A Celebration of Marriages at Holy Trinity Church
20 October 2011
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), visited Holy Trinity Church of Cambridge, Mass., last Sunday, as the community came together for a special celebration in its yearlong observance of the church’s 50th anniversary.
Titled “A Day of Celebrating Marriages,” the gathering recognized couples who were married at Holy Trinity Church over the past five decades. Archbishop Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy, and at the conclusion of the service offered a blessing to the couples and their families.
In his sermon, Archbishop Barsamian reflected on this year’s Diocesan theme of “Ministry of the Faithful,” and noted that marriage is itself a ministry, which encapsulates the spirit of the call to serve the Lord.
“Whenever two souls come together to form a single unit, it demands courage, humility, sacrifice, and faith from both parties,” Archbishop Barsamian said. “Each member in a marriage cares for, comforts, and supports the other—and this activity is almost a perfect illustration of what true ministry in Christ represents.”
The Primate also blessed the church’s wedding crowns, which recently received a fresh layer of gold plating. During a champagne reception held later in the afternoon, the crowns were at the center of an arrangement of wedding photographs highlighting the many families that began their journey at Holy Trinity Church.
David Maher, the mayor of Cambridge, extended congratulatory remarks to the parish on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. Parish delegate James Kalustian also offered a toast to Archbishop Barsamian on the occasion of his 40th anniversary of ordination into the priesthood and his 60th birthday.
“What better way to honor our parish’s 50th anniversary than celebrating with our Primate,” said the Rev. Fr. Vasken Kouzouian, parish pastor. “What was particularly joyful to witness was the fellowship that took place during our reception—it resembled a family reunion.”
Holy Trinity Church was originally located on Shawmut Avenue in Boston. But as families began moving to the suburbs in the boom of the post-war years, the parishioners decided to relocate their church to Cambridge, where the present building was consecrated in September 1961.
The parish is planning additional events as part of the 50th anniversary year, with a series of programs scheduled for the spring and fall of 2012.
