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:

October 25, 2006
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PARISH HONORS PAST GENERATIONS WHO LAID FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH

By Jake Goshert

One-hundred years ago, the Armenians in Union City, NJ, had humble jobs.
They were factory workers and janitors. They might have made about $7 a
week.

They had very little, and lived simple lives. But there was one thing
missing from their community: A church. Though the community had solidified
into a parish in 1891, it took eight years for the community members to
raise the $1,000 needed to start construction of the Holy Cross Church.

"The founders really did sacrifice," said Nubar Dorian, Diocesan delegate
from Holy Cross. "They decided to start collecting themselves among
themselves, to put $1 every week took aside for this project. It took seven
years of collecting pennies and quarters. And they weren’t able to build
anything but a plane structure. Our church, when you go by, if not for the
cross you wouldn’t know it was a church because the building is plain. But
they gave from the heart. That’s the significance of our anniversary."

The church marked its 100th anniversary on October 15, 2006. It is the
oldest Armenian Church location still in operation in the United States.

FOLLOWING A LEGACY

"This is an example of how our grandparents and parents believed in the
church so much that they were ready to sacrifice," Dorian said. "It is a
wonderful example, not of do what I say, but look at what I have done and
follow it. And our present members are really dedicated to the church and
continuing that legacy."

The parish can actually be considered a grandfather community. Its leaders
went on to form many of the Armenian Churches in New Jersey as demographics
shifted and the Armenians moved throughout the state. And though that
demographic shift might have decreased the size of the Holy Cross community
in recent years, the parish’s spirit is still alive and well.

"We have deep faith in the mission of the church," Dorian said. "The
continuity of the church is assured, even if at a reduced pace. Because it
is not the number of parishioners, it is the dedication of the parish
members."

THANKING THE PAST

About 425 people attended the anniversary event, including Archbishop Khajag
Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, who celebrated the day’s Divine
Liturgy; the parish’s former pastor, Archbishop Vache Hovsepian; and Bishop
Sion Adamian from the Armavir Diocese in Armenia.

"To me, the importance of an occasion that calls for looking back can lose
its importance, if in looking back we fail to learn the lessons of our
history, to unify us in our efforts going forward," the Primate said.
"That, to me, is why an anniversary, such as this one, is so important. The
vision forward is fortified and made bold by looking back, by looking
reverently on the foundation stones of our heritage and history, on which we
seek to build for tomorrow and beyond."

"Armenians, in Union City, were few in number at the turn of the century.
And, we were poor," the Primate added. "Nevertheless we summoned the
resolve to build. Can you imagine? New to this country, outsiders, with
limited means, yet motivated with hope and vision to build a church. They
built in hard times. I hope every time you enter this place you are both
humbled and inspired by the vision and labor of those now long departed."

The parish’s pastor, Fr. Vazken Karayan, said the Primate’s message was
fitting, because the parish today is truly buoyed by the efforts of
yesterday.

"Thanks to the former parishioners, who contributed so much, we have this
divine institution," Fr. Karayan said. "They sacrificed everything,
because, although they didn’t have money to purchase a house for themselves,
they found money to build a church. This was very touching and very
though."

During the celebration, five individuals from the parish were honored with
pontifical encyclicals from His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians. They were Dn. Hagop Hovsepian, Sylvia Bozoyan,
Philip Arpiarian, Ann Dadaian, and Mary Shalakian.

But the day was not focused on those who had given to the parish in the
past. It was forward looking, with young children from the parish’s Sunday
School getting involved.

"It was symbolic of the changing of guards," Fr. Karayan said. "It is
important because the new generation, the children who receive Christian
education in our Sunday Schools, will be the future parish council members
who will carry the torch of our Christianity."

PROVIDING TOOLS

While the founding generation secured a building, following parishioners
gave the church a solid financial footing to grow. The parish manages a $2
million endowment fund, which provides continuing financial strength to the
parish.

"Today we are the luckiest generation," Fr. Karayan said. "We inherited a
priceless treasure, the church. It is our moral responsibility to plant
healthy spiritual seeds in the hearts of our young generation. I hope we
will all follow in the footsteps of our ancestors, imitate their genuine
faith, selfless devotion, exemplary commitment, and remarkable dedication.
Today we remember them with pride and gratitude."

"It is our duty to perpetuate the legacy which they left behind," he added.
"The legacy they left behind is beyond appreciation."

— 10/25/06

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News and
Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern
Diocese, is greeted by parishioners as he enters the Holy Cross Church of
Union City, NJ, during the celebration of the parish’s 100th anniversary on
October 15, 2006.

PHOTO CAPTION (2): Hundreds of parishioners fill the Holy Cross Church of
Union City, NJ, during the anniversary badarak, which included music by the
Gomidas Choir.

PHOTO CAPTION (3): Fr. Vaken Karayan, pastor of the Holy Cross Church of
Union City, NJ, speaks to the parishioners during the banquet on October 15,
2006, marking the parish’s 100th anniversary.

PHOTO CAPTION (4): During the banquet marking the 100th anniversary of the
Holy Cross Church of Union City, NJ, on October 15, 2006, the Primate and
Fr. Karayan join the five parishioners honored with pontifical encyclicals
form His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All
Armenians: Dn. Hagop Hovsepian, Sylvia Bozoyan, Philip Arpiarian, Ann
Dadaian, and Mary Shalakian.