This year marks the 100th anniversary of the sanctuary of Holy Trinity Church of Fresno. Later in the year, the anniversary will be celebrated with a gala banquet. On Friday, September 5, 2014, the sanctuary centennial celebration began with the grand opening of the newly constructed courtyard/plaza dedicated to the centennial. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate presided over the ceremony.
The Prelate, accompanied by Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian, arrived in Fresno on Friday, and was greeted by parish pastor Rev. Fr. Vahan Gosdanian, Executive Council member Deacon Mark Shirin, Board of Trustees members and delegates.
The ceremony began with the ribbon cutting at the courtyard entrance with the participation of Mr. and Mrs. Randy and Suzy Parnagian. The Prelate and clergy then entered the plaza where they performed the home blessing service. Pastors from local Armenian Churches participated in the service. Board of Trustees Chair Mr. Varoujan Der Simonian and Mr. Randy Parnagian unveiled the newly erected monument, which the Prelate blessed with Gospel readings and prayers and designated as the “khachkar of rebirth”.
The double-sided monument features a traditional khachkar on one side and the Armenian alphabet with a carving of Mesrob Mashdots on the other, symbolizing our faith and culture. Inscribed at the top is the first sentence translated into Armenian by Mesrob Mashdots, “To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding” from the Book of Proverbs, and on the bottom is the word “Asdvadzashounch” (Breath of God). The monument was designed by the Board of Trustees Chair in consultation with Armen Davtian.
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The sculpture is the work of Hovhannes Mkerchyan of Karvajar, Artsakh. The center of the courtyard is decorated with the centuries old Armenian sign of infinity.
In his message, the Prelate congratulated the parish community on the joyous occasion, which he regarded as the official launch of sanctuary centennial festivities, stating “since its establishment over one hundred years ago, this church and community has brought pride to our Prelacy. Today, with this latest realization, you continue to make us proud with your dedication to excellence”. Referring to the two new monuments, symbols of our faith and language which have formed our national identity and which have upheld our nation throughout a difficult history, the Prelate wished “that the symbols erected here continue to inspire all, and especially the younger generations, to always adhere to our precious faith and language so that we can endure as a nation and as a people for centuries more”. In conclusion, the Prelate commended the efforts of all those who contributed to the realization of the endeavor over the past few years.
Mr. Der Simonian thanked the Prelate for presiding over the special ceremony, the numerous donors whose helped bring the project to completion before the centennial banquet, particularly the Parnagian, Chakalozian, Kazarian, Sajatdjian, and Shamsoian families, building committee members, landscape architect, and project supervisor.
Guests then headed inside the recently renovated sanctuary for a dedication organ concert by organist Tony Imperatrice featuring sacred music by a various renowned composers.
Mr. Der Simonian delivered welcoming remarks, after which the Prelate once again congratulated and commended the parish family on the successful realization of their centennial projects and endeavors.
The festivities concluded with a reception.
Photos courtesy of Alain Ekmalian
