St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church

40 Pages·2015·3.53 MB·English

His Holiness Aram I

Catholicos of the
Great House of Cilicia
St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church
158 Main Street, North Andover, MA 01845
Tel/Fax: [phone]
Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian, Pastor

April-June 2015

Web: www.saintgregory.org Email: [email protected]
AGHAVNI April – June 2015 Page 2 of 40

Board of Trustees:

Christine Kourkounian

Joe Almasian

Vartkes Hovsepian

Steven Mahlebjian

Richard Shahtanian
John Boloian
Jeff Sarkisian
Greg Afarian
Melanie Tokatlian
Olga Sarkisian (Alternate)

Church Bookkeeper:

Olga Sarkisian

NRA Delegates:

Armen Jeknavorian

Tom Vartabedian
Rita Sarkisian

Ladies’ Guild:
Sossy Jeknavorian

Men’s Club

Armen Jeknavorian

Avak Programs:

Tom & Nancy Vartabedian

Family Night:
Sossy Jeknavorian

Building Committee:
Richard Shahtanian

Sunday School /
Armenian School:

Sossy Jeknavorian

Deacons:
Avedis Garavanian

Arek Kalaydjian

A Publication of John Saryan
St. Gregory Armenian
Choir Director/Organist:
Apostolic Church Knarik Nerkararyan/Arsen Russian
158 Main Street

Newsletter Committee:
North Andover, MA 01845
Der Stephan Baljian, Christine Kourkounian,
[phone] Sossy Jeknavorian, Martha Hananian, Tom Vartabedian,
Lisa Apovian, Violet Dagdigian, John Boloian
AGHAVNI April – June 2015 Page 3 of 40
Pastor’s Message

A Monumental Year for the Armenian Community

The year 2015 has so far been a monumental year for the Armenian Community of the Eastern United States. We
have witnessed two unique historic events: 1) the commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide of 1915, and 2) the Pontifical Visit of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia. These
events brought new impetus and charisma to our communities around the world and to the faithful sons and daughters
of the Armenian Nation and Holy Apostolic Church living here in the United States.
We had been preparing for the 100th Anniversary for some time now, and the years leading up to this historic one
have seen increased recognition and awareness of the Genocide in the political, academic and social spheres around
the world, among Armenians and non-Armenians alike. The events of April 24th weekend – the canonization of the
Holy Martyrs as saints of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the tolling of church bells, the various marches,
demonstrations and cultural programs around the world (including Yerevan, New York, Los Angeles and notably
Istanbul)- along with the national commemorative events that took place in Washington D.C. during May 7-9 were all
in their own right memorable, compelling and promising of further momentum in recognition and awareness for the
future. I believe they also helped Armenians in both the homeland and the Diaspora to rediscover and reclaim some of
the Armenian spirit and identity weakened or distorted during the turbulent years of the Genocide.
Another unique aspect of the 100th Anniversary was the joint visit of the two Catholicoi of the Armenian
Apostolic Church, Their Holinesses Karekin II of Holy Echmiadzin and Aram I of the Great House of Cilicia. Amidst
an atmosphere of solidarity and brotherly fellowship, the two Catholicoi (along with President Serj Sargisyan of the
Republic of Armenia) each spread their own unique messages of hope and inspiration to the Armenian people,
remembering the losses we have endured, enumerating the call for justice and encouraging the Armenians of both the
homeland and the Diaspora to strive to preserve the Armenian Christian faith, language, values and culture in the
modern age of the 21st century.
For all the historicity, grand scale and majesty of these events, the most impactful aspect of them, at least in my
opinion, was the element of “togetherness.” Armenians from around the world, from around the Eastern United
States, New England and Merrimack Valley reached over political, ideological and jurisdictional bounds and were
together in one unified commemoration of the tragic events of the past, with an eye toward further cooperation and
oneness of purpose in the future.
As an extension of his visit to the USA for the national commemorative events, the Eastern Prelacy decided to
host Catholicos Aram I for a Pontifical Visit that lasted until June 6. During these three weeks, Aram Vehapar
travelled to many Armenian communities in the Mid-Atlantic, Mid-west and New England regions.
The theme of the Pontifical Visit was “Your Church. Your Nation. Engage.” In his powerful messages, on so
many occasions, Aram Vehapar elaborated on the importance of dynamic and meaningful engagement of the
Armenian people in all aspects of community life, whether it be in the religious, national, political or cultural. He
stressed the unique Christian character of the Armenian identity, with its affinity for the message of Gospel and love
for the Armenian Apostolic Church. He taught us to hold on firmly to the truths and moral values handed down to us
through them, as generations of our ancestors had done for centuries in the past.
While, for the most part, the events of the 100th Anniversary have drawn to a close, and Catholicos Aram I has
long since returned to the Holy See of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon, it is my prayer that the spirit of these two
significant events would remain with us, inspiring our church and faithful people to go about the work of living a life
of faithfulness to our Lord’s Gospel and Holy Church and loyalty to our proud Armenian nation.

Prayerfully,
Fr. Stephan Baljian, Pastor
A reminder that requiem services (hokehankeesd) for loved ones can be scheduled for each Sunday throughout the
year. It is important that we continue to pray for our departed loves ones. Donations for services can be made in
the church office. If you would like to schedule a requiem service for a loved one, please contact the church office
by Thursday in order for it to be printed in the weekly bulletin.
AGHAVNI April – June 2015 Page 4 of 40
Ask Der Hayr - Is heaven a gated community?

This is a good question. We should first begin by saying that as Christians everything we understand
about God is in the context of his king-ship (the state of his being our king) and his king-dom (the reality of
his reign in the life of the world). Too often, we let the material world and the society around us shape our
perception of the immaterial world and the kingdom of God. We must see heaven not as a geographic place
(similar to any other region we may be familiar with), but truly as a spiritual kingdom that is part of another
type of existence altogether.
In the Bible, there are a few places that describe what the “Kingdom” or “City” of God will look like.
Since in ancient times all cities had protective walls built around them (for safety reasons), it should come
as no surprise that when St. John the Evangelist writes his description of the “holy city, the new Jerusalem”
in the Book of Revelation (21:2) he mentions that the city has twelve gates and writes a detailed description
of them. (See Revelation 21:11-
14)
He also mentions later on
that, in addition to there being
no temple in the city (the Father
and Son are its temple) and that
it has no need for the sun or
moon (since God himself
provides the light), “its gates
will never be shut by day—and
there will be no night there.” So
we see that against a backdrop
of perpetual daytime (since no
darkness dwells in God at all),
the gates of heaven can and will
remain open at all times. In the
presence of the Holy Trinity,
there is no need to be fearful
during the daytime, and there
isn’t even a nighttime to be
fearful of in the first place!
So then we may ask, “With the gates of heaven open all the time, isn’t there a chance that evil may enter
and once again tempt mankind to fall into sin, as happened at the beginning of creation?”
The answer to this question is difficult to understand, but would be simply that those who in their very
being have rejected God’s love, authority, Fatherhood and salvation will be so hardened in their hearts and
dead set against Him, that they will not even want to be anywhere his kingdom. In fact, they will flee as far
away as they possibly can get, because their thoughts, words and deeds are evil. The Book of Revelation
(21:26-27) makes it clear that “Nothing unclean will enter it, nor anyone who practices abomination or
falsehood, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”
As Christians, we must act in the opposite way. Our search for God and his kingdom must begin in this
life. Jesus Christ has revealed that kingdom to us, and shown us that he is the victorious, glorified king over
all creation. He taught us that there is a place prepared in the heavenly city for each of us followers and we
can inherit this place in the city by making sure to live a life in God and with God – praising his name and
keeping his commandments – here and now.
AGHAVNI April – June 2015 Page 5 of 40
Message From the Board of Trustees

The school year has been wrapped up, and now is about the time we are heading on our summer
vacations. It is our hope that we continue to see you in church this summer! To that end, please note that
we are now having summer hours. Divine Liturgy in the summer will begin at 9:30 AM. As always, if you
wish to have a requiem service for your loved ones, please continue to contact the church office prior to the
Thursday before so that it can be placed in the Sunday bulletin.

On May 17, St. Gregory held its annual Sunday & Armenian School commencement program.
Congratulations again to our graduates this year – Lucille Barberian, Nicholas Kulungian, John Mahlebjian,
Nicolas Kochakian and Mary Frounjian! We are proud of you and wish you the very best in the future!

In June this year, the Men’s Club Cigar Night and Dinner was held with unprecedented success. This
year the Men’s Club added the raffle of a Mercedes Benz to the mix and there was much excitement about
the event. We are so proud of the Men’s Club and all of their efforts! The Ladies Guild held their annual
Food Fair. We give our special thanks to the Guild for all of their hard work as always.

But we would be remiss if we did not note that the most memorable events that have taken place of the
past few months were those in commemoration of the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide - the pride and
unity in our cause that we feel as Armenians was truly remarkable. During this historic time, Armenians all
over the world gathered and joined together to remember our painful past but always with hope toward our
future. Through the Armenian Genocide Committee in Boston as well as the events planned and executed
by the Eastern Prelacy, many parishioners of St. Gregory had the opportunity to participate in many events
– both on the local and national levels – and we are very proud that parishioners of St. Gregory have had so
much participation in all events. This was all followed by the long awaited visit from His Holiness
Catholicos Aram I as he visited the Boston area in late May.

Beginning in early April, we hosted a Family Night followed by a Candlelight Vigil which was widely
publicized in the local media. Later in the month, several parishioners participated in an Ecumenical
service in Boston hosted by the Armenian Centennial Committee. The weekend culminated with the State
House rally in Boston followed by a march to Heritage Park. Lastly, over 50 parishioners of St. Gregory
participated in a historic march in New York Times Square where over 10,000 Armenians were in
attendance to remember the Genocide and its victims. In May, there were several events in our nation’s
capital to commemorate the Genocide. Other news included a Proclamation that was issued by our very
own Town of North Andover in remembrance of the Genocide.

We were also proud to support our sister community at St. Stephen’s in Watertown in attending the
events marking the visit of His Holiness Aram I from the banquet in late May as well as the Pontifical
Badarak. We were blessed to hear the message that our spiritual leader conveyed to us – giving us hope as
Armenians and a renewed perspective on the future.

One wonders where all of this leads. “I remember, I demand” were the words spoken over the last few
months – let us hope that there is momentum on this front for years to come in that we continue to work
toward preserving our Armenian culture, our Armenian Church and our responsibility toward and love of
both.
Christine Kourkounian, Chair
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NRA wraps up historic Watertown visit by Pontiff
by Tom Vartabedian

Watertown, MA — Unprecedented! Historic! Impeccable! Truly unique!
Superlatives are in order as the National Representative Assembly of the
Eastern Prelacy ended its conclave on a rather historic note June 4-6.
For the first time ever, in this convention’s history, a gathering of more than
100 delegates and clergy heard in person His Holiness Aram 1, Catholicos of the
Great House of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon.
The Pontiff rounded out a month-long visit with a rousing message focused
upon unity, the power of youth, resourcefulness and greater involvement within the
church structure. In short, not only bringing the church to the people but quite the
reverse.
In previous years, the delegation heard from the Vehapar via Skype or through
a recorded or televised message of some sort, or through a written correspondence.
As members gathered in the sanctuary of St. Stephen’s Church, in walked His
Holiness led by his entourage. He took his seat on the altar between Serpazans
Oshagan and Anoushavan as clergy from 18 churches occupied their front-row
seats, joined by an enthused audience situated behind.
He had just flown back from a visit to Toronto and admitted being a little tired
but buoyant as his mission neared its end. It seemed that weariness never truly showed with the Pontiff upon visits
from one location to another, including an electric presence in Washington, DC.
“For the past four weeks, I’ve been with my community on a parish and Prelacy level,” he told members, many of
whom held their cellular phones in overdrive. “I’ve listened and I’ve heard. We must all engage ourselves in a
listening and learning process. Only then can we assess our problems and move forward with progress.”
The Vehapar admitted that some of his most genuine moments were with the youth, especially at St. Stephen’s
Church and at the Junior AYF Seminar. In the end, he passed out accolades to the following:
• Both the Prelate and the Vicar of the Eastern
Prelacy for their leadership and service.
• The clergy en masse for its spiritual
guidance and leadership.
• The Executive Council, Board of Trustees
in various parishes, the different church
organizations, and formational committee planning
his visit.
“Collaboration between the Diocese and
Prelacy-related churches is a must,” he confirmed.
“In the last decade, advances have been made in this
direction, both regionally and nationally. It’s been a
renewed effort that has been wholesome to our
church and nation in the Diaspora.”
The Vehapar, together with Archbishop Oshagan, then conferred a Pectoral cross upon Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian
for a decade of commendable service to the Prelacy. Der Lakissian is pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in NYC
and secretary of the Religious Council.
Meanwhile, the Ladies Guild (NALG) met separately at an alternate site with some 40 delegates in attendance.
Heard was an inspiring talk from Maro Matosian, director, Women’s Support Center in Yerevan.
Special applause went to Madonna Kzirian and Sharke DerApkarian for completing their terms, the latter six
years in executive office. Commending their work was John Daghlian, the Prelacy’s liaison to the Guild.
NRA co-chairmen Jack Mardoian and Artin Dermenjian kept the meetings orderly and fastidious. A motion to
make the NRA biennial (every two years) was narrowly defeated, keeping it annual. Next year’s gathering will take
place in Douglaston, NY, hosted by St. Sarkis Church.
AGHAVNI April – June 2015 Page 7 of 40
(NRA, continued…)

In what was a wonderful touch to tradition, Archbishop Oshagan conferred the usual NRA awards to individuals
for their invaluable service to the community. It was all about family here.
Heather (Apigian) Krafian was presented an award for distinguished service to her community for the invaluable
work she has rendered to the Armenian Relief Society, the elementary school, Board of Trustees, 24 years with the
Education Committee and the trips to Armenia for the schoolchildren.
Despite some medical issues, Heather has been unwavering in her quest toward family, the various organizations
and most important, her church and its people. There is also the Armenia Tree Project, Armenian National Committee
and Haireniks anniversaries to which she was indebted.
In a statement, of all the causes, all the venues and organizations, the most important mission was her family with
husband Ara and her four daughters, all of whom are chips off the parental block.
Four youth awards were also bestowed by Serpazan, including one to Nairi Krafian, a model Sunday Schooler, a
key member to the children’s choir, and a teaching aide in her Sunday School, as well as a music teacher for the
younger ones.
Also, add the fact she was an Armenian School teacher and nature instructor at Camp Haiastan, not to exclude her
athletic prowess as a gold medalist in the AYF Olympics. Nairi also organized the annual Walk for Life fundraiser for
the Armenian Bone Marrow Registry and continues to stay involved.
Two other awards went to the brother-sister tandem of Anahis & Antranig Kechejian, for their impeccable work
with “Stand Up For Your Survivor” in identifying survivors of the Armenian Genocide in an era of diminishing
numbers.
Both recipients are active in their church and communities and have brought a vital complement to the genocide
commemorations in Greater Boston. People holding posters of their survivors are grateful for the opportunity to stay
connected with their loved ones.
Ani Belorian was tapped for her academic and extra-curricular achievements, along with her leadership skills and
exemplary behavior. Her thoughtful approach to literacy activities and her theatrical flair benefit the youngster in
reading, writing and social studies. She edits writing assignments and directs presentations.
The group was also treated to a wonderful performance by the students of the Abaka Dance School.
With parting words, Serpazan Oshagan was adamant toward the dawn of a new era for his Prelacy, especially
with the reconstruction of its quarters.
“I hope we will confront the challenges before us harmoniously and decisively,” he told the delegates. “By
creating more space and improvements, we benefit the success of our programs and the perpetual continuation of our
mission.”
Elected to the Executive Council were: Noubar Megerian, Sue Ericson, Daniel Gulbankian and Karen Jehanian.
Named to the Religious Council were: Rev. Mesrob Lakissian and Rev. Archpriest Nerses Manougian.
The hospitality committee left no stone unturned with a lobster dinner and the distribution of tee-shirts
commemorating the centennial with the Forget-Me-Not flower.
Two other presentations were made to Rev. Archpriest Aram Stepanian and Executive Council activist John
Daghlian (three terms) for their unwavering service to the Prelacy. Daghlian pointed to his dad, the late Rev.
Archpriest Arshag Daghlian, as being the motivating force behind his service.
Leo Vartanian launched his own efforts toward the Syrian Relief Fund and others reciprocated, raising hundreds
of dollars impromptu.
Considering his family longevity, Steve Hagopian, chairman of the Executive Council, followed in the footsteps
of his grandfather – a first delegate – to his father. A birthday celebration was in order. More importantly, his years of
unquenchable service as chairman and spokesman for the Prelacy. “It’s time for fresh eyes,” he told the gathering,
upon retiring as a delegate. “I’ll always be attached to the Prelacy.”
Antranik Boudakian reported 640 Prelacy tickets being sold, a slight decrease from previous years. Winners will
be announced separately.
In a rather emotional moment, a tearful Der Aram embraced his long-time friend Rev. Archpriest Gomidas
Baghsarian upon his retirement from the Religious Council with the words:

“I love you brother!”
AGHAVNI April – June 2015 Page 8 of 40
Our community remembers April 24th…
AGHAVNI April – June 2015 Page 9 of 40
NEW SHARAGANS FOR MARTYRS
By Tom Vartabedian

Armenian churches throughout the world are about to canonize the Armenian Martyrs of 1915 into sainthood.
And what better way is there to dedicate the momentous occasion than with sharagans (hymns) composed by the late
Archbishop Zareh Aznavorian, a gifted musician/author from Lebanon and member of the Cilician Brotherhood who
lived from 1947-2004.
The declaration of the new saints takes place April 23 at Holy Etchmiadzin by the two Catholicoi, His Holiness
Aram I and His Holiness Karekin II, and is expected to lend new vibrancy to the already rich liturgical calendar of the
Armenian Apostolic Church.
The book containing all 1,166
canonical sharagans of the Armenian
Church -- known as Sharagnots --
dates back in time to St. Mesrop
Mashtots, inventor of the Armenian
Alphabet, in 404 AD. It was slowly
compiled over the centuries of
Armenian literature's "Golden Age."
The last recorded hymn in the
Sharagnots was composed in 1478 by
the monk Giragos – until now.
“No new saints have been added
to the list in more than 500 years,”
confirmed Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian,
pastor, St. Gregory Church, North
Andover. “The liturgical calendar
hasn’t been touched in all that time.
This is a perfect opportunity, as we
recognize the martyrs during this centennial year, to once again welcome new liturgical developments into our
Church life."
The canon of hymns dedicated to the martyrs of April were written by Archbishop Aznavorian (words and music)
and published by the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia in 1990 for the 75th anniversary of the genocide.
Now, 25 years later, it’s being revisited for use as the official canon of hymns of the genocide martyrs.
“In the Armenian Church tradition, the sharagans are written for festal occasions,” Der Stephan added. “The
addition of new saints warrants a new feast being added to the calendar and therefore new hymns are needed to be
sung.”
For the past five years, a committee of theologians from both Catholicosal Sees has met to address the issues and
study the formalities of this canonization from the theological, liturgical, sanctoral, procedural and practical angles.
Among the members is Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the Eastern Prelacy, who has made it his
passionate call.
“Rather than look elsewhere for a new one to be written for the occasion, I am pleased that the committee decided
to adopt the present canon of hymns to be the official canon for the new feast day,” Anoushavan Srpazan indicated.
The new hymns will first be sung at the canonization service April 23 in Etchmiadzin, and then will be
transmitted to churches around the world in places like Boston and New York and sung annually throughout that
particular feast day.
Essentially, it will contain an hour’s worth of music spread out over the eight sharagans (=canon) that are sung
throughout the liturgical day. One sharagan will be used as a processional hymn during the Pontifical Liturgy on May
9 in Washington, DC.
Der Stephan was given the task of making a recording of the hymns by Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, in order
to give priests a learning tool for his Prelacy. The task was to get it recorded and distributed before the Washington,
DC observances.
“Der Stephan is a gifted musician as well as an engaged and dedicated shepherd of his flock. I am grateful to him
AGHAVNI April – June 2015 Page 10 of 40
(Sharagans, continued…)

and to John Boloian for their artful embrace of this project,” said Archbishop Oshagan.
“The intent was to get the hymns into people’s ears and oriented into the church,” Der Stephan said. “From a
spiritual perspective, the music describes the martyrdom and those who died for their faith. Just as the Jews have a
theology of the Holocaust, we now have contained in Zareh Srpazan's hymns our own theology of the Armenian
Genocide.”
The recording was recently finished by Der Stephan, who took on the challenge immediately and enlisted the
support of engineer John Boloian. St. Gregory Church was transformed into a recording studio, all done digitally and
mixed by Boloian, a Trustee and former audiovisual technician.
“It will be a great help for priests so they can teach their respective deacons and choir directors,” he said. “My
hope is that it will reach a wider audience. The music has a lot to offer with beautiful words.”
Der Stephan has been ordained for seven years and has shepherded St. Gregory church for the past 18 months
after moving there from Granite City. He has a degree in music and has written several compositions.

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Images from April 24 - Boston