AS SOORP KHATCH TURNS 60, PRELATE INSPIRES VISION FOR RENEWAL

On Sunday, November 10, His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Soorp Khatch Church in Bethesda, Maryland, on occasion of the church’s 60th anniversary. During the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Anoushavan ordained Onnik Moutafian and Kapriel Apkarian as deacons. In his sermon, His Eminence underscored the essence of diaconal service, citing Jesus Christ as the ultimate example of selfless devotion. He remarked that when individuals perform their duties with a spirit of service, they contribute to the transformation and improvement of society as a whole.   

Following the Divine Liturgy, a celebratory banquet took place at the Marriott Hotel in Bethesda. Vivian Chakarian performed the American and Armenian national anthems, after which the event’s master of ceremonies, Lisa Sarkissian-Tatarian, welcomed the attendees. Anahid Dardarian, chairwoman of the parish council; Col. Aram Sarafian, chairman of the National Council; and Rev. Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian, Pastor, each delivered remarks. They expressed gratitude for the dedication of the church’s leaders and the support of the community, and they presented an outline of the plans for a new church building. Archbishop Anoushavan delivered a certificate of merit to Heghoush Shegerian for her longtime support and work for Soorp Khatch Church. 

His Eminence concluded the event by commending the unity and cooperation among the parish and its sister organizations, emphasizing the urgent need for a new church, school, and community center. He reminded the gathering, “Communities and people who bury their dreams ultimately face decline.” He called on all members to support the building project with faith and dedication, urging the community to realize this vision through their collective efforts. 

The program concluded with the traditional blessing prayer and the singing of “Cilicia.”