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PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net
November 28, 2011
_______________________________________________
Holy Trinity Church of Cheltenham, PA, Marks 45 Years
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), visited Holy Trinity Church of Cheltenham, Pa., on
Sunday, November 20, as the community commemorated the 45th anniversary of
its current house of worship.
During the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Barsamian ordained
five acolytes (Daniel Aslanian, Shawn Carnavale, Frederick Jordan, Andrew
Movsesian, and Brian Peckjian) and five sub-deacons (Michael Alexanian,
James Keshgegian, Harout Nalbandian, Brian Peckjian, and Chris Torcomian).
In a sermon on lay ministry-this year's Diocesan theme-Archbishop Barsamian
spoke about Christ's call, reminding parishioners that "we are called to be
like Christ, to recognize our true identity in and through him, and to share
who we are with others."
Following services, close to 300 people gathered for the celebratory
banquet. The Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan, parish pastor, welcomed Archbishop
Barsamian and expressed his gratitude to the banquet committee and the
attendees.
"Today we thank our Almighty Lord because he gave us the opportunity to have
this beautiful church and this beautiful property," Fr. Gevorgyan said. "I
know your parents and you worked very hard for this church, and now you are
enjoying the fruit of your labor."
The afternoon program included musical performances by local artists Dr.
Andre Garabedian and Greg and Karinne' Andonian. A photo slideshow featured
images of the church through its four-and-a-half decade history.
Six individuals who have been faithful servants were recognized as "pillars"
of Holy Trinity Church: Robert and Lorraine Damerjian, Larry and Jeanette
DerHagopian, John Kash, and Merle Santerian. The honorees were presented
with the "St. Vartan Award" by Archbishop Barsamian.
"This was a wonderful way of bringing our community together," said Merle
Santerian, who has chaired the parish council and continues to be involved
in parish organizations. "I am grateful and blessed to have the opportunity
to contribute to this parish, and I am honored to have received this
beautiful award."
Archbishop Barsamian spoke about the importance of carrying forward the
mission of the Armenian Church, and emphasized each parishioner's role in
helping to realize that mission. He said the day's celebration was "an
opportunity to express that we are a living Armenian Church and that in our
togetherness we can answer God's call."
Holy Trinity Church was originally located elsewhere within Philadelphia but
when a fire destroyed the church building in 1964, parishioners decided to
rebuild outside the city and purchased property in the Cheltenham suburb.
The present church was consecrated in September 1966.
The 45th anniversary celebration was the result of the collaborative efforts
and service of the entire parish. On this occasion the community also
welcomed a number of special guests: the Very Rev. Fr. Oshagan Gulgulian,
pastor of St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church of Wynnewood, Pa.; the Rev. Fr.
Karekin Kasparian, pastor of St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White
Plains, N.Y.; the Rev. Fr. Vertanes Kalayjian, former pastor of St. Mary
Church of Washington, D.C.; and Sister Arousiag and Sister Emma from the
Armenian Sisters Academy.
"I was pleasantly surprised to see all the people, especially the
representation by our friends from all of the other Philadelphia-area
Armenian churches," said parishioner Tanya Paretchan. "Events like this
bring everyone together as a community and ignite energy among us. We
couldn't ask for anything better."
###
Photos attached.
Photo 1: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian ordained acolytes and sub-deacons
during a recent visit to Holy Trinity Church of Cheltenham, Pa.
Photo 2: (seated, from left) Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan, Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, and Rev. Fr. Karekin Kasparian with altar servers and choir
members at Holy Trinity Church.
Photo 3: Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan and Archbishop Khajag Barsamian with the
"St. Vartan Award" recipients at Holy Trinity Church.
From: Baghdasarian
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net
November 28, 2011
_______________________________________________
Holy Trinity Church of Cheltenham, PA, Marks 45 Years
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), visited Holy Trinity Church of Cheltenham, Pa., on
Sunday, November 20, as the community commemorated the 45th anniversary of
its current house of worship.
During the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Barsamian ordained
five acolytes (Daniel Aslanian, Shawn Carnavale, Frederick Jordan, Andrew
Movsesian, and Brian Peckjian) and five sub-deacons (Michael Alexanian,
James Keshgegian, Harout Nalbandian, Brian Peckjian, and Chris Torcomian).
In a sermon on lay ministry-this year's Diocesan theme-Archbishop Barsamian
spoke about Christ's call, reminding parishioners that "we are called to be
like Christ, to recognize our true identity in and through him, and to share
who we are with others."
Following services, close to 300 people gathered for the celebratory
banquet. The Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan, parish pastor, welcomed Archbishop
Barsamian and expressed his gratitude to the banquet committee and the
attendees.
"Today we thank our Almighty Lord because he gave us the opportunity to have
this beautiful church and this beautiful property," Fr. Gevorgyan said. "I
know your parents and you worked very hard for this church, and now you are
enjoying the fruit of your labor."
The afternoon program included musical performances by local artists Dr.
Andre Garabedian and Greg and Karinne' Andonian. A photo slideshow featured
images of the church through its four-and-a-half decade history.
Six individuals who have been faithful servants were recognized as "pillars"
of Holy Trinity Church: Robert and Lorraine Damerjian, Larry and Jeanette
DerHagopian, John Kash, and Merle Santerian. The honorees were presented
with the "St. Vartan Award" by Archbishop Barsamian.
"This was a wonderful way of bringing our community together," said Merle
Santerian, who has chaired the parish council and continues to be involved
in parish organizations. "I am grateful and blessed to have the opportunity
to contribute to this parish, and I am honored to have received this
beautiful award."
Archbishop Barsamian spoke about the importance of carrying forward the
mission of the Armenian Church, and emphasized each parishioner's role in
helping to realize that mission. He said the day's celebration was "an
opportunity to express that we are a living Armenian Church and that in our
togetherness we can answer God's call."
Holy Trinity Church was originally located elsewhere within Philadelphia but
when a fire destroyed the church building in 1964, parishioners decided to
rebuild outside the city and purchased property in the Cheltenham suburb.
The present church was consecrated in September 1966.
The 45th anniversary celebration was the result of the collaborative efforts
and service of the entire parish. On this occasion the community also
welcomed a number of special guests: the Very Rev. Fr. Oshagan Gulgulian,
pastor of St. Sahag and St. Mesrob Church of Wynnewood, Pa.; the Rev. Fr.
Karekin Kasparian, pastor of St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White
Plains, N.Y.; the Rev. Fr. Vertanes Kalayjian, former pastor of St. Mary
Church of Washington, D.C.; and Sister Arousiag and Sister Emma from the
Armenian Sisters Academy.
"I was pleasantly surprised to see all the people, especially the
representation by our friends from all of the other Philadelphia-area
Armenian churches," said parishioner Tanya Paretchan. "Events like this
bring everyone together as a community and ignite energy among us. We
couldn't ask for anything better."
###
Photos attached.
Photo 1: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian ordained acolytes and sub-deacons
during a recent visit to Holy Trinity Church of Cheltenham, Pa.
Photo 2: (seated, from left) Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan, Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, and Rev. Fr. Karekin Kasparian with altar servers and choir
members at Holy Trinity Church.
Photo 3: Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan and Archbishop Khajag Barsamian with the
"St. Vartan Award" recipients at Holy Trinity Church.
From: Baghdasarian