FEAST OF THE HOLY CROSS CELEBRATED IN PHILADELPHIA

A joyful and grace-filled Sunday Divine Liturgy was celebrated at St. Gregory the Illuminator  Church in Philadelphia, presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, on the Feast of the Apparition of the Holy Cross, on Sunday, May 3. The day was marked by the beauty of worship and moments of deep spiritual significance for the parish community. 

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence ordained dedicated choir members—Karina Adriano, Vahe Ashodian, Sevan Atamian, Maro Frounjian, Karen Jehanian, Maral Kaloustian, Vartouhi Koumrikian, Bearge Miller, Maroush Paneyan-Nigon, Connie Shelengian, Karl Shorjian, and Roubina Yeremian—who have faithfully proclaimed the Holy Scriptures during services, to the rank of acolytes. In addition, five devoted members—Vahe Ashodian, Aram Kazanjian, Bearge Miller, Paolo Shorjian, and Karl Shorjian—were ordained as subdeacons, committing themselves to serve at the Holy Altar with reverence and diligence. These ordinations stand as a testament to the growing strength and devotion within the parish. 

In his sermon, His Eminence reflected on the meaning of the Apparition of the Holy Cross, reminding the faithful that the Cross is a living and visible sign of God’s presence, revealed to those who live with faith, prayer, and devotion. In his remarks, Archbishop Anoushavan also congratulated the pastor, Very Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian, on the 15th anniversary of his ordination as a celibate priest. He spoke with appreciation of the Pastor’s zeal, careful dedication, and tireless service, especially highlighting his contributions over the past four years within the Eastern Prelacy, as well as his active role in the Religious Council and the broader mission of the Church. 

The celebrations continued with a special fellowship gathering organized by the Ladies Guild, bringing the community together in a spirit of joy and gratitude. The festive occasion included the cutting of a celebratory cake, shared with all the newly ordained acolytes and subdeacons, marking a day filled with thanksgiving, honor, and renewed commitment to the life of the Church, as well as the ordination anniversaries of Archbishop Anoushavan and Fr. Boghos. 

During the gathering, Fr. Boghos congratulated the newly ordained servants and wished them a lifetime of faithful service to St. Gregory the Illuminator Church. The Board of Trustees Chairman, Mr. Ed Papazian, presented gifts to both the Prelate and the Pastor on behalf of the parish. Fr. Boghos also honored Archbishop Anoushavan on his 20th anniversary of episcopal ordination, after which His Eminence presented the newly ordained acolytes and subdeacons with their certificates. Concluding the celebration, His Eminence gifted Fr. Boghos a hand cross as a token of blessing and appreciation.