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Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, and members of the Huyser ensemble visited the Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (ANRC) in Emerson, New Jersey, on October 14. Members of the ensemble performed Armenian songs for the residents. Der Hayr concluded the program with the Lord’s Prayer together with the residents.

Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, represented Archbishop Oshagan at the 4th Annual Armenian Youth Talent concert at Weill Recital Hall of Carnegie Hall, organized by “Direct Help for Armenian People.” The event was dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the membership of the Republic of Armenia in the United Nations.

Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, presents a check for $7,600 to Archbishop Oshagan for the Fund for Syrian Armenian Relief. The monies were raised by the Cathedral parish through fundraising events and the special plate offerings contributed during the month of September.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the parishioners and friends of the St. Illuminator’s Cathedral for their generous donations.

A Fundraising Breakfast took place last Saturday at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York City. The Breakfast began with Der Voghormya (Lord Have Mercy), and a prayer offered by the Cathedral’s pastor, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian that said in part, “Lord, bring peace and stability to our world and especially to Syria, and restore justice among your creatures, true justice that comes only from You. By the mystery of Your All-Powerful and miraculous Holy Cross, transform the world’s pain and devastation into new life and hope.”

Der Hayr spoke about the significance and importance of the Syrian Armenian community and asked everyone to contribute to the humanitarian relief efforts.

Seven-year-old Taleen Lakissian, daughter of Der Mesrob and Yn. Ojen, set a good example by donating her filled “piggy bank,” to the relief fund. About $5,000 was raised during the breakfast.

Several hundred Armenian Americans from all walks of community life gathered at the Hungarian Consulate in Manhattan on Monday evening to protest Hungary’s extradition and Azerbaijan’s subsequent pardon of murder Ramil Safarov, who brutally murdered Lieutenant G. Margarian in Hungary and was serving a life sentence in Hungary. He was recently extradited to Azerbaijan where he was promptly pardoned and welcomed as a hero.

The protest was at the Consulate of Hungary in Manhattan, on Monday, September 10. Similar protests and candlelight vigils took place around the world calling for justice.

Manhattan is recognized as the crossroads of the world. St. Illuminator’s Cathedral—the first Armenian Cathedral in the United States—continues to be the crossroads for Armenian tourists. The Cathedral has become a popular stop for tourists from all over the world. Just during the past several weeks the Cathedral welcomed visitors from Venezuela, France, Italy, Lebanon, Canada, and Argentina, as well as those from other parts of the United States.

Last Sunday the Cathedral family happily welcomed newlyweds Mr. and Mrs. Hrair and Silva Kazanjian from Australia, who were honeymooning in New York.

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.

Last Sunday, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York, along with family, friends, and parishioners gathered at the Bucharest Restaurant in Sunnyside to celebrate the 100th birthday of Mr. Dickran Tavitian, a parishioner at the Cathedral. The Centennal party was organized by Mr. Tavitian’s children.

Born on July 31, 1912, in Bazarchiki, Bulgaria, Mr. Tavitian’s family moved to Romania. In 1938 he married Hripsime Vanlian. They were blessed with three children, Stepan, Arsineh, and Azniv, five grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

“Mr. Tavitian and his family have been one of the most dedicated members of the Cathedral and the Armenian community since they came to the United States from Romania many decades ago,” said Rev. Fr. Lakissian. Der Hayr warmly congratulated Mr. Tavitian on his milestone birthday, expressed thanks for his dedication and support of the Mother Church, and wished him continued good health.

Last Sunday Armenian tourists from various countries attended the Divine Liturgy at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, New York, on the occasion of the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ. Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar of the Prelacy, presided over the Liturgy which was celebrated by the Cathedral’s priest Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian. The tourists were from Italy, France, Lebanon and Canada. Following the Divine Liturgy they joined the fellowship hour where they had the opportunity to meet many of the parishioners.

Kindergarten graduation and year-end hantes of St. Illuminator’s Armenian Day School, Woodside, New York, took place Friday, June 15. Students performed with plays, recitations, and songs. Speakers on the occasion were Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, and Aram Hekinian, representing the Parent Teacher Organization. Graduates were Lusine Shahverdyan and Massis Yonan.