FEAST OF THE ASCENSION CELEBRATED WITH TRADITION AND JOY IN CONNECTICUT

On Sunday, June 1, 2025, the Feast of the Ascension and the “Second Palm Sunday” were celebrated at St. Stephen’s Armenian Church in Connecticut with a Divine Liturgy and sermon delivered by the parish pastor, His Eminence Archbishop Khoren. Following the service, parishioners gathered in the church hall for the traditional Vijag (Drawing of Lots) ceremony, a beloved folk ritual associated with Ascension Day. Archbishop Khoren offered spiritual reflections on the feast and explained the cultural meaning behind the ritual, which blends Christian faith with poetic expressions of hope, love, and memory. 

Children and adults alike participated by bringing water in pitchers and filling a flower-decorated basin, into which they each placed a personal item. With the assistance of an altar server, Archbishop Khoren led the ceremony by drawing objects and reciting spiritual, national, philosophical, and literary verses he had prepared for each participant. The event concluded with the singing of the Lord’s Prayer (Hayr Mer) and the Prelate’s final blessing. Attendees received a special prayer gift prepared by Mrs. Janet Babelian and the pastor. Many expressed their joy and gratitude, noting it was their first time witnessing this cherished Armenian tradition.