PRELATE PRESIDES OVER VIGIL SERVICE, FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION LITURGY IN WHITINSVILLE

His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate, along with Rev. Fr. Torkom Chorbajian of Holy Trinity Church of Worcester and parish priest Rev. Fr. Mikael Der Kosrofian, held a Vigil Service on the Eve of the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God at Soorp Asdvadzadzin Church of Whitinsville, MA, on Saturday, August 14. The service was livestreamed and the faithful in attendance participated in reading the Psalms and prayers in English. The Prelate was moved by the Vigil service, which he had not heard in 36 years, and encouraged for it to take place each year.

Sunday morning, on the Feast of the Assumption, Archbishop Anoushavan celebrated Badarak and delivered the sermon. The Prelate then joined the community of St. Asdvadzadzin Church for their annual picnic, with more than 700 people attending the event. Anoushavan Srpazan presided over the Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony, assisted by Rev. Fr. Bedros Shetilian, pastor of St. Gregory Church of Indian Orchard, Fr. Torkom and Fr. Mikael. Archbishop Anoushavan praised and thanked God for the beautiful weather and gave a brief explanation of the blessing of the four corners of the world to the multitude of people on the church grounds. The event was a great success—a record breaker for the community—and featured music by the John Berberian ensemble and food by members of St. Asdvadzadzin Church.