FROM THE ORIGINAL ST. JOHN OF MIAMI TO ST. MARY

          ARMENIAN CHURCH OF HOLLYWOOD, FL

 

By Virginia Kevorkian

 

The consecration of St. Mary Armenian Church is the realization of a much-cherished and long-awaited dream. That dream goes back to 1948 when a group of Armenian men and women came together to build a church to pray to God, and a hall with classrooms to teach their children religion and Armenian language, and Christian values to continue their Armenian tradition. What started with that small group of newly established Armenians on the shores of South Florida in 1930s, continues today with us, and tomorrow with our children and their children.

 

In 1951, the Greek Orthodox Church was purchased and after extensive remodeling, blessed memory, Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan consecrated St. John the Baptist Armenian Church of Miami on February 8, 1953.  Four decades later, on February 17, 1996, during his pontifical visit, His Holiness Karekin I, Catholicos of All Armenians blessed the ground of the newly purchased property and charged the parishioners to build the church and “Be built by it.”

 

The dream of a new church finally became a reality and the Ground Breaking Ceremony took place on August 24, 1997, conducted by our Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian.  With site plan approval in hand, construction began. The property was cleared and the foundation was poured in September 1997. By September 1998 the church building was completed.  In December 1998, the dome crosses, after being anointed by Bishop Hmayak Intoyan and the new pastor, Fr. Vartan Joulfayan, were installed with the help of George Davitian, one of the godfathers and benefactors of St. Mary.  On December 13, 1998, His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian assisted by the pastor and visiting clergy conducted the consecration ceremony of St. Mary Armenian Church of South Florida.

 

In March of 1998, we were happy to welcome our new pastor, Rev. Father Vartan Joulfayan, and Yn. Gayane. They immediately set out to lead the parish and serve the community in every way possible.

 

Through the guidance of our Lord, we have come so far and pray that God may grant us many more fruitful years in the future. Many new families have become members of our church. During the past 24 years, St. Mary has played an important role in the lives of many faithful parishioners. Our new sanctuary became a new lighthouse to many travelers and visitors who have admired the architectural design and the beauty of our house of prayer. The Davitian Hall also, next to the church, served and continues to serve as a warm place for the Sunday school and various social, cultural, and educational activities and events.  Certainly, every parishioner will always remember the dedicated servants, pioneers, godfathers, benefactors, and leaders of St. Mary with gratitude.

 

We gratefully recognize all our leaders, parishioners, and clergymen past and present. We succeeded not only because of the dedication of the present builders, but because our past founders persevered and held on patiently. Everyone, now and then, had a purpose and a plan, and glory to God that it was our time and place to be part of His plan and purpose.