Armenian Church of Hye Pointe Officially Renamed Holy Archangels

“So, as we honor these Holy Archangels,” he concluded, “let’s carry their message with us. Let’s face every challenge with courage, knowing that we’re not alone, that we’re empowered by the very strength of heaven.”

During both the consecration service and the banquet that followed in the church’s beautifully appointed hall, Bishop Mesrop paid special tribute to a number of people.

He offered warm words of congratulations to parish pastor Fr. Vart Gyozalyan. “To the people of this parish, Der Vart has been your pastor, you leader, your friend,” he said. “In the years that it has taken to complete this project, Der Vart has played every conceivable role: from caretaker to cheerleader to peacemaker. He has championed the vision of this church, and kept that holy vision alive in the hearts of its faithful — even through the uncertain pandemic period. And he did it all with that spirit of humility and gentleness of heart that we have all come to know, love, and admire.” The Primate presented Fr. Gyozalyan with a hand cross to honor his pastoral leadership of the parish.

He also praised two benefactors of the church project: Michael Ohanian and his daughter Debbie Ohanian. “Thank you both for your incredible generosity, your unwavering support and vision,” he said. “Today we also remember with love your dear wife and mother, Sonia Ohanian, who was called to our Lord a little while ago. Her faithful spirit truly lives in your hearts, Michael and Debbie; and it will surely live on in this sanctuary.”

The Primate asked Fr. Gyozalyan to read an encyclical sent by Karekin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians, celebrating the church’s consecration, and honoring the Ohanians for their role in making it a reality.

Finally, Bishop Mesrop gave thanks to “the 16 consecration godparents, the donors, and the volunteers — to every person who gave of their time, talent, and treasure: This day would not have been possible without your dedication and love for your church.  Thank you for helping to build a spiritual home for generations to come.”

Special Guests and Honors

Bishop Mesrop welcomed the distinguished clergy in attendance, among them Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, the Primate of the United Kingdom, who journeyed to the U.S. especially for the consecration, and to honor his kinsman Fr. Vart Gyozalyan, longtime pastor of the Haverhill parish.

Two other visitors from the wider Armenian Church were Fr. Aghan Gogchyan, chancellor of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem; and Fr. Kevork Arakelyan of the Western Diocese, who holds the distinction as the very first St. Nersess graduate to be ordained a priest.

The Primate also thanked the visiting Fr. Stephan Baljian and Reverend Avedis Boynerian for their presence, support, and prayers.

Clergy visiting from across the Eastern Diocese included Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian, Fr. Simeon Odabashian, Fr. Karekin Kasparian, Fr. Garabed Kochakian, Fr. Vasken Kouzouian, Fr. Arakel Aljalian, Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian, Fr. Krikor Sabounjian, Fr. Shnork Souin, Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan, Fr. Hratch Sargsyan, Fr. Khachatur Kesablyan, Fr. Tadeos Barseghyan, Fr. Sevak Gabrielyan, Fr. Voski Galstyan, Fr. Andreas Garabedian, Fr. Nigoghos Aznavourian, and Fr. Haroutiun Sabounjian. St. Nersess Seminary dean Fr. Mardiros Chevian was joined by the current class of seminarians.

In addition, during the banquet Bishop Mesrop presented special commendations to the members of the Building Committee, for their enduring vision and labor over many years. The committee members were chairman Scott Sahagian; vice chair Ervant Kibarian; treasurer Linda Tanoian Doherty; assistant treasurer Bojan Manich; secretary Andrea Giragosian Korbey; assistant secretary Diane Shadbegian; Michael Bebirian; Mark Kazanjian; Myles Couyoumjian; Kim Kazanjian Dandurant; and Robert Serabian.

Also receiving certificates of recognition for their efforts and generosity were parishioners Andre Garabedian, Andrew Royce Fournier, Andrew Kibarian, Ani Keverian, Armen Derderian, Barbara Sarkisian Arthur, Carol Bazarian, Charlene Hovanasian, Cynthia Bogosian, Daniel Shad, Daniel Tavitian, David Tavitian, Daniel Shadbegian, Elaine Bebirian, Evan Sahagian, Alison Derderian, Gary Townsend, George Karaian, Jefferson Kim, Joseph Tavitian, Kathy Meranian, Michael Demirchian, Michelle Beeny, Nancy Sahagian, Nathan Kibarian, Robin Colombosian, Rebecca Demirchian, Sarah Tavitian, Stephanie Naroian, Susan Hazarvartian, Kim Eric Hazarvartian, Anahit Kibarian, Vania Mardirossian Kim, Viken Dumeciyan, Robert Korbey, Kristina Bebirian, Yn. Lusine Aharonian, Lucy Sirmaian, Lynn Kanayan, Emmanuel Baghdayan, and Mary Ann Ohanian.