Recognizing the 35th Anniversary of St. Stepanos Armenian Church

Floor Speech

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Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise today to recognize the 35th anniversary of the consecration of St. Stepanos Armenian Church in Long Branch, New Jersey and the 65th anniversary of the formation of the Armenian parish in the Elberon section of Long Branch. I would also like to join with the church community in welcoming His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, to New Jersey for this auspicious occasion.

The Armenian parish began in Elberon in 1956, with 25 members worshiping during summer services as St. Mary Armenian Church. Seeing the growing Armenian population in the area and their aging worship building, Mr. and Mrs. Kevork and Sirvart Hovnanian proposed construction of a new church. The new sanctuary, parish hall, and school was constructed on the site of the former St. Mary Church and consecrated in 1987. Its architecture mirrors that of ancient Armenian churches, paying homage to its history. The 12-sided pyramid-shaped dome represents the twelve apostles and its patron saint is depicted in a stained-glass mural at the entrance of the nave.

Today, the church is led by Rev. Fr. Daniel Karadjian, who has served as Pastor at St. Stepanos since 2013. Rev. Fr. Karadjian is supported by the Parish Council who together oversee a community of approximately 500 members. The clergy, staff, and members of St. Stepanos Armenian Church endeavor to carry on its mission and ensure a viable future.

St. Stepanos provides a welcoming place for the Armenian community to learn, pray, and connect with others. Committed to supporting and enriching the lives of its members St. Stepanos offers several organizations, as well as social and cultural activities, including the Women's Guild, Sunday School, holiday celebrations, and bake sales.

Mr. Speaker, once again, it is my privilege to pay tribute to St. Stepanos Armenian Church. St. Stepanos continues to serve as a place of worship and inspiration and its commitment to faith and service to the Armenian community is truly deserving of this body's recognition.

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