Watertown Parish Sends Messages Of Thanks Amid Coronavirus Crisis

WATERTOWN, MA — The steps of the St. James Armenian Church weren't filled with parishioners on Sunday as they used to be but a banner stood in their place. "All those sacrificing their lives and safety, Thank you," the banner reads, listing out the essential workers on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic. The banner is just one of the ways the church is learning to adapt to a new normal and connect with parishioners and the community from a distance.

On March 13, Governor Charlie Baker banned gatherings of more than 250 people, including church services, in an effort to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Since then, even stricter social distancing measures have been put in place.

While the church has been able to stream important services over Facebook live to reach parishioners for holidays like Easter and Holy Week, the transition to social distancing has been tough for many people who are relying on their faith to bring comfort in an uncertain time. Natasha Aljalian, a parishioner and wife of St. James Pastor Fr. Arakel Aljalian, said the church is doing all it can for the community, even in uncharted territory.

"It is the first time that church doors have been closed to our faithful," Aljalian said, "Pastor Fr. Arakel Aljalian and parishioners are calling and reaching out to parishioners personally to connect with them, see how they are, see if they have any needs we can help with, and connect and remind them we love them and they are a part of our church family."

While reassuring calls and meaningful displays of thanks, such as the banner, offer hope, Aljalian said the church is also dealing with the grim realities that come with a deadly pandemic.

"We have had many funerals and news of ill parishioners and community members, including parishioners afflicted with coronavirus," Aljalian said, "With most of the 'joys' of parish life, and sacraments on hold, a great deal of focus has been on these sadder aspects of ministry."

Social distancing rules don't allow for in-church gatherings or funeral services and the pastor is limited in his ability to visit sick parishioners. "Final prayers are mostly being offered through a nurse holding a phone up to our passing parishioners," Aljalian said.

Facebook and Zoom have become the church's go-to tools to spread good news and unity. Church services are live streamed on the Facebook page and parishioners connect and offer prayers and advice to one another.

St. James has started virtual groups for youth and parents to share their experiences amid the crisis. Parishioners have stepped up to help the community and sewed masks, offered to make grocery or medicine deliveries for those parishioners who aren't able and donated food to those in need.

"We are also trying to show gratitude – whether it’s the banner on the front of our church or the project with the youth of our church to make and send thank you cards," Aljalian said, "We are trying to do all that we can with great gratitude and great love."