By Rev. Fr. Vart Gyozalyan
In the year 2000, members of Holy Cross Church in Lawrence and St. Gregory the Illuminator in Haverhill, Massachusetts bought land together with the idea of creating a new church community. We adopted a new name — Armenian Apostolic Church at Hye Pointe. Culturally, these were the first parishes in the Eastern Diocese to combine their resources. In 2007, during his Pontifical visit to the United States, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, gave a fatherly visit to the Hye Pointe site and blessed four cornerstones of our future sanctuary.
In April 2017, Hye Pointe Church constructed and opened the Family Life and Cultural Center and shortly after began construction of the new sanctuary. Unfortunately, COVID-19 delayed further fundraising, but in 2022, fundraising resumed.
The Armenian Apostolic Church at Hye Pointe is now preparing for the consecration of our sanctuary. The consecration, to be presided over by Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, is set to take place on the weekend of October 25-27 2024. Located in Haverhill, the newly-constructed sanctuary will represent the combined parishes of the Holy Cross Church and St. Gregory the Illuminator.
In the heart of our community lies a testament to faith, determination and unwavering perseverance — our beloved sanctuary. For years, she has stood as a beacon of hope and a focal point of our spiritual journey. Now, after much anticipation and hard work, we are on the cusp of witnessing a historic moment with its consecration. This sacred event is the culmination of a dream nurtured by Hye Pointe parishioners and community members, a vision that many have held close to their hearts for countless years.
It symbolizes not only the physical manifestation of our devotion but also the spiritual significance of our collective journey. Through tireless efforts, fundraising endeavors and unwavering commitment, we have built a sanctuary and community that embody the essence of our dedicated and humble church family.
The sanctuary, connected to the Family Life and Cultural Center, was constructed in an Armenian traditional style on both the exterior and interior. It is modeled after the Armenian churches St. Hripsime in Etchmiadzin and Holy Savior Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in Shushi, Artsakh. The representation of these two churches will be carved on the church’s main doors. Many of the pieces used in the construction (windows, pews, vigil lamps) were used at both Holy Cross and St. Gregory the Illuminator churches. Other new liturgical items are being made in Armenia and brought to the United States.
As Hye Pointe’s Parish Council chair Kim Dandurant said, “We remember and cherish our past, the sacrifices made by Genocide survivors who built and established these two churches to honor God. By incorporating their sacrifices with this generation’s sacrifice, we are ready for our next chapter.”
As we prepare to witness the consecration of our sanctuary, we are reminded of the poignant words penned by St. Paul in Hebrews 11, often referred to as the “Hall of Faith.” In this passage, we find a profound reflection on the power of faith and the enduring legacy it leaves behind. Indeed, the journey to this momentous occasion has been fraught with challenges, yet through it all, our faith has remained steadfast.
St. Paul speaks of the faith of our ancestors who, despite facing insurmountable odds, remained resolute in their belief in a higher purpose. Their stories serve as a source of inspiration for Hye Pointe parishioners as we embark on this sacred journey of consecration. Just as they looked beyond the present circumstances and held fast to their convictions, so too have we remained steadfast in our commitment and resolve to see our sanctuary built and consecrated.
St. Paul emphasizes the importance of determination in the face of adversity. It reminds us that faith is not passive but rather an active force that propels us forward, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. Through every setback and obstacle, we have pressed on, fueled by the unwavering belief that this day would come to fruition.
Yet, as we rejoice in the imminent consecration of our sanctuary, we also acknowledge those who are no longer with us to witness this historic moment. Countless souls, who shared in our vision and labored alongside us, have departed this earthly realm. Their absence is keenly felt, yet their spirit remains intertwined with ours as we gather to celebrate and glorify God for His abundant blessings.
In the spirit of faith and remembrance, we honor the memory of those who have gone before us, recognizing their contributions and the indelible mark they have left on our journey. Their legacy serves as a reminder of the enduring power of faith and the profound impact it has on generations to come.
The consecration of our sanctuary is not merely a ceremonial act but a testament to the enduring faith and perseverance of our community. May this historic moment serve as a beacon of hope for all who enter our doors, a reminder of the transformative power of faith in action. May we, like those who came before us, continue to walk in faith, knowing that through God, all things are possible.
Guest Contributor
Latest posts by Guest Contributor (see all)
- ACF pays tribute to composer Diane Goolkasian Rahbee - October 9, 2024
- Unity, spiritual renewal to mark His Holiness Aram I’s visit to North Andover’s Saint Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church - October 8, 2024
- In Memory of Vachik Khachatourian - October 8, 2024
My maternal grandfather, Yesai Yesaian, originally from Arabkir, had a farm in Haverhill from the 1910s-1940s. My mother, Sara Yesaian Kzirian and her siblings were born and raised in Haverhill. We still have fond memories of visiting friends and family there. Best wishes on your upcoming church consecration.
Thank you Andrew for sharing this wonderful memory! Thank you for your kind words and best wishes!