On October 8, members of the St. Sebastian’s Armenian community and invited guests gathered to dedicate the recently installed cross stone, or Khachkar, on campus. Wearing the traditional clergy stole from St. Sebastian’s earliest days, Fr. John Arens was joined in the blessing by three priests from local Armenian churches, Fr. Krikor, Fr. Vasken and Fr. Arakel. Raffi Barsamian ’17 spoke eloquently about the important role St. Sebastian’s and Fr. Arens have played in his academic and spiritual life. Carson Arevian ’26, Karson Bilezerian ’25, John Esserian ’27, Wes Nahabedian ’29, Avi Najarian ’25, and Cole Pastore ’25 all recited a beautiful poem, Khachkar, written by Fr. Arens, (see below). Head of School Brendan Sullivan remarked, “the Khachkar speaks volumes about our shared values, about who we want to be as a school. It is a symbol of tradition, a symbol of openness and hope.” Memorializing Regina Najarian P’24,’25 who passed away in June, 2022, Sullivan went on, “We feel your presence, we thank you for walking with us through this day. Stay close and protect our boys.” Fr. Bryan Parrish, Pastor of St. Joseph’s, closed out the dedication with a final blessing before all were invited to a reception in Martin Hall where guests enjoyed a buffet of Armenian delicacies.
The Khachkar now stands in perpetuity in recognition of the longstanding relationship between St. Sebastian’s School and the Armenian community. Standing in communion with the Oratory dedicated to Our Lady and the Stations of the Cross Pathway, its placement will invite all to this prayerful space. It is most fitting that this cross is dedicated in honor of Fr. Arens in recognition of his welcoming ecumenical spirit, witnessed by all during his time at St. Sebastian’s. Additionally, the plantings surrounding the Khachkar are dedicated in memory of Regina Najarian P’24’25. Her spiritual presence at this site will be a source of light and purpose for all Arrows, now and in the future. In addition to the Khachkar, the Fr. John Arens Scholarship Fund has been established in honor of Fr. Arens, adding to the school’s Endowment, enabling St. Sebastian’s to continue to offer need-based financial aid to our families.
KHACHKAR Խաչքար
embracing the land
and the earth holding that
which is shaped from it -
Earth’s womb giving birth to Christ
echoing Mary’s Immaculate “yes”
to the Word Made Flesh.
KHACHKAR
shaped in the hearts -
in the minds of your makers -
product of hands held to God
hands caressing the red stone
into tender expression
firm witness standing in courage.
KHACHKAR
martyred for being
Christ in the making
Christ The Loving in our living
and The Loving in our departing -
though we are ground
into dust we are not defeated.
KHACHKAR
His is The Victory
our hearts still proclaiming
His The Heart forming
shaping Love in His Cross
in the wounds of The Land
in the wounds of The People.
KHACHKAR
Blessing the Waters
meadow and mountain -
Touchstone of Spirit
ours for embracing
ours for the joining
ancient and new.