In October of 1999, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of St. Peter Armenian Church in upstate New York, the community had the noteworthy idea to bury a Time Capsule, containing relics of the parish’s history, for the faithful to discover in the 21st century. Twenty-six years later, the Time Capsule was unearthed once more.
After much careful searching on the church property, parishioners Robert and Holly Dadekian located the marker for the spot where the Time Capsule had been buried. It was discovered still sealed and in remarkable condition, in a box generously donated by Bryce Funeral Home. After being brought up and cleaned, onlookers were filled with anticipation for their first look inside the capsule.
St. Peter Church has originally established in the city of Troy (home to the great science university Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute). But in the course of its history, it has relocated twice: first to Green Island, and finally to Watervliet, NY. Thoughts of the earlier generations who sustained the church were on the minds of those lifting the capsule into the light of day. Did those early pioneers envision a thriving community 125 years later–one filled with faith, love, heritage, and fellowship?
Fortunately, about 90% of the Time Capsule contents survived the 26 years underground. Will Martin recalled that a video cassette had been placed at the top of the capsule. Over three days, the dedicated curators—Robert and Jonathan Dadekian—carefully prepared the contents for viewing. Robert gently handled each item, drying them using the oven, table fans, and even “God’s breeze” on the porch. Jonathan spent countless hours splicing together what he could from the old cassette.
A capsule reveal and dinner were planned for Sunday, October 19, 2025, marking the official unearthing and unveiling of our past. Many devoted parishioners helped make the day a success.
Chuck and Carol Tutunjian, Alice and Sean McMullan, Phyllis Jevanian and Dave and Erna Shabazian prepared the meat for the losh kebab lunch. Ava Gallagher made the pilaf, while Yn. Paulette Doudoukjian and Tanya Tutunjian prepared the salad. Tim Hoglund, Chris Mayba, James Teryan, and Frenchie Ekmalian manned the grill. Nora Mahserjian baked and beautifully decorated frosted khatch (cross) cookies from scratch. A cake reading “Out of the Past and Into the Future” was enjoyed by all. Special thanks to all our wonderful young adults for their help. As helpers for this event, if you have inadvertently omitted, our apologies in advance.
Unearthing Day
Sunday morning was filled with excitement and reverence. In his sermon, pastor Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian spoke on the themes “What You Store Reflects What You Value,” and “What You Leave Behind Can Impact Eternity,” based on Christ’s statement: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).
We gathered 126 years after the founding of St. Peter Armenian Church—still here, still worshiping our Lord and Savior. As the choir sang Oorakh Ler (“Rejoice, Holy Church”) the congregation processed outside toward the capsule site. The ground was opened and blessed. Robert Dadekian and Jonah Doudoukjian stepped down into the earth and lifted the 85-pound box. The moment was made even more meaningful as Fr. Doudoukjian, who had originally blessed the capsule in 1999, now presided over its unearthing.
When the large box was opened, everyone rejoiced at the sight of notes, prayers, photographs, booklets, baptism records, shabeegs, and many other treasures. In a touching full-circle moment, Katrina Mayba and Jonathan Dadekian, who had read prayers as children at the 1999 burial, now watched their daughters—Nina Mayba and Aileen Dadekian—read the same prayers.
The love for this church truly has been passed from parent to child.
News Channel 13 (WNYT) covered the event, interviewing Will Martin, Bob Bedian, Katrina Mayba, and Fr. Doudoukjian, and producing a wonderful feature on the day’s celebration. (Click here to watch it.)
As lunch was served, conversations turned to former days. Generations came together—those who remembered the original burial and those discovering this history for the first time. Together we celebrated our enduring love, faith, and devotion to St. Peter Church. It was a day filled with history, inspiration, and gratitude.
Story by Holly Dadekian, photos by Robert Dadekian.