On Sunday, Oct. 24, Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, celebrated Divine Liturgy at St. Hagop Church of Racine, WI. The Prelate delivered a sermon on the Discovery of the Holy Cross (see below), encouraging the faithful by telling them that whoever finds their cross, understands more clearly the sense of his existence and his mission in this world and acts accordingly.
Following the liturgy, a group photo was taken, like that of a big family. The Prelate symbolically took in arms Van, the youngest child of the parish, rejoicing over the hopeful vision for the future of the community.
The public then gathered at the parish hall to mark the 83rd anniversary of the church. Archbishop Anoushavan highly praised the effort of the community especially during the pandemic, led by their Pastor, Archpriest Fr. Daron Stepanian. The Prelate took as a sign of vitality of the community the presence of everyone, from youngest to oldest. On this opportunity an award was bestowed on the chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Vahan Mahdesian.
After a cheerful artistic program, the commemorative event was closed with a prayer by Archpriest Fr. Zareh Sahakian, outreach pastor of the Prelacy, and the Giligia song.
Following the event, the Prelate, accompanied by the Pastor, visited Mrs. Rose Buchaklian, a 100-year parishioner, at the Lakeshore Siena Care Center, and prayed for her good health.