PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Karine Abalyan
Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
May 14, 2010
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PRIMATE VISITS ST. MARY CHURCH OF HOLLYWOOD, FL
Parishioners Seta and John Baldadian honored with "St. Nersess Shnorhali"
medal
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern), visited St. Mary Church of Hollywood, Fla., on Sunday,
May 9, where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy and bestowed a Pontifical
Encyclical and "St. Nersess Shnorhali" medal on Mr. and Mrs. John and Seta
Baldadian.
"John and Seta Baldadian are faithful servants of the Armenian Church, who
have been dedicated members of the Armenian community of south Florida for
three decades," the Primate said. "It is wonderful to see their commitment
recognized by His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos
of All Armenians, on this joyous occasion."
The presentation of the award was made at the conclusion of the service. The
Rev. Fr. Vartan Joulfayan, pastor at St. Mary Church, read the encyclical;
Archbishop Barsamian then presented the "St. Nersess Shnorhali" medal to the
Baldadians.
A Mother’s Day luncheon followed in the church hall, featuring musical
performances and recitations by Sunday School students and other young
members of the parish. The community also presented a video highlighting the
dedication of the Baldadians to the Armenian Church and the St. Mary parish.
Some 150 people gathered for the day’s celebration. The event was chaired by
Naomi Davitian. Committee members include Diana Bokhchalian, Zovinar Anac,
Anny Yaghdjian, Maria Esmerian, and Carmen Masraff.
"It went very well," said Fr. Joulfayan. "I’m very happy that the Baldadians
were given this honor because they deserve it."
John and Seta Baldadian have been active members of St. Mary Church since
its consecration 12 years ago. Seta Baldadian is a member of the parish
choir, has served on the Women’s Guild, and helped organize numerous church
anniversary events. Both Seta and John have served on the Parish Council.
The couple became involved in the Armenian community of south Florida in the
late 1970s, when they belonged to St. John the Baptist Armenian Church of
Miami, Fla.
Following the sale of the Miami property and the decision to relocate the
church, the couple worked to realize the building of St. Mary Church, which
was consecrated in Hollywood, Fla., in 1998.
Seta Baldadian served on the building committee of St. Mary Church; John
Baldadian is one of 16 godfathers of the present house of worship.
At the luncheon last Sunday, Fr. Joulfayan said the Baldadians expressed
their gratitude for the high honor, and thanked everyone in the parish for
their support. Congratulatory letters also arrived from other parts of the
country, including a letter from AGBU President Berge Setrakian.
"They are highly respected and loved by everyone, not only in south Florida
but throughout the U.S.," Fr. Joulfayan said.
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Photos attached.
Photo 1: The Rev. Fr. Vartan Joulfayan, pastor at St. Mary Church of
Hollywood, Fla., reads the Pontifical Encyclical presented to parishioners
John and Seta Baldadian.
Photo 2: Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Diocesan Primate, presents the "St.
Nersess Shnorhali" medal to John and Seta Baldadian.