InternationalFaithful celebrate 40th anniversary of St. Vartan Cathedral in New York
Published: Saturday October 18, 2008
Abp. Khajag Barsamian blesses the faithful in a procession through St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral at the start of the Divine Liturgy, celebrated on Oct. 12 on the occasion of the cathedral’s 40th anniversary.
New York - It was more than 80 years ago that dedicated survivors of the Armenian Genocide conceived the idea of having an Armenian cathedral in New York City. The visionary and far-sighted idea came to fruition 40 years ago, in 1968.
On Sunday, October 12, in a gala ceremony honoring the close to 300 founders, planners, organizers, and workers, both living and deceased, were honored during the Divine Liturgy at that cathedral, St. Vartan, and at a celebratory luncheon.
"Our people left their homes which they lost in the Genocide, but they never lost their deep faith," said Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), during the celebration of the Divine Liturgy.
"They made it a true sanctuary of God, not only for themselves, but for their children, grandchildren, and future generations. It's the legacy for all of us, and we thank God and those visionary people."
Just returned from Etchmiadzin, from where he brought back newly consecrated Holy Muron, the Primate noted that the holy oil which is the "sign of the Holy Spirit" will be distributed to the 43 parishes of the Eastern Diocese by 66 young people representing those churches.
A church for all
"Muron symbolizes how we are connected to each other. The Armenian church is a church of engagement also for the community," the Primate related. "We are not only a church for Armenians, but also a church of the community," he said, recalling how hundreds of people streamed into St. Vartan Cathedral following September 11, 2001.
The eventful day had begun with the Primate accompanied by more than two dozen priests and deacons entering the packed St. Vartan Cathedral to the majestic hymn, "Hrashapar." During the service, a special encyclical from Catholicos Karekin II was read by Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian. The liturgy was sung by a combined choir with singers from St. Vartan Cathedral, and churches in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, under the direction of St. Vartan Cathedral choirmaster Khoren Mekanejian. Accompanying on the organ were the Very Rev. Mamigon Kiledjian, and Florence Avakian.
Following a requiem service for the deceased founders of St. Vartan Cathedral, 66 young people from 43 parishes approached the altar two by two, in an inspiring ceremony, receiving flasks of the Holy Muron, which they will deliver to their home parishes. The day before, Very Rev. Daniel Findikian, rector of St. Nersess Armenian Theological Seminary, had held a training session with the youth, explaining the significance of the Holy Muron, and how to receive it.
Day of celebration continues
The day of celebration continued with a gala luncheon in Kavookjian Auditorium, with close to 500 in attendance, including Armenia's permanent representative to the United Nations, Amb. Armen Martirosyan.
Following the singing of the U.S. and Armenian national anthems by the St. Vartan Choir, and an invocation by Archbishop Gizirian, Rev. Father Mardiros Chevian, dean of St. Vartan Cathedral, introduced the two young emcees, Gregory Andonian, a seminarian at St. Nersess seminary, and Anoush Varjabedian, a graduate student at Harvard University. "These talented individuals are two beneficiaries of this visionary dream which became a reality for all future generations," he said.
The chairperson of the Diocesan Council, Oscar Tatosian, offering two toasts, one to St. Vartan Cathedral, and one to the Primate, remarked that "we can always see the kmpet (dome) of St. Vartan Cathedral, but we don't see the foundation. But that foundation is rock solid."
Ambassador Martirosyan, in bringing good wishes from Armenia and its people, called St. Vartan Cathedral "our new home here in New York." He paid tribute to the "wisdom and virtue of the founders to whom we owe so much. The cathedral is not just a building, but rather a key center of leadership. It is necessary to protect our national values and interests."
The Shushi Dance Ensemble of St. Vartan Cathedral, under the tireless direction of Seta Paskalian-Kantardjian, offered a spirited and exuberant performance of several dance numbers with both the adult and young members of the troupe, bringing on a standing ovation by the attendees.
An inspiring seven-minute video showing the making of the Holy Muron in Etchmiadzin, which takes place every seven years, allowed the audience, though thousands of miles away, to witness and be part of this sacred ceremony.
In his closing message and benediction, Archbishop Barsamian called St. Vartan Cathedral "the home of God, of prayer, of the Armenian spirit, of the Armenian translators, and of culture. He recalled that a special evening of art and music had been celebrated at the cathedral for this 40th birthday on June 19, and expressed special appreciation to the two co-chairs of the Fortieth Anniversary Committee, Lynn Beylerian and Sandra Shahinian Leitner, as well as to all who participated in the day of celebration.
The Primate then presented the St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral Award to three of the Cathedral godfathers who were present, Nazar Nazarian, Vahan (Vay) Najarian, and Alex Dadourian who accepted the honor also for his father Dadour and brother Haig, who were godfathers.
In another special tribute, the Primate presented an encyclical and medal from the Catholicos to each of four extraordinary artists who have donated their unique talents to the Diocese and church during the past forty years - celebrated Metropolitan Opera divas Lucine Amara and Lili Chookasian, famed concert violinist Anahid Ajemian, and stage and screen legend Kay Armen, who was unable to be present. "We are one family, one Armenian family," he said in conclusion. The memorable event ended with the singing of the Hayr Mer by all present.
