PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: jakeg@armeniandiocese.org
Website:
May 13, 2004
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ST. LEON HOSTS APPRECIATION DAY
On May 2, 2004, the St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, held an
Appreciation Day Celebration, during which it honored many parish
volunteers and leaders.
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian
Church of America (Eastern), attended the festivities, and presented S.
Rex Kachigian with the prestigious St. Nersess Shnorhali Medal and a
Pontifical Encyclical on behalf of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos
of All Armenians. The St. Nersess medal is awarded to individuals who
demonstrate outstanding commitment and service to the Armenian Church.
Mr. Kachigian is currently on the parish council and has served the
church for more than 40 years. He has served as parish council
chairman, a diocesan delegate, and oversees the maintence of the parish.
“Pretty much, he has had a hand in every aspect of the life of this
community,” said the parish priest, Fr. Diran Bohajian.
Also honored by the parish that day were Minas Arakelian, Bert
Bedrosian, Dr. Barry Halejian, Barbara Hovsepian, George Kachajian, Anne
Kachigian, Hermon Kasaryan, Rose Kirian, Anne Marootian, Mary Ann
Mozian, Gregg Najarian, Katherine Ohnikian, Grace Pinajian, Takouhi
Soultanian, Dovie Tilbian, Eliz Tossounian, Edna Tungrian, Bertha
Vaniskhian, Berjouhi Varjabedian, and Alice Yazmajian.
“We honored them for their years of service to the community,” Fr.
Bohajian said. “It was a time to say ‘thank you’ to those who have
served in various capacities within the life of the St. Leon Community.
These are people who have really worked diligently to build up the
Armenian Church and the St. Leon community. And they all continue to
serve in the community.”
This was the first such recognition event organized by St. Leon. Fr.
Bohajian says he hopes to create a regular on-going recognition program,
holding celebrations every few years.
“Rex Kachigian is a wonderful example of how to be a good steward. All
these people who were honored are wonderful stewards,” said the Primate,
who noted that this year the Diocese will be focusing on the idea of
stewardship. “Being good stewards mean we are called on to contribute
to the perfection of God’s chosen vessel, His church. By contributing,
I mean giving of ourselves — of our time and talent, as well as our
financial resources – to the greater good of the church.”
— 5/13/04
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable on the Eastern
Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): The Primate presents S. Rex Kachigian with the St.
Nersess Shnorhali Medal and a Pontifical Encyclical on behalf of His
Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, held a celebration
to honor volunteers on May 2, 2004.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Two volunteers are feted by St. Leon Church of Fair
Lawn, NJ, during its Appreciation Day Celebration.
PHOTO CAPTION (4): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian speaks to the
parishioners of St. Leon Church of Fair Lawn, NJ, on May 2, 2004.
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