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St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church

158 Main Street, North Andover, MA 01845 Tel/Fax: (978) 685-5038

Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian

Summer 2013

Web: www.saintgregory.org E-mail: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

of 24 AGHAVNI Summer 2013

Board of Trustees:

Christine Kourkounian, Chair

Joe Almasian, Vice Chair

Joanne Hidirsah, Treasurer

Nancy Vartabedian, Corresponding Secretary

Sylvia Mahlebjian, Recording Secretary

John Saryan, Advisor

Vartkes Hovsepian, Advisor

Richard Shahtanian, Advisor

John Dagdigian. Advisor

Sossy Jeknavorian (Alternate)

Church Bookkeeper: Olga Sarkisian

NRA Delegates: John Kulungian

Armen Jeknavorian

Tom Vartabedian

Ladies’ Guild:

Sossy Jeknavorian

Men’s Club

Armen Jeknavorian

Family Night:

Sossy Jeknavorian

Avak Programs:

Nancy Vartabedian

Building Committee:

Richard Shahtanian

Sunday School /

Armenian School:

Sossy Jeknavorian

Choir Director:

Knarik Nerkararyan

Newsletter Committee:

Christine Kourkounian , Temporary Editor

Sossy Jeknavorian, Martha Hananian, Tom Vartabedian,

Violet Dagdigian, Lisa Apovian.

A Publication of

St. Gregory Armenian

Apostolic Church

158 Main Street

North Andover, MA 01845

(978) 685-5038

Web: www.saintgregory.org E-mail: [email protected]


AGHAVNI Summer 2013 of 24

PASTOR’S MESSAGE “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

We bless you from the house of the Lord.” Psalm

118:26

Dear Parishioners of St. Gregory Church,

The words of this Psalm verse foretell the

coming of a great Messiah, one who comes with the

authority and charge of God himself. It is the most

often used Old Testament prophecy in the Armenian

liturgy describing the advent of God’s anointed one –

or “Christ”- and reminds us that as the Father’s

emissary, the Son comes “in the name of the Lord,”

meaning in unity with the Father, worthy of the same

glory, enabled to act in His name and indeed even to

share the very name “Lord,” along with the Holy

Spirit. This blessed one who came in the name of the

Lord is Jesus of Nazareth, who revealed the very

name of God as “Father,” and who suffered the shame

of the cross, was raised in glory and ascended “to the

Father, from where he came.”

As Christians, we are also called to a blessed

fellowship in Christ’s name, as his ambassadors who

come into the world “in the name of the Lord,” in

order to continue his divine mission of the

regeneration of all Creation. We do this by being

good stewards of the legacy he left us – remembering

his sacrifice with thanksgiving in the Holy Eucharist,

praying for the salvation of the world and fasting in

mourning for its sinfulness, having compassion on the

needy and to preaching the Holy Gospel – less so in

words than in deeds.

Therefore, as dedicated believers in his name,

we greet all who genuinely come in that very name

with blessings, and we all look to the “house of the

Lord” (not the church building itself, but the Body of

Christ) for every kind of spiritual blessing and benefit

that is necessary for a righteous and pure life, the way

that God intends for all his children.

As your new pastor, I humbly come to you in

the name of Jesus our Lord and boldly proclaim him

blessed among his believers. I pray that his blessings

would be upon pastor and flock, as we share

abundantly in the ministry of the one Good Shepherd

of us all. By building up this “house of the Lord” in

our present age and predicament, may we be built into

an eternal house in the heavenly kingdom, where we

may give him unceasing praise unto all eternity!

I am grateful for this opportunity to serve as

you pastor, and I look forward to all the joys and the

sorrows that we will learn to live through together, all

the heights and depths we will aspire to scale and all

the challenges and respites we will attempt to face.

The Armenian Apostolic Church is a sacred treasury

of spirituality, equipping us with the tools of faith,

wisdom and holiness in order to accomplish those

things. By God’s grace, we will set out on our

journey together for the betterment of the North

Andover church community and the greater glory of

God, remaining steadfast to the Holy Tradition of the

Armenian Church and in service to the Armenian

Community in our area.

Yeretsgin Alice and I, along with our two

sons, Nishan and Hovhaness, look forward to joining

the St. Gregory Church family and getting to know

you all in the near future. Although we will be new to

the Merrimack Valley area, we do feel as though we

are coming “home” to Massachusetts, where we both

hail from. We have much optimism for the future of

this parish and we are grateful to be given the

opportunity to be a part of its yet-to-be-written

history!

Please know that we are always accessible to

all parishioners, and that you should never hesitate to

reach out to us should the need arise!

Fr. Stephan Baljian, Pastor

Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Theotokos

August, 2013


MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

We hope that everyone is enjoying the summer this

year – it certainly has gone by quickly and it was not

long ago where we were all together congratulating our

children at the commencement and hantess this past

May and saying farewell and best of luck and health to

Der Karekin as he begins his new mission at the

Western Prelacy.

Since Der Karekin’s departure we have been having

Morning Prayer services for the majority of Sundays.

It is clear that we have been blessed to have the

dedication of our deacons, Arek Kalaydjian, John

Saryan, and Avedis Garavanian who have helped us

continue our spiritual journey this summer. The

services helped provide the continuity that we needed

and we are grateful to them and thank them for their

unbridled enthusiasm and commitment to our church.

We also extend our thanks to His Grace Bishop

Anoushavan Tanielian and Der Vasken Bekiarian who

joined us on the few Sundays this summer when we

did have Badarak.

As was in past years, we were blessed to have had two

very successful events both in the month of June – the

Men’s Club sponsored Cigar Night, and the Ladies

Guild sponsored Food Fair. Both events were well

attended and have helped us maintain a level of

financial stability that is always helpful and necessary

for our church. In addition, both were opportunities for

fellowship with friends outside of our community that

is so important to us. Special thanks to the Men’s

Club and the Ladies Guild once again for doing such a

wonderful job.

It would be hard not to notice the changes that have

been going on at St. Gregory. In mid June, demolition

began for the classroom and office areas on the first

floor. This phase of the building project renovation is

expected to be completed in the late fall timeframe. Of

all phases, this, too, is one of the most exciting because

it provides us the opportunity to focus on establishing a

clean, safe, and comfortable environment for our

children as they learn about our Armenian Christian

faith. We are so very grateful for those parishioners

who have once again remained steadfast in committing

to the project financially during this phase.

Remember, any contribution is still worthwhile so

please consider donating to this phase of the project.

At this time, I would like to thank specifically Richard

Shahtanian and Joe Almasian and their entire

committee for getting this very important phase of the

project off the ground.

Perhaps the most exciting news that transpired this

spring was the confirmation from our Prelate, His

Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, that we

would be receiving a new pastor in the late summer

timeframe. On behalf of the Board of Trustees and our

entire community, I would like to extend a warm

welcome to Der Stephan Baljian, Yeretsgin Alice,

Nishan and Hovhaness. We are looking forward to

their arrival and particularly to Der Stephan’s

leadership and spiritual guidance. I hope you all take

the opportunity to welcome Der Stephan and his family

in your own special way when he arrives.

Der Stephan’s first Badarak at St. Gregory, by the

introduction of His Grace Bishop Anoushavan

Tanielian, will be on Sunday, August 25. A lunch

reception will follow the service. I encourage you all

to attend this very special Badarak as we celebrate his

arrival and welcome him and his entire family to our

community.

We look forward to this period of renewal in our

church and what better time than now to pray for our

future. Pray for our church family as we embark upon

a new journey with Der Stephan. Pray for our brothers

and sisters in Granite City, because we know all too

well the feeling of loss that occurs when a community

loses its pastor. Pray for Der Stephan, Yeretsgin Alice

and their family in that they get situated in our

community and feel welcomed and at home so he is in

the best place possible to provide us with his spiritual

guidance and leadership. Let us all be true partners

and walk with him as he begins his new mission here at

St. Gregory.

Lastly, let us always remember to give thanks to God

for all of the blessings bestowed upon us now and in

the future. Looking forward to seeing you all in

church!

Christine Kourkounian

Chairwoman, Board of Trustees


A DIVINE HOMECOMING FOR REV. STEPHAN BALJIAN

By Tom Vartabedian

The affable cleric will be leaving his inaugural parish in

Granite City and heading east where he will pastor St.

Gregory Church of North Andover beginning in

September.

The parish he inherits from Rev. Karekin Bedourian is

about 30 miles north of Watertown where he was raised

and spiritually refined by his dad, Rev. Archpriest

Antranig Baljian, long-time pastor of St. Stephen’s

Church.

Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian

“Father Karekin and I were in the seminary together in

Antelias and enjoyed a close friendship over our young

religious careers,” said Fr. Stephan. “He helped me quite

a bit in my knowledge of Armenian. We have very

similar lifestyles with young children. It’s ironic that we

should be changing churches at the same time across

country.” Fr. Karekin is now pastor at Church of the

Forty Martyrs in Orange County, Calif. He had served

the North Andover and Merrimack Valley community

for three years.

The younger Baljian will be joined by his wife Alice, a

registered nurse, and two young children, Nishan and

Hovhaness (Hovig), ages 2 and 3 months. Families from

both sides will be greeting them with open arms upon his

arrival.

Fr. Baljian has pastored St Gregory the Illuminator

parish since 2008. During his tenure there, cultural and

educational events were conducted frequently.

The flip side is one heavily endowed with music and the

fine arts. Were it possible, he would conduct Holy

Badarak with one hand and play the organ with another.

His resume with the musical world compares favorably

with that of his priesthood. At a time when the Boston

Symphony welcomes new conductor Andris Nelsons, it

coincides with his appointment in North Andover. Both

are 34 years of age.

“I thought it might be an interesting parallel,” he quickly

notes. “I’m also looking forward to attending concerts at

the Methuen Memorial Music Hall with its world-

famous organ.” His dexterity on the organ is matched

by his voice. An experienced choral singer, he has

enjoyed singing with the Springfield (MA) Symphony

Chorus, UMass Chamber Choir, Madrigal Singers and

Five College Early Music Collegium, along with the

Boston Symphony Orchestra Tanglewood Festival

Chorus and Newton Choral Society. Between 2008-

2013 when he was in the Metro St. Louis area, Fr.

Stephan sang with the St. Louis Symphony Chorus.

Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian, Yeretsgin Alice, Nishan (left),

Hovhaness (right)

Being an avid fan of classical music and opera, he owns

a collection of more than 2,000 compact discs, including

many rare ones. He also enjoys history and geography

and has a passion for culinary and visual arts.

He married the former Alice Tchobanian in 2007, a

graduate of Northeastern University, Boston, who

actively pursues her vocation.


Fr. Stephan is excited to be reunited with his parents. His

mother’s family has roots in Merrimack Valley. She is

the granddaughter of Megerdich Donoian and the niece

of Ara and Eva Donoian.

“We look forward to welcoming Father Stephan and his

wonderful family to our community,” said Christine

Kourkounian , chairwoman, Board of Trustees. “We

look forward to his spiritual guidance and the

relationships he will forge and grow within our

community and beyond. This is a time for great hope

and renewal for our church as we move forward in

building our future.”

Fr. Stephan was born in Indian Orchard in 1979, the

youngest child of Archpriest and Mrs. Antranig Baljian.

At the age of 6, young Nishan began serving by his

father’s side at the holy altar of St. Gregory Armenian

Apostolic Church.

He was ordained there by the late Archbishop Mesrob

Ashjian, first to the minor orders and later to the Holy

Deaconate in 1996. After graduating from high school

in 1997, he matriculated to UMass/Amherst where he

studied voice with noted tenor Jon Humphrey and music

competition with Robert Stern.

He graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor of Music Degree

in Theory and Composition. That summer, Deacon

Nishan formally requested candidacy for the Holy

Priesthood within the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian

Apostolic Church of America and was accepted by His

Grace Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan. In October of

that year, he left for Antelias, Lebanon, where he spent

the next two academic years at the Theological Seminary

of the Great House of Cilicia. He graduated from the

Seminary in 2003.

Conjointly with his studies, he served part-time as

Pastoral Assistant at Sts. Vartanantz Church in

Ridgefield, NJ, and later held the same post at St.

Stephen’s Church in Watertown.

As part of his training, he successfully completed a

summer-long internship in Clinical Pastoral Education at

New England Baptist Hospital and is certified in

Hospital Chaplaincy. He has also contributed to the area

of Armenian Literary Scholarship.

Fr. Stephan is the youngest to ever graduate

from the Prelacy’s St. Gregory of Datev Institute where

he later joined the teaching staff. He has always held a

fond association with AYF Camp Haiastan, serving as

Resident Chaplain, Associate Chaplain and Armenian

Studies instructor.

During his pastorate in Granite City, a major

beautification project for the church sanctuary was

undertaken in 2012. The small yet vibrant parish

achieved growth in membership and stability in average

attendance and participation under his direction.

He looks to inculcate similar values to his new church.


CHURCH CHATTER Congratulations to Melanie Saryan, daughter of Dr.

John and Debra Saryan on her graduation from

Bentley University with a Bachelor of Science degree

in Marketing and Public Relations.

Congratulations to Dr. Diana (Saryan) Balekian,

daughter of Dr. John and Debra Saryan on her

graduation from her Pediatric Residency Program at

Mass General Hospital. Diana will start a Fellowship

in Allergy and Immunology at MGH in July.

Congratulations also to Diana's husband, Dr. Diran

Balekian who graduated from his General Practice

Residency Program in Dentistry at Tufts University

School of Dental Medicine. He will practice in

Arlington and Nashua, NH.

Congratulations to Antranig Kalaydjian, son of

Deacon Arek Kalaydjian and Lisa Loosigian on his

graduation from U Mass Medical School in

Worcester with the degree of M.D. he will do his first

year of residency in Internal Medicine at U Mass

Medical Center and continue his internship in

Anesthesiology at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Boston.

Congratulations to Tim Kublbeck, son of Jane

Kublbeck on his graduation from Salem, NH High

School. Tim will be attending Nothern Essex College.

Congratulations to Greg Gregorian on his graduation

from West Point as Second Lieutenant, United States

Military Academy.

Congratulations to Armen Hovsepian and Anna

Shahtanian, recipients of the 2nd and 3rd place

awards in Jr. High level and Matt Kochakian 2nd

place award in the High School level in an essay

contest sponsored by the Armenian Genocide

Commemorative Committee of Merrimack

Valley.

* * *

The entire St. Gregory community extends deepest

condolences to Debra Ozoonian and her family in the

passing of her mother Mrs. Sylvia Ozoonian.

The St. Gregory community also extends its deepest

condolences to Karen Aznoian and her entire family

in the passing of her father, Mr. Leonard Uzar.

* * *

Thank you to all for all of the get well wishes during

my recent illness.

Thank you, Nancy Vartabedian

* * *

The Ladies Guild members would like to express

their gratitude and thanks to all parishioners and

friends who donated their time and helped with the

Food Fair on June 22nd.

Thank You, The Ladies Guild Executive

LETTER FROM ONE OF OUR ORPHANS

Dear Sponsor,

My name is Tavit and I am from Sevan. I am attending the Medical School at the Yerevan State University. I

would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your benevolence and for sponsoring me. I wish you good

health and happiness and the best things in the world. I will always remember you and your good deeds.

Respectfully,

Tavit Movsisyan


“A FRIENDSHIP THAT WILL NEVER VANISH IN SMOKE”

by Tom Vartabedian

If Greg Minasian is remembered for anything in his

afterlife, it would be the profitable and eclectic cigar

nights he organized for St. Gregory Church in his

Merrimack Valley community of North Andover.

He did this in the name of his good friend Rev. Vartan

Kassabian who pastored this church for six years

before joining the Lord in 2009.

No doubt when the two of them are reunited in the

hereafter, they’ll catch up on old news over a good

cigar and a glass of brandy. Except for God and

family, nothing relaxed the cleric more than a good

libration and a Cuban corona if he could get his hands

on one. He wasn’t fussy.

You could always count upon Der Vartan for a timely

sermon. He mesmerized the youth of his community

and endeared himself to the elderly. After 15 years of

service, he was just getting started in his vocation.

In his spirit, some 140 guests gathered at his former

church for the annual cigar extravaganza. Included in

the crowd were his Yeretskin Pauline and son Mgo, a

chip off his dad’s block.

Some years ago, with the renovation of a new

Jaffarian Hall, the church authorities decided to

dispense with Bingo. It wasn’t for the money or lack

of it. After 35 years, they decided it was time to call

one last game and so, the fund-raiser had run its

course.

So what would the church do for an alternative plan?

“Why not a cigar night?” proposed Minasian.

A what?” came the chorus of surprised trustees. “You

want to turn this brand new church hall into a cloud of

smoke. Perhaps we better bring back Bingo or look

into a Las Vegas night. Maybe a golf tourney would

be nice. Who smokes tobacco these days?”

In these days of exorbitant church finances, people are

looking for innovative ways to secure revenue. Dues

alone will not hack it, or the weekly collection plate.

Somehow, the annual budget needed some substitute

measures to account for a sudden $30,000 deficit.

The beloved Rev. Fr. Vartan Kassabian

and Greg Minasian

Minasian’s idea received as much attention as a puff

until they heard his plan. He would carry on in the

best memory of his friend, Der Vartan, and bring

people together for one night in an arena of fun and

frolic.

Let them smoke their cigars in the outside courtyard

which is named in the priest’s honor. Give them a

gourmet’s meal, open up the bar, and offer gifts for

both a live and silent auction. Build your stadium and

they will come.

Eat, drink and be merry. That’s the set formula here.

Get people to donate. Contact the Boston sports teams

and ask for memorabilia. Who wouldn’t pay top dollar

for an autographed Ted Williams photograph

swinging a bat? Or Larry Bird going high above the

net for a score?

A coveted Michael Jackson disc with his photo would

surely attract some fan. There may even be a tender

spot for a framed Disney caricature of Mickey &

friends. Even Al Pacino could fetch a good bid.

While second-guessing myself initially, I hopped

aboard the bandwagon. After seeing a capacity crowd

showing up year after year for these soirees, it didn’t

take much else to convince me. If it works once, don’t

kill it.


What became most obvious was the camaraderie that

surfaced with each encore. Even more conspicuous

were the memories being shared for the affable priest

who left his community all too prematurely.

With Minasian cultivating the seed of fertility here,

others joined along. A dynamic committee was

formed that left no stone unturned. Women began to

show, not the smoking sort. Those who didn’t take

their cigars outdoors were giving them to the

relatively few smokers.

I’m one of those who can no long indulge. For 40

years, I smoked a pipe until my cardiologist read me

the riot act. When I mumbled something about “an

occasional cigar,” he was relentless.

“You’re a heart patient,” he told me. “Nothing. Go to

one of those old confectionary stores and maybe you

can find a cigar made from bubble gum. Have a good

time pretending.”

Like the others, you don’t need a cigar to join this

club. Only a little esprit de corps.

Minasian was in his element this evening. He got a

little sentimental over an introduction he made about

his priestly sidekick. No doubt, the inimitable Der

Vartan was smiling down upon his flock. A little

fortification helped matters.

Greg Minasian’s tribute to his late friend will always

burn slowly and evenly --- like a good cigar.

SCENES FROM CIGAR NIGHT 2013


SCENES FROM FOOD FAIR 2013

SCENES FROM COMMENCEMENT & HANTESS 2013


CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2013

Sunday August 25 First Badarak Der Stephan Baljian 10:00 AM

His Grace Anoushavan Srpazan

Presiding over Badarak

Sunday Sept. 8 Church Picnic 12:30 - 5:30 PM

Friday Sept. 27 Family Night 6:00 PM

Thursday Oct. 3 Avak Luncheon & program 12:00 PM

Tuesday Oct. 8 Men's Club Dinner 6:00 PM

Sunday Oct. 13 Town Hall Forum Following Services

Saturday Oct. 26 Fall Fair 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Wednesday Nov. 6 Food Tasting Event 6:30 PM

Thursday Nov. 7 Avak Luncheon and Program 12:00 PM

Tuesday Nov. 12 Men's Club Dinner 6:00 PM

Friday Nov. 22 Family Night Thanksgiving Dinner 6:00 PM

Thursday Dec. 5 Avak Luncheon & Program 12:00 PM

Tuesday Dec. 10 Men's Club Dinner 6:00 PM

Sunday Dec. 22 Christmas Pageant & Party 12:00 - 2:00 pm

SPECIAL NOTE FROM OUR LADIES GUILD

WE NEED YOU!

The Fall Festival is fast approaching and we need your help!

If you would like to chair one of the Committees, please call Sossy

@ (978) 256 - 2538 or Email [email protected]

Pastry Table Armenian kitchen Kitchen Raffles + Wheel

Serving Line Publicity Set up & clean up White Elephant

As always, we welcome all of your new ideas!

The Ladies Guild



To all our returning and new

Armenian and Sunday school families!

A Warm welcome!

We hope you have had an enjoyable and fun summer so far. During this time the Armenian and Sunday

school staff have been getting ready for the start of the 2013-2014 school year. Please note that there will

be an Open House held on Sunday, September 15th, starting at 10:30 a.m. to register for class. Information

will be given out at this time on plans for the upcoming school year as well as an opportunity for students to

meet their teachers. There will be light refreshments served and no formal classes that day.

The first official day of Sunday and Armenian School will be Sunday, September 22nd. Armenian school

begins at 10:00 a.m. and Sunday school begins at 10:45 am.

Enjoy the rest of your summer and we look forward to seeing you on September 15th.

ST. Gregory Town Hall Forum

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Immediately following divine liturgy

Join us for an

informational update and

question and answer session

Sponsored by Der Stephan Baljian and

the Board of Trustees


LUCY DAGHLIAN PERSONIFIES ARMENIAN MOTHER

By Tom Vartabedian

Washington, DC --- In this year of the Armenian

mother as proposed by the Armenian Apostolic

Church, one individual stood out among the rest

during the National Representative Assembly (NRA)

Convention held during the week of May 12 in our

nation’s capitol.

Throughout her life as a devout Yeretskin, Lucy

Daghlian served her church and beloved Der Arshag

with uncompromising loyalty. She brought five

children into the world --- all of them college-educated

and ethnic strong. She cultivated the world around her

with passion.

In every regard, Yeretskin Lucy not only fit the mold,

she broke it.

At the NRA banquet, she was toasted as Woman of the

Year before a crowd of some 300 guests which filled

the hall at Soorp Khatch Church in nearby Bethesda,

MD.

The well-guarded secret was finally revealed when

Lucy observed her grandsons scurrying about the

premises. “Odd that they might be here,” she thought.

A very touching introduction was rendered by the

honoree’s son, John, himself a member of the

Prelacy’s Executive Council and ordained deacon,

aside from his years as a trustee at St. Stephen’s

Church, Watertown.

“Everything we’ve ever accomplished in life can be

traced back to our parents,” said John Daghlian. “Our

mother kept us all together with her spirit and strong

devotion to God.”

Anyone who knows Lucy Daghlian can attest to her

role as matriarch and church Yeretskin. Well into their

marriage with a family living in Beirut, she was met

with the news one day that her mechanic-wise husband

had chosen a life of God. Little did she ever realize at

the time that such a venerable service would cover five

decades of deep-rooted conviction.

Yeretskin Lucy Daghlian is surrounded by family members after

presentation by His Grace Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan.

“There was a shortage of priests,” Lucy recalled. “I

was surprised but not totally amazed by his decision. I

could see the happiness in his eyes.”

Every trial and tribulation of priesthood was exercised

as a tandem, along with every joy and celebration.

A stickler for high education, she and Der Hayr

weathered many a storm in putting their children

through Merrimack College --- the same school where

Der Arshag also secured a degree while pasturing St.

Gregory Church.

The Daghlians never left North Andover, even after

Der Arshag’s pastorship there ended after 15 years.

She was there another 20 years as her husband

maintained a dutiful role as “traveling priest.” One

Sunday, Worcester. Another Sunday, Waukegan.

Airports became a way of life for them. Whenever

possible, she would accompany her husband to a

distant church. Der Arshag wound up serving 19

different congregations for the Eastern Prelacy as far

south as Florida and as far west as Illinois and

Wisconsin.


Airport food was a fry cry from the delicious

Armenian cuisine Lucy would prepare each day for

her family. Her sanctuary at home has served as a

haven with its abundant horticulture and the many

feathered friends and other wildlife at their beckoning

call.

These days, it’s not only her own children that bring

her pride and joy, but seven grandchildren as well.

Both John and Nora (Sarajian) became civil engineers.

Houry is a doctor of pharmacy and NRA delegate from

St. Stephen’s. Sonia works as an ICU nurse. A fourth

daughter Aida Chareth died in 2000 after working as a

technical writer.

In accepting her award from Archbishop Oshagan

Choloyan, you could cut the emotion with a knife as

the crowd rose in applause.

Yeretskin Lucy looked over her grateful audience with

a gleam in her eye. “It’s all about God and family,”

she said. “I’ve been blessed with the greatest gifts of

all.”

A token of appreciation was also paid to Mary

Garabadian for her active support in the church, along

with the youth who played a prominent role.

SCENES FROM NRA 2013


DONATIONS

Easter Donations

Afarian, Khatcher and Mary Ann

Almasian, Joe and Kim

Apovian, James and Ann

Apovian, Selma

Arakelian, John and Elizabeth

Avedisian, Carole

Azarian, Harry and Rose

Aznoian, Marlene

Bebirian, Helen

Bebirian, Michael and Elaine

Bedrosian, John and Mrgaret

Bizios, Armena

Boghosian, Doris

Bogosian, Mary and Zaven

Bogosian, Paul and Kathy

Boloian, Michael and Chake'

Brundage, Theresa

Dagdigian, Joe and Lisa

Dargoonian, Garabed

Deeran, Dorothy

Demoorjian, Paul and Beverly

Der Apkarian, Aram

Der Apkarian, Sharke

Dulgarian, Stephen and Angele'

Fantazian, James

Foley, Mary

Goshdigian, Gabriel and Theresa

Gostanian, Richard and Kathryn Veselic

Gregorian, Felix and Candace

Guzelian, Charles and Karen

Hagopian, Randall and Dara

Hagopian, Armen

Hananian, Martha

Hazavartian, Michael

Hekimian, Frank and Barbara

Heliotis, Louis and Suzanne

Hidirsah, Armand and Joanne

Hovanasian, Henry and Susan

Hovsepian, Vartkes and Nina

Jeknavorian, Armen and Sossy

Jeknavorian, John and Karen Jeknavorian

Johnson, Gregory and Mary Lou

Karibian, Julien and Claire

Kassabian, Pauline

Keshian, James and Elaine

Khanbegian, Peter and Jean

Kitabjian, Araxie

Kochakian, Charles and Elizabeth

Kochakian, Robert and Susan

Koobatian, Rose

Kopoyan, Todd and Lara

Kourkounian, Armen and Christine

Krikorian, Ida

Kulungian, John and Susan

Madoian, Elizabeth

Mahlebjian, Steve and Sylvia

Movsesian, Alexander and Diane

Narzakian, Rose

Nazarian, Stephen, A.

Nicolosi, Louis and Pamela

Ohannessian, Emmanuel and Seta

Ovian, Diana and Karnig

Palanjian, Nellie and Marion

Pellicio, Albert and Rose Marie

Sarkisian, Olga

Sarkisian, Sarkes and Rita

Saryan, John and Debra

Sasso, Enrico and Rosalie

Shahtanian, Richard and Karen

Shrestinian, Ara and Ginny

Soghigian, Karekin and Rose Marie

Stevens, Charla

Strong, William and Cheryl

Tateosian, Lydia

Thomassian, J. Marie

Thomaseli, Jeannine

Vartabedian, Tom and Nancy

Voskian, Michael and Thelma

Donations

Demoorjian, Paul and Beverly - Altar Flowers

Arzigian, John - In Memory of Margaret Barber

Antonitis, Richard, Diane, Melanie

Alison, Rich, Riley and Alana Carr - In Memory of

Lucille Guzelian

Kalousdian, Michele - In Memory of Peter

Kalousdian


St. Gregory Q2 Financials - April - June 2013 Apr 2013 May 2013 Jun 2013 Total

Contributions Income

Altar Flowers Donations $0 $25 $0 $25

Avak Luncheon $184 $185 $0 $369

Baptisms $300 $200 $0 $500

General Donations $100 $545 $100 $745

Holiday Donations $0 $0 $0 $0

Holiday Donation-Easter 2013 $360 $0 $0 $360

Total Holiday Donations $360 $0 $0 $360

Weekly Church Plate $1,254 $1,398 $494 $3,146

Special Plate Collections $14 $300 $0 $314

Total Weekly Church Plate $1,268 $1,698 $494 $3,460

Weekly Door & Church Candles $112 $111 $98 $321

Weekly Requiem Service $600 $1,460 $150 $2,210

Total Contributions Income $2,924 $4,224 $842 $7,990

Hall Rental $0 $350 $700 $1,050

Membership/Stewardship $0 $0 $0 $0

Membership Stewardship -2013 $3,950 $1,260 $4,875 $10,085

Total Membership/Stewardship $3,950 $1,260 $4,875 $10,085

Miscellaneous Income $265 $150 $0 $415

Newsletter $0 $0 $0 $0

Newsletter-Ads $700 $0 $25 $725

Total Newsletter $700 $0 $25 $725

Schools(Armenian & Sunday) $0 $478 $0 $478

Sunday School Orphan Fund $41 $15 $0 $56

Total Schools (Armenian & Sunday)

$41 $493 $0 $534

Total Q2 Income $7,880 $6,477 $6,442 $20,799

Total Q2 Expenses $15,500 $11,173 $4,549 $31,222

Q2 Net Income/Loss -$7,619 -$4,696 $1,893 -$10,423


ARZIGIAN PITCHES A HAND FOR HIS CHURCH

By Tom Vartabedian

When it comes to helping his church, John Arzigian is

taking a giant step forward --- with a power washer.

Over the past few months, Arzigian has made the

rounds from one cemetery to another, power-washing

headstones that have long stood the test of time.

Thus far, the count is up to 18 with others lined up

through the fall. All proceeds earned from his mission

have gone directly to St. Gregory Church, resulting in

hundreds of dollars.

“I realize that I’m probably going to be the last one in

my family to be cleaning and responsible for our

headstones,” said Arzigian. “My sister Diane (a former

Sunday School teacher here) and I go a couple times a

year to clean, clear and then plant new flowers at the

cemetery.”

Last year Arzigian noticed a significant build-up of

Lichens on a few of them. The headstones looked dirty

with grass and other dirt-type stains. In some cases, the

names and dates were illegible.

He did some checking on cleaning instructions, called

the cemeteries for permission and thus began his

venture. No chemicals were ever used and the results

were amazing. Arzigian approached the trustees with

the idea of asking parishioners if they would like to

have this service performed --- and the idea caught on.

Three different days took him to as many cemeteries,

resulting in 18 beautifully-cleaned headstones.

With the money raised going to the church, Arzigian

felt it was a “win-win” situation. The next headstones

will be cleaned in October and those wishing to

participate may call him at (603) 560-3826. By doing

so, you’ll also be helping the church.

Says trustee Vartkes Hovsepian, “John’s a warm-

hearted soul who performed God’s work. It’s very

inspiring to see people like this step forward to

perform a valuable service in time of need. He

volunteered his time, equipment and bare hands to the

loved ones of our community and I find that

commendable.”

When the need went out for someone to chair the

picnic committee, Arzigian stepped forward once

again with Armen Jeknavorian. The two have replaced

Hovsepian, who held the post for over a decade. The

picnic will take place Sunday, Sept. 8, on our church

grounds.

Arzigian, a popular musician, is also chairing a

committee planning a unity dance Oct. 19 at Michael’s

Function Hall in Haverhill, joined by parishioners

from different parishes. Proceeds from this affair will

benefit all Armenian churches in Merrimack Valley,

including our own.

Various musicians throughout New England will be

singing and playing the night away in what will be a 6-

hour gig. Middle-Eastern food will also be served.

Arzigian visited with church pastors and trustees in

gaining their confidence toward the project.

“Music has brought me closer to my brothers and

sisters,” he says. “It’s given me a greater appreciation

of the arts. Now I’m using this medium to bring our

people together.”


A & M Appliances 44 Main Street

North Andover, MA 01845

[email protected]

Owner: Wayne Borden


NON - PROFIT

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

ANDOVER, MA

PERMIT # 11

St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church

of Merrimack Valley

158 Main Street

North Andover, Massachusetts, 01845

ST. GREGORY ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH

OF MERRIMACK VALLEY

158 Main Street North Andover, MA

DIVINE LITURGY BEGINS AT 10:00 AM

VISITORS ARE WELCOME

TO WORSHIP WITH US AT

Directions to St. Gregory Church

From SOUTH: Route 495 NORTH to Exit 43 Mass. Avenue, North Andover. At the end of the ramp take a RIGHT onto Mass. Ave and continue

to first light. Take a sharp LEFT onto Waverly Road. Continue past first STOP sign to the second STOP sign and take a RIGHT

onto Main Street. The church is located at the fork in the road just past the Sovereign and Bank of America banks.

From NORTH: Route 495 SOUTH to Exit 44-43 Merrimack St., Mass. Ave. Follow ramp staying to the RIGHT. Take Exit 44 Merrimack St.,

Sutton St. At the end of the ramp, take LEFT onto Sutton St., continue over railroad tracks and take a RIGHT at the light onto

Main St. The church is located at the fork in the road just past the Sovereign and Bank of America banks.

Web: www.saintgregory.org E-mail:[email protected]


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