Chicago Parish Marks 50 Years

Parishioners of the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Chicago, IL, celebrated their 50th anniversary at the church's current location, during the weekend of October 17-19. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), visited the parish to ordain acolytes, meet with community members, and take part in the celebratory banquet on Sunday.

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PRESS OFFICE

Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)

630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016

Contact: Chris Zakian

Tel: (212) 686-0710; Fax: (212) 779-3558

E-mail: chrisz@armeniandiocese.org

Website: www.armenianchurch-ed.net

October 29, 2014

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CHICAGO PARISH MARKS 50 YEARS

Parishioners of the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Chicago, IL, celebrated their 50th anniversary at the church's current location, during the weekend of October 17-19. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), visited the parish to ordain acolytes, meet with community members, and take part in the celebratory banquet on Sunday.

The Primate celebrated the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, October 19, and gave a sermon on the Holy Translators. Also taking part in the service was the Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian, parish pastor, and the Rev. Fr. Nersess Jebejian. Rev. Thomas Baima, Vicar for Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations at the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago, was in attendance. Maestro Khoren Mekanejian, the Diocese's director of Music Ministry, led the choir.

At the afternoon banquet, the community welcomed Roman Catholic Archbishop of Chicago Francis Cardinal George. Cardinal George spoke about his close ties with the Armenian Church, and especially the warm relationship he shares with St. Gregory the Illuminator Church.

Archbishop Barsamian expressed his gratitude to Cardinal George for his friendship and support, and presented him with a decorative Michael Aram plate. "Cardinal George is a great friend of the Armenian Church, and a personal mentor to the pastor, Fr. Aren Jebejian," Archbishop Barsamian said. "He is an example of holiness and resolution in this city, and in the larger culture of our country."

He went on to speak about the achievements of the Chicago Armenian community. "I know this is a parish with a proud history behind it," he said. "It has been blessed with leaders of vision: great individuals who loved the church, and truly upheld its spiritual values."

Pianist Marta Aznavourian presented musical selections. Messages were also delivered by parish council chair Arden Karian and Craig Koresian, chair of the 50th anniversary committee.

"I could not have been more proud of the way our committee honored all of the men and women of the past 50 years, who dedicated their lives to making sure that we had an Armenian Church in Chicago," Mr. Koresian said.  

"Fifty years ago I took part in the consecration of St. Gregory, and I was honored to participate in the 50th anniversary celebration last weekend," said parishioner George Nahabedian. "It was a wonderful weekend and something I will always remember."

Parishioner Linda Zakarian added that the celebration was a tribute to "a small group who built this church as their legacy."

The banquet meal was prepared by Carrie Nahabedian, an internationally recognized chef, and her cousin Michael Nahabedian. The two operate Chicago's renowned Naha and Brindille restaurants. "It was such an honor to be part of our church's 50th anniversary celebration," they said. "St Gregory is our home, and to think that our ancestors had the vision, strength, and commitment to build a home for all the Armenians in Chicago, makes us very proud."

The parish now known as St. Gregory the Illuminator Church was formed in Chicago in the early part of the 20th century. Under the guidance of various clergy, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated in a local Episcopal church. It was not until 1925 that the Armenian community purchased its first permanent house of worship at the corner of Hoyne Avenue and Augusta Boulevard. In the spring of 1926, Archbishop Tirayr Hovhannesian consecrated the church and named it St. Gregory the Illuminator.

In the ensuing years, the community grew and spread out across the Chicago metropolitan area. In response to these changes, in 1959 the Parish Assembly voted to erect a new church and cultural hall in a location in closer proximity to the majority of the parishioners.

Under the direction of Haig Pedian, the building committee launched a campaign to raise funds to purchase land and begin construction. Land was purchased on Diversey and Normandy Avenues, and on April 28, 1963, the ground-breaking ceremony was held at the new site. A year later, on February 16, 1964, the community witnessed the cornerstone-laying ceremony. Archbishop Sion Manoogian, then-Primate of the Eastern Diocese, consecrated the new church on October 4, 1964.

Altar Servers Ordained

On Friday evening, October 17, Archbishop Barsamian ordained eight acolytes. Assisting the Primate were Fr. Nersess Jebejian, Fr. Aren Jebejian, and Fr. Hovhan Khoja-Eynatyan, pastor of St. James Church of Evanston, IL. The altar servers—Hosep Utas, Jirair Balian, Harutyun Johns, Charles Babikian, Roy Panthier, Tony Olea, Reno George, and Narek Ohanyan—have been working with Fr. Aren Jebejian to learn about the Divine Liturgy and prepare to serve as acolytes. At a reception following the ordination service, Archbishop Barsamian presented the newly ordained altar servers with hand-carved wooden crosses from Armenia.

"This weekend we celebrated not only the building of our beautiful church five decades ago, but also the commitment of a new generation of Armenians who will write the next chapter of this community's history," Fr. Jebejian said. "It was a time to look back with gratitude and to look forward with hope. The legacy of our founders has been passed on to the future leaders of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church."

The following morning, Archbishop Barsamian and Fr. Jebejian visited several elderly parishioners who have been unable to come to church on a regular basis. In the afternoon, the Primate met with the newly ordained acolytes for an informal discussion about their spiritual journeys in the Armenian Church. Later, Archbishop Barsamian and Fr. Jebejian met with parish leadership and Diocesan Council members Lisa Esayian and Paul Mardoian to discuss the Diocese's new Strategic Plan and how it pertains to the St. Gregory parish.

"There was a level of energy, of excitement, that began on Friday night," said parishioner Diane Abezetian. "On Sunday, it was amazing to hear our acolytes chant for the first time, to have badarak led by Srpazan, and to hear our choir sing. I feel that this energy, this excitement, this new breath of life will carry St. Gregory for 50 more years."

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Photo attached: Clergy and altar servers at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church.

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