ST. MARY’S CHOIR
The official formation of our Church Choir took place in 1928, led by Dickran Parounag, nearly two years after St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church was founded. By late 1931, Mr. Andon Cherazian assumed the role of Choir Master, succeeded by Mr. Nerses Nersesian, Sisak Nalbandian, and Mrs. Essoyan. From 1941 to 1949, Mr. Khosrof Hamamjian served as Choirmaster at the House of Prayer in Newark.
After acquiring our first church building in Irvington in 1949, the St. Mary choir was reorganized under the direction of Mr. Haroutiune Shalian. In 1956, Mrs. Florence Tourian took over as director and led the choir until 1974, after which Mrs. Adrina Shamamian directed the choir until the fall of 1981.
From 1982 to 1997, Mrs. Rose Kasparian was the choir director, followed by Armine Cileli from 1997 to 2000. Mrs. Kasparian resumed leadership from 2002 to 2021. Currently, the choir is directed by Stephanie Mangioglu.
Throughout its history, the choir has benefited from the accompaniment of several talented organists, including Mrs. Cherazian, Lucy Dirhemjian, Lucy Barmakian Dabagian, Kora Zadigian, Yeretsgin Nevart Kouzouian, Louis Zotian, Seta Kopp and Greg Dalakian organist/director. Today, our organists are Samantha Maldjian and Stephanie Mangioglu organist/director.
The choir’s executive team encourages members to expand their knowledge of sacred hymns, regularly organizing training workshops, meetings, and rehearsals. The choir’s dedication has been recognized with awards such as the Yegmalian and Gomidas honors, most recently in 2003. Thanks to devoted leadership and a growing membership, the choir continues to flourish as new members join.
Our choir has performed at many Armenian churches across the metropolitan area and participated in the Consecration of the cathedral. Additionally, some members joined the Diocesan choir, led by Maestro Khoren Mekanejian, for the 90th anniversary commemoration of the Genocide at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
In the 1990s, Dn. Berj Feredjian established a Junior Choir named the Mighty Angels, which brought renewed energy and inspiration to the parish, later directed by Julie Hoplamazian. Currently, there is no Junior Choir.
The choir’s primary mission continues to be serving God and taking part in the Armenian Holy Badarak. Many individuals have selflessly contributed their time and talents, and their efforts are remembered with gratitude. Today, the choir builds on this strong legacy, pledging to continue sharing their songs of praise and passing the tradition to future generations in honor of God.
We are deeply honored and humbled to recognize that, even after a century, our community continues to thrive and grow. We proudly carry forward the legacy entrusted to us by our ancestors, and it is our responsibility to ensure this flame is passed on to future generations and beyond.
