St. James Celebrates Name Day
WATERTOWN, Mass.—Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), visited the St. James Church of Watertown on Sun., Dec. 16, as the parish observed its 81st anniversary and held its annual Name Day banquet.
Archbishop Barsamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon. The Rev. Fr. Arakel Aljalian, pastor of St. James Church, assisted the Primate. Also taking part in the service were the Very Rev. Fr. Krikor Maksoudian, Rev. Fr. Arsen Barsamian, and Rev. Fr. Dajad Davidian.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a banquet was held to celebrate the Feast of St. James, the Bishop of Nisibis, for whom the Watertown church is named.
Two longtime parishioners, Edward Brewster and Karen Dederyan, were presented with the “Parishioner of the Year” award. The 250 people in attendance congratulated the honorees, who have dedicated their services to the parish and Diocese for more than 30 years. Both have served as Sunday School teachers and Diocesan delegates, in addition to taking up other roles at the local and Diocesan levels.
During the banquet program, former Sunday School students Levon Kurkjian and Alicia Antreasian offered warm memories of the influence Brewster and Dederyan have had in their lives. Sunday School Superintendent Marsha Alabachian also made remarks. Subdeacon Mark Giragosian, a cousin of Karen Dederyan, served as master of ceremonies.
Brewster, who was married at St. James Church and went on to teach Sunday School for 39 years, has also served on the Parish Council and Diocesan Council. Not Armenian by birth, he said he has developed a deep attachment to the Armenian Church. “I was not born in Armenia, but Armenia was born in me,” he said, quoting His Holiness Karekin I, the late Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.
Born and raised in Watertown, Dederyan has been a lifelong member of St. James. Throughout her decades of service, she has been active in the church’s ACYOA chapter, Sunday School, and Parish Council. Fr. Aljalian noted Dederyan’s constant presence in church on Sunday mornings, and her willingness to serve the community.
Barsamian expressed his appreciation to the honorees for their commitment to the Armenian Church. “You are an example to the young generation of parishioners at St. James Church,” he said. “May the Lord continue to bless you and to guide you in your service.”
