During a weekend of uplifting ceremonies, a new Armenian Church was consecrated in Carrollton, TX. Taking its name from the community’s historic sanctuary, the new edifice was consecrated as “St. Sarkis Armenian Church,” and sits majestically atop a hill overlooking the Dallas suburb.
Diocesan Primate Bishop Daniel Findikyan led the proceedings, alongside three fellow bishops: former Primate and current Legate of Western Europe Archbishop Khajag Barsamian; Diocesan Legate and Ecumenical Director Archbishop Vicken Aykazian; and Primate of the Australian Diocese Archbishop Haigazoun Najarian. All four bishops hold deep ties with the Dallas Armenian community.
Local parishioners were joined by friends and family who traveled from throughout the state and across the country to share in the momentous occasion. The sacred celebrations began on Friday evening, April 22, with the Trnpatsek (“Opening of Doors”) service and a social gathering.
Saturday, April 23 was the date for the formal consecration service. It took place as part of a grand Episcopal Divine Liturgy, which included the blessing of the church’s main benefactors Elie and Ella Akilian, along with nine other distinguished godfathers.
In his sermon for the consecration badarak, Bishop Daniel reflected on the new church as an expression of the Dallas community’s faith, perseverance, and generosity. He drew inspiration from prayers recorded in the Old Testament, and called on the parishioners to embrace their new church as the ancient Hebrews regarded the Temple of Jerusalem.
“This one Temple of theirs became the symbol of what it means to become God’s people,” Bishop Daniel said. “It was the symbol of strength that can only come from God. The symbol of hope; of faith that has to be given to us as a gift from God. The Temple of Jerusalem was the place where people came to be nourished, and strengthened, in their faith.”
After the service, parishioners adjourned to the outdoor promenade under a bright Texas sky, before gathering in the beautiful “Hall of Lights” banquet hall on the St. Sarkis campus, for a formal banquet with a program of speeches and musical entertainment.
On Sunday, April 24, the inaugural Divine Liturgy was celebrated by St. Sarkis pastor Fr. Ghevond Ajamian. In a ceremony during the badarak, the bishops consecrated the icons and baptismal font in the sanctuary. The St. Sarkis Women’s Guild hosted a splendid hospitality hour following the service, which was capped by a graceful performance by the talented young dancers of the church’s Groung Dance Troupe.
In the days following the consecration, two online magazines have featured articles on the architecture of the new St. Sarkis Church, which present beautiful photos and schematics, as well as wonderful insights into its design details, innovative construction techniques, and symbolism.
CLICK THE FOLLOWING LINKS TO:
- VIEW a gallery of photos by Mushegh Nazaryan and Joan Stuckmann.
- WATCH a recording of the consecration, including Bishop Daniel’s sermon.
- READ articles about the church’s architecture, on World-Architects.com and FastCompany.com