ARCHBISHOP ANOUSHAVAN CELEBRATES THE FEAST OF THE HOLY CROSS OF VARAK IN TROY

On Sunday, September 29, on the occasion of the Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak, His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Cross Church in Troy, New York, marking the church’s name day.

In his sermon, the Prelate touched upon the historical background of the feast and emphasized the truth that although we are far from the Monastery of Varak, our souls and hearts are filled with the spirit of the Cross and the undying love for our homeland. Wherever we may be, we remain faithful to our Christian Armenian identity, which cannot be taken from us, except in the case when we show indifference towards our ancient heritage.

At the conclusion of the sermon, Archbishop Anoushavan read the encyclical of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, granting the privilege of wearing a pectoral cross to the church’s pastor, Rev. Fr. Vahan Kouyoumdjian. The Prelate then adorned Fr. Vahan’s chest with the pectoral cross.

After the Divine Liturgy, a fitting celebration was held in the church hall, featuring a well-prepared program. Following Der Hayr’s blessing of the table, Nanor and Amy Karageozian, as well as Jackie Kubikian, performed traditional Armenian dances. Hayarpi Dayian played two piano pieces by Brahms and E. Aprahamian. Liza Bardakjian recited Armen Yeremyan’s delicate poem “If we are to live, then…” Yn. Maggie Kouyoumdjian sang the religious song “The Path of the Cross,” accompanied on the piano by Nishan Kouyoumdjian.

Following this, the chairman of the Parish Council, Mr. Hagop Minassian, briefly presented the activities of the community and congratulated the pastor on this new honor on behalf of the community. Fr. Vahan expressed his deep gratitude for the dedicated collaboration of the community, promising that this honor would serve as an incentive for his service.

Finally, Archbishop Anoushavan expressed his deep satisfaction with the spirit of harmonious cooperation within the community, the involvement of young members, especially within the Parish Council, and the selfless dedication of all parishioners.

The event concluded with a blessing prayer and the singing of “Cilicia.”