PRELATE CONSECRATES ICON AND BLESSES CHOIR VEILS AT SOORP KHATCH CHURCH’S 61st ANNIVERSARY
On Sunday, November 9, His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon on the 61st anniversary of Soorp Khatch Church of Bethesda, Maryland. During the service, His Eminence consecrated an icon of the Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus, donated by Rafii Bakarian in loving memory of his parents, Harout and Mari Bakarian, and his aunt and uncle, Haroutioun and Maro Kholanian, and blessed new veils for the church choir, generously donated by Choir Director Anahid Derderian.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a celebratory banquet was held at the Pooks Hill Marriott Hotel in Bethesda presided by Archbishop Anoushavan. The program opened with the American and Armenian national anthems, performed by Soorp Khatch Choir members—Anahid Derderian, Ms. Vivian Chakarian, Mrs. Emma Soghomonian, and Mrs. Lucy Bartamian-Pinson. The master of ceremonies, Lusine Hovanesian, welcomed the guests and introduced the program.
The banquet’s honorary chairs were Mr. and Mrs. Ned and Tania Odabashian Scharpf. In their remarks, Mrs. Scharpf and Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian, Pastor, emphasized the importance of continued fundraising efforts for the River Road Church and Community Center project and expressed deep gratitude for the dedication of church leaders and the generous support of the parish community.
Musical entertainment was provided by the Soorp Khatch Choir, accompanied by Mrs. Sonia Mekerdijian, adding a joyful and uplifting spirit to the celebration.
During the evening, Archbishop Anoushavan presented a Certificate of Merit to Mr. and Mrs. Katchig and Maral Achikian in recognition of their long-standing support of the church and the River Road project. Archpriest Fr. Sarkis also presented a special “Der Hayr’s Certificate of Merit” to Ms. Ani Achekian for her devoted service to Soorp Khatch.
The Prelate concluded the program with heartfelt remarks and a closing benediction. The anniversary celebration was an expression of faith, unity, and gratitude—honoring the legacy of Soorp Khatch and reaffirming the community’s commitment to building a strong future together.