PRELATE PRESIDES OVER ANNIVERSARY OF ST. GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR’S CHURCH IN PHILADELPHIA

His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Philadelphia, on Sunday March 26, when the Armenian Church marked the feast of St. Gregory’s Commitment to the Pit. On this opportunity, which also represented the day of the naming of the church, Sarkis Zeibari, Mikael Zeibari, William Chapanian and Levon Chapanian were consecrated acolytes. The Prelatequoted from the ordination prayer, “Lord, may you always keep them awake to your laws,” which he linked up with the name Gregory, which means “awake.” He urged the acolytes to always stay so in modern society, not only physically but also with their minds and spirit, to help overcome the invisible threats to ourselves, families, communities and the homeland, strengthened with our faith in the resurrected Christ.

Upon the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the Zulal trio, Ara Dinkjian, and Udi Bar David offered a concert in celebration of the community centennial. Attendees enjoyed a rich repertoire of classical, folk, and devotional music. The Prelate congratulated Rev. Fr. Torkom Chorbajian, Pastor, as well as the Board of Trustees and the committee charged with organizing the anniversary celebration. He also praised the artists and remarked on the importance of “tolerance,” which was the event’s theme, a key virtue which has been undermined in the wake of the pandemic. The concert was followed by a reception in the church’s complex “Founders” Hall.