish council on strategies for designing some of these
new programs.
"I was pleased to be able to offer my services again to help a parish
community realize its dream of consecrating an Armenian Church," Fr. Chevian
said. "Now it's up to the community to give the edifice life and vitality."
Parishioners say they have no doubt that the parish will blossom in the
coming years.
"I am very optimistic that now that we have a church that reminds us of our
Armenian roots and our Armenian homeland, it will become a focal point not
only for the central Florida community, but for many visitors we have in
Orlando," Dr. Eckian said. "And I am optimistic that this church will grow
in a much faster and rapid way."
###
Photos attached.
Photo 1: Orlando's new Soorp Haroutiun Armenian Church, consecrated on Jun.
6 by Diocesan Primate Abp. Khajag Barsamian. (Photo: L. Altiparmakian)
Photo 2: Abp. Kajag Barsamian, flanked by (l-r) Fr. Hovnan Demerjian and Fr.
Vartan Joulfayan, conducts the "Door-opening" (Turenpatsek) ceremony which
preceded the consecration of the Soorp Haroutiun Church in Orlando, Fla.
Photo 3: Diocesan Primate Abp. Khajag Barsamian consecrates the altar of the
new Orlando church, flanked by (l-r) Fr. Mardiros Chevian and Fr. Hovnan
Demerjian. (Photo: L. Altiparmakian)
Photo 4: As part of the June 6 consecration, Abp. Barsamian anoints a pillar
of Orlando's new Soorp Harouiun Armenian Church. (Photo: L. Altiparmakian)
Photo 5: Abp. Khajag Barsamian addresses members of the Orlando Armenian
community during the consecration of their new church. Seated at lower left
are church benefactors Hratch and Suzanne Toufayan, as well as Armenia's
ambassador to the U.S., Amb. Tatoul Markarian. (Photo: L. Altiparmakian)
Photo 6: The St. Nersess Shnorhali Medal, bestowed by Catholicos Karekin II,
is presented by Diocesan Primate Abp. Khajag Barsamian to Lucine
Mardirosian-Harvey, a parish leader whose longtime dream was to build an
Armenian Church in Orlando. (Photo: L. Altiparmakian)
From: A. Papazian