The community of Soorp Khatch Church, of Bethesda, MD, celebrated its 58th anniversary at the parish hall on Saturday, Nov. 12, with Kristine Antanesian acting as MC. After Lori Simonian and Carina Tikoyan interpreted the American, Armenian, and Artsakh anthems, Antranig Tossounian, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, presented the plans for a new church complex. His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, had words of praise for the parish for its spirit of initiative and perseverance. The Prelate handed Prelacy certificates of merit to Mrs. Maggie Kamalian and Mr. Kevork Kazanjian for their long years of service, while Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian handed parish certificates to Ms. Nelly Sarkissian and Ms. Angele Sarkissian as parishioners of the year.
On Sunday, Archbishop Anoushavan and Fr. Sarkis celebrated a morning service at Soorp Khatch Church for the students, staff, and parents of Hamasdegh School, following which the Prelate celebrated the Divine Liturgy. In his sermon, he emphasized the vital role of the newly consecrated Holy Muron in our life as the most palpable expression of the Holy Spirit’s influence. The Blessing of Water took place afterwards. The day concluded with a friendly gathering at the parish hall, where Archbishop Anoushavan complimented the community again for its organizational prowess.
