Sep 14, 2012
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.
Aug 22, 2012
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.
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian offers blessed grapes to the residents of the Home.
Der Hayr and parishioners with staff members of the Home for the Aged in Flushing, New York.
Aug 22, 2012
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.
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian presents Dickran Tavitian with a plaque and a silver Dickran the Great pin in honor of his 100th birthday.
Jul 19, 2012
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.
Jun 29, 2012
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.
Rev. Fr. Mesrob leads a prayer with graduates and students.
Presentations included a play, recitations, and songs.
