CLERGY ASSEMBLY HELD ON STS. GHEVONTIANTS’ FEAST
St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, New York, hosted an assembly of Eastern Prelacy clergy on the Feast of Sts. Ghevontiants on Tuesday, February 25.
The gathering began with the Lord’s Prayer, followed by the election of the assembly board, presided over by Archpriest Fr. Bedros Shetilian, Pastor of St. Gregory Church (Indian Orchard, Massachusetts), with Rev. Fr. Samuel Ajemian, Pastor of All Saints Church in Glenview, Illinois, as secretary.
In his capacity as the host, Archpriest Fr. Nareg Terterian, St. Sarkis’ Pastor, welcomed his fellow clergymen, saying the meeting would be beneficial not only for the clergy but also for the broader church community.
Subsequently, Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, welcomed all the pastors, expressed his appreciation, and praised their dedicated service, hoping that the spirit of collaboration would further strengthen and help Armenian communities grow while also supporting their brothers and sisters in Armenia and the Middle East.
Rev. Fr. Hrant Kevorkian, Pastor of St. Sarkis Church in Dearborn, Michigan, read the Pontifical Proclamation for 2025 on the revitalization of traditions and highlighted the practical guidelines set forth by the Catholicos which aim to root the Armenian communities in their rich heritage for the sake of the future.
Very Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian, Pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, delivered the first lecture on the topic of “The Revival of Traditions.” Fr. Boghos made some suggestions to update various traditions, which contribute to keep our community life more vibrant. Drawing from his own experience, Fr. Boghos said that our community has always appreciated such initiatives, which further strengthen our faith, rooted in Christ.
The program continued with the evening service and the Divine Liturgy, celebrated by Rev. Fr. Samuel Ajemian, who also delivered the sermon.
On the morning of Wednesday, February 26, the assembly resumed with morning prayers and a meditation led by Very Rev. Fr. Vatche Balekjian, Pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church in Ridgefield, New Jersey. The second lecture was presented by Archdeacon Shant Kazanjian, director of the Christian Education department at the Prelacy, who discussed the Nicene Creed.
In his discussion, he spoke about the sources of the Creed and made a comparative study with other denominations. He also referred to the use of the Nicene Creed within our church.
Following the main lectures, a fruitful discussion was held on matters concerning liturgical life, as well as the exchange of pastoral experiences.
The assembly concluded with a spirited singing of the hymn “Disciple of Christ” and “Cilicia.”