AT 110, ST. ILLUMINATOR’S CATHEDRAL REMAINS BEATING HEART OF NEW YORK ARMENIAN COMMUNITY

On Sunday, June 22, St. Illuminator’s Cathedral of New York celebrated its 110th anniversary in grand style, with His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, presiding over the Divine Liturgy, on a day that was memorable for several reasons. A fastuous banquet followed on a doubly joyous occasion as clergy and faithful paid tribute to Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, the Cathedral’s beloved pastor, who was elevated to the rank of Archpriest on the second decade of his ordination.   

During the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Anoushavan ordained Aram Parnagian, Armen Morian, Mark Dilsizian, and Hagop Keymetlyan as sub-deacons. 

His Eminence also awarded the St. Stephen Proto-deacon citation to Archdeacon Shant Kazanjian, who has served at the Holy Altar for 35 years while heading the Christian Education Department at the Prelacy. 

Archbishop Anoushavan then read a pontifical blessing from His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, granting the honorary title of Archpriest (աւագ քահանայ, avak kahana) to Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian in recognition of his twenty years of service. 

In his sermon, the Prelate reflected on the Feast of the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, which was observed on that very Sunday in the Armenian liturgical calendar, highlighting how Christian faith has anchored the Armenian people’s existential pilgrimage. 

Archbishop Anoushavan congratulated the Cathedral’s 110th anniversary, calling it a symbol of the Armenian people’s rebirth and prosperity following the Genocide. The Prelate also praised Fr. Mesrob’s twenty years of dedicated ministry and encouraged him to continue serving with the same spirit and devotion. He also congratulated the newly ordained sub-deacons and commended Archdeacon Shant for his devoted contributions.   

Following the religious service, more than 250 guests attended the celebratory banquet held at Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows, Queens. Archbishop Anoushavan presided at the banquet, joined by Archbishop Khoren Doghramajian, Archpriest Fr. Nerses Manoogian, Archpriest Fr. Mesrob and Yn. Ojeen Lakissian, Archpriest Fr. Nareg and Yn. Annie Terterian, Rev. Fr. Vahan and Yn. Maggie Kouyoumjian, and Sister Emma Moussayan.

After the invocation and blessing of the table by the Prelate, Armen Morian, Board of Trustees chairman, who officiated as master of ceremonies, invited Archbishop Khoren to read the encyclical of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I commemorating the 110th anniversary of the Cathedral and Fr. Nareg to read His Holiness’ letter of blessing conferring the title of Avak Kahana on Fr. Mesrob.  

After his keynote speech about the history of the Cathedral, its restoration and renewal under Fr. Mesrob’s leadership and his two decades of service as pastor, Mr. Morian called a roll by category of service and invited all present who had served in each role to stand and be recognized. He then asked all in attendance to stand for a moment of silent prayer and reflection to honor the blessed memories of all who had served and passed away.  

Richard Sarajian, who was Archpriest Lakissian’s ordination godfather, shared his thoughts about him and the anniversary of the church. Der Mesrob spoke about his twenty years of service and the challenges and successes of his ministry, while leading the Cathedral to rejuvenation. Archbishop Anoushavan expressed his profound appreciation for Fr. Mesrob’s selfless service and reflected upon the vital importance of the Cathedral to a proper understanding of the history of Armenians in America as he exhorted all to record and preserve her history.

The program also included playing the recorded remarks of Hagop Janbazian of Toronto, who, like Fr. Mesrob, is a native of Anjar, Lebanon, and addressed his service and successes. 

The evening concluded to the delight of all assembled with a long night of dancing to the traditional music of The Club 27 Ensemble, fronted by Shant Massoyan on vocals, joined by Ara Dinkjian on keyboard, Jim Kzirian on doumbek (goblet drum), Raffi Massoyan on the oud, and Steve Vosbikian on clarinet.