CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — On Saturday, November 9, the Holy Trinity family celebrated the ministry of Fr. Vasken Kouzouian by honoring his 25th Anniversary of Ordination to the Holy Order of Priesthood. Our parish members and friends filled MIT’s Samberg Center, as the glittering Boston skyline dazzled in the background. The evening began with a cocktail reception where guests were able to mingle and enjoy the views.
Master of Ceremonies for the evening, Lisa Stephanian Burton, welcomed guests to the celebration, then invited Fr. Mampre Kouzouian to offer the Invocation. Joy Bethune, who grew up at Holy Trinity and is now raising her own family in the parish, offered a heartfelt toast reflecting on Rev. Vasken Kouzouian’s impact on the entire community. Chairman of the Parish Council, Gregory A. Kolligian, Jr. offered remarks in appreciation of the honoree’s impact, followed by Deacon Gregory Krikorian, who read letters of congratulations from Bishop Daniel Findikyan, Diocesan Primate, and Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Diocesan Legate and Ecumenical Officer. Guests were then invited to enjoy dinner.
During dinner, guests heard from Celebration Committee members Gregory Ekchian and Christine Hovsepian, former ACYOA members influenced by Kouzouian’s ministry. An anniversary cake was presented by ACYOA Seniors and committee members Oscar Derderian III and Anna Margaryan. During dessert and coffee, committee member Sandra Hovsepian introduced and presented a beautiful video tribute which included messages and well wishes from a diverse group of parishioners and friends.
The evening’s highlight was the “fireside chat” moderated by Alison Ekizian, executive director of Holy Trinity and Fr. Vasken’s daughter, Alina. Guests were able to hear Kouzouian offer spontaneous and candid answers to personal questions about faith, family, challenging moments and triumphs. Kouzouian ended the evening’s celebration with the presentation of gifts to his ordination godfather, Gerald Boghosian, and his sponsoring priest, Fr. Mampre. He then warmly thanked the community for their love and support. The evening ended with Fr. Vasken Kouzouian offering the Benediction, honoring all clergy in the priesthood, all while looking at the crowd in joyful disbelief, “I can’t believe you’re all here for me.…”
The warmth and love in the room were a perfect tribute to a man whose selfless ministry and service touches all of our lives.
