Posts Tagged ‘jesus’

FROM GENEROSITY TO LEGACY: THE KAISHIANS’ HYE CAMP STORY

Posted in News, tagged , , , , on April 24, 2026|

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

Posted in News, tagged , , , , on April 6, 2026|

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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Milwaukee Armenians Celebrate Nativity and Epiphany

Posted in News, tagged , , , , , , , on January 12, 2026|

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

Posted in News, tagged , , , , on November 10, 2025|

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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WORDS THAT MATTER

Posted in Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, tagged , , , , , , on September 16, 2025|

We often wonder if our words matter, if our small efforts of kindness, encouragement, or truth-telling make any real difference in this noisy, crowded world. And the answer is: yes, it does! In Isaiah 50:4, the prophet says, “The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.”

God desires to speak through us. Not just through prophets, priests or bishops, but through you. Through your quiet words of comfort to a grieving friend. Through your choice to bless rather than curse. Through your decision to speak hope when others are only speaking fear. Every time you do this, you are echoing heaven.

Think of it this way: we are the megaphone, but God is the voice. A megaphone doesn’t create the message; it only amplifies it. On its own, it is just plastic and wiring. But in the hands of someone who has something to say, it becomes powerful.

And so it is with us. On our own, our words may seem small and weak. But when we place ourselves in God’s hands, He speaks through us with power and purpose. We don’t need to invent the right words. We don’t need to be eloquent or wise. We just need to be willing. Willing to speak when God nudges us. Willing to share when the Spirit prompts us. Willing to serve with our voice as well as our actions.

St. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:13: “This is what we speak, not in words taught by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit.” That means it’s not about your ability, it’s about your availability. When you open your mouth in faith, God will fill it with His words. Words that heal. Words that strengthen. Words that carry divine power.

Never underestimate what God can do through a single word spoken in love. One sentence of encouragement might be the turning point in someone’s day. One phone call might lift someone out of despair. One sincere “I’m praying for you” might remind a hurting soul that they’re not alone.

So, let our tongues become instruments of grace and our words bearers of light, for when God speaks through us, even the softest whisper can resound as an eternal echo in another person’s life.

Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan
September 16, 2025

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THE POWER OF FOCUS IN YOUR LIFE

Posted in Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, tagged , , , , , on February 13, 2025|

When I was a kid, I loved playing with a magnifying glass. I’d use it to focus sunlight on a piece of paper. At first, the light didn’t seem to do much. But when I held that magnifying glass just right, the light became so focused that it could start a fire! I didn’t fully understand it back then, but it taught me a powerful truth: light, when focused, has incredible power.

Think about it. Diffused light can brighten a room, and that’s good. But focused light? It can start fires. Concentrate it even more, and it becomes a laser that can cut through steel, heal disease, and reach the stars. The same is true about our lives. When we scatter our energy, we may accomplish a little here and there, but we’ll never see the extraordinary. But when we focus, when we fix our attention on what truly matters, there’s no limit to what God can do through us.

Proverbs 4:25-26 says, “Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Keep straight the path of your feet, and all your ways will be sure.” God is telling us here to stay focused. Stop looking to the left or the right. Don’t get distracted by what others are doing. Fix your gaze on the path God has set before you. That’s where the power is—in a focused life.

Here’s the challenge: the enemy works hard to distract us. He knows if he can scatter our energy, he can limit our effectiveness. That’s why you have to guard your focus. Identify what’s pulling you away from your purpose. It might be fear, comparison, or just too much busyness. You don’t need to figure it all out today. Just take the next right step.

God has placed His light inside of you. You don’t need to be special in the world’s eyes to make a difference. You don’t need to have all the resources or all the answers. But when you focus your life on God’s purpose, when you align your gifts and talents with His plan, you become like that laser—unstoppable, cutting through obstacles, and making an impact that lasts.

Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan
February 13, 2025

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