The first weekend of October offered a wonderful opportunity to enliven the early fall days of St. Gregory the Illuminator’s Church in North Andover, MA. Despite the scary news filling the airwaves about Hurricane Ian, a group of outdoor and sports enthusiasts joined His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, on Saturday, Oct. 1, in an 18-mile bike-a-thon along the Windham-Salem Rail Trail.
The following Sunday, the Prelate celebrated Divine Liturgy, an occasion in which prior to the sermon he also ordained Michael Bulbulian, Cameron Afarian and Andreas Movsessian acolytes, with the sponsorship of Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian, Pastor. Archbishop Anoushavan expressed his satisfaction for the dedication of the three teenagers, which is the most beautiful expression of faith and guarantees continuity of the church’s mission. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the parish welcomed the newly consecrated Holy Muron. 
Following the church ceremonies, the faithful celebrated the church’s 52nd anniversary in the Jaffarian parish hall. Board of Trustees chairman Joseph Almasian gave a slide presentation about the church’s activities in the past year. Fr. Stephan was happy to report that the community was slowly returning to normal life following the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
An enjoyable function in the parish hall enlivened the afternoon. On this occasion, Mrs. Armena Bizios received a certificate of recognition from the Prelacy for her long service to auxiliary bodies of the church as well as to the Armenian Relief Society.