St. James Armenian Church

Great and Holy Thursday - SERVICES CLOSED TO PUBLIC
2020-04-09 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
8:30 PM | Remembrance of the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Khavaroom)
LIVESTREAM AVAILABLE AT WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STJAMESWATERTOWN
Another episode at the Last Supper is recalled during the evening service on Holy Thursday. "The Washing of the Feet" ceremony commemorates how Christ washed the feet of His apostles, setting an example of humility and love. The priest in turn washes the feet of twelve church members, usually young men.
On Holy Thursday, an all-night vigil is kept in memory of the last sleepless night of our Lord on earth. This service is called Khavaroom (darkness). Before He was arrested, Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane and endured in solitude the agony of His impending death. Six sets of laments are chanted, each followed by a Gospel reading depicting Christ's betrayal, imprisonment, torture, trial, sentence, and crucifixion. Twelve lit candles, 11 white and 1 black (representing Judas), are extinguished in pairs.

Great and Holy Friday - SERVICES CLOSED TO PUBLIC
2020-04-10 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
7 PM | Remembrance of the Crucifixion and Burial of Our Lord Jesus Christ
LIVESTREAM AVAILABLE AT WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STJAMESWATERTOWN
Holy Friday is the most solemn and sad day of the Christian calendar. The "Crucifixion Service," usually held at midday, recalls the suffering, execution and death of our Lord, memorialized amid readings from the psalms. In the evening, a white tomb is placed in the chancel of the church for the "Entombment or Burial Service." The tomb is adorned with flowers and during the service is taken in procession around the church. As the faithful leave the church they approach the tomb, kiss the Gospel book, and take a flower in remembrance.

Holy Easter Sunday - SERVICES CLOSED TO PUBLIC
2020-04-12 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
10 am | Divine Liturgy
LIVESTREAM AVAILABLE AT WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STJAMESWATERTOWN
Easter Sunday celebrates the joy of the Resurrection and the promise of salvation for all humanity. Armenian Christians around the world exchange the Easter greeting: Krisdos haryav ee merelotz! Orhnyal eh harootiunun Krisdosee! Christ is risen from the dead! Blessed is the resurrection of Christ!
For each of us, Easter is a time of personal renewal, rebirth and enhancement of our covenant with God. We can feel this renewal in our hearts and souls, and we see it in the world around us, with the blossoming of flowers, trees and green grass symbolizing the beginning of a new cycle of life.

Where Do We Go From Here?
2020-06-25 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
Join us for an opportunity for our parish to come together in Christian community and hear from our Black brothers and sisters in Christ, to listen to their voices and experience, and to reflect in humility and honesty on our own lives, as we work to move forward in Christian love and witness.
This is an online event.
Leading our conversation will be:
The Rt. Rev. Gayle Elizabeth Harris
Bishop Suffragan, Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts
Past President of the Massachusetts Council of Churches
Rev. Carrington George Moore
Associate Pastor of discipleship & families at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Boston, MA
Director of the Lydia Fellows Program at the Massachusetts Council of Churches
**CLICK HERE TO RSVP**

Armenian Festival To-Go!
2020-07-26 12:30 - 14:30 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
PLACE YOUR ORDERS TODAY!
New Menu Items! Pre-Order only by Friday, July 24
**CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE MENU AND PLACE YOUR ORDER ONLINE**
We are pleased to offer a second installment of our Armenian Festival To-Go, taking place on Sunday, July 26. Similar in format to our event in June, meals will be available for pre-ordered, pre-paid curbside pick-up only. Meals will be prepared with limited volunteers, in accordance with current public health guidelines.
Orders may be placed online (preferred) by clicking on the button below, or by calling the church office at 617.923.8860 to place your pre-paid order. Orders must be placed and paid for by Friday, July 24. For everyone's safety, we will not be accepting walk-up orders or any payment on July 26. Please note, there will be no seating available on the St. James grounds.
Delivery options are available for seniors in immediately neighboring towns who are not able to pick-up. To place a delivery order, please call the church office at 617.923.8860

6th Pilgrimage to Jerusalem
2020-08-20 - 2020-09-01 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
Join us this summer in the Holy Land!
St. James 6th Pilgrimage to JERUSALEM
August 20 - September 1, 2020
12 Days of Biblical and Historic Discovery
Space is limited - reserve your spot today! Click below for full details.
https://stjameswatertown.org/holy-land-pilgrimage/

Fall Kick-Off To Go!
2020-09-20 12:30 - 14:30 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
PLACE YOUR ORDERS TODAY
Pre-order only by Friday, September 18
**VIEW MENU AND ORDER ONLINE HERE.**
In lieu of in-person events in September, our Hye Cafe and Men's Club groups are joining forces for a to-go style event to kick-off the start of the fall season. Meals will be available for pre-order curbside pickup only, similar to our Festival To-Go events held earlier this summer. Meals will be prepared with limited volunteers, in accordance with current public health guidelines. No seating available on church grounds.
All meals must be pre-ordered and pre-paid by Friday, September 18. Please note that quantities are limited, and some items may sell out before the order deadline.
Orders may be placed online (preferred) by clicking on the link above, or by calling the church office at 617.923.8860 to place your pre-paid order.

Harissa Dinner Fundraiser
2021-02-12 16:00 - 18:00 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
PLACE YOUR ORDERS TODAY
Pre-order only by Wednesday, February 10
**CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR ORDER.**
Online ordering is now available for our Harissa Dinner To-Go Fundraiser, taking place next Friday, February 12th from 4-6 pm. Dinners will be available for pre-order curbside pickup only. Meals will be prepared with limited volunteers, in accordance with current public health guidelines.
All meals must be pre-ordered and pre-paid by Wednesday, February 10. Please note that quantities are limited, and dinners may sell out before the order deadline.
Dinners are $15 each and include harissa, tourshi, pita bread, and a sweet treat for dessert.
Orders may be placed online (preferred) by clicking on the link above, or by calling the church office at 617.923.8860 to place your pre-paid order.
This fundraiser is generously sponsored and lovingly prepared by the Haroutiounian sisters and their families. We thank them for their efforts in preparing this traditional meal for us all.

Plaque Dedication Ceremony of the James Hagop Totovian Court
2022-03-27 12:30 - 14:00 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
Join us on Sunday, March 27 in the Charles Mosesian Cultural & Youth Center's Keljik Hall for the unveiling and dedication of the James Hagop Totovian Court's new plaque. The ceremony will begin immediately following Church services. A special reception will follow, sponsored by the Totovian Family.
Throughout the years, thousands of people have come through the doors of our Charles Mosesian Cultural and Youth Center, and have spent countless hours on the Keljik Hall and Mirak Hall floors in fellowship – playing sports, attending dances, weddings, banquets, the Bazaar and many other activities.
Among them was lifelong parishioner James "Jimmy" Totovian, who passed away suddenly in 2019. Jimmy grew up at St. James, together with his brothers Vaughan and Mark. He was a dedicated ACYOA member, spending much of his time at St. James, forming friendships and impacting so many lives. As a lasting memorial to Jim, his family and friends came together to coordinate fundraising efforts for the renovation in 2020, to replace the floor in Jim’s memory. On February 23, 2020, the Keljik Hall floor was dedicated as the “James Hagop Totovian Court."

Men's Club Monthly Dinner and Fellowship
2022-05-02 18:15 - 21:00 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
Monday, May 2 - Men's Club Monthly Dinner and Fellowship.
Guest Speaker is Boston Globe journalist, author, and sports commentator Dan Shaughnessy, speaking about his latest book, "Wish it Lasted Forever: Life with the Larry Bird Celtics."
$20 per person.
6:15 pm Social Hour
7 pm Losh Kebab and Kheyma Dinner
All are welcome.

Vartavar Celebration!
2022-07-24 12:30 - 13:30 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
Join us for our Annual Vartavar Celebration!
Inflatable Water Slide
Water Balloons
Sprinklers, Pails, Buckets, and More!
Ice Cream and Snacks!
All ages welcome!
School Street Parking Lot
Water shoes and water friendly clothing encouraged - no flip flops please!
**WHAT IS VARTAVAR?**
Vartavar is a water festival in Armenia that has been observed since pagan times and was adopted and adapted by Christianity. Vartavar is observed on the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord - 14 Sundays after Easter.
The festival is celebrated on the streets of Yerevan where people use buckets, cups and even hoses to douse friends, family and complete strangers with water.
The day was originally dedicated to the pagan goddess Astghik, the goddess of water, love, and fertility. Its name comes from the roses (vart means rose in Armenian; var means go up or rise) that were offered to her during the celebration.

22nd Annual Harold Partamian Golf Tournament
2022-08-01 | Oakley Country Club, 410 Belmont Street, Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
22nd Annual St. James Harold Partamian Golf Tournament
hosted by the
St. James Men's Club
will be held on
Monday, August 1, 2022
at the beautiful Oakley Country Club in Watertown, MA.
Rain or Shine | Scramble Format | Raffle, Silent Auction, Live Auction
Following the tournament - cocktails, appetizers and banquet dinner at Oakley Country Club
For full details and to register online, please visit www.stjameswatertown.org/golf.

75th Annual Bazaar!
2022-10-14 - 2022-10-15 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
Save the Date and join us for our 75th Annual Bazaar, October 14-15! We are pleased to return to our traditional two-day Bazaar, featuring delicious Armenian food, fabulous delicacies and pastries, silent auction, booths and vendors, raffles, and more! We hope to see you there!
Click to view Bazaar flyer.
View our Bazaar page for full details
www.stjameswatertown.org/bazaar

Women's Guild Dinner & Gathering
2022-11-17 18:00 - 20:30 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
Thursday, November 17
New members of all ages welcome! Join us to gather together and celebrate a wonderful Bazaar effort! This month, Nicole Simmons will share her experiences over the past several years working with the Fuller Center for Housing in Armenia, helping people build a safe decent home for their families.
6pm | Dinner served at 6:30 pm. $20 per person.
Please RSVP to Lyn Kapilian by clicking here or call/text 978.265.7985.

An Evening of Classical Armenian Music
2022-11-18 19:00 - 22:00 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
AN EVENING OF CLASSICAL ARMENIAN MUSIC
Friday, November 18 - St. James presents A Classical Evening Featuring Armenian Composers - a Concert with Asatur Baljyan, Baritone and Levon Hovsepian, Piano. Charles Mosesian Cultural & Youth Center's Keljik Hall.
7:30pm Concert | Reception to follow.
Open to the public. Complimentary Admission.

Family Day Thanksgiving Luncheon
2022-11-20 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

91st Anniversary Name Day Banquet & Celebration
2022-12-18 12:30 - 15:30 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
**CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS**
St. James Armenian Church cordially invites you and your family to our Annual Name Day Banquet
Celebrating the 91st Anniversary of our Parish and Honoring Annie Chekijian, Berj Chekijian, Meri Demirjian, Alex Kalaydjian, Annie Kalaydjian (posthumously), Rita Meneshian and Mayda Yetimian for their decades of service to our parish Armenian Language Schools.
10 am Divine Liturgy. Name Day Banquet to follow.
Beef tenderloin dinner, with mezza, salad & dessert.
Vegetarian meals available upon advance request.
$50 per person. $20 for children 12 and under.
RSVP by December 12, 2022.
Advance Reservations Required. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
2022-12-24 18:30 - 20:00 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States

Eve of the Feast of the Nativity and Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ (Jrakalooyts)
2023-01-05 | MA
EVE OF THE FEAST OF THE NATIVITY AND BAPTISM OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (Jrakalooyts)
Evening Service and Reading of Scriptures (in Armenian) 6:00 PM
Readings by St. Sahag & St. Mesrob Armenian School students
Divine Liturgy 7:00 PM
Home Blessing and Reception to follow.

Feast of the Nativity and Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ
2023-01-06 08:00 - 12:00 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
Feast of the Nativity and Baptism of
Our Lord Jesus Christ
Morning Service — 8:00 A.M.
Divine Liturgy — 10:00 A.M.
Service of the Blessing of Water in remembrance of Our Lord’s Baptism

Men's Club Monthly Dinner & Fellowship
2023-04-10 18:00 - 20:30 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
ST. JAMES MEN’S CLUB MONTHLY DINNER & FELLOWSHIP
Guest Speaker Jason Sohigian
Executive Director of the
Armenian Museum of America
Jason has degrees from Clark University and Harvard University and he is known locally, nationally, and internationally for his volunteerism and professional work. He has served as Editor of the Armenian Weekly and most recently as Deputy Director of the Armenia Tree Project. Jason has already led several transformative initiatives at the Museum, from online programing that has continued after to the pandemic to a national campaign that raised membership to its highest level in 50 years.
Losh Kebab and Kheyma Dinner
Social Hour (mezza) 6:15 p.m. Dinner 7:00 p.m.
$20 per person LADIES WELCOME

Hye Cafe with Live Music
2023-05-05 18:30 - 20:30 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
Join us for delicious Armenian food, fellowship, and music! Shish, Losh, and Chicken Kebab, Baked Haddock, Imam Bayeldi and more. Dine-in and take-out available.
Featuring Live Armenian Music with Leon Janikian – clarinet, Bob Raphalian – oud, Joe Sarkisian – drum and vocals, and Dave Ansbigian – guitar and vocals.
Doors open at 6:15pm – Kitchen opens at 6:30pm. Reservations for parties of 6 or more may be made by calling the Church office at 617.923.8860 no later than 4pm on Thursday, May 4.
Volunteers welcome! The Hye Cafe crew is seeking volunteers for Thursday, May 4 (prep and set-up) and Friday, May 5 for various areas throughout Hye Cafe - grilling, kitchen, mezze, take-out, and more. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Hye Cafe Coordinator Linda Sahagian.

February Hye Cafe
2025-02-07 18:30 - 20:00 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
Join us for delicious Armenian food, fellowship, and music in a casual and family friendly setting!
Shish, Losh, and Chicken Kebab, Baked Haddock, Imam Bayeldi and more. Dine-in and take-out available.
Featuring Live Armenian Music with Leon Janikian – clarinet, Bob Raphalian – oud, Jason Naroian – drum and vocals, and Dave Ansbigian – guitar.
Doors open at 6:15pm – Kitchen opens at 6:30pm.
Reservations for parties of 6 or more may be made by calling the Church office at 617.923.8860 no later than 4pm on Thursday, February 6th.

St. James Book Club
2025-02-24 19:00 - 21:00 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
Monday, February 24 - St. James Book Club. We are pleased to announce our next gathering! We will discuss Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano. Click here to view flyer.
For planning purposes, please RSVP to Yn. Natasha. All are welcome!

Little Saints! First Gathering
2025-03-01 10:00 - 11:00 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
Introducing Little Saints! This ministry is designed to bring our youngest children (birth through age 4) into our churches so that they become familiar with the sights and sounds of the Church Sanctuary before entering Sunday School, and to have parents participate while getting to know one another in order to build relationships and foster community. It began at St. John Church in Michigan and has expanded to other parishes throughout the Diocese.
Gatherings will take place approximately once per month and will include open play, a craft, circle time with an object lesson, and a trip to the Sanctuary.
The first Little Saints gathering will take place on Saturday, March 1st at 10 am. All children birth through age 4 are welcome to attend with a parent.
Click here to register and RSVP.

Poon Paregentan Celebration
2025-03-02 12:30 - 14:00 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
Sunday, March 2 - All are welcome to join a Poon Paregentan Celebration immediately following Church Services.
Traditional Armenian Harissa Lunch and Presentation by the Armenian School Students on the occasion of Sts. Vartanantz.
Dessert and additional items will also be served.
There is no charge for this event; donations are welcome in support of our Armenian School.

Lenten Vigil Service & Lenten Dinner
2025-03-05 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-03-12 19:00 - 20:00 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
Lent is an opportunity for us to pause, reflect, and take time to return to the spiritual practices which fill our hearts with God’s presence and peace.
We invite you to join us each Wednesday during Lent at 7:00 pm for a weekly Lenten Vigil Service.

The service, a combination of the daily Peace and Rest Services, will be conducted in both Armenian and English.

Lenten Dinners are offered each week prior to the service, beginning at 6pm. Please see post for details. All are welcome.

Faith Reads Book Club Gathering
2025-03-06 19:00 - 20:30 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
Thursday, March 6 - St. James Faith Reads. Join us during the Lenten season for a discussion of faith-centered novel The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brusnvold. View flyer.
For planning purposes, please RSVP to Yn. Natasha.

Saintly Women's Day (New England Region)
2025-03-15 10:00 - 15:00 | St. James Armenian Church, 465 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA, 02472, United States
Our St. James Women's Guild is pleased to host this year's Saintly Women's Day celebration on Saturday, March 15, commemorating St. Gayane and welcoming Rev. Laura Everett, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Council of Churches as the guest speaker. View flyer for full details.
This gathering is open to the women of all New England area parishes. Parishes are asked to collect RSVPs as a group and submit to Women's Guild Chair Laura Bresnee. Contact info is located on the flyer.
