Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), visited the St. James Church of Watertown, Mass., on Sunday, December 15, as the parish observed its 82nd anniversary and held its annual name day banquet. The Rev. Fr. Arakel Aljalian, parish pastor, celebrated the Divine Liturgy, during which Archbishop Barsamian ordained subdeacon Shant Broukian to the diaconate. Also taking part in the service were the Very Rev. Fr. Krikor Maksoudian, Rev. Fr. Arsen Barsamian, and Rev. Fr. Dajad Davidian.
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: chrisz@armeniandiocese.org
Website: www.armenianchurch-ed.net
December 31, 2013
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WATERTOWN CELEBRATES ITS NAME DAY
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), visited the St. James Church of Watertown, Mass., on Sunday, December 15, as the parish observed its 82nd anniversary and held its annual name day banquet.
The Rev. Fr. Arakel Aljalian, parish pastor, celebrated the Divine Liturgy, during which Archbishop Barsamian ordained subdeacon Shant Broukian to the diaconate. Also taking part in the service were the Very Rev. Fr. Krikor Maksoudian, Rev. Fr. Arsen Barsamian, and Rev. Fr. Dajad Davidian.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a banquet was held to celebrate the Feast of St. James the Bishop of Nisibis, for whom the Watertown church is named.
Two longtime parishioners, Haig Krekor Deranian and Charles Shahe Guleserian, were presented with the “Parishioner of the Year” award. Despite a snowstorm in Boston the night before, the community gathered to congratulate the honorees, who have lovingly served their parish and Diocese for more than 30 years.
Both Mr. Deranian and Mr. Guleserian have served as Sunday School teachers, parish council chairs, and Diocesan delegates, in addition to taking up other roles at the local and Diocesan levels.
During the banquet program, Mr. Deranian and Mr. Guleserian’s sons offered warm memories of the influence their fathers have had in their lives. Fr. Davidian, who grew up with both honorees, offered congratulatory remarks.
Mr. Deranian began attending St. James Church in 1953. He said he is most proud of his 17 years as a Sunday School teacher. In addition to serving his parish, he has taken on leadership roles with the Armenian Church Endowment Fund (ACEF) and is a member of the Diocesan Board of Trustees. Mr. Deranian has also been active in the local Armenian community, especially through the Knights of Vartan.
A lifelong member of St. James, Mr. Guleserian recalls his parents enrolling him in Sunday School in 1944. For the past 23 years, he has served as a Diocesan delegate, and is also a member of the Diocesan Board of Trustees. In addition, Mr. Guleserian is co-vice president of the Armenian Heritage Park Foundation and a member of the Knights of Vartan.
Archbishop Barsamian expressed his appreciation to Mr. Deranian and Mr. Guleserian for their dedication to the Armenian Church.
“Thank you for dedicating your time, talents, and treasure to the Armenian Church. You are examples to the young generation of parishioners,” he said. “May the Lord continue to bless you both and guide you in your service.”
Last year’s Parishioners of the Year, Ed Brewster and Karen Dederyan, organized this year’s banquet.
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Photos attached.
Photo 1: Newly ordained deacon Shant Broukian serves on the altar.
Photo 2: From left: Charles Shahe Guleserian, Rev. Fr. Arakel Aljalian, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, and Haig Krekor Deranian.
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