After a long period of anticipation and preparation, the faithful of Hye Pointe Church in Bradford, MA, will soon bear witness to the consecration of a beautiful new Armenian sanctuary.
The special ceremonies will take place October 25 through 27, during which the church will be consecrated by the hand of Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan.
The Primate will be assisted throughout by parish pastor Fr. Vart Gyozalyan, who has led the Hye Pointe community through the challenges of construction—including an interruption due to the pandemic—and kept the faithful members active and high-spirited in anticipation of this blessed milestone.
In addition to fulfilling a long-held dream of the present generation of parishioners, the consecration in October will be the culmination of two elder parish legacies: those of Holy Cross Church of Lawrence MA, and St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Haverhill. These venerable communities, with roots in the early decades of the 20th century, combined their spiritual and material resources at the turn of the 21st century, with a view to creating a new community of faith.
The road to this October’s consecration has had many stops and victories along the way, including the construction and opening of the beautiful “Family Life & Cultural Center” that occupies a prominent place on the church campus, adjacent to the sanctuary.
Nevertheless, when Bishop Mesrop consecrates the altar this fall, and gives the church a new name, it will mark a moment of profound transformation in the lives of the people who have worked and sacrificed to see their dream realized.
Below, read a pastoral reflection on this upcoming sacred milestone in the life of Hye Pointe Armenian Church.
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A Testament to Faith and Determination
The Approaching Consecration of the Armenian Church at Hye Pointe
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
In the year 2000, the Holy Cross Church in Lawrence MA, and St. Gregory the Illuminator in Haverhill MA bought land together with the idea of creating a new community. They 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 the future Sanctuary. 2011 saw the arrival of Hye Pointe’s permanent priest, Fr. Vart Gyozalyan.
In 2017 April, Hye Pointe Church constructed and opened the Family Life and Cultural Center and shortly after that, began construction of the Sanctuary. Unfortunately, COVID delayed further fundraising, and in 2022, fundraising resumed. The Armenian Apostolic Church at Hye Pointe is now preparing for the Consecration of its Sanctuary. The consecration, to be presided over by our Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, is set to take place on the weekend of October 25, to 27, 2024. Located in Haverhill, Massachusetts, the newly constructed Sanctuary will represent the combined parishes of the Holy Cross Church located in Lawrence, MA, and St. Gregory the Illuminator located in Haverhill, MA.
In what Fr. Vart Gyozalyan has called “The Consecration of Our Sanctuary: A Testament to Faith and Determination,” he states: “In the heart of our community lies a testament to faith, dedication, 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 – the Consecration of our Sanctuary.”
This sacred event is the culmination of a dream nurtured by Hye Pointe parishioners, 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. Fr. Vart commented that “Through tireless efforts, fundraising endeavors, and unwavering commitment, we have built a sanctuary and community that embodies the essence of our dedicated, humble service to our church family.”
The sanctuary, connected to the Family Life & Cultural Center, was constructed in an Armenian traditional style on the exterior and interior. Modeled after the churches of St. Hrispme in Armenia and Ghazanchetsots Church in Shushi, Artsakh, the representation of these two churches is being carved on the new 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 were or are being constructed or made in Armenia and brought to the United States. As Hye Pointe’s Parish Council chair, Kim Dandurant says: “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 of the Letter to the Hebrews: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb 11:1). Those words are 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.
The Apostle speaks to 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 us, 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. 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.
Fr. Vart concluded by saying: “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. And may we, like those who came before us, continue to walk in faith, knowing that through God, all things are possible.”
Follow the developments at Hye Pointe Church, and learn more about the October ceremonies, on the parish website.