Last weekend, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), visited St. Kevork Church of Houston, Texas, as the community gathered to observe three milestones: the 30th anniversary of the church, the 20th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Armenia, and the 40th anniversary of Archbishop Barsamian’s ordination into the holy priesthood.
On Saturday, December 3, Archbishop Barsamian ordained 10 altar servers. He was assisted by the parish’s interim pastor, the Rev. Fr. Martiros Hakobyan, and its former visiting pastor, the Rev. Fr. Zenob Nalbandian.
Karabet Balyan was ordained to the diaconate and Haikaz Gharakhanian to the sub-diaconate. Karlen Palyan, Kevork Kasparian, Robert Krbashyan, David Shtenberg, Shant Abrilian, Romik Aevaz, Andre Simonian, and Varuzhan Markosyan were ordained acolytes. A reception followed in the home of parish council chair Vreij Kolandjian.
On Sunday, December 4, Archbishop Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy and blessed a new street sign bearing the name “Armenia Park Drive,” which will be installed on the church’s driveway.
In his sermon, Archbishop Barsamian spoke about lay ministry—the focus of this year’s Diocesan theme. He reminded parishioners that Christ calls all individuals to serve Him, and encouraged them to continue to build on the community’s tradition of dedicated commitment to the Armenian Church.
“‘Ministry’ means 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,” Archbishop Barsamian said. “For many people, such ministry begins in their home and family life. You may not think of it that way. But how else would you describe the communication between husband and wife, their partnership in raising children, and in passing on our faith and heritage? This is one of the most important ministries a person can undertake; parents and children alike should understand it as a ministry to Christ.”
Celebratory banquet
Following services, 350 people gathered for a banquet in the church’s Hekimian Hall. Parish council chair Vreij Kolandjian served as the master of ceremonies, and opened the program with a welcoming address. He spoke about the pride and strength of the community, and expressed his gratitude to the parish’s first pastor, the Rev. Fr. Terenig Kondralian, and its most recent visiting pastor, Fr. Nalbandian. Both clergymen were in attendance on this special occasion.
Mr. Kolandjian also expressed his gratitude to Khoren Mekanejian, the Diocese’s music ministry coordinator, who led workshops for choir members and deacons at the church over the weekend.
Keynote speaker Ambassador Edward P. Djerejian, the founding director of the James Baker Institute for Public Policy at nearby Rice University and a former U.S. Ambassador to Syria and Israel, spoke about Armenia’s development and encouraged people in the diaspora to “be strong advocates of democracy in Armenia.”
“The challenge for Armenians in Armenia and throughout the diaspora today is to work together to ensure that Armenia realizes the true fruits of independence by evolving as a truly democratic state living under the rule of law, providing its people with economic prosperity and security, and pursuing an enlightened foreign policy that maximizes Armenia’s great potential to be a cultural, economic, commercial, scientific, and democratic center in the Caucasus, and as a regional bridge between the North and South and the East and West,” he said.
Presentation of awards
The gathering was also an opportunity to recognize individuals who have shown exemplary service to the parish. Archbishop Barsamian presented the “St. Vartan Award” to Dr. and Mrs. Hagop and Silva Bedikian, and certificates of recognition to Sarkis Ohanian, Andre Melikian, Hulik Stepanian, Deacon Garabet Balyan, Deacon Vrouir Frankian, Zabel Simonian, Lucy Abajian, Raisa Abazajian, Tikranoohi Tajian, Armine Keshishian, Sylvia Dekmezian, Annie Mardickian, and Hamlet Hovsepian.
Archbishop Barsamian also extended his gratitude to Mrs. Shoghig Frankian for the service of her late husband, Deacon Hovig Frankian. In addition, a special thank you was extended to the Khanoyan and Dawood families, who donated the church’s new organ.
The Primate warmly acknowledged Fr. Hakobyan’s recent appointment to the Houston parish, and wished him a fruitful ministry.
During a cultural program, choreographer Hulik Stepanian led dancers in four Armenian dances, and Andre Melikian presented a video highlighting the community’s history and its more recent achievements.
St. Kevork Church was originally located elsewhere in Houston, but in the early 1980s, looking to expand, the community purchased another property and with the support of benefactors Mr. and Mrs. George and Lena Harrison built the current house of worship.
“The whole community participated in making this special day as memorable as possible,” Mr. Kolandjian said of the celebration. “Everything was very carefully thought through and well organized.”
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Editors: In addition to the photos, attached please find a PDF copy of the remarks delivered by Ambassador Edward P. Djerejian in Houston. Please feel free to reproduce his remarks in full.
Photo 1: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, assisted by the Rev. Fr. Martiros Hakobyan, and the Rev. Fr. Zenob Nalbandian, ordains altar servers in Houston, Texas.
Photo 2: Young dancers perform a piece choreographed by Hulik Stepanian during the celebration in Houston, Texas.
Photo 3: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian and parishioners cut the celebratory cake in Houston, Texas.
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: publicrelations@armeniandiocese.org
Website: www.armenianchurch-ed.net
December 12, 2011
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