On September 28, 2008, Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian, the Parish Council and over 80 parishioners gathered in Kalustyan Hall after Badarak to celebrate Ms. Celia Handigian’s 95^th birthday.

            It was truly a surprise celebration party for Celia that began with an opening prayer by Fr. Vahan, followed by a greeting by Parish Council chair, Michael Zohrabian. A very special friend of Celia’s, Zarminé Boghosian, principal of HMADS, spoke about Celia’s involvement in HMADS for over 20 years, as well as her special talent for graduating students who are excellent in creative writing. Following this, Grace Kechian, who met Celia through the Women’s Guild about 20 years ago, spoke about Celia’s her participation in the Guild, HMADS, and many other church activities. The last speaker of the day was Lynn Jamie, who gave a brief overview of Celia Handigian’s biography.

            Who is Celia Handigian? Ms. Handigian is a respected member of the Armenian community, as well as a very dear friend of us all, especially of the Holy Martyrs Armenian Church and HMADS. She has served her church, school, and the Armenian community in various capacities over the years. She has chaired several committees and has served on executive boards, imparting her knowledge gained through years of experience and dedication. During her school and work years, Celia attended the Divine Liturgy at St. Vartan Cathedral and participated in events of the Armenian community through the Manhattan and Nassau chapters of the AGBU. It was in 1983 that Celia began working with HMADS as a volunteer treasurer and bookkeeper, and she did so for 20 years. This involvement led to participation in the Queens Armenian community, especially the New York Armenian Home and our Holy Martyrs Church. She became a strong member of the parish, worshiping regularly, supporting and participating in many church events. For many years Celia has been a member of the Women’s Guild and has served on its board more recently, she has been a member of New Directions. She has also been on the church auditing committee for many years. In 2003, Celia was honored by His Holiness Karekin II for her generous donation in helping to build the Meghrig Armenian Church in Armenia.

At the celebration, Fr. Vahan and the Parish Council presented Celia with a plaque in honor of her contribution to the building of the Martyrs Shrine and for her many years of service and support of the Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs.

            Many thanks to our energetic committee members who prepared and served a delicious meal that afternoon, especially to Bercuhi Yagliyan, Silva Zohrabian, Lynn Jamie, and Ani Manuelian. I would also like to thank our MC, Dn. Frank Kabarajian, who did a great job as well. Of course, special thanks to our pastor, Fr. Vahan, who played the piano and led the gathering in singing “Happy Birthday” to Celia.

 We are all very happy to have such a special person like Celia Handigian in our Holy Martyrs family, and we congratulate her on this memorable occasion. It is a great honor and privilege to extend to her our warmest greetings in recognition of her many years of faithful service. Fr. Vahan and the Parish Council wish Celia a happy and healthy birthday, with many more to come.