HOLY TRINITY OF WORCESTER CELEBRATES 91 YEARS OF FAITH AND SERVICE

His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, presided over the celebration of the 91st anniversary of Holy Trinity Church in Worcester, Massachusetts, on a Sunday filled with worship and fellowship that highlighted the parish’s enduring faith, service, and cultural witness.

The Prelate celebrated the Divine Liturgy on this joyous occasion, which coincided with the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. The church was filled with parishioners and guests gathered to celebrate the milestone. 

The faithful of Sourp Asdvadzadzin Church of Whitinsville, Massachusetts, joined Holy Trinity, together with clergy from across the region who con-celebrated the liturgy and took part in the anniversary banquet. Very Rev. Fr. Hrant Tahanian, pastor of St. Stephen’s Church (Watertown, Massachusetts), Archpriest Fr. Gomidas Baghsarian, and Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian participated in the Divine Liturgy, and Rev. Fathers Stephan Baljian, pastor of St. Gregory Church of Merrimack Valley, Massachusetts, and Tadeos Barseghyan, pastor of Our Savior Church of Worcester, Massachusetts, joined them during the anniversary banquet.

A highlight of the Divine Liturgy was the debut of the newly established Youth Choir, whose clear, prayerful singing enriched the liturgy and lifted spirits. During the service, His Eminence ordained two altar servers—Armen Eghian and Gary Khatcherian—to the rank of deacon and sub-deacon respectively, exhorting them in his homily to serve with humility and to be examples for all who earnestly seek God. 

The Divine Liturgy concluded with the Blessing of the Basil, a beloved tradition associated with the Feast of the Holy Cross, offered amid soulful voices and uplifted hearts. 

At the anniversary banquet that followed, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Garo Bekiarian welcomed His Eminence, the clergy, members of the Executive Council, honored guests, and the extended family of Holy Trinity. He congratulated the community on reaching the 91-year milestone and underscored the shared commitment that continues to sustain parish life. 

Very Rev. Fr. Ardag Arabian, pastor of Holy Trinity, offered words of gratitude and reflection. He spoke briefly about the parish’s rich history and Worcester’s pivotal role in shaping Armenian Christian life in America and thanked the faithful for their constant support and zeal, noting their generous stewardship, which has enabled both spiritual growth and tangible improvements on the parish campus. Special recognition was extended to families whose significant contributions have advanced recent renovation projects and enhanced the church’s sacred beauty—most notably the commissioning of twelve icons, renovation of the church hall, and repair of the sanctuary roof. 

In his closing remarks and blessing, His Eminence lauded the community’s vigor and steadfast faith, urging the faithful to look ahead with hope toward a brighter future filled with new achievements. Echoing the Apostle, he encouraged all to “fight the good fight” for the glory of God and His Holy Church, carrying forward the witness that has defined Holy Trinity’s ninety-one years of ministry. 

As the evening concluded, parishioners and friends left with gratitude for a weekend ~that seamlessly braided~ that wove together tradition and renewal: youthful voices joined seasoned servants; time-honored rites illumined present-day commitments; and Worcester’s historic role as a beacon ~for~ of Armenian faith and culture shone anew.