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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
March 5, 2010
___________________________________________
IN BOCA RATON, ARCHBISHOP BARSAMIAN ORDAINS ALTAR SERVERS, AND HONORS ARMEN
MELKONIAN WITH THE "ST. VARTAN AWARD"
On the weekend of February 12-14, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of
the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), visited Boca
Raton's St. David Armenian Church. Though a cold weekend by Florida
standards, a feeling of warmth, friendship, and welcoming hospitality
pervaded the activities in the Florida community.
To inaugurate the Primate's visit, on Friday evening the parish's Arevag
theatrical group presented a musical comedy titled "Hars ou Gesour,"
directed by the Armenian and Sunday School principal Nadia Isguzar, with the
participation of the school teachers. About 150 parishioners filled the
church's Mardigian Hall to welcome the Primate.
At a reception following the program, Archbishop Barsamian gave his
blessings to the people. In remarks, he complimented a teacher with "ample
knowledge in Armenian Studies," who "had been a great asset in New York, and
is now the same in Florida."
On Saturday evening, the Primate presided over a special event honoring the
"guardians" of St. David Church. The elegant, convivial evening at Boca
Raton's royal Palm Place was hosted by parishioners Jim and Marta Batmasian.
St. David's pastor, the Very Rev. Fr. Nareg Berberian, welcomed the Primate
and guests, thanked the Batmasians for hosting the event, and extended his
gratitude to the St. David "guardians" for supporting the church's
religious, cultural, educational, and social programs.
Continuing the same theme, Archbishop Barsamian called the guardians the
backbone of parish life. "Through your support, you have enriched the
Armenian Church," he said.
A musical performance by 13-year-old violinist Sage McBride captivated the
entire audience, and elicited words of praise and admiration for the youth's
extraordinary talent.
Sunday's Divine Liturgy coincided with the Feast of the Presentation of the
Lord to the Temple, as well as the traditional festival Poon Paregentan: the
"day of good living" before the onset of Great Lent.
As Archbishop Barsamian entered the sanctuary in his episcopal vestments,
people surrounded him to kiss his hand and receive his blessing. He was
escorted to the altar by 12 young men, who were ready to dedicate themselves
to service on the altar of the Lord.
With the feast of Sts. Vartanantz having taken place earlier that week,
Archbishop Barsamian delivered a sermon on the role of St. Vartan, and how
the earlier generation of Holy Translators laid the groundwork for the
defense of Christian Armenia. He urged parishioners and especially the youth
to strengthen their faith and identity as Armenian Christians.
At the end of the Divine Liturgy, Fr. Nareg Berberian presented the
candidates to receive the four minor orders: Arshag Stambolyan, Nareg
Kavlakian, Nicholas Macarian, Henry Gregorian, and Gregory Merjian. For some
in the congregation, it was the first time they had witnessed an ordination,
and one could sense that people were moved to see young men vow to serve in
the Armenian Church.
Next, Fr. Berberian presented Armen Sarkisyan, Arlen Avedyan, Arshag
Stambolyan, Nareg Kavlakian, and Nicholas Macarian to receive the rank of
sub-deacon. A stole was given to each, as a sign of their elevation.
The congregation repaired to Mardigian Hall for a celebratory luncheon,
where parish council chair Mrs. Claudette Sarian welcomed Archbishop
Barsamian.
On this occasion, longtime St. David parishioner Armen Melkonian was honored
by the Diocese with the "St. Vartan Award." The Primate commended Mr.
Melkonian's service to the St. David parish since its inception, as well as
his commitment to Armenia, noting that Armen's generosity and dedication had
made it possible for many goals to be realized at the Boca Raton church as
well as at several orphanages in Armenia.
Rose Kazanjian spoke of Armen's many accomplishments: his sponsorship of the
parish's celebration of the 1st anniversary of the Republic of Armenia,
proceeds of which were donated to Armenia's embassy in Washington, D.C.; his
tenure as parish council chair, which saw the renovation of the church hall
and entry, and the fundraising of an additional $100,000 for the
construction the Alex and Marie Manoogian School; his noteworthy support for
the Nork Retirement Home, and the Gamo Orphanage in Armenia; and Armen's
spearheading of the construction of a Genocide memorial plaza.
Mr. Melkonian was deeply grateful to receive the award, and graciously
thanked the Primate, Fr. Berberian, and the St. David community. Archbishop
Barsamian departed Boca Raton having left the parishioners with a sense of
spiritual fulfillment, and renewed enthusiasm for their church.
###
Photos attached.
Photo 1: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian ordains sub-deacons at Boca Raton's St.
David Armenian Church. Assisting the Primate is St. David's pastor, the Very
Rev. Fr. Nareg Berberian.
Photo 2: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian ordains acolytes at Boca Raton's St.
David Armenian Church. Assisting the Primate is St. David's pastor, the Very
Rev. Fr. Nareg Berberian.
Photo 3: Newly ordained acolytes and sub-deacons pose for a group photo with
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and the Very Rev. Fr. Nareg Berberian following
services.
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
March 5, 2010
___________________________________________
IN BOCA RATON, ARCHBISHOP BARSAMIAN ORDAINS ALTAR SERVERS, AND HONORS ARMEN
MELKONIAN WITH THE "ST. VARTAN AWARD"
On the weekend of February 12-14, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of
the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), visited Boca
Raton's St. David Armenian Church. Though a cold weekend by Florida
standards, a feeling of warmth, friendship, and welcoming hospitality
pervaded the activities in the Florida community.
To inaugurate the Primate's visit, on Friday evening the parish's Arevag
theatrical group presented a musical comedy titled "Hars ou Gesour,"
directed by the Armenian and Sunday School principal Nadia Isguzar, with the
participation of the school teachers. About 150 parishioners filled the
church's Mardigian Hall to welcome the Primate.
At a reception following the program, Archbishop Barsamian gave his
blessings to the people. In remarks, he complimented a teacher with "ample
knowledge in Armenian Studies," who "had been a great asset in New York, and
is now the same in Florida."
On Saturday evening, the Primate presided over a special event honoring the
"guardians" of St. David Church. The elegant, convivial evening at Boca
Raton's royal Palm Place was hosted by parishioners Jim and Marta Batmasian.
St. David's pastor, the Very Rev. Fr. Nareg Berberian, welcomed the Primate
and guests, thanked the Batmasians for hosting the event, and extended his
gratitude to the St. David "guardians" for supporting the church's
religious, cultural, educational, and social programs.
Continuing the same theme, Archbishop Barsamian called the guardians the
backbone of parish life. "Through your support, you have enriched the
Armenian Church," he said.
A musical performance by 13-year-old violinist Sage McBride captivated the
entire audience, and elicited words of praise and admiration for the youth's
extraordinary talent.
Sunday's Divine Liturgy coincided with the Feast of the Presentation of the
Lord to the Temple, as well as the traditional festival Poon Paregentan: the
"day of good living" before the onset of Great Lent.
As Archbishop Barsamian entered the sanctuary in his episcopal vestments,
people surrounded him to kiss his hand and receive his blessing. He was
escorted to the altar by 12 young men, who were ready to dedicate themselves
to service on the altar of the Lord.
With the feast of Sts. Vartanantz having taken place earlier that week,
Archbishop Barsamian delivered a sermon on the role of St. Vartan, and how
the earlier generation of Holy Translators laid the groundwork for the
defense of Christian Armenia. He urged parishioners and especially the youth
to strengthen their faith and identity as Armenian Christians.
At the end of the Divine Liturgy, Fr. Nareg Berberian presented the
candidates to receive the four minor orders: Arshag Stambolyan, Nareg
Kavlakian, Nicholas Macarian, Henry Gregorian, and Gregory Merjian. For some
in the congregation, it was the first time they had witnessed an ordination,
and one could sense that people were moved to see young men vow to serve in
the Armenian Church.
Next, Fr. Berberian presented Armen Sarkisyan, Arlen Avedyan, Arshag
Stambolyan, Nareg Kavlakian, and Nicholas Macarian to receive the rank of
sub-deacon. A stole was given to each, as a sign of their elevation.
The congregation repaired to Mardigian Hall for a celebratory luncheon,
where parish council chair Mrs. Claudette Sarian welcomed Archbishop
Barsamian.
On this occasion, longtime St. David parishioner Armen Melkonian was honored
by the Diocese with the "St. Vartan Award." The Primate commended Mr.
Melkonian's service to the St. David parish since its inception, as well as
his commitment to Armenia, noting that Armen's generosity and dedication had
made it possible for many goals to be realized at the Boca Raton church as
well as at several orphanages in Armenia.
Rose Kazanjian spoke of Armen's many accomplishments: his sponsorship of the
parish's celebration of the 1st anniversary of the Republic of Armenia,
proceeds of which were donated to Armenia's embassy in Washington, D.C.; his
tenure as parish council chair, which saw the renovation of the church hall
and entry, and the fundraising of an additional $100,000 for the
construction the Alex and Marie Manoogian School; his noteworthy support for
the Nork Retirement Home, and the Gamo Orphanage in Armenia; and Armen's
spearheading of the construction of a Genocide memorial plaza.
Mr. Melkonian was deeply grateful to receive the award, and graciously
thanked the Primate, Fr. Berberian, and the St. David community. Archbishop
Barsamian departed Boca Raton having left the parishioners with a sense of
spiritual fulfillment, and renewed enthusiasm for their church.
###
Photos attached.
Photo 1: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian ordains sub-deacons at Boca Raton's St.
David Armenian Church. Assisting the Primate is St. David's pastor, the Very
Rev. Fr. Nareg Berberian.
Photo 2: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian ordains acolytes at Boca Raton's St.
David Armenian Church. Assisting the Primate is St. David's pastor, the Very
Rev. Fr. Nareg Berberian.
Photo 3: Newly ordained acolytes and sub-deacons pose for a group photo with
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and the Very Rev. Fr. Nareg Berberian following
services.