Clergy of the Eastern Diocese marked the Feast of Sts. Ghevondiants with regional gatherings in Fair Lawn, NJ; Worcester, MA; and Evanston, IL—offering prayer, fellowship, and renewed commitment to faithful service.
In Fair Lawn, clergy of the New York and Mid-Atlantic regions assembled at St. Leon Church, named for St. Ghevond and his priestly brothers who stood with St. Vartan in defense of Armenia’s Christian faith. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan, and the homily was delivered by Fr. Davit Karamyan, reflecting on the quality of faith that can overcome fear.
Pastor Fr. Diran Bohajian welcomed Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, who offered a special reflection on the meaning of St. Ghevond’s call to courageous spiritual leadership. (Click here to read Bishop Mesrop’s message.)
In Worcester, MA, the Armenian Church of Our Saviour hosted clergy of the New England region on February 10, with the participation of Diocesan Vicar Fr. Simeon Odabashian. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Fr. Vart Gyozalyan, while Fr. Milad Selim of Worcester’s St. George Antiochian Cathedral delivered an inspiring sermon.
Deacons, altar servers, and choir members enriched the celebration through their devoted service. Pastor Fr. Tadeos Barseghyan and parishioners hosted a luncheon following the service—extending the spirit of fellowship that marks this sacred day.
Clergy of the Midwest gathered on February 12 at St. James of Nisibis Church in Evanston, IL, to jointly celebrate the feasts of Sts. Vartanants and Ghevondiants. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Fr. Nareg Keutelian, with Fr. Guregh Hambardzumyan, Fr. Tavit Boyajian, and Fr. Samuel Ajemian joining in prayerful song, accompanied on the organ by Fr. Hovhan Khoja-Eynatyan.
Fr. Hambardzumyan delivered the homily, urging clergy and faithful alike to remain unwavering in their Christian witness. The service concluded with a solemn requiem for departed clergymen of the Midwest Armenian churches.
Across the three regions, the gatherings stood as meaningful expressions of unity, devotion, and shared heritage. Remembering the priestly martyrs who stood alongside St. Vartan in the 5th century, the clergy renewed their commitment to serve Christ and His church with courage and faith.
Click the following links to view photos of the gatherings in Fair Lawn, Worcester, and Evanston.