HAVERHILL, Mass. — On Sunday, August 26, the Armenian Church at Hye Pointe held its annual picnic to a crowd of 700 people on the grounds of the American Legion Farm. The weather drew crowds from four different states.
The picnic began with a Jashou service on the picnic grounds followed by a requiem service in memory of departed members of the Hye Pointe Parish. Picnic attendees enjoyed meals prepared by the church’s cooking crew. The Hye Pointe kheyma which is made from an old country recipe that goes back to Heusenig Kharpoot, was a popular menu item.
The Women’s Guild bakery table featured traditional Armenian baked goods, which are sought after in the valley thanks to the Women’s Guild’s secret recipes.
Music for the event was provided by Hye Pointe’s own seven-piece Jason Naroian Ensemble, with guest vocalist Haz Essegian and Mal Barsamian on saxophone. There was a surprise visit from Jay Baronian, who sang and played a few songs. The church raffle had prizes totaling $1000, as well as gift certificates to area restaurants and boutiques. Representatives from area clergy and city government were in attendance to meet the crowd, sample the cuisine and enjoy the day.
The Parish Council had an informational table on upcoming church activities, as well as plans for the new church complex.
The picnic drew attendees from the Merrimack Valley, North Shore, Metro Boston, New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut and even a few from New York. The picnic harks back to when picnics were held in wooded areas or parks outside of the cities. Each year the picnic attracts a larger following which can be attributed to its parishioners, as well as the pastor, Fr. Vart Gyozalian.
