PRELATE CELEBRATES PALM SUNDAY DIVINE LITURGY IN WATERTOWN, BLESSES RENOVATED ALTAR

On Sunday, April 13, 2025, His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Watertown, Massachusetts. His Eminence was in Watertown for Palm Sunday, in what has now become a tradition, and presided over a day full of community activities.

After 40 days of Lent and a closed altar, the faithful were eagerly gathered to witness the Divine Liturgy in its fullness once again. The Prelate celebrated the Liturgy and offered a heartfelt sermon, conveying greetings on behalf of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I to the Pastor, leadership, and congregation of St. Stephen’s. After sharing his spiritual message on humility and service in the example of Christ, he commended the parish for their dedication to being followers of Christ and praised them for being the pillars and the backbone of the Prelacy. 

Sunday’s Divine Liturgy was especially meaningful because it also included a special ceremony to unveil and bless the newly renovated and marbleized altar and tas (the sanctuary or chancel). During this Lenten season, all church services took place in the church hall to renovate the altar and undertake other necessary renovations of the sanctuary. This project materialized thanks to the generous donation of Mr. and Mrs. Hagop and Sossy Nercessian. In his announcements, V. Rev. Fr. Hrant Tahanian, Pastor, thanked all those who had a part to play in the timely and successful realization of the project. He also thanked Mr. and Mrs. Hratch and Ani Belekian for their continued maintenance and donation of a new oriental rug for the tas.

Following the special blessing, the Palm Sunday children’s procession began, with the participation of the Sunday School students and all children present, commemorating Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The church faithful were full of joy and awe as the Prelate blessed each and every one with his cross. 

In keeping with Armenian Church tradition, the Terenpatsek – Opening of the Portals – service took place, with Archbishop Anoushavan, Fr. Hrant, and deacon John Daghlian (who also serves as chair of the Board) on their knees in front of the altar asking for God to open the gates, and Archpriest Fr. Antranig Baljian (Pastor Emeritus) in the inner sanctum responding with the ceremonial rejoinder. The ceremony’s godfather was Sheerag Berejiklian, a young, dedicated parishioner.

Once the curtain was opened and the final prayers recited, “Giligia” was sung by all those present. The faithful members of St. Stephen’s who were present from across Greater Boston and were awaiting this day with great joy, received the blessing of dismissal from Archbishop Anoushavan, and left with their palm crosses in hand. The Prelate took a moment to also thank and bless the generous donors. 

The Ladies Guild of St. Stephen’s hosted their annual and famous bake sale in the church hall, and the Prelate was greeted as the guest of honor by Becky Megerditchian, Chair of the Guild. Young and old alike made their way to have a few special moments with their Archbishop and receive a personal blessing. 

His Eminence also visited the Armenian Cultural and Educational Center, where a Palm Sunday luncheon was organized. He was greeted by Vatche Seraderian, chair of the Board, as well as community leaders. The Prelate blessed the gathering and shared his pastoral reflections.