By Elizabeth Akian
CLIFFSIDE PARK, N.J. — On May 15, nearly 300 guests gathered at the Villa Amalfi Restaurant in Cliffside Park to celebrate the 110th Anniversary of the Holy Cross Armenian Church of Union City.
The celebration had commenced earlier in the day with a special Divine Liturgy presided by Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern). The Divine Liturgy was sung by members of the Gomidas Choir, led by Kris Kalfayan.
The service marked a significant milestone for Matthew Bagdat, currently attending Seton Hall University, who was ordained to the Holy Order of the Sub-Diaconate.
In addition, the right side altar was dedicated in memory of Nubar Dorian, with a special plaque blessed by the archbishop. The late Dorian, whose family members were in attendance for this ceremony, was a dedicated servant on numerous levels to the Armenian community at large, as well as a beloved member of the parish.
Following Badarak, guests traveled to the Villa Amalfi Restaurant for the celebratory banquet. Hirant Gulian served as master of ceremonies and welcomed the attendees and introduced the honored guests seated at the dais — Archbishop Barsamian, Armenia’s Ambassador to the United Nations Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, US Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Mayor Thomas Calabrese of Cliffside Park NJ, Dr. Vartan Abdo, Very Rev. Vazken Karayan, Alice Bozoyan and Lori Zoklu.
