Milwaukee Armenian Fest a Success

July 20, 2026 by admin

By David Luhrssen

Despite an early forecast calling for gloomy weather and lingering smoke from the Canadian wildfires, the skies cleared just in time for another memorable Milwaukee Armenian Fest. By God’s grace, the weather cooperated, allowing more than 1,000 visitors to gather on Sunday, July 19, at St. John the Baptist Armenian Church for one of Wisconsin’s longest-running ethnic festivals. Throughout the day, families, friends, parishioners, and first-time guests came together to celebrate Armenian faith, culture, and hospitality. For many, the festival was also a welcome opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new acquaintances, and enjoy the warm sense of community that has become the hallmark of Milwaukee Armenian Fest.

As always, the festival’s delicious Armenian cuisine was one of the day’s greatest attractions. Lines formed throughout the afternoon as guests enjoyed freshly prepared chicken and beef shish kabobs, flavorful sarma, homemade beoreg, and a variety of traditional Armenian desserts, including paklava, nazooks, and other sweet favorites. Many visitors also stopped by the Culture Booth, where they sampled Armenian beer, brandy, and wine while browsing a selection of Armenian-themed shirts, hats, books, gifts, and souvenirs. Cultural exhibits gave guests a glimpse into Armenia’s rich history and traditions, while children enjoyed games and family-friendly activities. Throughout the day, visitors were welcomed inside the church for guided tours, where many learned about the history of the Armenian Apostolic Church, its ancient Christian heritage, and the beautiful sanctuary that has served the Milwaukee Armenian community for generations.

The festival grounds remained lively well into the afternoon as music and dance brought people together. Returning favorite Mideast Beat from Racine delighted the crowd with traditional Armenian and Middle Eastern melodies that quickly filled the dance floor with enthusiastic participants of every age. The energy continued to build as Russian-Armenian vocalist Joka captivated the audience with his vibrant performance, blending contemporary Armenian music with crowd-pleasing favorites. One of the day’s highlights was the performance by Chicago’s Siragan Armenian Dance Company. Dressed in colorful traditional costumes, the talented dancers presented a breathtaking display of Armenian folk dances, earning warm applause and admiration from the audience.

Behind every successful festival stands an extraordinary team of volunteers, and this year’s event was no exception. For months leading up to Armenian Fest, parishioners generously donated countless hours preparing food, baking pastries, organizing booths, decorating the grounds, and coordinating every detail of the event. On festival day, volunteers worked tirelessly from early morning until evening, welcoming guests with smiles and genuine Armenian hospitality. Their dedication, together with the generous support of sponsors and friends of the parish, made it possible for the festival to continue its mission of serving both the church and the wider community.

More than simply a food festival, Milwaukee Armenian Fest continues to be a celebration of faith, heritage, and fellowship. Each year it offers an opportunity to share the richness of Armenian Christianity and culture with neighbors throughout southeastern Wisconsin while strengthening the bonds within the Armenian community itself. Judging by the joyful atmosphere, the large attendance, and the many returning visitors, the 2026 Milwaukee Armenian Fest once again fulfilled that mission and left everyone looking forward to next year’s celebration.

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HISTORIC GALA BANQUET AT MILWAUKEE’S PFISTER HOTEL CELEBRATES FAITH, SERVICE, AND ARMENIAN HERITAGE

May 11, 2026 by admin

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May 6, 2026
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MILWAUKEE, Wis. — The crowning jewel of a historic week in Milwaukee was the Gala Banquet held on Friday, May 1, 2026, in the grand Imperial Ballroom of the The Pfister Hotel. The elegant evening brought together clergy, community leaders, and faithful from across the Eastern Diocese for a profound celebration of individuals whose lives and service embody the enduring spirit of the Armenian Church.

During the banquet, the Diocese bestowed its highest lay honors upon three distinguished individuals whose dedication and contributions have left a lasting impact on the Armenian community and beyond.

Ara Cherchian and John Kaishian were named Armenian Church Members of the Year in recognition of their transformative service and unwavering commitment to the Church and Armenian people.

Cherchian was honored for his extraordinary generosity and steadfast support of the renovation of St. Vartan Cathedral, as well as for numerous humanitarian and development initiatives benefiting Armenia.

Kaishian was recognized for his visionary gift of providing his property for more than three decades as the home of Hye Camp — a place where generations of Armenian youth throughout the Midwest have strengthened their faith, identity, and connection to their heritage.

The Diocese also presented the Friend of Armenians Award to Dr. Robin Darling Young of Washington, D.C., a distinguished scholar celebrated for her profound contributions to the study of Classical Armenian and Armenian theology. Through decades of scholarship and research, Dr. Young has helped bring the intellectual and spiritual treasures of Armenian Christianity to the global academic community.

The evening’s atmosphere was enriched by a vibrant cultural program featuring the melodic artistry of qanun performers Lilia and Alexandria Yaralian, accompanied by pianist Dimitri Glarus. Their performance filled the ballroom with music that beautifully reflected the richness of Armenian tradition.

In his remarks, Father Guregh, Pastor of St. John Armenian Church, reflected on the deep roots of the Armenian community in Milwaukee. He recalled the construction of the parish’s first sanctuary in the 1940s and its consecration by Archbishop Karekin Hovsepian, the revered church leader who would later become Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia. The historical connection served as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength, faith, and continuity of Armenian life in the Midwest.

As the Assembly drew to a close, His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate, offered a moving reflection inspired by a recent visit to Milwaukee’s North Point Lighthouse. Noting the lighthouse’s unique position on land rather than at the water’s edge, Bishop Mesrop drew a meaningful parallel to the Assembly’s theme, “Renewed in Hope.”

“The Church,” he reflected, “serves as an inland lighthouse — a steadfast guide that leads the faithful through life’s uncertainties while remaining firmly anchored in the ground of tradition.”

The spirit of the celebration extended beyond the ballroom and into the Milwaukee skyline itself. From 6:00 p.m. on May 1 until 3:00 a.m. the following morning, the iconic Hoan Bridge was illuminated in the red, blue, and orange colors of the Armenian flag.

The breathtaking tribute honored the saints, martyrs, and survivors of the Armenian Genocide while celebrating the resilience and faith that made the gathering possible. Glowing brightly over the city, the bridge stood as a powerful symbol of a community that, much like the lighthouse itself, remains a radiant and unwavering source of hope and light in the world.

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2026 CLERGY CONFERENCE INSPIRES UNITY AND SPIRITUAL RENEWAL IN MILWAUKEE

May 6, 2026 by admin

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May 5, 2026
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Milwaukee, WI — April 30, 2026 — From April 28 through April 30, clergy from across the Eastern Diocese gathered in Milwaukee for the 2026 Clergy Conference, hosted by St. John Armenian Church of Greater Milwaukee. The three-day conference fostered spiritual renewal, meaningful fellowship, and collaborative dialogue centered on strengthening the mission of the Armenian Church.

The conference commenced Tuesday evening at The Pfister Hotel, where clergy members reunited in the historic and elegant surroundings of one of Milwaukee’s most iconic landmarks. The opening dinner provided a warm and welcoming atmosphere that set the tone for the days ahead.

Throughout the conference, participants engaged in a series of productive and visionary meetings led by Bishop Mesrop. Under His Grace’s guidance, clergy members participated in thoughtful discussions and collaborative planning initiatives designed to further strengthen the ministry and mission of the Eastern Diocese and its communities.

In addition to the conference sessions, attendees experienced Milwaukee’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. On Wednesday, the clergy visited St. Josaphat Basilica, where the grandeur and serenity of the historic basilica provided a powerful opportunity for prayer and reflection. The evening concluded with fellowship and dinner at Central Standard Crafthouse & Distillery in downtown Milwaukee.

The conference reached its spiritual culmination on Thursday, April 30, at St. John Armenian Church of Greater Milwaukee with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy led by Fr. Vardan Hayrapetyan. Clergy members gathered in unified worship, reflecting the deep bonds of faith and brotherhood cultivated throughout the conference.

Following the Divine Liturgy, a solemn Hokehankisd (Requiem Service) was offered in remembrance of the deceased clergy of the Eastern Diocese. The moving tribute honored their enduring legacy of faith, leadership, and service to the Church.

To conclude the gathering, clergy and delegates joined parishioners of St. John Armenian Church for a luncheon lovingly prepared by dedicated volunteers of the parish. The meal provided a joyful and heartfelt final moment of fellowship before attendees returned to The Pfister Hotel for the Diocesan Assembly General Session.

The 2026 Clergy Conference will be remembered as a grace-filled gathering marked by prayer, purposeful dialogue, spiritual reflection, and the enduring strength of shared faith and brotherhood.

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EASTERN DIOCESE CELEBRATES FAITH AND LEADERSHIP

May 5, 2026 by admin

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May 5, 2026
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Yeretzgins’ Breakfast and Cultural Excursion Highlight Fellowship, Faith, and Inspiration at Diocesan Assembly

MILWAUKEE, WI — On Friday, May 2, 2026, one of the special highlights of this year’s Diocesan Assembly was the Yeretzgins’ Breakfast, a gathering marked by sisterhood, education, and spiritual encouragement.

The morning program featured a meaningful presentation by Dr. Elizabeth Kalendarian, Dean of the Marquette University School of Dentistry. Speaking with grace and insight, Dr. Kalendarian addressed the theme of “Daily Challenges,” reflecting on the realities of modern life and leadership through both professional experience and personal perspective.

Following the presentation and shared fellowship meal, the gathering concluded on a spiritual note as Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan joined the group to offer heartfelt remarks and his blessing.

The morning of fellowship transitioned into an afternoon of culture as the Yeretzgins concluded their program with a visit to the renowned Milwaukee Art Museum, celebrating the intersection of faith, community, and the arts.

Women’s Guild Central Council Hosts Annual Meeting and “WOW” Luncheon

During the Diocesan Assembly, the Women’s Guild Central Council (WGCC) also convened for its annual meeting, conducting business focused on the mission and future direction of the guild.

A cherished tradition of the gathering is the annual WOW Luncheon — standing for “Woman of Wonder” — which honors an outstanding woman from the local host community whose faith, service, and dedication have made a lasting impact.

As host parish for this year’s Assembly, St. John Armenian Church proudly nominated Ramelann Kalagian for the distinction. During the luncheon, Ramelann was officially recognized and celebrated by her sisters in faith for her tireless commitment and the many ways she has touched the lives of those within her church and the broader community.

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FROM GENEROSITY TO LEGACY: THE KAISHIANS’ HYE CAMP STORY

April 24, 2026 by admin

John and Lynn Kaishian stand as foundational figures in the history of Hye Camp and the broader Armenian church community in the Midwest. Their legacy is deeply intertwined with the perseverance, growth, and success of a vision that began decades before it could fully take root.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, several earnest attempts were made by individuals and the Midwest Regional Council of Armenian Churches to establish an Armenian camp in the Midwest. Despite strong intentions, these early efforts ultimately faltered due to a lack of funding and consistent leadership. The dream of a regional camp remained alive but unrealized.

In 1963, John and Lynn Kaishian stepped forward with a generous offer: they made their personal property in Pleasant Lake, WI, available as a potential site for what would become Hye Camp. Although the organizing committee explored other locations over the following two years, those efforts again fell short for the same reasons—limited resources and leadership challenges.

Recognizing the importance of the mission, the Kaishians renewed their offer. This time, their contribution became the cornerstone of success. For the next 30 years, the diocesan Hye Camp was held on their property. As the guiding forces of their extended family, John and Lynn created an environment of collective service. Their entire family played an active role in supporting the camp—preparing and serving meals, organizing sports and activities, and meeting the countless needs that arise in running a successful camp.

What made their contribution even more extraordinary was the spirit in which it was given. For three decades, the Kaishians provided not only the land but also the food—entirely free of charge. This remarkable generosity allowed the camp to maintain minimal tuition costs, ensuring that children from families of modest means could participate and benefit from the experience.

The impact of Hye Camp has been profound. Over the years, it has nurtured future clergymen of the Armenian Church, cultivated leaders within both the church and the camp itself, and fostered lifelong connections among campers. Many Armenian campers formed lasting bonds that led to marriage—an especially meaningful outcome within the Armenian community—and today, their children continue the tradition, attending and even leading the camp.

It is widely acknowledged that without the Kaishians’ “princely” donation—a term of deep respect within Armenian culture—Hye Camp would not exist today. In 2013, the camp celebrated its 50th anniversary, standing as the oldest continuously operating Armenian camp in the Americas, a testament to the enduring impact of their generosity.

The Kaishians’ contributions extended well beyond the camp. In 1968, they made another significant donation toward the construction of the first phase of their church in Greenfield. This initial structure, a cultural hall, served as the site of the Divine Liturgy until the sanctuary was completed in 1986. In recognition of their generosity, the hall was named in their honor. During the sanctuary’s construction, they again contributed substantially, and were subsequently recognized among the church’s Godfathers.

Both John and Lynn were also deeply involved in leadership within the community. John was an active member of the Knights of Vartan and served as a former commander of the Cilicia Lodge. Lynn was a dedicated member of the Hripsime Otyag, where she held numerous leadership roles, including Otyag Dirouhi, secretary, and other positions of service. Together, they served on the parish council and were members of the church’s building committee. Lynn further contributed through the Women’s Guild, where she served as chairperson, secretary, and treasurer.

Through their unwavering commitment, generosity, and leadership, John and Lynn Kaishian helped shape not only Hye Camp but also the spiritual and cultural life of their community. Their legacy continues to live on in the generations they inspired and the institutions they helped build.

In recognition of their extraordinary lifetime of service, generosity, and leadership within the Armenian Church community of Milwaukee, John and Lynn Kaishian will be honored by the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church as “Armenian Church Members of the Year.” This well-deserved tribute will take place during a gala banquet on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the historic Pfister Hotel in downtown Milwaukee—an occasion that not only celebrates their enduring legacy, but also affirms the profound and lasting impact they have had on generations of faithful and on the vitality of Armenian Church life in the Midwest.

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St. John Armenian Church Observes Holy Week and Easter with Rich Liturgical Traditions

April 6, 2026 by admin

By David Luhrssen

From Palm Sunday through Easter, St. John the Baptist Armenian Church faithfully observed the sacred journey of Holy Week with a full cycle of traditional services, drawing parishioners together in worship, reflection, and renewal.

The Lenten season culminated on Palm Sunday, March 29, with the commemoration of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem and the “Opening of the Doors” (Turen-Patsek) service, a distinctive rite in the Armenian Church. In his morning sermon, Rev. Fr. Guregh Hambardzumyan offered a contemporary reflection on spiritual growth, likening it to the widely discussed “Seven Stages of Marriage.” He described a progression from joy through challenge and reconciliation to ultimate fulfillment, emphasizing that faith, like relationships, matures through perseverance and grace.

Following the Divine Liturgy (Badarak), parishioners gathered in the Cultural Hall for the traditional Palm Sunday breakfast hosted by the Sunday School. In keeping with Armenian Church custom, Palm Sunday was also celebrated as Youth Day, recognizing the vital role of young people, including members of the Armenian Church Youth Organization (ACYO), in the life of the Church.

Holy Week services continued on Tuesday evening, March 31, with the Commemoration of the Ten Maidens. Young girls from the parish participated in a candlelight procession, embodying the message of Christ’s parable of the wise and foolish virgins. In his homily, Fr. Hambardzumyan underscored the call to spiritual readiness, urging the faithful to remain vigilant and prepared in their faith.

On Holy Thursday, despite inclement weather, the church was filled for one of the most moving services of the week. Fr. Hambardzumyan performed the Washing of the Feet, humbly reenacting Christ’s act of love and service by washing the feet of boys and men from the congregation. The ceremony highlighted themes of humility, devotion, and obedience to God’s will.

Later that evening, Fr. Hambardzumyan, joined by visiting seminarian Dn. Sarkis Ginosian of St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, led the Tenebrae service (Khavaroom), or Vigil of Darkness. This solemn observance commemorates the anguish of Christ’s betrayal and arrest, gradually enveloping the sanctuary in darkness as a powerful symbol of the Passion.

Holy Friday marked the Burial Service of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, during which the sanctuary curtain was closed, signifying the depth of mourning and the mystery of Christ’s death. The service was conducted by Fr. Hambardzumyan, Dn. Sarkis Ginosian, and Dn. David Luhrssen.

The tone shifted on Holy Saturday evening, Easter Eve, as readings from the prophecies of Daniel anticipated the Resurrection. The reopening of the curtain signaled the triumph of life over death, followed by the celebration of the Divine Liturgy led by former parish pastor Rev. Fr. Nareg Keutelian, with Fr. Hambardzumyan directing the choir.

Easter Sunday brought a message of hope and renewal. In his sermon, Fr. Hambardzumyan reflected on the Resurrection narrative from the Gospel of Matthew, reminding the faithful that the silence experienced by Christ’s disciples after the Crucifixion is a familiar aspect of human life. “In that silence everything felt lost,” he said, acknowledging the moments when prayers seem unanswered. Yet, he emphasized a central truth of Christian faith: silence does not signify God’s absence, but rather His work unfolding beyond human understanding. Through the Resurrection, he affirmed, believers are freed from darkness and empowered to transform fear into courage.

The celebration concluded with the parish community gathering in the Cultural Hall to break the Lenten fast and share in the joy of Easter fellowship.

Through these sacred observances, St. John the Baptist Armenian Church once again affirmed its commitment to preserving and celebrating the rich liturgical traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Church, guiding the faithful from solemn reflection to the radiant hope of the Resurrection.

Looking ahead, St. John the Baptist Armenian Church will host the 2026 Diocesan Assembly at the historic Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee in three weeks. The Assembly will feature a Gala Banquet on Friday, May 1st. Reservations for the Gala can be made at the following link: www.diocesanassembly.com/gala

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ARMENIAN CHURCH DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY COMES TO MILWAUKEE

February 18, 2026 by admin

Milwaukee, WI — The Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America will convene its 2026 Clergy Conference and 124th Diocesan Assembly in Milwaukee from April 28 through May 2, 2026. This marks the first time the Assembly — the governing body of the Armenian Church in the eastern half of the United States — will be hosted in Milwaukee.

The Diocesan Assembly brings together hundreds of clergy and lay delegates from across the country for a week of meetings, workshops, fellowship, and worship. Sessions will take place at the Pfister Hotel and at the host parish, St. John the Baptist Armenian Church (7825 W. Layton Ave.).

In a special gesture of welcome, the Daniel Hoan Bridge will be illuminated on Friday, May 1, in the red, blue, and orange colors of the Armenian flag in honor of the Assembly and its delegates.

The Armenian Church traces its origins to the earliest days of Christianity and remains one of the world’s oldest Christian communities. The 2016 visit of Pope Francis to Armenia highlighted the deep historical and spiritual ties between the Roman Catholic and Armenian Apostolic Churches, affirming their shared Christian heritage.

Armenians began arriving in the United States, including Milwaukee County, in the 1890s, fleeing religious persecution in Ottoman Turkey. These immigrants brought with them the rich faith and traditions of the Armenian Church, establishing parishes throughout the country and building a vibrant local community in Milwaukee that continues to thrive today.

For more information about the 124th Diocesan Assembly, please visit www.stjohnarmenianchurch.org or contact Rev. Fr. Guregh Hambardzumyan at frguregh@stjohnarmenianchurch.org.

About the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
The Eastern Diocese serves Armenian Apostolic parishes across the eastern United States, supporting the spiritual, educational, and cultural life of Armenian-American communities.

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124TH DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY TO MEET IN MILWAUKEE, APRIL 30 – MAY 2, 2026

February 10, 2026 by admin

St. John Armenian Church in Milwaukee, WI, will host the upcoming 2026 Clergy Conference and the 124th Diocesan Assembly, bringing together clergy, delegates, and faithful from across the Eastern Diocese.

The Diocesan Assembly sessions will convene from Thursday to Saturday, April 30 to May 2, 2026, preceded by the Clergy Conference on April 28-30. The same weekend will include the Women’s Guild Assembly, and its annual “Women of Wonder” luncheon, organized by the Women’s Guild Central Council.

Assembly sessions and social events will take place at the city’s historic Pfister Hotel. A highlight of the gathering will be the gala banquet and program on Friday, May 1, during which the Eastern Diocese will honor Ara Cherchian and John Kaishian as “Armenian Church Members of the Year,” and Dr. Robin Darling Young as this year’s “Friend of Armenians.”

Registration for the 124th Diocesan Assembly is now open. Clergy, delegates, and other Diocesan Assembly participants may register online via the parish’s special

Click the following links to register for the 124th Diocesan Assembly, make online hotel reservations, place a personal message in the commemorative booklet—and find detailed information on all the proceedings, including the gala dinner and program.

This website will be updated as new information regarding the Assembly becomes available.

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Milwaukee Armenians Celebrate Nativity and Epiphany

January 12, 2026 by admin

By David Luhrssen

Milwaukee, WI — On Sunday, January 11, the Armenian community of Milwaukee marked the conclusion of the holiday season with the celebration of the Feast of the Nativity and Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ, traditionally observed as Armenian Christmas. The sacred observance offered the faithful an opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas—the birth of Christ—beyond the distractions of commerce and consumerism.

During the Divine Liturgy (Badarak), Rev. Fr. Guregh Hambardzumyan delivered a sermon emphasizing the profound significance of Christ’s birth. While every human birth is meaningful, he noted, no birthday has had a greater impact on humanity or the course of history than the birth of Jesus Christ. Fr. Guregh reminded the congregation that although each person has the ability to influence the lives of others, no one has touched as many lives or shaped the world as deeply as Christ.

Following the Badarak, Rev. Fr. Guregh, together with Rev. Fr. Nareg Keutelian, led the traditional Blessing of the Waters service. This deeply moving ceremony commemorates the baptism of Christ in the River Jordan by St. John the Baptist, marked by the descent of the Holy Spirit and the revelation by God the Father that Jesus is His beloved Son. The godfather of the cross for this year’s Blessing of the Waters was Noubar Kazazian, an active and dedicated member of the St. John’s Armenian Church community.

The celebration continued in the church’s cultural hall, where parishioners and guests gathered for the annual Armenian Christmas potluck dinner. The event fostered fellowship and community, featuring a generous and diverse assortment of both Armenian and American dishes, and provided a joyful conclusion to the day’s spiritual observances.

Through worship, tradition, and fellowship, the Armenian community of Milwaukee came together to honor the Nativity and Epiphany of Christ and to reaffirm the enduring spiritual meaning of Armenian Christmas.

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St. John’s Anniversary: Remembering the Past, Preparing for the Future

November 10, 2025 by admin

By David Luhrssen

On Sunday, November 9, 2025, Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, visited Milwaukee to celebrate the 83rd anniversary of St. John the Baptist Armenian Orthodox Church. During the Divine Liturgy (Badarak), Bishop Mesrop—assisted by Rev. Fr. Guregh Hambardzumyan, pastor; Fr. Nareg, former pastor; and Deacon Sarkis Ginosyan, a seminarian from St. Nersess Seminary—ordained Arek Kashian, Michael Kashian, and David Luhrssen to the diaconate, and conferred the rank of t’bir (Acolyte) upon Eric Kashian—a milestone in the parish’s ongoing efforts to prepare and strengthen its future leaders.

In his sermon, Bishop Mesrop reflected on the vital importance of community, contrasting the biblical model of shared faith and the common good with the self-focused, often unfulfilling “spirituality” of contemporary society. He drew an analogy to the redwood trees of California, noting that these towering giants have endured for centuries not because they stand alone, but because their roots are deeply intertwined, supporting and sustaining one another. Similarly, he emphasized, the Church thrives when its members are united in faith, love, and service.

The celebration continued in the church’s Cultural Hall, beautifully redesigned for the occasion by Sandy and Jim Densmore. The program began with the singing of “Mer Hairenik,” the Armenian national anthem, and “God Bless America,” followed by the Primate’s invocation. Parish Council Chairman Lyle Dadian emceed a program featuring a rich array of presentations and performances. Highlights included a slide show (featuring photos by Don Rask) capturing memorable moments from the parish’s past five years, a video presentation of St. John and Milwaukee that premiered at the 2025 Diocesan Assembly, and a spirited performance by the Hamazkayin Sardarabad Dance Ensemble of Chicago.

The newly ordained deacon David Luhrssen offered a heartfelt toast during the anniversary luncheon, wishing the St. John community continued success for many years to come. When asked what first brought him to the parish and what inspired him to remain active—serving at the altar, on the parish council, as a parish delegate, and in many other leadership roles—he shared his story with the nearly 150 guests attending the program.

He recalled that it was after the 1988 earthquake in Armenia that he first attended a service at St. John—just two years after the consecration of the new sanctuary in 1986. Having never been to an Armenian church before, he was deeply moved by the service led by Father Tateos Abdalian, with Father Nareg (then a deacon) and the late Deacon Samuel Avakian serving at the altar, accompanied by a full and beautiful choir and an accomplished organist, Jan Avakian Kopatich. Most importantly, he emphasized that it was the genuine warmth, welcome, and friendship of the St. John community that inspired him to return, get involved, and ultimately become an integral part of the parish family.

This year’s Diane Blinka Service Award for devoted service to the St. John community was presented to Gail Gabrelian and Deann Kokott. The late Diane Blinka exemplified true selflessness, devotion, commitment, and many years of dedicated service to the parish. The day’s most joyful surprise came with the reading of an encyclical from His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, awarding the St. Nersess the Graceful Medal to Nancy and Dr. Gary Seabrook in recognition of their outstanding devotion and faithful service to the Church.

St. John’s parish priest, Rev. Fr. Guregh Hambardzumyan, likened the parish to the “good heart” of Milwaukee’s Armenian community—kept beating and strong through the dedication and contributions of all its members. Bishop Mesrop also shared reflections from his childhood in Soviet Armenia, recalling his first encounter with the Badarak at the historic Khor Virap Monastery at age 13. “The beauty caught my spirit,” he said. “Understanding the theology came later. The beauty is what stayed with me.” He honored the parish’s founders—survivors of the Armenian Genocide—who established St. John as a new home for their legacy in the New World. Looking ahead, Bishop Mesrop expressed his anticipation of returning when the parish hosts the Diocesan Assembly in May 2026.

Many honored guests attended the anniversary, including Oscar Tatosian, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia, as well as the former pastor and other Armenian clergmen. The program concluded with the audience joining in the singing of the “Der Getso,” led by Fr. Nareg and accompanied on the piano throughout the Liturgy and program by Jan, followed by the Primate’s benediction.

The 83rd anniversary of St. John the Baptist Armenian Orthodox Church was not only a celebration of its rich history and enduring faith, but also a testament to the vibrant, close-knit community that has sustained it through generations. With a renewed commitment to service, fellowship, and Armenian heritage, the parish looks forward to many more years of spiritual growth, shared joy, and continued contributions to the life of Milwaukee’s Armenian community.

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