PRELATE'S VISIT AND BIKE-A-THON ENLIVENS WEEKEND OF NORTH ANDOVER COMMUNITY

52nd Anniversary of Saint Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church of Merrimack Valley

During the Blessing of Water with the newly consecrated Holy Muron: (l to r) Michael Bulbulian, Andrew Movsessian, Dn. James Haddad, H.E. Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian (Prelate), Fr. Stephan Baljian (Pastor), Dn. John Saryan, Dn. Avedis Garavanian, Cameron Afarian

Participants in the Prelate's Bike-a-thon 2022: (l to r) Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian, Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Nayiri Baljian Bell, Avedis Bell, Shushan Savzyan Haddad, Dn. James Haddad, Jim Haddad (photo by Joseph Almasian)

​ Posted by The Armenian Prelacy  
     The first weekend of October offered for St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church of Merrimack Valley a wonderful opportunity to enliven the early days of fall.
     Despite the intimidating news filling the airwaves about Hurricane Ian, a group of outdoor and sports enthusiasts joined His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, on  the afternoon of Saturday, October 1, in an 18-mile bike-a-thon along the former railroad line now converted into the Windham-Salem Rail Trail.  
     On Sunday, October 2,  the Prelate celebrated Divine Liturgy. Before his sermon, he ordained Michael Bulbulian, Cameron Afarian and Andrew Movsessian as acolytes, with the sponsorship of Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian, Pastor. Archbishop Anoushavan expressed his satisfaction for the dedication of the three teenagers, which is the most beautiful expression of faith and guarantees the continuity of the church’s mission.
​      At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the parish welcomed the newly blessed and consecrated Holy Muron.
      Following the church services, in the parish's Jaffarian Hall, the faithful celebrated the 52nd anniversary of the church's consecration (1970).

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Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy, ordains 3 youth, Michael Bulbulian, Cameron Afarian and Andrew Movsessian as acolytes (tbir) of the Armenian Apostolic Church, under the sponsorship of Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian, Pastor

Revelers at St. Gregory Church's 52nd Anniversary Banquet

The dove-shaped vessel holding the newly consecrated Holy Muron is ceremonially brought in procession to the main altar of the church, where it will be used to bless water for the blessing of the faithful

A delicious cake in honor of the 52nd Anniversary

Mr. Joseph Almasian, Board of Trustees Chair, was Master of Ceremonies for the afternoon

​      Board of Trustees chairman, Joseph Almasian, gave a slide presentation about the church’s activities in the past year. Fr. Stephan was happy to report that the community was slowly returning to normal life following the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.   
      A tasteful artistic program added to the festivities of the day. On this occasion, Mrs. Armena Bizios received a certificate of recognition from the Prelacy for her many years of service to the church and its auxiliary bodies, as well as to the Armenian Relief Society.

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2022 Certificate of Appreciation recipient Armena Bizios with Archbishop Anoushavan, Fr. Stephan and Joe Almasian (BOT Chair)

2022 Certificate of Appreciation recipient Armena Bizios with son John Bizios and son-in-law David Stevens

Mardo Kevorkian (Baritone) and Knarik Nerkararyan Kevorkian (Soprano) perform Babadjanyan's "Chuknagh Yeraz," accompanied by Der Stephan Baljian on the piano

​     After this, the Prelate highly praised all that the community was able to realize, both before and after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Srpazan Hayr especially appreciated the fact that children, young adults and elderly all took part in the program, participating with songs and poems, on piano and on flute. Taking this into account, he announced that the North Andover community is qualified to be known henceforth as the "Art-lovers' Community," and he bid them to always continue to work together with joy and with a positive spirit.
      The spirited and engaging anniversary day closed with a final blessing and the singing of "Giligia."

Translated by Fr. Stephan Baljian

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