On Sunday, Dec. 4, His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Granite City, IL, on the 68th anniversary of the church. At the end of the Divine Liturgy, the community welcomed the Holy Muron and the Blessing of Water was held.
Following the religious services, Archbishop Anoushavan presided over the annual celebration of the church. Brothers Mark Ter Hovhannisyan (clarinet) and Edward Ter Hovhannisyan (keyboard piano) presented an interesting artistic program. Stephen Hagopian Jr., chairman of the Board of Trustees, presented the activities of the church. Rev. Fr. Taniel Manjikian, Pastor, expressed his gratitude to the Board of Trustees and the community for their continuous support. In turn, Archbishop Anoushavan praised Fr. Taniel’s active commitment to the community and his educational initiatives, such as a series of presentations about the preparation of the Holy Muron. The anniversary was closed with the Giligia song.