WATERTOWN, Mass.—Unprecedented! Historic! Truly unique!
Superlatives are in order as the National Representative Assembly (NRA) of the Eastern Prelacy ended its conclave on a rather historic note June 4-6.
For the first time ever, in this convention’s history, a gathering of more than 100 delegates and clergy heard in person His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon.
The pontiff rounded out a month-long visit with a rousing message focused on unity, the power of youth, resourcefulness, and greater involvement within the church structure—in short, not only bringing the church to the people but quite the reverse.
In previous years, the delegation heard from the Vehapar via Skype, through a recorded or televised message, or through a written correspondence.
As members gathered in the sanctuary of St. Stephen’s Church, in walked His Holiness led by his entourage. He took his seat on the altar between Srpazans Oshagan Choloyan and Anoushavan Tanielian, as clergy from 18 churches occupied their front-row seats, joined by an enthused audience situated behind.
His Holiness had just flown back from a visit to Ottawa and admitted being a little tired but buoyant as his mission neared its end. It seemed that weariness never truly showed with the pontiff upon visits from one location to another, including an eclectic presence in Washington, D.C.
“For the past four weeks, I’ve been with my community on a parish and Prelacy level,” he told members, many of whom held their cellular phones in overdrive. “I’ve listened and I’ve heard. We must all engage ourselves in a listening and learning process. Only then can we assess our problems and move forward with progress.”
The Vehapar admitted that some of his most genuine moments were with the youth, especially at St. Stephen’s Church and at the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Junior Seminar. In the end, he passed out accolades to the following:
– Both Eastern Prelacy Srpazans for their leadership and service.
– The clergy en masse for its spiritual guidance and leadership.
– The Executive Council, Board of Trustees in various parishes, the different church organizations, and the formational committee planning his visit.
“Collaboration between the Diocese and Prelacy-related churches is a must,” he confirmed. “In the last decade, advances have been made in this direction, both regionally and nationally. It’s been a renewed effort that has been wholesome to our church and nation in the diaspora.”
The Vehapar, together with Srpazan Oshagan, then conferred a Pectoral cross upon Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian for a decade of commendable service to the Prelacy. Der Lakissian is pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City and secretary of the Religious Council.
Meanwhile, the Ladies Guild (NALG) met separately at an alternate site with some 40 delegates in attendance, where Maro Matosian, director of the Women’s Support Center in Yerevan, delivered an inspiring talk.
Special applause went to Madonna Kzirian and Sharke DerApkarian for completing their terms, the latter six years in executive office. Commending their work was John Daghlian, the Prelacy’s liaison to the Ladies’ Guild.
NRA co-chairmen Jack Mardoian and Artin Dermenjian kept the meetings orderly and fastidious. A motion to make the NRA biennial (every two years) was narrowly defeated, keeping it annual. Next year’s gathering will take place in Douglaston, N.Y., hosted by St. Sarkis Church.
In what was a wonderful touch to tradition, Srpazan Oshagan conferred the NRA Awards to individuals for their invaluable service to the community. It was all about family here.
Heather (Apigian) Krafian was presented an award for distinguished service to her community for the invaluable work she has rendered to the Armenian Relief Society, the elementary school, Board of Trustees, 24 years with the Education Committee, and the trips to Armenia for the schoolchildren.
Krafian has been unwavering in her quest toward family, the various organizations and, most important, her church and its people. There is also the Armenia Tree Project, Armenian National Committee, and the Hairenik’s anniversaries that she helped see to success.
In a statement, of all the causes, all the venues and organizations, her most important mission has been family, with husband Ara and her four daughters, all of whom are chips off the parental block.
Four youth awards were also bestowed by Srpazan, including one to Nairi Krafian, a model Sunday Schooler, a key member of the children’s choir, and a teaching aide in her Sunday School, as well as a music teacher for the younger ones.
Add the fact she was an Armenian School teacher and nature instructor at Camp Haiastan, not to exclude her athletic prowess as a gold medalist in the AYF Olympics. Nairi also organized the annual Walk for Life fundraiser for the Armenian Bone Marrow Registry and continues to stay involved.
Two other awards went to the brother-sister tandem of Anahis and Antranig Kechejian for their impeccable work with “Stand Up for Your Survivor” in identifying survivors of the Armenian Genocide in an era of diminishing numbers.
Both recipients are active in their church and communities and have brought a vital complement to the genocide commemorations in Greater Boston. People holding posters of their survivors have been grateful for the opportunity to stay connected with their loved ones.
Ani Belorian was tapped for her academic and extra-curricular achievements, along with her leadership skills and exemplary behavior. Her thoughtful approach to literacy activities and her theatrical flair benefit the youngster in reading, writing, and social studies. She edits writing assignments and directs presentations.
The group was also treated to a wonderful performance by the Abaka Dance Ensemble.
With parting words, Srpazan Oshagan was adamant toward the dawn of a new era for his Prelacy, especially with the reconstruction of its quarters.
“I hope we will confront the challenges before us harmoniously and decisively,” he told the delegates. “By creating more space and improvements, we benefit the success of our programs and the perpetual continuation of our mission.”
Elected to the Executive Council were Noubar Megerian, Sue Ericson, Daniel Gulbankian, and Karen Jehanian. Named to the Religious Council were Rev. Mesrob Lakissian and Rev. Archpriest Nerses Manougian.
The hospitality committee left no stone unturned with a lobster dinner and the distribution of T-shirts commemorating the Centennial with the forget-me-not flower.
Two other presentations were made to Rev. Archpriest Aram Stepanian and Executive Council activist John Daghlian (three terms) for their unwavering service to the Prelacy. Daghlian pointed to his dad, the late Rev. Archpriest Arshag Daghlian, as being the motivating force behind his service.
Leo Vartanian launched his own efforts toward the Syrian Relief Fund and others reciprocated, raising hundreds of dollars impromptu.
Considering his family longevity, Steve Hagopian, chairman of the Executive Council, followed in the footsteps of his grandfather—a first delegate—to his father. A birthday celebration was in order. More importantly, his years of unquenchable service as chairman and spokesman for the Prelacy.
“It’s time for fresh eyes,” he told the gathering, upon retiring as a delegate. “I’ll always be attached to the Prelacy.”
Antranik Boudakian reported 640 Prelacy tickets being sold, a slight decrease from previous years. Winners will be announced separately.
In a rather emotional moment, a tearful Der Aram embraced his long-time friend Rev. Archpriest Gomidas Baghsarian upon his retirement from the Religious Council with the words:
“I love you brother!”
Tom Vartabedian
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