Pastor's Points of Light

We are not just a Church, we are a Family

"Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to me". Matthew 25:40.

It is truly a special and unusual instance when a dream comes true.  Three such dreams came true for me this past summer all in one sacred moment.

Of course it has been my dream since arriving in New Jersey to take a group of the faithful on a sacred pilgrimage to our homeland of Armenia.  Secondly, I dreamed of having an opportunity to experience the homeland with my children to whom it is our desire and responsibility as parents to pass on a love, attachment, experience and a living knowledge of Armenia and the Armenian people.  Finally, when the possibility of such a  trip began to come together, my final dream came to fruition, that of having a Memorial Hokihankisd for my father in Holy Etchmiadzin on the very day of his 1 year anniversary of his death.

The St. Mary trip to Armenia was extraordinary and better than any expectations.  Speaking on behalf of all the participants, it was a trip of a lifetime which created memories for a lifetime and established unbreakable bonds not only among the group, but among the lands of our ancestry and her people.

One of the highlights of course was the opening of the Hratch and Suzanne Toufayan Youth Center in Etchmiadzin by the hand of His Holiness.  What pride for all of us to witness the fruition of the stewardship of the Toufayan family who have given so much to ensure the care, the moral and financial security of the children in Etchmiadzin.   It was so touching to see how they have shared of their blessings with the less fortunate and needy in our homeland.  Their generosity is an inspiration to all of us in that like in our Lord�s words, from the Gospel of Matthew, their service is for the Lord.

On behalf of the entire parish I congratulate and bless the Toufayan family and thank Almighty God that our parish was able to be represented by many faithful at the auspicious opening of the Youth Center. 

The Little Church that Shares and Cares at Prayer

In Christ,

Der Shnork