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St. Vartan Armenian Church in Oakland celebrated the 90th anniversary of the community’s establishment and the 60th anniversary of the consecration of the parish on February 25-26, 2017. The festivities commenced with a gala banquet on Saturday. Guests enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Scott’s Seafood Restaurant, the venue of the gala banquet. The celebratory event also marked the Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan’s 10th anniversary of ordination and consecration into the priesthood.
On Saturday, in recognition of their selfless service rendered to St. Vartan Armenian Church, parishioners Nicole Vasgerdsian, Maida Henesian, Arto Yagjian, Zaven Kanneian, Greg Mazmanian and Barry Toomajian were recognized by the Primate with the Diocesan “Hye Spirit” Award. Archbishop’s Awards were presented to Don and Lisa Manoogian and Peter and Pat Barsamian.
In his remarks, Archbishop Derderian noted the vitality of the renewal of our Christian faith on the auspicious occasion of the 60th anniversary of consecration of St. Vartan Armenian Church. “Tonight’s celebration becomes another milestone in our church mission as we together make the promise to be the true ambassadors of Christ and teachers of the Word of God. For decades, generations have fulfilled their Christian duties in the most dignified way. Thus, we make the commitment to embark a new beginning in the life of St. Vartan Armenian Church and community to armor the spiritual of our faithful with the gift of renewed faith and service in the vineyard of God.”
Click here to read the Primate’s message in its entirety.
As a souvenir, guests received a commemorative booklet printed especially for the occasion.
On Sunday, the parishioners participated in the episcopal celebration of the Divine Liturgy by the Diocesan Primate.
In a congratulatory letter to the family of St. Vartan Armenian Church on the auspicious occasion of the 60th anniversary of consecration, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians addressed a Message of Blessing and Commendation to the community.
Mr. Antranik Cingoz, who approached the nave accompanied by his spouse Hasmig, was honored during the service with the prestigious St. Nerses Shnorhali medal. The Encyclical, conferring the medal was read by the Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan, the Pastor of the host parish who assisted the Primate at the Holy Altar. His Eminence congratulated the couple for their enduring love and loyal support of the Oakland Parish, the Western Diocese and the Armenian Apostolic Church.
To the sheer delight of the congregants, parishioner Norma Yaghledjian was also recognized by the Primate during the service. Mrs. Yaghledjian, whose father organized the first fundraiser banquet for the acquisition of the church, was a witness to the groundbreaking of St. Vartan Armenian Church. His Eminence expressed his wholehearted gratitude to Mrs. Yaghledjian for her loyalty and resolute service.
Addressing the Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan, the Primate congratulated the priest on the tenth anniversary of his ordination into the priesthood. His Eminence commended the leadership role of Fr. Hovel in instilling into the hearts of the community the love for the Armenian Apostolic Church and the sacred traditions of the Armenian family. Archbishop Derderian was delighted to witness the large number of youth including Sunday School students as well as the grandchildren of the first pastor of St. Vartan Armenian Church whose attendance was most welcomed.
A reception followed the service in the hall of the church.
