Category: News & Events

On Wednesday, April 24, 2013, His Grace Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General, presided over the Divine Liturgy, Requiem Service and delivered the sermon at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, in remembrance of the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide. The Liturgy was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor, with the participation of Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, Pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Church, Douglaston, NY. Madagh was offered following the services.

The day was concluded with the Walk to the United Nations.

On Sunday, April 14, His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate and Bishop Anoushavan Tanelian, Vicar General, presented their responses to questions posed by two students from St. Illuminator’s Sunday school, Aram and Ani Parnagian. It all began like this: during recent lessons on the Seven Sacraments, the students learned about the Sacrament of Holy Orders and they had questions regarding this sacrament. Their teachers encouraged the students to ask their questions in letters to Archbishop Oshagan and Bishop Anoushavan. The clergymen will be answering the questions submitted by the other students as well.

The New York Mayr and Erepouni chapters of the Armenian Relief Society went on their annual Walk Armenia fundraiser on April 14. The walk, usually in Queens or Long Island, switched to Manhattan this year. The annual event raises funds for ARS activities. This year the beneficiary was Camp Haiastan in Franklin, Massachusetts.

The participants gathered at St. Illuminator’s Cathedral where they registered. The procession, led by Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, walked to the Prelacy on East 39th Street where they were warmly welcomed by the Prelate Archbishop Oshagan, and the Vicar, Bishop Anoushavan. The participants were grateful for the kind words and support of the clergymen.

The group then walked to the Armenian Mission to the United Nations on 36th Street and from there they returned to St. Illuminator’s for a pizza lunch. Participants agreed this was the most successful walk yet. Not only did they enjoy each others’ company, and the beautiful spring weather, but they were also able to visit three Armenian sites within a one mile radius.
The organizers wish to thank St. Illuminator Cathedral’s Board of Trustees and Father Lakissian for welcoming and hosting the event.

The Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference for the pastors, members of the Boards of Trustees, and delegates to the National Representative Assembly, took place last Saturday, April 13, at St. Sarkis Church in Douglaston, NY.

Representatives from parishes in Manhattan, Queens, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC attended. Stephen Hagopian, chairman of the Executive Council, presented an overview of the conference, describing the content and intent of the presentations that would follow.

Confession

Easter Eve (Jrakalooyts)

On Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral announced the memorial donation of new altar curtains and holy table coverings to the Cathedral by Dr. & Mrs. Vartan and Nanor Matiossian in memory of Vartan’s father, Zohrab Matiossian, and Nanor’s parents, Khatchig and Anahid Khatchadourian.

Palm Sunday was celebrated with great festivity and excitement. Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the Sermon with the assistance of Deacons Shant Kazanjian, Hagop Haddad, Ryan, Sub Deacon Dikran Kabarajian and Choirmaster, Deacon Kevork Hadjian.

Godfather of Tranpatseg ceremony was Haroutiun Tashchyan, the son of Mr. & Mrs. Armen and Marianna Tashchyan.

“Project I – International Rhythms” presented on Saturday, March 16, 2013 at St. Illuminator’s John Pashalian hall, truly was full of “international” rhythms with lots of Spanish guitar music as well as English, Italian and of course Armenian music. The program also included a guest performance by international singer/songwriter Monica Lofgren (Sweden) and by many rising new talents.

We had the privilege of having amongst us Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor of St. Illuminator’s Armenian Cathedral, Rev. Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan, Pastor of the Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs as well as many representatives of different Armenian organizations.

The cozy atmosphere created by the performers specially with the funny jokes and friendly comments made by the group’s director Harout Barsoumian, made the audience feel like at home and led them into interacting with the performers more, which was the case with the encore “Volare” where they sang along with joy. Everyone was also amazed with the way the hall and the stage were set up and decorated, and of course the delicious food on the tables.

“International Rhythms” was the first of a series of small projects that will lead the group to their upcoming big show in the fall of this year, so keep your eyes and ears open for upcoming projects and shows from “Huyser”!

Here are some beautiful comments made by the attendees of “Project I”
– “My thanks to all of you for a great performance. You all were amazing!!! I really enjoyed the concert. Again, thank you for the incredible concert.”
– “It was the best event ever.”
– “You were all amazing…all talented too…Abrik..Vartskernit gadar”
– “Nice event… excellent entertainment… like to see more…”
– “Dear Harout, we really enjoyed the concert. Thank you”
– “Guys your concert was a great one, glad we could come, wish you all success.”

We would like to thank all of the attendees and supporters of our group, without whom we could not succeed.

37 eight graders from Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School in Los Angeles, California, accompanied by the principal of the school, Dr. Alina Dorian and three teachers, visited the St. Illuminator’s Cathedral on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 during the class trip to New York and Washington DC.

Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian gave them a tour and spoke about the history of the Cathedral and answered to students many questions. At the end of the visit students received souvenir Armenian crosses from Rev. Lakissian.