Parishioners of St. Thomas Church of Tenafly, NJ, welcomed Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan on Palm Sunday, March 24. It was the continuation of a longstanding tradition, whereby the arajnort shares that feast day—which is also the parish’s consecration anniversary—with the Tenafly faithful.
An overflowing crowd attended the church service, where Bishop Mesrop celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the homily. The service culminated in the Turnpatsek service led by pastor Fr. Papken Anoushian, assisted by Deacon Levon Capan.
The service was enhanced by the addition of the voices of the Gomidas Choir to those of the St. Thomas Choir. In keeping with Palm Sunday tradition, parishioners received palm fronds at the close of the service.
Following the services, parishioners and friends filled the church’s Mekhjian Atrium to enjoy the 59th anniversary consecration banquet. Mistress of Ceremonies Erna Kajayan invited the parish council to escort the honorees to the dais.
Fr. Papken offered a prayer for the souls of Araxie Diratzouian and Olympia Jebejian, in whose memory Sarkis and Maral Jebejian sponsored the banquet.
Parish council chair Dr. Levon Capan gave a welcoming toast and later, as director of the St. Thomas Junior Choir, led the angelic-sounding youth in singing a several sharagans.
The program culminated in the presentation of the annual St. Thomas Award to three worthy recipients: Jane Solakian, Hilda Giritlian, and Filor Bolat. Fr. Papken presented the award to each recipient, thanking them for their dedication and describing the devoted service of each honoree.
A major fundraiser for St. Thomas on Palm Sunday is its Cake Sale, chaired this year by Gregory and Natalie Amerkanian, who made a generous donation along with a multitude of parishioners. A beautiful cake baked by honoree Hilda Giritlian was cut with great ceremony and distributed to the guests.
As Palm Sunday is ACYOA Day in the Eastern Diocese, the ACYOA Juniors group—represented by Sonia Bourghol, Saro Amerkanian, and Abigail Tovmasian—presented Fr. Anoushian with a donation check from their fundraising efforts.
In remarks, Fr. Anoushian conveyed his thanks and gratitude to the numerous volunteers and generous donors who made the banquet possible. He thanked banquet chairs Jack and Sylva Torosian, Arto and Ani Ozgun, Mr. and Dr. Jebejian, Mr. and Dr. Amerkanian, the banquet committee members, and all those who worked so hard for the church.
The Primate concluded the event with his remarks. “I want to express my gratitude and blessings to everyone who made the day unforgettable,” Bishop Mesrop added. “A heartfelt thank you to the pastor of St. Thomas, Fr. Papken Anoushian; the parish council’ and all the auxiliary organizations. Your behind-the-scenes efforts are crucial to St. Thomas’ success. A special thank you to the Gomidas Choir, who sang the Badarak. Your talent and dedication to liturgical music enrich our worship and touch our hearts. Lastly, to our devoted congregation, your presence and participation truly bring St. Thomas alive. Your faith and support are the bedrock of your community.”
By Madlen Setian