Haverhill Church Celebrates Last Badarak

Items have already been put into storage while other treasures are being secured. The sale of a pipe organ to a buyer in Florida was but one consolation. Pews, stained glass windows, altar, icons and memorials are all being safely preserved for their new home.

In one of the more fervent moments that concluded the service, parishioners approached the forefront to kiss the Vemkar (consecrated cornerstone) from the Holy Altar following a consecration service.

Generations occupied the pews for what turned into an emotional farewell. At one end was four-week-old Callen Naroian, attending his first Badarak, joined at the other spectrum by Sylvia Tavitian, who has played the organ at this church for 68 years.

Tavitian started here as a 14-year-old choirgirl — the year a 33-RPM record was making its debut, in 1948. At one time, she was joined at the altar by her late husband, Paul, a choir chairman, and two sons who were sub-deacons. Now, she has grandchildren active in the church.

A stroke this past February did not keep Deacon Charles “Garabed” Loosian from fulfilling his lifelong commitment.

The dedicated servant gingerly made his way to the sanctuary to offer his usual prayers — capping his 60^th year.

“We can say goodbye to all the structural problems this church had been facing,” said Loosian. “I will continue serving my God in our new location as our goals and dreams move forward.”

Over time, Loosian served as Armenian School superintendent while his wife, Azadouhi, was teaching classes over a 25-year period.

Adversity also didn’t keep Richard Naroian from taking his familiar place in the choir — like he has for the past 30 years. Cancer treatments refuse to take their toll on the man, known for both his dancing and singing prowess at festivals. Three years ago, he was honored as a “godfather” of the parish.

“I look out and see my family there every Sunday with twin grandsons and that’s all the encouragement and sustenance I need to continue my service,” he said. “The people in this church have been my support system during this illness.”

His devoted wife of 47 years, Barbara, is also joined by two active sons, one here and another at St. James in Watertown. Jason has served as superintendent of the Sunday School.

Since the age of 12, Alice Kasparian has seen the hourglass work in her favor.  It’s a remarkable career that has extended 70 years in the choir, involved her entire family, a wedding here, children, grandchildren, the whole manifestation of religious life.

To see the building face its demise is indeed bittersweet for Kasparian.  But knowing there is another church waiting to greet the future encourages her.

“Like others, I have a great deal of anticipation for the future,” she points out. “We are blessed in many ways.”

Sonia and Michael Ohanian were married in this very church in 1955. They have witnessed all the phases, the good times and bad, the agony of storm damage, the ecstasy of survival. Like others, their diligence and work ethic were never compromised. The two have been to Armenia 13 times, helping that country with bar coding technology.

Another couple like Marty and Shirley Aaronian have also stood out in terms of attendance, he at 54 years and she at 64. They were wed at Holy Cross Church before establishing a family history in Haverhill.

“This has been our spiritual home,” they say. “There’s a general feeling of excitement. A new church will attract growth and offer added fellowship to the community. Progress is good. It can only mean a positive move forward for us.”

Larry Pahigian serves on both the Merger Committee and Parish Council. The 84-year-old venerable agrees a new future lays ahead for himself and others of his kind, regardless of age.

“This has been a dream for 20 years,” he pointed out, with wife, Alice, by his side. “Now, it has become a moving reality. I feel a broader, more compassionate sense from one another inside my church community. It’s a moment we can all appreciate.”