On Wednesday, August 15, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, New York City, together with some parishioners visited the Armenian Home for the Aged in Flushing, New York. Der Mesrob conducted the Blessing of the Grapes ceremony for the residents and staff of the Home.
Der Hayr explained the significance of the centuries-old tradition of the grape blessing before the ceremony. Afterward he greeted and blessed each of the residents individually and presented each a bag of the blessed grapes.
Der Mesrob visits the Home weekly, usually on Wednesdays, and he often makes special visits to visit those who are ill at the Home or in the hospital. His weekly visits have become welcome and anticipated events for the residents.
Before departing Der Mesrob presented a gift of five hundred dollars to the Home on behalf of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral.
