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PRESS RELEASE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Karine Abalyanj
Tel: 212-686-0710
Fax: 212--779-3558
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.armenianchurch.org/
The occasion was billed as a "triple celebration" for the Armenian
community of White Plains, N.Y. It marked 40 years since the birth of
an Armenian parish - then dubbed "St. James" - in Westchester. It also
marked the 15th anniversary of the long-awaited consecration of the
parish sanctuary, the St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White
Plains.jBut most of all, the gala banquet at the Hilton Westchester
Hotel in Rye Brook, N.Y., on Saturday evening, December 7, was an
occasion to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Rev. Fr. Karekin
Kasparian's pastoral ministry to the community.jThe hotel's ballroom
was filled with 425 people who had come out to pay homage to a great
pastor, leader, teacher and friend. Friends and family from near and
far came to the event to reunite in a spirit of love and admiration
for Fr. Karekin.jNotable among the guests were Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese; Archbishop Yeghishe
Gizirian, longtime friend and mentor to Fr. Karekin, and nine
clergymen.jParish Council chair Gregory Sahagian offered a toast to
begin the program.
Gala chair Maria Stepanian welcomed the well-wishers and spoke on how
Fr. Karekin had made an impact on her life.jA special congratulatory
message from His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos
of All Armenians, was read by Diocesan Vicar General the Very
Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian. His Holiness' laudatory words echoed
throughout the evening.jAfter dinner, the Rev. Fr. Untzag Nalbandian,
pastor of Holy Ascension Church in Trumbull, Conn., spoke on behalf of
the clergy of the Diocese.jThe Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of
St. Nersess Seminary, conveyed congratulatory sentiments from the
seminary board, staff and seminarians. He reminisced about former
days, when he attended his first summer conference at the time Deacon
Hovhaness - Fr. Karekin prior to his priestly ordination - was
seminary dean.jThe Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan, pastor of the Holy
Trinity Church in Cheltenham, Pa., spoke on behalf of the seven
pastoral interns that Fr. Kasparian has mentored over the years. He
recalled his personal internship experiences in a loving and humorous
manner, and told how Fr. Karekin's tutelage prepared him for the
challenges of parish life.jOne other distinguished clerical guest was
the Rev. Fr. Kevork Arakelian, Fr. Kasparian's first student at
St. Nersess Seminary, who had flown in from California just for the
occasion. His presence surprised and delighted the honoree.jZaven
Tachdjian, former Parish Council chair of 10 years in White Plains,
credited Fr. Karekin with helping develop his personal
spirituality. He called the pastor a "great unifier in the parish and
community."jMeliné and Lori - the two daughters of Fr. Karekin and
Yeretzgin Dawn Kasparian - entertained the gathering with loving
anecdotes about growing up as the children of a parish priest, and
told how they were fortunate to have a father who had a flexible
schedule, which allowed him to be a "hands-on dad."jJohn Wolohojian as
Master of Ceremonies managed to keep the program briskly moving
forward. When he introduced the guest of honor, Fr. Karekin Kasparian
began his message with an outpouring of gratitude, thanking all those
present as well as those departed who had contributed to the
foundation and growth of the St. Gregory parish.jFr. Kasparian
expressed heartfelt thanks to the Suren Fesjian family - the parish's
benefactor and "godfather," and also to the Simon and Hayik Tutak
families, likewise early and crucial parish benefactors.jFr. Karekin
recalled several poignant episodes from his pastoral life, and
expressed gratitude for being included in significant moments in his
parishioners' lives.jHe also paid tribute to his dear wife, Yeretzgin
Dawn, who has been a source of strength and inspiration throughout his
life and ministry.jHe concluded by saying: "No pastor can truly say,
`My work is completed.' The work of the church goes on and on,
eternally. We are unworthy servants, who have only done what was our
duty."jArchbishop Khajag Barsamian addressed the gathering and
acknowledged Fr. Karekin for being a true leader of the Armenian
community, a great communicator, and a teacher who has led his flock
to a better understanding of each other and of God.j"I admire the
virtues Der Karekin brings to his ministry," the Primate said. "He is
a man of deep faith, and his love for his people and heritage is
profound. He is a true gentleman, with great compassion for his fellow
human beings, who is always willing to listen, to answer a question,
to lend a sympathetic ear or a helping hand to the members of his
flock.j"Der Karekin's tenure in this parish has been extremely
fruitful," he continued. "And he means a great deal to our Diocese, as
well. For Der Karekin has been a true pioneer, leading our church in
America into greener pastures, and new ways of implementing our
mission."jA benediction by Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian concluded the
evening with a feeling of joy and unity.jViolinist Sami Merdinian,
accompanied by Sofya Meilkyan on piano, provided the musical
entertainment for the evening, entrancing the audience with their
selection of Armenian melodies.jA video montage chronicling the life
of Fr. Karekin and the growth of his flock over the past 40 years was
viewed by the appreciative crowd. The montage was prepared by Sylvia
Kruizenga, and DVD copies of it were included in the celebration
booklet as a keepsake.jA commemorative booklet was prepared by Maria
Bedonian and dedicated to both Fr. Karekin and Yeretzgin Dawn. It
captured the effect of Fr. Karekin's and Yeretzgin's beneficial
influence on the community. Throughout the booklet were heartfelt
messages from clergymen, supporters, benefactors, friends, family
members, church organizations, and booklet donors, whose sentiments
were summed up in the words: "We will forever be grateful for the
Kasparians' boundless spiritual love and support."jThe booklet
concluded with the following inscription: "We honor with love our
senior generation for their foresight and sacrifice. We delight with
faith in the enthusiasm of our present generation for their zeal to
continue the torch of our heritage. We wait with hope for the future
generation to carry forth the flame of our legacy."jThe weekend
culminated with the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, December 8, at the
St. Gregory Church. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian celebrated the
badarak, with the parish deacons, altar servers, and choir performing
their offices with dignity.jAs part of the service, the rank of
subdeacon was conferred on St. Nersess seminarian Saro Kalayjian, and
on St. Gregory's own faithful young servant Andrew Kayaian.jSolemn
requiem service was held for the founders and benefactors of the St.
Gregory parish, and for the victims of the earthquake in Armenia
(which occurred 25 years ago), with requiem prayers said for the late
president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. A fellowship hour followed
in the church's Tutak Hall.jj###jjPhotos by Diran Jebejian. Photo 1:
The White Plains community honored Fr. Karekin Kasparian on his 40th
anniversary. Photo 2: From left are Yn. Dawn Kasparian, Fr. Karekin
Kasparian, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, and Archbishop Yeghishe
Gizirian. Photo 3: Fr. Karekin Kasparian surrounded by family
members. Photo 4: Archbishop Barsamian ordains Saro Kalayjian and
Andrew Kayaian to the sub-diaconate.j
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Karine Abalyanj
Tel: 212-686-0710
Fax: 212--779-3558
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.armenianchurch.org/
The occasion was billed as a "triple celebration" for the Armenian
community of White Plains, N.Y. It marked 40 years since the birth of
an Armenian parish - then dubbed "St. James" - in Westchester. It also
marked the 15th anniversary of the long-awaited consecration of the
parish sanctuary, the St. Gregory the Enlightener Church of White
Plains.jBut most of all, the gala banquet at the Hilton Westchester
Hotel in Rye Brook, N.Y., on Saturday evening, December 7, was an
occasion to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Rev. Fr. Karekin
Kasparian's pastoral ministry to the community.jThe hotel's ballroom
was filled with 425 people who had come out to pay homage to a great
pastor, leader, teacher and friend. Friends and family from near and
far came to the event to reunite in a spirit of love and admiration
for Fr. Karekin.jNotable among the guests were Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese; Archbishop Yeghishe
Gizirian, longtime friend and mentor to Fr. Karekin, and nine
clergymen.jParish Council chair Gregory Sahagian offered a toast to
begin the program.
Gala chair Maria Stepanian welcomed the well-wishers and spoke on how
Fr. Karekin had made an impact on her life.jA special congratulatory
message from His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos
of All Armenians, was read by Diocesan Vicar General the Very
Rev. Fr. Simeon Odabashian. His Holiness' laudatory words echoed
throughout the evening.jAfter dinner, the Rev. Fr. Untzag Nalbandian,
pastor of Holy Ascension Church in Trumbull, Conn., spoke on behalf of
the clergy of the Diocese.jThe Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean of
St. Nersess Seminary, conveyed congratulatory sentiments from the
seminary board, staff and seminarians. He reminisced about former
days, when he attended his first summer conference at the time Deacon
Hovhaness - Fr. Karekin prior to his priestly ordination - was
seminary dean.jThe Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan, pastor of the Holy
Trinity Church in Cheltenham, Pa., spoke on behalf of the seven
pastoral interns that Fr. Kasparian has mentored over the years. He
recalled his personal internship experiences in a loving and humorous
manner, and told how Fr. Karekin's tutelage prepared him for the
challenges of parish life.jOne other distinguished clerical guest was
the Rev. Fr. Kevork Arakelian, Fr. Kasparian's first student at
St. Nersess Seminary, who had flown in from California just for the
occasion. His presence surprised and delighted the honoree.jZaven
Tachdjian, former Parish Council chair of 10 years in White Plains,
credited Fr. Karekin with helping develop his personal
spirituality. He called the pastor a "great unifier in the parish and
community."jMeliné and Lori - the two daughters of Fr. Karekin and
Yeretzgin Dawn Kasparian - entertained the gathering with loving
anecdotes about growing up as the children of a parish priest, and
told how they were fortunate to have a father who had a flexible
schedule, which allowed him to be a "hands-on dad."jJohn Wolohojian as
Master of Ceremonies managed to keep the program briskly moving
forward. When he introduced the guest of honor, Fr. Karekin Kasparian
began his message with an outpouring of gratitude, thanking all those
present as well as those departed who had contributed to the
foundation and growth of the St. Gregory parish.jFr. Kasparian
expressed heartfelt thanks to the Suren Fesjian family - the parish's
benefactor and "godfather," and also to the Simon and Hayik Tutak
families, likewise early and crucial parish benefactors.jFr. Karekin
recalled several poignant episodes from his pastoral life, and
expressed gratitude for being included in significant moments in his
parishioners' lives.jHe also paid tribute to his dear wife, Yeretzgin
Dawn, who has been a source of strength and inspiration throughout his
life and ministry.jHe concluded by saying: "No pastor can truly say,
`My work is completed.' The work of the church goes on and on,
eternally. We are unworthy servants, who have only done what was our
duty."jArchbishop Khajag Barsamian addressed the gathering and
acknowledged Fr. Karekin for being a true leader of the Armenian
community, a great communicator, and a teacher who has led his flock
to a better understanding of each other and of God.j"I admire the
virtues Der Karekin brings to his ministry," the Primate said. "He is
a man of deep faith, and his love for his people and heritage is
profound. He is a true gentleman, with great compassion for his fellow
human beings, who is always willing to listen, to answer a question,
to lend a sympathetic ear or a helping hand to the members of his
flock.j"Der Karekin's tenure in this parish has been extremely
fruitful," he continued. "And he means a great deal to our Diocese, as
well. For Der Karekin has been a true pioneer, leading our church in
America into greener pastures, and new ways of implementing our
mission."jA benediction by Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian concluded the
evening with a feeling of joy and unity.jViolinist Sami Merdinian,
accompanied by Sofya Meilkyan on piano, provided the musical
entertainment for the evening, entrancing the audience with their
selection of Armenian melodies.jA video montage chronicling the life
of Fr. Karekin and the growth of his flock over the past 40 years was
viewed by the appreciative crowd. The montage was prepared by Sylvia
Kruizenga, and DVD copies of it were included in the celebration
booklet as a keepsake.jA commemorative booklet was prepared by Maria
Bedonian and dedicated to both Fr. Karekin and Yeretzgin Dawn. It
captured the effect of Fr. Karekin's and Yeretzgin's beneficial
influence on the community. Throughout the booklet were heartfelt
messages from clergymen, supporters, benefactors, friends, family
members, church organizations, and booklet donors, whose sentiments
were summed up in the words: "We will forever be grateful for the
Kasparians' boundless spiritual love and support."jThe booklet
concluded with the following inscription: "We honor with love our
senior generation for their foresight and sacrifice. We delight with
faith in the enthusiasm of our present generation for their zeal to
continue the torch of our heritage. We wait with hope for the future
generation to carry forth the flame of our legacy."jThe weekend
culminated with the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, December 8, at the
St. Gregory Church. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian celebrated the
badarak, with the parish deacons, altar servers, and choir performing
their offices with dignity.jAs part of the service, the rank of
subdeacon was conferred on St. Nersess seminarian Saro Kalayjian, and
on St. Gregory's own faithful young servant Andrew Kayaian.jSolemn
requiem service was held for the founders and benefactors of the St.
Gregory parish, and for the victims of the earthquake in Armenia
(which occurred 25 years ago), with requiem prayers said for the late
president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. A fellowship hour followed
in the church's Tutak Hall.jj###jjPhotos by Diran Jebejian. Photo 1:
The White Plains community honored Fr. Karekin Kasparian on his 40th
anniversary. Photo 2: From left are Yn. Dawn Kasparian, Fr. Karekin
Kasparian, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, and Archbishop Yeghishe
Gizirian. Photo 3: Fr. Karekin Kasparian surrounded by family
members. Photo 4: Archbishop Barsamian ordains Saro Kalayjian and
Andrew Kayaian to the sub-diaconate.j