Our Cleveland Armenian Community came together in a jubilant celebration to mark a significant milestone – the 60th Anniversary of the Consecration of St. Gregory of Narek Armenian Church. This momentous occasion coincided with the first visit of Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan to Cleveland as the Primate.

On Saturday, April 13, 2024, our parish hosted a Gala Banquet Celebration, setting the tone for a weekend filled with joy and blessings. The evening was filled with warmth and festivity as attendees reflected on the rich history and enduring spirit of our community. Russ Arslanian served as the Master of Ceremonies, guiding the evening with grace and eloquence. The National Anthems were led by Dn. Ari Terjanian, Choir Director. Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan offered the invocation. Ara Bagdasarian raised a heartfelt toast, embodying the spirit of celebration and shared joy. Cindy Russell, chairperson of the 60th Anniversary committee, shared insightful thoughts, reflecting on the significance of the occasion.

Following her remarks, Raz Pounardjian, representing the Parish Council, offered a reflective tribute, highlighting the journey of the parish and its dedicated members. Der Hratch, our pastor, offered his heartfelt remarks, expressing gratitude and admiration for the collective efforts of the community. He then graciously invited the Primate to deliver his message, congratulating and commanding the Community for this milestone event and recognizing the tireless efforts and selfless dedication of several parishioners. In recognition of their outstanding contributions, the

Primate presented Certificates of Appreciation to Cindy Russell, Russ Arslanian, and Sandra Aurslanian. Additionally, Keer Orhnutyan was given to Jannette Aurslanian, Anita Arpajian, Dn. Haig Arpajian, and Mona Karoghlanian, acknowledging their exemplary service to the Church for many years. Yn. Naira Azatyan Sargsyan was honored with the prestigious St. Vartan Award for her exceptional dedication within the parish and our Diocese and Dn. Serop Demirjian received a Keer Orhnutyan—Letter of Blessing from His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians—recognizing his profound commitment to faith and service to the Armenian Church. In this spirit of recognition and gratitude, we celebrated the unwavering commitment and contributions of these esteemed individuals, who inspire us all with their exemplary leadership and devotion to our community.

We offer our special thanks and gratitude to Cindy Russell as the chairperson of the 60th Anniversary Committee and all the committee members: Dr. Todd Russell, Russ Arslanian, Dn. Serop Demirjian, Dina Aurslanian, Yn. Naira Azatyan-Sargsyan, Mona Karoghlanian, Sergey Edilyan, Hasmik Hayrapetyan and Valerie Russell. We offer a special thanks Anushavan & Ruzanna Yeranosyan for sponsoring the celebratory weekend flower arrangements & centerpieces, to Lilit Todorova for making the anniversary cake & Sunday celebration cake for the newly ordained, to Narekatsi Dance Group for dance performances, to Anna Avitsian for DJ-ing, to Nana Koch for banquet desserts, to the Baghdasaryan, Klekchyan, and Gevorgyan Families for hosting the Sunday Fellowship in honor of the newly ordained, to Bill Morley for weekend photography, and to Artur Petrosyan for all the 60th Anniversary design and artwork.