PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Taleen Babayan
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: publicrelations@armeniandiocese.org
Website:

June 30, 2009

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PRIMATE RE-CONSECRATES DOORS OF ST. GREGORY ARMENIAN CHURCH OF CHICAGO,
HONORS LONG-TIME PARISHIONER

Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), visited the St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian
Church of Chicago, Ill., this month to preside over the re-opening of the
church’s renovated cultural hall and other facilities.

On Saturday, June 20, the Primate re-consecrated the church’s bronze door.
The ceremony was followed by a fundraising banquet in celebration of the
re-opening of the church’s cultural hall. Renovations were launched at the
Chicago church last year, to repair damage caused by a June 2008 fire.

The following day, Archbishop Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy.
Following services, a Father’s Day luncheon was held to honor the Primate as
the parish’s spiritual father.

During the luncheon, parishioner Violet Koresian was honored with the St.
Vartan Award. Her service to the parish started when she was a member of the
ACYOA, then continued in her involvement with the church choir, parish
council, and women’s guild.

"My legs were wobbling, I was just speechless," said Koresian. "I was very
honored that the Diocese gave me this award, and that Srpazan presented me
with the ‘St. Vartan Award’ and plaque."

The Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian referred to Koresian as a "dedicated and
selfless servant of God" who inspires him with her "love and dedication."

"Violet Koresian is a true steward of the Armenian Church," said parish
council chair Michelle Babikian. "She is a caring, hard-working and generous
individual, and she is an example of someone with devotion and strong faith
to us all."

The Archbishop’s visit rejuvenated the parish after the frightening and
damaging fire that took place last year.

"The reconstruction is a sense of relief and accomplishment following the
fire," said Fr. Jebejian. "We made the House of God whole again. Our goal
was to make a welcoming atmosphere which creates opportunities for
fellowship in our church."

"We journeyed through the difficult days with the love, support, and
dedication of our parish and rebuilt and renewed our church," said Babikian.
"This weekend was a great celebration for the community. Top of Form

Bottom of Form

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Photo 1: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian re-consecrates the doors of St. Gregory
the Illuminator Armenian Church of Chicago, with the Very Rev. Fr. Aren
Jebejian assisting.

Photo 2: The Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, and
Diocesan Council Chair Oscar Tatosian present Violet Koresian with the St.
Vartan Award.