FAITHFUL CELEBRATE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. VARTAN CATHEDRAL IN NEW YORK
by Florence Avakian
Armenian Reporter
http://www.reporte r.am/index.cfm?objectid=235C3AF0-3FF3-752C-2569048 AC39B0F21
October 22, 2008
Armenia
Abp. Khajag Barsamian blesses the faithful in a procession through
St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral at the start of the Divine Liturgy,
celebrated on Oct. 12 on the occasion of the cathedral’s 40th
anniversary.
New York – It was more than 80 years ago that dedicated survivors
of the Armenian Genocide conceived the idea of having an Armenian
cathedral in New York City. The visionary and far-sighted idea came
to fruition 40 years ago, in 1968.
On Sunday, October 12, in a gala ceremony honoring the close to 300
founders, planners, organizers, and workers, both living and deceased,
were honored during the Divine Liturgy at that cathedral, St. Vartan,
and at a celebratory luncheon.
"Our people left their homes which they lost in the Genocide, but they
never lost their deep faith," said Archbishop Khajag ÂBarsamian,
Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern),
during the celebration of the Divine Liturgy.
"They made it a true sanctuary of God, not only for themselves, but
for their children, grandchildren, and future generations. It’s the
legacy for all of us, and we thank God and those visionary people."
Just returned from ÂEtchmiadzin, from where he brought back newly
consecrated Holy Muron, the Primate noted that the holy oil which is
the "sign of the Holy Spirit" will be distributed to the 43 parishes
of the Eastern Diocese by 66 young people representing those churches.
A church for all "Muron symbolizes how we are connected to each
other. The Armenian church is a church of engagement also for the
community," the Primate related. "We are not only a church for
Armenians, but also a church of the community," he said, recalling
how hundreds of people streamed into St. Vartan Cathedral following
September 11, 2001.
The eventful day had begun with the Primate accompanied by more
than two dozen priests and deacons entering the packed St. ÂVartan
Cathedral to the majestic hymn, "Hrashapar." During the service, a
special encyclical from Catholicos Karekin II was read by Archbishop
Yeghishe Gizirian. The liturgy was sung by a combined choir with
singers from St. Vartan Cathedral, and churches in New York, New
Jersey, and Connecticut, under the direction of St. Vartan Cathedral
choirmaster Khoren Mekanejian. Accompanying on the organ were the
Very Rev. Mamigon Kiledjian, and Florence Avakian.
Following a requiem service for the deceased founders of St. Vartan
Cathedral, 66 young people from 43 parishes approached the altar two
by two, in an inspiring ceremony, receiving flasks of the Holy Muron,
which they will deliver to their home parishes. The day before, Very
Rev. Daniel Findikian, rector of St. Nersess Armenian Theological
Seminary, had held a training session with the youth, explaining the
significance of the Holy Muron, and how to receive it.
Day of celebration continues The day of celebration continued
with a gala luncheon in Kavookjian Auditorium, with close to 500
in attendance, including Armenia’s permanent representative to the
United Nations, Amb. Armen Martirosyan.
Following the singing of the U.S. and Armenian national anthems
by the St. Vartan Choir, and an invocation by Archbishop Gizirian,
Rev. Father Mardiros Chevian, dean of St. Vartan Cathedral, introduced
the two young emcees, Gregory Andonian, a seminarian at St. Nersess
seminary, and Anoush Varjabedian, a graduate student at Harvard
University. "These talented individuals are two beneficiaries of this
visionary dream which became a reality for all future generations,"
he said.
The chairperson of the Diocesan Council, Oscar Tatosian, offering two
toasts, one to St. Vartan Cathedral, and one to the Primate, remarked
that "we can always see the kmpet (dome) of St. Vartan Cathedral,
but we don’t see the foundation. But that foundation is rock solid."
Ambassador Martirosyan, in bringing good wishes from Armenia and
its people, called St. Vartan Cathedral "our new home here in New
York." He paid tribute to the "wisdom and virtue of the founders to
whom we owe so much. The cathedral is not just a building, but rather
a key center of leadership. It is necessary to protect our national
values and interests."
The Shushi Dance Ensemble of St. Vartan Cathedral, under the tireless
direction of Seta PaskalianÂ-ÂKantardjian, offered a spirited and
exuberant performance of several dance numbers with both the adult
and young members of the troupe, bringing on a standing ovation by
the attendees.
An inspiring seven-minute video showing the making of the Holy Muron
in Etchmiadzin, which takes place every seven years, allowed the
audience, though thousands of miles away, to witness and be part of
this sacred ceremony.
In his closing message and benediction, Archbishop Barsamian called
St. Vartan Cathedral "the home of God, of prayer, of the Armenian
spirit, of the Armenian translators, and of culture. He recalled
that a special evening of art and music had been celebrated at the
cathedral for this 40th birthday on June 19, and expressed special
appreciation to the two co-chairs of the Fortieth Anniversary
Committee, Lynn Beylerian and Sandra Shahinian Leitner, as well as
to all who participated in the day of celebration.
The Primate then presented the St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral Award to
three of the Cathedral godfathers who were present, ÂNazar Nazarian,
Vahan (Vay) Najarian, and Alex Dadourian who accepted the honor also
for his father Dadour and brother Haig, who were godfathers.
In another special tribute, the Primate presented an encyclical and
medal from the Catholicos to each of four extraordinary artists who
have donated their unique talents to the Diocese and church during
the past forty years – celebrated ÂMetropolitan Opera divas Lucine
Amara and Lili Chookasian, famed concert violinist Anahid Ajemian, and
stage and screen legend Kay Armen, who was unable to be present. "We
are one family, one Armenian family," he said in conclusion. The
memorable event ended with the singing of the Hayr Mer by all present.
For artist Mirian Attarian, the day had been "like a beautiful family
reunion. It was especially sweet to name those we have known over
the years, and who have been so important for us."
Longtime TV columnist for the NY Daily News George Maksian, who had
organized the two musical galas for the St. Vartan Cathedral’s 25th
anniversary, and who was thanked for his tireless work by the Primate
during the dinner, commented that it was a "wonderful event. I’m
happy that they honored our artists."
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