PRELATE BLESSES 65th ANNIVERSARY OF ST. STEPHEN’S CHURCH 

On Sunday, December 18, the community of St. Stephen’s Church in Watertown, MA, celebrated its 65th anniversary. His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon. The Prelate exalted the saintly life of patriarch St. Jacob of Nisibis (Hagop Medzpnatsi), but especially the courage to climb Mt. Ararat to obtain a relic from Noah’s Ark, urged every faithful not to give up in the face of the difficulties that may come up before them and to enjoy their sublime dreams with the help of God. 

At the end of the Divine Liturgy, more than two hundred people gathered in the parish hall. In a function prepared by Sunday School students, Santa Claus brought joy to the little ones with his magical presence. Archpriest Fr. Antranig Baljian, Pastor, gave prizes to the best students of the year: Mary Ashbahian; Christian Manjikian; Michael Najarian, and Katie Najarian. During the celebration, five parishioners were also recognized for their contributions to the church and community life: Tamar Kanarian; Silva Bahlavouni; Michael Guzelian; Sosie Megerditchian, and Archdeacon Zadour Bedoyan. 

Archbishop Anoushavan addressed the attendees, in remarks during which he congratulated the community and discussed the General Assembly held at the Holy See in Antelias, with an emphasis on “Family” and “Cooperation,” two vital topics examined at the meeting. The Prelate stressed our obligation to stand with our people and homeland, especially in these fateful days.   

He also remarked on the coincidence of his recent tour of the Eastern Prelacy parishes to deliver the newly consecrated Holy Muron, which coincided with the proclamation of 2022 as the Year of the Diaspora. This was an opportunity to revitalize the communities and help them restart their life following the pandemic years.