Sts. Joachim and Anne Church Welcomes Primate, Marks 53 Years
17 November 2011
Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), visited Sts. Joachim and Anne Church of Palos Heights, Ill., last weekend, as the parish marked the 53rd anniversary of the church's consecration.
Archbishop Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, November 13, and delivered a sermon on lay ministry—the focus of this year's Diocesan theme. "Today and in the months to come, I ask you to open yourselves up to the call of Christ in your own lives," he said. "Doing so, I pray, will illuminate a path of ministry for you. And I have faith that your families, this parish, our Diocese, and the Armenian Church overall, will grow stronger, healthier, filled with greater creativity and inspiration, as we attend to Christ's call to follow Him."
Following services, some 120 people gathered in the church hall for an anniversary dinner. Robert Koshkarian and Pearl Gopoian, two longtime parishioners, were honored as "Lay Ministers of the Year." Koshkarian has served on the parish council and is currently on the parish's stewardship and membership committees. Gopoian, who divides her time between Sts. Joachim and Anne Church and St. David Church of Boca Raton, Fla., is a member of the Women's Guild, and has assisted with other church organizations.
Another highlight of the gathering was a musical program prepared by parish children, who sang "Kreesdos ee Mech" and a song about the Ten Commandments written by the Rev. Fr. Tavit Boyajian, parish pastor.
The parish extended its congratulations to Archbishop Barsamian on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of his ordination into the holy priesthood and his 20th anniversary as Primate of the Eastern Diocese.
Fr. Boyajian said he appreciated the success of the event and added that the community was supportive and glad to have the opportunity to meet with the Primate.
On Saturday evening, Archbishop Barsamian engaged in a discussion with parishioners in the church hall. He answered questions on a range of topics, including his personal journey to the priesthood, the ecumenical movement, and the traditions and practices of the Armenian Church.
The parish also drew attention to its innovative video ministry—a series of sermon videos and other education clips available online, on the parish website.
Archbishop Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, November 13, and delivered a sermon on lay ministry—the focus of this year's Diocesan theme. "Today and in the months to come, I ask you to open yourselves up to the call of Christ in your own lives," he said. "Doing so, I pray, will illuminate a path of ministry for you. And I have faith that your families, this parish, our Diocese, and the Armenian Church overall, will grow stronger, healthier, filled with greater creativity and inspiration, as we attend to Christ's call to follow Him."
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Another highlight of the gathering was a musical program prepared by parish children, who sang "Kreesdos ee Mech" and a song about the Ten Commandments written by the Rev. Fr. Tavit Boyajian, parish pastor.
The parish extended its congratulations to Archbishop Barsamian on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of his ordination into the holy priesthood and his 20th anniversary as Primate of the Eastern Diocese.
Fr. Boyajian said he appreciated the success of the event and added that the community was supportive and glad to have the opportunity to meet with the Primate.
On Saturday evening, Archbishop Barsamian engaged in a discussion with parishioners in the church hall. He answered questions on a range of topics, including his personal journey to the priesthood, the ecumenical movement, and the traditions and practices of the Armenian Church.
The parish also drew attention to its innovative video ministry—a series of sermon videos and other education clips available online, on the parish website.
To learn more, visit www.saintsjoachimandanne.net.
