On Sunday, September 11, on the day of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at Holy Trinity Church in Worcester, MA. Before the homily, the community received the renewed Holy Muron, after which Archbishop Anoushavan presided over the Blessing of the Waters. On this opportunity, Srpazan Hayr vested upon Deacon Vazken Yaghmourian the title of Archdeacon. Divine Liturgy was followed by the ceremony of Antasdan (the blessing of the four corners of the world), as well as the blessing of the basil and the vessels of the church.
Upon the conclusion of the liturgical ceremonies, the 88th anniversary of the church was celebrated in the parish hall. Judge Jaclyn Greenhalgh, Board of Trustees chairperson, said the anniversary was the best guarantee for community revitalization, hope, and joy. Emphasizing the vitality of the ministry for the community, Very Rev. Fr. Ardag Arabian, Pastor, invited the faithful to continue their steadfast service to the church. Fr. Ardag distributed special gifts to the deacons and choir members.
Immediately afterwards, the Prelate warmly congratulated the community for its spirit of unity and cooperation. He had words of praise for Fr. Ardag, who upon his appointment as Pastor only a few months ago had already implemented positive and encouraging improvements in the life of the community, working jointly with the Executive Board and auxiliary bodies. His Eminence also noted that by a felicitous coincidence, the Worcester community hosted the 88th AYF Olympic Games a week earlier.
Rev. Fr. Mikael Der Kosrofian, Pastor of St. Asdvadzadzin Church in Whitinsville, MA, a guest at the celebration, offered the closing prayer, before the event wrapped up with the “Giligia” song.