The horrific genocide of the Christian people of Armenia by the Ottoman Empire in the early 1900’s caused many Armenians to flee for their lives. The Sarkisians and the Wolohojians were two such families. Both families entered the United States via Ellis Island. Through an arranged marriage of these two families, the Wolohojians came to Bridgewater and became active members of Trinity Episcopal Church. George and Helen (Sarkisian) Wolohojian raised their family during the 1950’s at Trinity. David, still living in Bridgewater, continues to be a parishioner while his brother George has moved to Maryland and held the office of Senior Warden in his local church. Four generations of Wolohojians have been parishioners and four generations have also been married here. The most recent wedding was of David’s daughter, Kimberly, in October of 2022.
The Wolohojian family has given much to Trinity. Included in these gifts is the stained- glass window of Saint Gregory the Illuminator. Saint Gregory, the patron Saint of Armenia, was the founder and first official head of the Armenian Apostolic Church. He converted Armenia from Zoroastrianism to Christianity in the early fourth century, making Armenia the first state to adopt Christianity as its official religion. Saint Gregory is also the patron saint of musicians, singers, students and teachers.
The window was made by Lamb studios and installed in 1982 in memory of George G. Wolohojian (1911-1976).
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