White Plains Community Marks 40 Years of Armenian and Sunday Schools
20 January 2012
The day began with the celebration of Divine Liturgy by Archbishop Yeghishe Gizirian, who also ordained Andrew Kayaian to the rank of acolyte and Paul Derderian and Arsen Yelegen to the sub-diaconate. All three young men have been studying and preparing for this day with seriousness and faithfulness. A requiem service took place for the deceased teachers of the Armenian School, as well as for members of the Gulbenkian family, after whom the Gulbenkian Sunday School is named.
Following services, a program was held in the church's Tutak Hall. Students of
both schools sang the Lord's Prayer and the national anthems of Armenia and the
United States. They also sang other hymns and songs.
Following a delicious luncheon, catered by Anahid Krichian of Paterson, N.J., Dr. Anna Kazanchian, chair of the event's planning committee, formally welcomed the audience, and said that the teachers of both schools deserve highest praise for their hard work. "They are the ones carrying the torch that will keep the light of Christianity and the pride of being Armenian alive and well in our children," she said.
The Rev. Fr. Karekin Kasparian, the longtime pastor of the parish, stressed the special relationship between St. Gregory the Enlightener Church and St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, which he headed 40 years ago. He spoke about St. Nersess students who have had a prominent role in the establishment of both schools at St. Gregory Church. More than 250 teachers have taught in both schools over the past 40 years, and 20 of them have also been involved with the seminary.
Fr. Kasparian also expressed his convection that it is vital for children to receive knowledge about both their Christian faith and their Armenian culture. He concluded by expressing his deep pastoral love and care for all the children and their families.
Building on this idea, parish council chair Zaven Tachdjian said that the two "schools are the pillars of our community. They are the incubators that nurture and form the core group of the new generations, thus ensuring the continuity, survival, and prosperity of this parish." He added that the parish council would continue supporting the schools to ensure their growth in the future.
Yn. Dawn Kasparian read messages received by former teachers and assistants. The messages expressed pride and well wishes. "I feel privileged and rewarded to have had the opportunity to share our Lord's teachings of love, hope, and faith with the students at their young and innocent age as a Sunday School teacher," said former teacher Grace Ilangian Basil.
Four teachers received special recognition for their commitment to the schools. Lisa Kouzoujian was recognized for her longest continuous tenure as a Sunday School teacher over the past two decades, and Margrit Hamparsoumian received the same distinction in the Armenian School. Mark Derderian was recognized for holding the longest term as Sunday School superintendent, and Anahid Chookhachian for holding the longest term as Armenian School principal.
Maria Bedonian and Sylvia Kruizenga presented a short video highlighting the schools' accomplishments. Michael Aram Wolohojian and Lydia Kurkjian, graduates of both schools, were invited to express their sentiments as to how their experience in the schools impacted their Christian-Armenian identity. Gayane Hamparsoumian and Kayla Kalayjian Love, graduates of the Armenian School who are members of the Shushi Dance Ensemble, performed beautiful dances.
The Rev. Fr. Mardiros Chevian, a graduate of St. Nersess who has served as superintendent of the parish's first Sunday School, shared reminiscences from his experience. The Rev. Fr. Untzag Nalbandian also extended his warm greetings and wishes to the pastor and both schools.
Archbishop Gizirian delivered the closing message, extending his appreciation and encouragement to the parish pastor and to all parishioners who have contributed to the development of the schools.
Attendees were given a celebratory booklet and a souvenir pen, donated by Robert Stepanian in memory of his father Bob, who established the parish's MR/MRS/MISS Club, and served as its first chair. Guests also enjoyed a cake by Lisa and Steve Maronian.
