PRELATE LEADS ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION IN GRANITE CITY
On Sunday, December 1, His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered a sermon at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Granite City, Illinois, on occasion of its 70th anniversary, a milestone marked with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and a luncheon during which dedicated parishioners were recognized by the Prelacy.
Following his congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the church, His Eminence reflected on the celebration of the feast day of the first Enlighteners of the Armenian Church, St. Thaddeus and St. Bartholomew, observed the day before. This feast commemorates the birth of Christian Armenia and the subsequent growth and flourishing of the Church under St. Gregory the Illuminator, St. Sahak, St. Mesrob, and later Catholicoi. Drawing from the Gospel of John and St. Andrew the Apostle’s words, “Come and see,” inviting Nathanael (later St. Bartholomew) to know Christ, the Prelate encouraged attendees to personally experience Christ and live with His grace in their lives.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, two commemorative plaques honoring the church’s benefactors were blessed. One was dedicated to the late Arman Festigian and the other to Mr. and Mrs. Scott and Tracy Bazoian and family (in memory of their mother and grandmother Bea Bazoian). Steve Hagopian, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, praised the contributions of these benefactors to the church’s founding and continued growth.
A celebratory luncheon followed in the church’s hall. Mr. Hagopian welcomed attendees, emphasizing the 70th anniversary as a significant milestone for the community, inspiring the younger generation to continue this noble mission. Rev. Fr. Taniel Manjikian, Pastor, expressed joy that this historic occasion coincided with his tenure and thanked all church bodies for their tireless service and cooperative spirit. He expressed hope that this dedication would remain unwavering. A special video featured heartfelt remarks from Rev. Fr. Stephan Baljian, a former pastor of the church.
Archbishop Anoushavan congratulated the community once again on the 70-year spiritual, cultural, and social journey, commending their collective, selfless service. He remarked, “Just as the word ‘granite’ is a distinctive name for this city, it also symbolizes the unwavering will and resilience of this community.” Concluding his remarks, the Prelate noted, “The 70th anniversary is more than a number—it celebrates the union of three supreme qualities: Vision, Commitment, and Perseverance,” and wished for the community to embrace new accomplishments through these virtues.
During the celebration, the Sunday School students presented a charming performance. Certificates of appreciation were awarded to John Varadian, Andrew Asadorian, Stephen Suren Hagopian, and the St. Gregory Sunday School Staff: Soce Berberian, Yeretsgeen Vana Tanielian, Jean Nalbandian, and Andrea Giovando. The event concluded with a blessing and the singing of “Cilicia.”