Most recent news | Released Monday, September 15, 2008
THREE PARISHIONERS HONORED FOR LONGTIME SERVICE AT THE ARMENIAN CHURCH AT HYE POINTE
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), celebrated the Divine Liturgy during a visit to the Armenian Church at Hye Pointe in Haverhill, Massachusetts on Sunday, September 7.
At a dinner banquet following church services, Archbishop Barsamian bestowed the St. Vartan award upon three deserving parishioners, Rose Hagopian and Paul and Sylvia Tavitian, who were recognized for their many years of dedicated service to the Armenian Church.
During the banquet, which included a musical presentation, Hagopian’s and Tavitian’s children introduced their parents and talked about their years of service to their parish. Archbishop Barsamian granted the awards to the recipients, thanking them for their tireless efforts.
“The Armenian Church is blessed with dedicated servants of the Lord like Rose Hagopian and Paul and Sylvia Tavitian,” the Primate said. “We are confident that our Church will continue to prosper under the leadership of such devoted individuals.”
Rev. Fr. Kevork Arakelian, visiting pastor of the Armenian Church at Hye Pointe for the past seven months, said both Hagopian and the Tavitians were surprised and humbled to have received the award.
“They have served their Lord and fellow Christians at the church for over 50 years, without grumbling or complaint, but with joy and happiness,” said Fr. Arakelian.
The recipients of the award have spent their lives serving the Armenian community in northeastern Massachusetts. Paul Tavitian has been serving the Armenian Church since the age of nine when he was ordained an acolyte. He continued his participation by joining the ACYOA and the Parish Council, and later representing his parish as a Diocesan delegate for 16 years. Sylvia Tavitian has also been deeply involved in parish life, most notably as the church organist.
“I was surprised that we were the recipients of the St. Vartan award,” Paul Tavitian said. “My wife and I love being Armenian and we have a wonderful church.”
Rose Hagopian has been active in the Armenian Church for more than 50 years. She is particularly known for singing in the church choir. “I was very pleased to receive the St. Vartan award,” she said.
The Armenian community in northeastern Massachusetts has a long, rich history, dating back to the early 20th century. To meet the growing needs of the community, parishioners are currently in the process of building a new church, which will serve the faithful of the Holy Cross Armenian Church of Lawrence and the St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church of Haverhill.
Land has been purchased for the new building and plans are underway to lay the foundation this year. Last October, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, blessed the cornerstones of the future edifice.
Paul and Sylvia Tavitian received the St. Vartan award at the Armenian Church at Hye Pointe for their dedicated service to the Armenian Church.
Rose Hagopian, recipient of the St. Vartan award, speaks at a banquet at the Armenian Church at Hye Pointe.