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PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net
November 4, 2013
___________________
Soorp Haroutiun Church Celebrates Dedication of Cultural Hall
Soorp Haroutiun Church of Orlando, Fla., marked its third anniversary on
Sunday, October 27, and celebrated the dedication of its cultural hall-a
step that the community hopes will help inject new energy into parish life.
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), celebrated the Divine Liturgy. He was assisted by the
Very Rev. Fr. Anania Tsaturyan, a visiting priest from Holy Etchmiadzin, and
Dn. Vahe Bagdasarian, a student at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary. Maestro
Khoren Mekanejian, the Diocese's Music Ministry coordinator, directed the
choir.
During badarak, Archbishop Barsamian ordained three young men-John Vatian,
Robert Vatian, and Narek Nersisyan-to the rank of acolyte. The three had
worked with the parish's former visiting pastor, the Rev. Fr. Abraham
Malkhasyan, as well as other parishioners to prepare for their new
responsibilities.
"It is such a joy to see these young men step forward and serve their
church," Archbishop Barsamian said. "I am confident that today's ordination
service is the first of many to be performed in this young parish."
At the conclusion of services, Archbishop Barsamian led a veneration prayer
for the "Relic of St. Vartan the Brave"-a gift to the Eastern Diocese from
His Holiness Karekin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians-which the Primate
had brought with him from St. Vartan Cathedral in New York.
Parishioners then gathered in the church narthex, where Archbishop Barsamian
blessed a plaque in honor of the late Haroutiun and Siranoush Toufayan, the
parents of church benefactor Hratch Toufayan. Mr. Toufayan and his wife
Suzanne served as the grand godfathers of Soorp Haroutiun Church when it was
consecrated in 2010. The plaque was hung above the doors leading into the
sanctuary.
Archbishop Barsamian also blessed the church's cultural hall, which was
dedicated in honor of longtime parishioners Drs. Aram and Aida
Khatchadourian Tchobanian. The couple led a ribbon-cutting ceremony; they
had served as cornerstone godfathers at the church's consecration, and
recently made a generous contribution to the parish.
"We want to see this cultural hall used by the Armenian community," Dr. Aida
said, adding that she hoped it would serve the old and young alike. "It's a
great place for Armenians to get together after church. For the children,
especially, it's perfect for meeting each other, playing together, and
keeping the Armenian spirit alive."
In the afternoon, a banquet was held in the new hall. Dr. Albert Eckian
served as the master of ceremonies. Young flutist Sara Nazarian performed
several selections.
Parish council member Lucine Mardirosian-Harvey spoke about fundraising for
the church's planned Armenian Genocide memorial-a khatchkar monument that
will be installed on church grounds. Drs. Aram and Aida Khatchadourian
Tchobanian have agreed to help with the project, but other support will be
needed as plans move forward.
Archbishop Barsamian thanked the Toufayan and Khatchadourian Tchobanian
families for their generosity, and extended his appreciation to the parish
council members, Sunday School superintendent and staff, and the entire
community for their support of and participation in parish life.
"It was only three years ago that I consecrated this beautiful church in
central Florida, but already there are signs of growth and vibrancy here,"
Archbishop Barsamian said. "I am so proud of what has been accomplished
here, and I look forward to celebrating new milestones with you in the
future."
###
Photos attached.
Photo 1: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian ordains young men to the rank of
acolyte.
Photo 2: Drs. Aram and Aida Khatchadourian Tchobanian cut the ribbon to the
church's cultural hall.
Photo 3: Hratch and Suzanne Toufayan look on as Archbishop Khajag Barsamian
blesses a plaque in honor of the late Haroutiun and Siranoush Toufayan,
which has been hung in the church narthex.
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Chris Zakian
Tel: (212) 686-0710
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net
November 4, 2013
___________________
Soorp Haroutiun Church Celebrates Dedication of Cultural Hall
Soorp Haroutiun Church of Orlando, Fla., marked its third anniversary on
Sunday, October 27, and celebrated the dedication of its cultural hall-a
step that the community hopes will help inject new energy into parish life.
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), celebrated the Divine Liturgy. He was assisted by the
Very Rev. Fr. Anania Tsaturyan, a visiting priest from Holy Etchmiadzin, and
Dn. Vahe Bagdasarian, a student at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary. Maestro
Khoren Mekanejian, the Diocese's Music Ministry coordinator, directed the
choir.
During badarak, Archbishop Barsamian ordained three young men-John Vatian,
Robert Vatian, and Narek Nersisyan-to the rank of acolyte. The three had
worked with the parish's former visiting pastor, the Rev. Fr. Abraham
Malkhasyan, as well as other parishioners to prepare for their new
responsibilities.
"It is such a joy to see these young men step forward and serve their
church," Archbishop Barsamian said. "I am confident that today's ordination
service is the first of many to be performed in this young parish."
At the conclusion of services, Archbishop Barsamian led a veneration prayer
for the "Relic of St. Vartan the Brave"-a gift to the Eastern Diocese from
His Holiness Karekin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians-which the Primate
had brought with him from St. Vartan Cathedral in New York.
Parishioners then gathered in the church narthex, where Archbishop Barsamian
blessed a plaque in honor of the late Haroutiun and Siranoush Toufayan, the
parents of church benefactor Hratch Toufayan. Mr. Toufayan and his wife
Suzanne served as the grand godfathers of Soorp Haroutiun Church when it was
consecrated in 2010. The plaque was hung above the doors leading into the
sanctuary.
Archbishop Barsamian also blessed the church's cultural hall, which was
dedicated in honor of longtime parishioners Drs. Aram and Aida
Khatchadourian Tchobanian. The couple led a ribbon-cutting ceremony; they
had served as cornerstone godfathers at the church's consecration, and
recently made a generous contribution to the parish.
"We want to see this cultural hall used by the Armenian community," Dr. Aida
said, adding that she hoped it would serve the old and young alike. "It's a
great place for Armenians to get together after church. For the children,
especially, it's perfect for meeting each other, playing together, and
keeping the Armenian spirit alive."
In the afternoon, a banquet was held in the new hall. Dr. Albert Eckian
served as the master of ceremonies. Young flutist Sara Nazarian performed
several selections.
Parish council member Lucine Mardirosian-Harvey spoke about fundraising for
the church's planned Armenian Genocide memorial-a khatchkar monument that
will be installed on church grounds. Drs. Aram and Aida Khatchadourian
Tchobanian have agreed to help with the project, but other support will be
needed as plans move forward.
Archbishop Barsamian thanked the Toufayan and Khatchadourian Tchobanian
families for their generosity, and extended his appreciation to the parish
council members, Sunday School superintendent and staff, and the entire
community for their support of and participation in parish life.
"It was only three years ago that I consecrated this beautiful church in
central Florida, but already there are signs of growth and vibrancy here,"
Archbishop Barsamian said. "I am so proud of what has been accomplished
here, and I look forward to celebrating new milestones with you in the
future."
###
Photos attached.
Photo 1: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian ordains young men to the rank of
acolyte.
Photo 2: Drs. Aram and Aida Khatchadourian Tchobanian cut the ribbon to the
church's cultural hall.
Photo 3: Hratch and Suzanne Toufayan look on as Archbishop Khajag Barsamian
blesses a plaque in honor of the late Haroutiun and Siranoush Toufayan,
which has been hung in the church narthex.