Posts Tagged ‘News’

Milwaukee Armenian Fest a Success

Posted in Articles, News, tagged , , , on July 20, 2026|

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

Posted in Diocesan Assembly, Eastern Diocese, News, tagged , , , on May 11, 2026|

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

Posted in Diocesan Assembly, Eastern Diocese, News, tagged , , , , on May 6, 2026|

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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