PRELATE PRESIDES OVER CELEBRATION AT ST. STEPHEN’S CHURCH IN WATERTOWN
On Sunday, June 1, following the National Representatives Assembly, the parish of St. Stephen’s Church (Watertown, Massachusetts) was also honored to host a special Anniversary Divine Liturgy and Celebration, presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, to mark several special occasions.
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the ordination to the priesthood of Very Rev. Fr. Ardag Arabian, Pastor of Holy Trinity Church (Worcester, MA), and Very Rev. Fr. Hrant Tahanian, Pastor of St. Stephen’s Church. Both were classmates at the Armenian Theological Seminary in Bikfaya, Lebanon, and were ordained as apeghas (the first of three Vartabed ranks) of the Cilician brotherhood on June 6, 2010.
The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Very Rev. Fr. Ardag Arabian. Very Rev. Fr. Hrant Tahanian offered the homily, focused on the ideal of service that we are called to from God. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve alongside and celebrate with such a dedicated spiritual father and brother. This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the enthronement of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia. Fr. Hrant referenced one of the Catholicos’ speeches where he had stated that the life of a clergyman of the Holy See of Cilicia can be summed up in three words: service, service, service.
Following requiem services, with the participation of the Homenetmen Scouts and AYF Members, a blessing of the Armenian flag took place to remember the anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia, outside on the church steps. The faithful in unison prayed for the continued growth and strength of our homeland and sang Armenia’s national anthem, Mer Hairenik (“Our Homeland”).
At the conclusion of the flag raising, Archbishop Anoushavan addressed the crowd with inspiring words of commitment to our homeland and nation. He also commended the parishes of Holy Trinity and St. Stephen’s, church bodies, and sister organizations for continually being at the service of their communities. The Homenetmen Scouts ended the gathering with the closure ceremony of their Panagoom that was held that weekend.
A lovely fellowship celebration took place in the church hall graciously co-hosted by both churches. A special presentation of gifts and cake took place following lunch.
May God continue to bless our clergy and grant them a long and healthy life and strong ministry.