On Sunday, September 19, parishioners of St. Peter Church in Watervliet, NY, commemorated two milestone events: the 50th anniversary of the consecration of their present church building, and the 25th ordination anniversary of longtime pastor Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian.
Diocesan Vicar Fr. Simeon Odabashian traveled to the parish for the occasion, representing Primate Bishop Daniel Findikyan. Fr. Odabashian celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon on “gratitude.”
Following services, an outdoor festival was held on the church property under the outdoor Postoian Pavilion. A large crowd enjoyed a delicious lunch of Armenian favorites. The Women’s Guild of St. Peter Church led the many volunteers who cooked and served for the event.
An informal program took place to honor both anniversaries with inspiring words and expressions of gratitude. Fr. Simeon read a congratulatory letter from Bishop Daniel, highlighting the day’s milestones. The Bishop noted that the church’s consecration by Archbishop Torkom Manoogian had taken place 50 years ago on the exact date of the celebration, but he added that the parish itself is actually one of the oldest in the Eastern Diocese, at 120 years of age. He mentioned that this accomplishment is the work of many hands and an achievement of love and faith.
Bishop Daniel described Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian as an honorable, compassionate priest, always seeking to broaden his pastoral abilities: “a pastor who truly upholds Christ’s Cross, holding it high to inspire all around him.” He went on to acknowledge that leadership Fr. Doudoukjian has provided for a grateful community, and praised Fr. Stepanos’ family–Yn. Paulette and their children Jonah and Gloria–as a source of strength to the pastor, and a blessing to the larger community.
Fr. Stepanos was presented with civic proclamations honoring both anniversaries by New York State Congressman Paul D. Tonko, Assembly member Phillip G. Steck, as well as Watervliet Mayor Charles Patricelli. After remembrances and kind words from Fr. Odabashian and gift presentations to Fr. Stepanos from the Armenian School and Parish Council, the day, which was blessed with beautiful weather, continued with joy and fellowship.
With many of his parishioners present, Fr. Stepanos shared that it is a great honor and privilege to journey through all their life’s experiences as their pastor. He added that being the parish priest at St. Peter Church is his greatest source of satisfaction and joy. He recalled the many couples whom he had married, the children he had baptized, and the funerals he had led for departed parishioners. He ended his remarks with a focus on how the parishioners of St. Peter Church are called to do God’s work, and together build up the Body of Christ.
Looking to the future for the Watervliet community, the parish has plans to proceed soon with renovations to the church building and property, as it looks toward the next 50 years.
By Cheryl Ohannesian.