Palm Sunday, April 13, was a special day at St. Thomas Church of Tenafly, NJ, as the parish welcomed Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, who celebrated the Divine Liturgy, delivered the homily, and presided over a banquet marking the 60th anniversary of the church’s consecration.
Overflowing crowds attended the service, which culminated in the Turenpatsek (door-opening) service led by pastor the Very Rev. Fr. Papken Anoushian, assisted by head deacon Dr. Levon Capan.
Later, a large crowd filled Mekhjian Atrium to enjoy the church’s 60th anniversary consecration banquet. Mistress of Ceremonies Erna Kajayan invited the Parish Council to escort the day’s honorees to the dais. Parish Council chair Dr. Levon Capan gave a welcoming toast.
Fr. Papken offered prayers for the souls of Esa and Maryam Garipian, Krikor and Gulperi Alaca, Mateos and Hayganus Parsamoglu, and Varujan Barsamian, in whose memory Karnig and Ipek Garipian and Hagi and Nadya Garipian had donated the banquet.
A beautiful musical interlude was offered by mezzo-soprano Hasmik Mekanejian, who sang Gomidas’ Hoy Nazan, the popular melody Makhmur Ahchig, the Neapolitan song Torna a Surriento, and a lovely encore after a standing ovation.
Parish Awards
The highlight of the program was the presentation of the “St. Thomas Award” to three worthy recipients: Aram Setian, Talin Hagopian, and Anita Altinbas. Fr. Papken read the inscription on the plaques and presented the award to each recipient, thanking each honoree for their dedication to St. Thomas, and describing their hard work and activities in support of the church. Victoria Setian gave an outstanding address describing her father Aram Setian’s extensive educational, professional, altruistic accomplishments, while Tanya Tirpanciyan gave an impassioned speech describing her mother’s and aunt’s commitment to God, family, and hard work.
As Aram Setian was the founding president of AESA-NE, (Armenian Engineers and Scientists of America-North East) several past officers who followed in his footsteps (including its current president, treasurer, and other board members) were present in his honor and to show their support.
A major fundraiser for St. Thomas on Palm Sunday is its Cake Sale, chaired this year by Jack and Sylva Torosian and Misak and Anjel Torosian, who made a generous donation along with a multitude of parishioners.
As Palm Sunday is ACYOA day, the St. Thomas ACYOA Juniors representatives Nasya Bestepe, Rania Bestepe, and Nicole Adanas presented Fr. Anoushian with proceeds from their fundraising efforts. The youths also assisted in serving at the banquet.
Fr. Anoushian conveyed his thanks and gratitude to the volunteers and donors who made the banquet possible—in particular Jack and Sylva Torosian, and Misak and Anjel Torosian, who organized the banquet and cake sale. He also thanked generous church donors Dr. Harout and Shake Mekhjian; Dr. Levon and Ani Capan; Dr. Jacques Gulekjian; Arto and Ani Ozgun; and many other donors, banquet committee members, and church volunteers.
Bishop Parsamyan concluded the event with his warm remarks, congratulating the parish on its 60th anniversary, and expressing heartfelt gratitude to Fr. Anoushian, the parish council, and all the auxiliary organizations.