Scholarship Sunday
2016-06-19 | MA
On Sunday, June 19th, the 2016 St. James Scholarship awards will be presented to young adults of St. James.
St. James has a number of scholarships available each year for those enrolled in, or high school graduates who have been accepted to, a college or post-high school technical and vocational program. Last year, over $22,000 in scholarships was awarded to the young adults of St. James.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all those parishioners who have established scholarship funds to support and encourage the youth of our church in their academic endeavors.

Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord (Vartavar)
2016-07-03 | MA
Morning Service 8:30am
Divine Liturgy 10:00am
Referred to as Baydzaragerbootiun, the Feast of the Transfiguration is one of the five principal feasts of the Armenian Church, so named because of Christ's luminous appearance. In Armenia it is also known as Vartavar (the Festival of Roses) after the old pagan feast, which it replaced.
The feast marks Christ's appearance with a resplendent countenance to three of His disciples, Peter, John, and James, on the holy mountain of Galilee, also known as Mount Tabor.
The Bible tells us that when Jesus was considering going to Jerusalem, he spoke with his disciples of the torture that was in store for Him and of the end of His life on earth. Jesus wanted His disciples to be prepared for the coming events.
His disciples, however, did not believe that Jesus could possibly face such tribulations and Peter adamantly said none of Jesus' predictions would come true, and Jesus admonished his disciples. About a week later, Jesus had his miraculous Transfiguration.
He went up Tabor Mountain with three of His disciples—Simon Peter, James, and John Zebedee—to pray as the other tired disciples remained at the bottom of the mountain. It was there that Jesus began to assume a new appearance. The three disciples were amazed when they saw His new radiant being.
Though it was nighttime, the disciples saw light coming from the sun in the sky. Among the light they saw two other men—said to be Moses and Elijah—speaking to Jesus about His remaining time left on earth and the sacrifice He would soon make.
Then a cloud came upon the group. The voice of God was heard, saying the same phrase He said when Jesus was baptized, "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to Him!" (Luke 9:35).
After the Transfiguration, Jesus asked His disciples not to talk about it until His coming Resurrection.
This scene can be found in four different places in the New Testament: Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:11-7; Luke 9:29-36; and Peter II 1:17-18.
In the Armenian calendar, the feast takes place on the 14th Sunday after Easter—98 days later—so it is movable within an interval of 35 days, from June 28 to August 1. The Orthodox and Catholic churches observe the feast of Transfiguration on a fixed day, August 6.
The official observance takes three days. Sunday is the principal feast, Monday likewise is an ordained feast day and includes the commemoration of the dead, and Tuesday is a non-festal or weekday dominical. (source: www.armenianchurch-ed.net)

Independence Day
2016-07-04 | MA
The St. James Office and Center will be closed on Monday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day.

Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God
2016-08-14 | MA
Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God
8:30am Morning Service
10:00am Divine Liturgy
Grape Blessing service to follow.
Each year on the Sunday closest to the date of August 15, the Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of the Assumption of St. Mary, the Holy Mother of God. In the Calendar of the Armenian Church, this feast is the fourth of five major feasts that are commemorated, and is the oldest one dedicated to St. Mary.
This feast, which is also called the Dormition, commemorates the death, resurrection and glorification of Christ’s mother. It proclaims that Mary has been “assumed” by God into the heavenly kingdom of Christ in the fullness of her spiritual and bodily existence.
In the Holy Bible, there is little information concerning the details of St. Mary’s life. As a result, the story of her Assumption has been preserved and passed on to us through the Holy and Sacred Tradition of the Apostolic Church.

On the Feast of the Assumption, the blessing of grapes takes place immediately after the Divine Liturgy.

St. James Erebuni Armenian School Annual Picnic
2016-08-27 12:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Filippello Park, Watertown, MA, United States

Homecoming Sunday - Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
2016-09-11 | MA
Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Sunday School Opening Day!
Every autumn, the Armenian Church celebrates the Exaltation of the Holy Cross—one of the five major feasts of the Church, and the most important of the four feasts of the Holy Cross.
The Exaltation refers to the True Cross on which Christ was crucified, which according to Church tradition was ceremoniously elevated for veneration on three occasions. It was first elevated by St.James the Apostle, the first Bishop of Jerusalem, who lifted the cross with the words "We bow before thy cross, O Christ"—a formulation still used in the Armenian liturgy.
On the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the Divine Liturgy is marked with an "antasdan" service (blessing of the fields) during which the processional cross is adorned with basil (a symbol of royalty and of the living cross) and the four corners of the church are blessed as a symbol for all the world. Read more about the Feast here.

Men's Club Monthly Dinner Meeting
2016-09-12 18:15 - 21:00 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
St. James Men’s Club
Next Meeting: Monday September 12, 2016
Speaker: ROBERT MEGERDICHIAN
Topic: The Metal Artwork of Abraham Megerdichian
Read more here.
Losh Kebab and Kheyma Dinner
Social Hour (mezza) 6:15 p.m.
Dinner 7:00 p.m.
$15 per person
St. James Armenian Church
Charles Mosesian Cultural & Youth Center - Keljik Hall
465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown MA
LADIES WELCOME

Learn About Addiction: Save A Life
2016-09-14 19:00 - 21:00 | MA
Learn About Addiction: Save A Life
A forum for the community - free and open to the public.
Program topics: The story of a person in recovers, Preventing Substance Use Disorder, Tips for Parents, Current statistics on Opioid Use, and more.
Resources will be available; light refreshments will be served.
VIEW THE FULL EVENT FLYER

September Hye Cafe
2016-09-23 18:30 - 20:30 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
HYE CAFÉ! FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD
Join us as we begin a new Hye Café season with fellowship and delicious Armenian food, including shish, losh, and chicken kebab, falafel, and more!
FEATURING MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT!
BOB RAPHALIAN ON OUD, LEON JANIKIAN ON CLARINET, KEN KALAJIAN ON GUITAR, AND CHARLIE KALAJIAN ON DUMBEG.
Reservations may be made for parties of 6 or more by calling the church office no later than 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 22nd.
Doors open at 6:15pm - Dinner served at 6:30pm.
Volunteers appreciated and welcome on Thursday night, September 22nd
for Hye Café preparations! For more information please contact Linda Sahagian at 617-407-6600 or at hyelinda65@aol.com.

Men's Club Monthly Dinner Meeting
2016-10-03 18:15 - 21:00 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
St. James Men’s Club
Next Meeting: Monday, October 3, 2016
Speaker: BRIAN KAVOOGIAN
Founder and President, Charles River Realty Investors
Topic: The Latest Trends in the Boston Commercial Market
Losh Kebab and Kheyma Dinner
Social Hour (mezza) 6:15 p.m.
Dinner 7:00 p.m.
$15 per person
St. James Armenian Church
Charles Mosesian Cultural & Youth Center - Keljik Hall
465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown MA
LADIES WELCOME

Bazaar Prep Night
2016-10-13 16:00 - 20:00 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
All volunteers welcome from 4:00-8:00pm as we set-up the hall, skewer kebab, and prepare in the kitchen for our 69th Annual Bazaar!
SIGN UP HERE.

St. James 69th Annual Bazaar!
2016-10-14 - 2016-10-15 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
JOIN US FOR OUR 69TH ANNUAL BAZAAR!
DELICIOUS ARMENIAN FOOD - FABULOUS DELICACIES AND PASTRIES -
BOOTHS AND VENDORS - SUPER RAFFLE! $100 RAFFLE - CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES!
CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR BAZAAR PAGE FOR FULL DETAILS.

Honoring Mrs. Marsha
2016-11-06 12:30 - 14:00 | MA
Join us following Church services for a special fellowship hour to honor and thank Mrs. Marsha Alabachian on her countless years of service to our Sunday School. Mrs. Marsha served as Superintendent for 17 years, and additional years prior as a teacher.
Please join us on this day to thank her for the dedication and love she has shown to our students and families throughout the years. All are welcome.

Hye Cafe
2016-11-11 18:15 - 20:30 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
Join us for fellowship and delicious Armenian food, including kebab, falafel, and more!
Reservations for parties of 6 or more may be made by calling the Church office at 617.923.8860 no later than 5pm on Thursday, November 10th.
Volunteers appreciated and welcome on Thursday night, November 10th
for Hye Café preparations! For more information please contact Linda Sahagian at 617-407-6600 or at hyelinda65@aol.com.

Annual Family Day Thanksgiving Dinner
2016-11-20 12:30 - 14:00 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
Hosted by the St. James ACYOA. Join us for a full turkey dinner with all the trimmings!
PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE

St. James Men's Club & Trinity Men's Union Joint Meeting
2016-12-05 18:15 - 21:00 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
St. James Men’s Club & Trinity Men’s Union Joint Meeting
Monday, December 5, 2016
Speaker: Steven Migridichian
Executive Vice President, Corporate Environmental Advisors, Inc.
Topic: The Environmental Industry
Losh Kebab and Kheyma Dinner
Social Hour (mezza) 6:15 p.m. Dinner 7:00 p.m.
$15 per person
St. James Armenian Church
Charles Mosesian Cultural & Youth Center—Keljik Hall
465 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown MA
LADIES WELCOME

Sunday School Christmas Program
2016-12-11 12:30 - 13:30 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States

85th Anniversary Name Day Banquet & Celebration
2016-12-18 10:00 - 16:00 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
**CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS**

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
2016-12-24 18:30 - 20:30 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
Save the Date. Details to follow.

2017 New Year's Eve Celebration!
2016-12-31 20:00 - 2017-01-01 01:00 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
We are pleased to announce the 2017 St. James New Year's Eve Celebration, with entertainment by Alfred Galstyan from California!
Bring your families as we ring in the new year together!
Lavish Family Style Mezze, Dessert Buffet, Late Night Snack Table, Champagne Toast & Party Favors! Cash Bar.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE.
CLICK TO VIEW FLYER.

Men's Club Monthly Dinner Meeting
2017-01-09 18:15 - 21:00 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
St. James Men’s Club
Next Meeting: Monday, January 9, 2017
Speaker: ROBERT ZORIAN
Zorian Bat Company
Topic: My Baseball Journey
Losh Kebab and Kheyma Dinner
Social Hour (mezza) 6:15 p.m.
Dinner 7:00 p.m.
$15 per person
St. James Armenian Church
Charles Mosesian Cultural & Youth Center - Keljik Hall
465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown MA
LADIES WELCOME

Lenten Study Series
2017-02-27 19:00 - 20:00 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
“When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them…” Matthew 5:1-2
All are welcome to attend a weekly Lenten Study Series led by Fr. Arakel. Join us as we study the beautiful section of Scripture known as the Beatitudes and Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus taught some of His greatest lessons.
Sessions will take place on Mondays from 7:00-8:00pm in the Parish Council Room.
February 27 - Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
March 6 - Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
March 13 - Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
March 20 - Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
March 27 - NO BIBLE STUDY
April 3 - Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Lenten Vigil Service
2017-03-01 19:00 - 20:00, 2017-03-08 19:00 - 20:00, 2017-03-15 19:00 - 20:00, 2017-03-22 19:00 - 20:00 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
Join us Wednesdays during Great Lent for an evening vigil service.

ACYOA Seniors Lenten Series
2017-03-02 19:30 - 20:30 | MA

"Screenagers" Film Screening
2017-03-30 19:00 - 21:00 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
All families are invited to a screening of the movie ‘Screenagers, Growing up in the Digital Age.’ St. James is organizing this screening in an effort to provide support to families, and create opportunities for parents and children to discuss this important topic. Through poignant and unexpectedly funny stories, along with surprising insights from authors, psychologists, and brain scientists, SCREENAGERS reveals how tech time impacts kids’ development and offers solutions on how adults can empower kids to best navigate the digital world and find balance.
THURSDAY, MARCH 30TH
7:00 PM
ST. JAMES ARMENIAN CHURCH
KELJIK HALL
This film is intended for both parents and teens/pre-teens. Certain topics addressed are most appropriate for ages 12 and up, specifically regarding the topic of texting.
For more details please visit www.screenagersmovie.com.
-To view a trailer, please click here.
-Please RSVP here.
-View our Facebook event here.
The screening is free of charge. Running time: 68 minutes. Brief discussion to follow film. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome.

"Save the Tomb" Fundraising Reception
2017-04-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Sheraton Commander Hotel, 16 Garden St., Cambridge, MA

Lenten Vigil Service
2017-04-05 19:00 - 20:00 | MA
