On Sunday, December 12, St. Mary Church of Washington, DC, celebrated its 89th anniversary. As a part of the occasion, parishioners and friends honored the 50th anniversary of the priestly ordination of Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, the Eastern Diocese’s Legate and Ecumenical Director.
The day began with the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Archbishop Aykazian. It was followed by a luncheon and program organized by the parish council. Attendees enjoyed a beautiful performance, songs, and poetry by students of St. Mary Shnorhali School.
Ambassador Lilit Makunts, the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the United States, expressed gratitude and appreciation to Archbishop Aykazian for many years of dedication and service to the Armenian Church and people. James Winkler, the President and General Secretary of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., served as the keynote speaker, underlining the influential role that Archbishop Aykazian has played in the worldwide ecumenical movement, especially with the NCC itself (which he served as a past president and current executive board member) and as a board member of the World Council of Churches.
Other distinguished guests spoke of their respected friendship with the honoree, and of his many contributions to Christian ecumenism. Among the speakers were Rev. Mark Morozowich, Dean and Associate Professor of Liturgical Studies/Sacramental Theology at Catholic University of America; Rev. Stefanos Alexopoulos, Associate Professor of Liturgical Studies/Sacramental Theology, CUA; Robin Darling Young, Associate Professor of Church History, CUA, and Bryan Ardouny, executive director of the Armenian Assembly. A congratulatory letter from Robert Avetisyan, Permanent Representative of the Nagorno-Karabagh Republic in the U.S.A., was also read.
Parish pastor Fr. Hovsep Karapetyan emphasized Archbishop Aykazian’s humility, love, and service to the Armenian Church and people. At the end of the celebration, St. Mary parish council chair Shoghig Sahakian presented the archbishop, on behalf of the parish council and parishioners, with a Blessing Cross.
Avedis Seferian served as master of ceremonies for the event. Click the following links to view photos and to view the day’s program.