By Yeretzgeen Joanna Baghsarian
NATICK, Mass. — Friday, April 13, was a lucky night for couples who filled the banquet room of the Boston-Natick Crowne Plaza to capacity for a program focusing on building strong marriages.
The electrifying sound of camaraderie, laughter and joy greeted guests. This, combined with the soft, melodic Armenian and Christian selections of John Baboian’s Ovation guitar, blended in perfect harmony and spilled out into the long corridor.
I attended with my husband, Rev. Gomidas Baghsarian. We crossed the threshold and entered into another dimension. From a personal perspective, this writer was keenly aware of her surroundings. People from all walks of life and political persuasion were engaged in animated conversation. Friends and clergy from across Armenian religious life embraced with ecumenical warmth. Spring tulips — gifted by Dr. and Mrs. Seth Bilazarian — dotted the center of each table. This splash of color on white linen reminded me that renewal – in more ways than one – was waiting to happen.
Visionaries Rev. Dr. Avedis Boynerian, pastor of the Armenian Memorial Church in Watertown, his wife Dr. Arpi Boynerian, and Yeretzgeen LuAnn Sabounjian of the Holy Translators Metro West Armenian Apostolic Church organized the event and with a team of clergy, community leaders and parishioners, successfully implemented the first ever “Armenian Couples Night.”
Rev. Boynerian opened the program with “I love you” – three words that set the tone for the evening. He then invited Rev. Antranig Baljian from St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church of Watertown to bless the meal and the speakers.
