The Eastern Diocese mourns the loss of Diramayr Zabell Kalayjian, mother of the late Rev. Fr. Vertanes Kalayjian, and grandmother of the Rev. Fr. Avedis Kalayjian, who passed away on April 29, 2020, in Emerson, NJ, at the age of 97.
Born in Aleppo, Syria, to Genocide survivors George and Jemileh Mardigian, Diramayr Zabell was deeply devoted to Christ and his church, and became the matriarch of a remarkable, accomplished family in the worldwide Armenian community.
With her husband Kevork Kalayjian, Diramayr raised five children: Fr. Vertanes (baptized Zaven) Kalayjian; writer/educator Zarminé Boghosian; poet/financial expert Kevork Kalayjian; psychologist Dr. Ani Kalayjian; and graphic design pioneer Vasken Kalayjian. Two of their children, Zareh and Mary, died in infancy.
After arriving in the U.S. in 1971, thanks to the efforts of Fr. Vertanes and Yn. Anahid, Diramayr was active at the Holy Cross Church of Union City, NJ. She was famously insistent on the vital importance of daily Scripture reading, and enforced that practice among her family. Equally famous was her generous heart, which never refused any request. Countless people had their lives touched by her compassionate activity and her prayers.
A life of nearly a century sees its share of happiness as well as sorrow. She lived to mourn the passing of her eldest son, Der Vertanes; but also sat by his side in the days prior to witness his son Saro—Diramayr’s grandson—become ordained as priest of the Armenian Church, receiving the name Fr. Avedis. Her life was blessed with 10 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and a large, close extended family, for whom Diramayr was a constant inspiration and example.
“She really was a remarkable woman,” said Diocesan Primate Bishop Daniel Findikyan. “Look at what her children have contributed to the Armenian Church, to Armenian life in general. And the subsequent generations have continued in that spirit. It is a remarkable extended family, and certainly the deep piety of Diramayr Zabell and Dirahayr Kevork had a massive influence on all of its members.”
Diramayr Zabell is survived by her youngest sister Jaklyn Yahyeian; her children and their spouses: Yeretsgin Anahid, Zarmine and Missak, Kevork and Maral, Ani, and Vasken and Jacqueline; her grandchildren and great grandchildren; and countless loved ones and friends.
Funeral arrangements will be private due to the pandemic restrictions. Diocesan Primate Bishop Daniel will preside over the service.
May our victorious Lord Jesus receive his true servant, and welcome Diramayr into that eternal kingdom for which she prayed throughout her long life.
Above: The late Diramayr Zabell Kalayjian with her departed son, Fr. Vertanes.
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