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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]
Web: http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net
September 20, 2013
__________________________________________________ __
CATHEDRAL 45TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED IN GRAND STYLE
By Florence Avakian
It was an inspiring day, historic as well as futuristic, as more than 200
parishioners and friends gathered in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium on
Sunday, September 15 to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the consecration
of St. Vartan Cathedral in New York.
The event took place following the celebration of the badarak by the Primate
of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), Archbishop
Kahajag Barsamian on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The
names of more than 150 departed St. Vartan godfathers and Cathedral Project
committee members were read in a special requiem service during the
services.
In his homily, the Primate recounted the spiritual importance and symbolism
of the cathedral-not only for the Armenian community, also for Americans who
have come to pray and light candles throughout countless occasions. He
especially singled out the tragic day of September 11, 2001, when hundreds
of people entered the sanctuary to find solace and comfort in the wake of
the terrorist attack on New York.
The Primate also expressed great appreciation to the Catholicos of All
Armenians Karekin II for his gift to the Eastern Diocese of the
1500-year-old relic of St. Vartan the Brave, in honor of this 45th
anniversary. The precious relic, a piece of stone encrusted with the blood
of St. Vartan, is encased in a hand-crafted silver cross, which was
sanctified in Etchmiadzin in a special ceremony in late August, and brought
to St. Vartan Cathedral. It was unveiled for the first time on Sunday in a
procession led by members of the Knights of Vartan.
Opening the luncheon and program in Kavookjian Hall, Archbishop Yeghishe
Gizirian gave the invocation after which Commemoration Committee co-chair
Paul Zakian offered a toast to "all who sacrificed for this sacred place."
Mistress of Ceremonies Arpine Barseghian, a medical student, speaking in
English and Armenian, introduced the keynote speaker: Mark Movsesian,
Professor of Law at St. John's University, and an authority on the nexus of
law and religion.
* Part of the City's Fabric
In an inspiring address, Movsesian related that this
cathedral which was consecrated by the late Catholicos of All Armenians
Vasken I "required vision, skill and courage, and has been part of the
fabric of this city." Modeled in part on the ancient St. Hripsime Church in
Armenia, it is not only a "monument to antiquity, but a living spiritual and
cultural center."
He recounted many milestones that have taken place in the cathedral,
including the liturgical celebrations, events for young people, families,
and the elderly, musical performances, art exhibitions, spiritual and
educational workshops and ecumenical gatherings.
Dedicated to Vartan the Brave whom, in preserving Christianity for Armenia,
achieved a "moral victory," the history of St. Vartan "resonates with the
concept of religious liberty that is so fundamental to American culture-the
arguments of waves of immigrants who came here," he continued. "Many of
these immigrants came so that they could worship God free from state
compulsion."
* Sacrifice, Martyrdom, Survival, Rebirth
The story of Avarayr is one of "blood and sacrifice, of martyrdom and
survival, emblematic of our history as a Christian people from the
beginning." The Genocide survivors were the founders of this cathedral,
Prof. Movsesian noted, and "associated this new American cathedral with the
message of survival and rebirth." Many have since come having survived
persecution in Azerbaijan in the 1980s; and even the Copts who also have
suffered persecution, conduct services here, he related.
The name of St. Vartan is a reminder that in other parts of the world,
especially in Syria today, Armenians "continue to pay a price for their
faith," Movsesian declared. "We must do what we can to help our brothers and
sisters who are persecuted for their religion - our religion-and welcome
them as our ancestors did. May the cathedral be a symbol of hope for them."
To the delight of the audience, St. Vartan Armenian School students Erik
Assatryan, Valentina Assatryan, Marar Makarian, Ariana Pamoukian and Jano
Tokatiyan recited several beloved Armenian poems in clear and proud voices.
Violinist Sami Mardinian and pianist Riko Higuma offered selections from
Komitas, Khachaturian and Edgar Baghdasarian.
A video presentation was shown outlining the cathedral building's history
and consecration, produced by Artur Petrosyan and narrated by the Diocesan
Communications director Chris Zakian.
Armenia's Ambassador to the United Nations Garen Nazarian stated that for
Armenians who live outside of Armenia, the cathedral is "a piece of the
homeland. It is not only a peaceful sanctuary, but also embodies the
strength of our faith, our spiritual and cultural heritage, and symbolizes
the memory of our history and our reconstructed identity." He recalled how
during the late '80s and early '90s, with Armenia struggling after the
devastating earthquake, war, blockades, and a depressed economy, St. Vartan
Cathedral and the Diocese served as a launching point for many of the relief
efforts to support the "vital programs" in Armenia and Karabagh.
The mission of the church today, the ambassador continued, is "revival and
renewal of our religion and social lives. The Armenian Apostolic Church has
always been, is, and will be our solid pillar of faith and love towards each
other, and towards the homeland."
* The Dream Became Reality
Closing the memorable evening, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian recalled the
powerful "I Have a Dream" speech of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. "This
dream became a reality for us in this country of equality and opportunity.
The dream of the Armenian immigrants-60, 70, 80 years ago-became a reality.
Here, we welcomed the first ambassador of a free Armenia, and here we now
see the young people reciting in Armenian."
That was the dream of those who built this cathedral, and "we express our
deep appreciation to them. The dream now is to see that the younger
generation feels proud of their identity," the Primate stated. "It's our
mission to keep the dream alive now and in the future." Expressing
appreciation to the members of the Commemoration Committee, and to
Ambassador Nazarian who "represents for us the strength of our country," the
Primate declared, "May the ties between Armenia and the diaspora always and
forever grow stronger."
The closing prayer by Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian, and the singing of the
Hayr Mer by all present closed a memorable day of reflection and gratitude.
The Commemoration Committee was under the auspices of the Primate, and under
the direction of the Cathedral Dean, Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian.
Committee members included Paul and Berta Zakian, co-chairs; Araks Yeramyan
Andrews, Talene Baroyan, Sona Haratunian, Dr. Kevork Niksarli, Shoghik
Oganesyan, Avedis Ohannessian and Vartges Saroyan.
* * *
PHOTO CAPTION (SVC45thAnv1):
Diocesan Primate Abp. Khajag Barsamian presents the Relic of St. Vartan to
the congregation, during the Divine Liturgy honoring the 45th anniversary of
New York's St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, on September 15, 2013.
PHOTO CAPTION (SVC45thAnv2):
Members of the Mid-Atlantic Knights of Vartan escort the Relic of St. Vartan
into St. Vartan Cathedral, on September 15, 2013.
PHOTO CAPTION (SVC45thAnv3):
The faithful express their devotion to the Relic of St. Vartan, during the
45th anniversary Divine Liturgy at New York's St. Vartan Cathedral.
PHOTO CAPTION (SVC45thAnv4):
Prof. Mark Movsesian of St. John's School of Law, keynote speaker at the St.
Vartan Cathedral 45th anniversary luncheon, on September 15, 2013.
PHOTO CAPTION (SVC45thAnv5):
Mistress of Ceremonies Arpine Barseghian, a medical student, at the
cathedral 45th anniversary luncheon.
PHOTO CAPTION (SVC45thAnv6):
Abp. Yeghishe Gizirian speaks with Cathedral 45th anniversary committee
co-chair Paul Zakian (left) and keynote speaker Mark Movsesian (right).
# # #
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]
Web: http://www.armenianchurch-ed.net
September 20, 2013
__________________________________________________ __
CATHEDRAL 45TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATED IN GRAND STYLE
By Florence Avakian
It was an inspiring day, historic as well as futuristic, as more than 200
parishioners and friends gathered in Haik and Alice Kavookjian Auditorium on
Sunday, September 15 to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the consecration
of St. Vartan Cathedral in New York.
The event took place following the celebration of the badarak by the Primate
of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), Archbishop
Kahajag Barsamian on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The
names of more than 150 departed St. Vartan godfathers and Cathedral Project
committee members were read in a special requiem service during the
services.
In his homily, the Primate recounted the spiritual importance and symbolism
of the cathedral-not only for the Armenian community, also for Americans who
have come to pray and light candles throughout countless occasions. He
especially singled out the tragic day of September 11, 2001, when hundreds
of people entered the sanctuary to find solace and comfort in the wake of
the terrorist attack on New York.
The Primate also expressed great appreciation to the Catholicos of All
Armenians Karekin II for his gift to the Eastern Diocese of the
1500-year-old relic of St. Vartan the Brave, in honor of this 45th
anniversary. The precious relic, a piece of stone encrusted with the blood
of St. Vartan, is encased in a hand-crafted silver cross, which was
sanctified in Etchmiadzin in a special ceremony in late August, and brought
to St. Vartan Cathedral. It was unveiled for the first time on Sunday in a
procession led by members of the Knights of Vartan.
Opening the luncheon and program in Kavookjian Hall, Archbishop Yeghishe
Gizirian gave the invocation after which Commemoration Committee co-chair
Paul Zakian offered a toast to "all who sacrificed for this sacred place."
Mistress of Ceremonies Arpine Barseghian, a medical student, speaking in
English and Armenian, introduced the keynote speaker: Mark Movsesian,
Professor of Law at St. John's University, and an authority on the nexus of
law and religion.
* Part of the City's Fabric
In an inspiring address, Movsesian related that this
cathedral which was consecrated by the late Catholicos of All Armenians
Vasken I "required vision, skill and courage, and has been part of the
fabric of this city." Modeled in part on the ancient St. Hripsime Church in
Armenia, it is not only a "monument to antiquity, but a living spiritual and
cultural center."
He recounted many milestones that have taken place in the cathedral,
including the liturgical celebrations, events for young people, families,
and the elderly, musical performances, art exhibitions, spiritual and
educational workshops and ecumenical gatherings.
Dedicated to Vartan the Brave whom, in preserving Christianity for Armenia,
achieved a "moral victory," the history of St. Vartan "resonates with the
concept of religious liberty that is so fundamental to American culture-the
arguments of waves of immigrants who came here," he continued. "Many of
these immigrants came so that they could worship God free from state
compulsion."
* Sacrifice, Martyrdom, Survival, Rebirth
The story of Avarayr is one of "blood and sacrifice, of martyrdom and
survival, emblematic of our history as a Christian people from the
beginning." The Genocide survivors were the founders of this cathedral,
Prof. Movsesian noted, and "associated this new American cathedral with the
message of survival and rebirth." Many have since come having survived
persecution in Azerbaijan in the 1980s; and even the Copts who also have
suffered persecution, conduct services here, he related.
The name of St. Vartan is a reminder that in other parts of the world,
especially in Syria today, Armenians "continue to pay a price for their
faith," Movsesian declared. "We must do what we can to help our brothers and
sisters who are persecuted for their religion - our religion-and welcome
them as our ancestors did. May the cathedral be a symbol of hope for them."
To the delight of the audience, St. Vartan Armenian School students Erik
Assatryan, Valentina Assatryan, Marar Makarian, Ariana Pamoukian and Jano
Tokatiyan recited several beloved Armenian poems in clear and proud voices.
Violinist Sami Mardinian and pianist Riko Higuma offered selections from
Komitas, Khachaturian and Edgar Baghdasarian.
A video presentation was shown outlining the cathedral building's history
and consecration, produced by Artur Petrosyan and narrated by the Diocesan
Communications director Chris Zakian.
Armenia's Ambassador to the United Nations Garen Nazarian stated that for
Armenians who live outside of Armenia, the cathedral is "a piece of the
homeland. It is not only a peaceful sanctuary, but also embodies the
strength of our faith, our spiritual and cultural heritage, and symbolizes
the memory of our history and our reconstructed identity." He recalled how
during the late '80s and early '90s, with Armenia struggling after the
devastating earthquake, war, blockades, and a depressed economy, St. Vartan
Cathedral and the Diocese served as a launching point for many of the relief
efforts to support the "vital programs" in Armenia and Karabagh.
The mission of the church today, the ambassador continued, is "revival and
renewal of our religion and social lives. The Armenian Apostolic Church has
always been, is, and will be our solid pillar of faith and love towards each
other, and towards the homeland."
* The Dream Became Reality
Closing the memorable evening, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian recalled the
powerful "I Have a Dream" speech of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. "This
dream became a reality for us in this country of equality and opportunity.
The dream of the Armenian immigrants-60, 70, 80 years ago-became a reality.
Here, we welcomed the first ambassador of a free Armenia, and here we now
see the young people reciting in Armenian."
That was the dream of those who built this cathedral, and "we express our
deep appreciation to them. The dream now is to see that the younger
generation feels proud of their identity," the Primate stated. "It's our
mission to keep the dream alive now and in the future." Expressing
appreciation to the members of the Commemoration Committee, and to
Ambassador Nazarian who "represents for us the strength of our country," the
Primate declared, "May the ties between Armenia and the diaspora always and
forever grow stronger."
The closing prayer by Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian, and the singing of the
Hayr Mer by all present closed a memorable day of reflection and gratitude.
The Commemoration Committee was under the auspices of the Primate, and under
the direction of the Cathedral Dean, Very Rev. Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian.
Committee members included Paul and Berta Zakian, co-chairs; Araks Yeramyan
Andrews, Talene Baroyan, Sona Haratunian, Dr. Kevork Niksarli, Shoghik
Oganesyan, Avedis Ohannessian and Vartges Saroyan.
* * *
PHOTO CAPTION (SVC45thAnv1):
Diocesan Primate Abp. Khajag Barsamian presents the Relic of St. Vartan to
the congregation, during the Divine Liturgy honoring the 45th anniversary of
New York's St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral, on September 15, 2013.
PHOTO CAPTION (SVC45thAnv2):
Members of the Mid-Atlantic Knights of Vartan escort the Relic of St. Vartan
into St. Vartan Cathedral, on September 15, 2013.
PHOTO CAPTION (SVC45thAnv3):
The faithful express their devotion to the Relic of St. Vartan, during the
45th anniversary Divine Liturgy at New York's St. Vartan Cathedral.
PHOTO CAPTION (SVC45thAnv4):
Prof. Mark Movsesian of St. John's School of Law, keynote speaker at the St.
Vartan Cathedral 45th anniversary luncheon, on September 15, 2013.
PHOTO CAPTION (SVC45thAnv5):
Mistress of Ceremonies Arpine Barseghian, a medical student, at the
cathedral 45th anniversary luncheon.
PHOTO CAPTION (SVC45thAnv6):
Abp. Yeghishe Gizirian speaks with Cathedral 45th anniversary committee
co-chair Paul Zakian (left) and keynote speaker Mark Movsesian (right).
# # #