St. Mary's 87th Anniversary

 

St. Mary Church celebrated its 87th Anniversary on Sunday, December 8, with a special luncheon and program after the Divine Liturgy. The day begun with Badarak celebrated by His Eminence Abp. Vicken Aykazian. At the conclusion of Badarak a special Hokehankist service was conducted for all of our former dedicated parishioners and loved ones, as well as a for the souls of the victims of the 1988 earthquake. Over 140 parishioners attended the luncheon, including special guests His Eminence Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Mr. Ara Margarian, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Armenian Embassy, the NKR Representative to the U.S. Mr. Robert Avetisyan and the entire Embassy staff.

 

Master of Ceremonies Ms. Becky Bagdasarian welcomed everyone and guided the day's program. Parish Council Chairman Mr. Onnik Sivaslian also welcomed the guests and thanked them for sharing in the special occasion with their parish family. During the luncheon, Mr. Ara Yeghissian recounted his experience from his pilgrimage to the Holy Land, which was led by Fr. Hovsep last summer. Remarks were made by Mr. Ara Margarian, Mr. Robert Avetisyan and Archbishop Vicken Aykazian. 

 

The Honorees of the year Mr. Eric Ashbahian, Mrs. Julia Melikyna, Mrs. Marta Kotanyan, and Mrs. Jema Gevorgyan were recognized by Fr. Hovsep for their love, dedication, and service to St. Mary Shnorhali School. Mr. Luiz Gusmao, Jake Ciuccio, and Geroge Guiragossian were acknowledged for their dedicated volunteer service and their hard work during St. Mary's Food Festival.