St. Stephen’s, ARS Honor Seniors

WATERTOWN, Mass.—His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, had proclaimed 2014 “The Year of the Elder.” In order to close out 2014 in a memorable way, a reception honoring the elderly was organized by St. Stephen’s Church and the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Social Services Department and held on Saturday evening, Dec. 6, in the church hall. It was a very festive event attended by a crowd of more than 170 people. The evening included an abundant buffet of delicious appetizers and desserts prepared by the ladies of the ARS.

Certificate of appreciation recipient Hasmig Der Vartanian with Nevart Kouyoumjian, Nartouhi Abrimian, and Fr. Antranig Baljian.

The evening began with welcoming remarks by Raffi Manjikian, chairman of the St. Stephen’s Board of Trustees, and by Nevart Kouyoumjian, chair of the ARS Social Services Department. Following the invocation by Fr. Antranig Baljian and table fellowship, the Der Hayr in his keynote address explained why elders are viewed as such an essential part of the community, and how their role in society has been described in scripture and recognized throughout Armenian history. Der Hayr highlighted the various terms used to describe the elderly—senior, elder, aged, old-timer, etc.—and urged those present to be good role models for future generations in the way they speak and act, and especially in their faith, stating, “Respect is given to those who are worthy of respect. It is important to understand that our elders are not respected for how long they have lived, but rather because they have lived a fruitful, unblemished, and exemplary life.”

Certificate of appreciation recipients Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Florence Markarian with Fr. Antranig. — Certificate of appreciation recipients Mr. and Mrs. Joseph
and Florence Markarian with Fr. Antranig.

At the conclusion of his speech, four people were honored for their years of service within the community. Nartouhi Abrimian presented certificates of merit to Hasmig Der Vartanian and Sona Zerdelian Iradian. Der Hayr presented a certificate to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Florence Markarian. A program by members of the Meghedi performing arts company, under the direction of Marina Kavlakian, accompanied by Kegam Margarian, entertained those present with recitations, choral singing, and piano pieces. The evening ended with Der Hayr’s prayer.