On Sunday, September 14 our parish family joyfully gathered to celebrate the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, one of the five major feast days of the Armenian Church. Following the Blessing of the World (Antasdan), each person received a sprig of blessed sweet basil—a fragrant reminder of the life-giving Cross of our Lord.

After services, we shared in a warm Festive Fellowship, highlighted by traditional whole lamb prepared in the tonir (tandoori). We are deeply grateful to Vahagn Ohanyan, Armen Torosyan (in loving memory of his mother), Hamlet Gharibyan (in loving memory of his father-in-law), and their families for graciously hosting this beautiful meal. Special thanks also go to Ara and Dzaghig Pounardjian, who generously donated the hearty basil from their garden, which adorned the Cross so beautifully.

We are thankful to Qristine Manasyan, Rafi Kayayan, Andreh Avitsian, and Mane Sargsyan for capturing the day in photos. With gratitude, we also acknowledge the generosity of our online donors who supported this year’s Khachverats celebration: Dn. Ari Narek Terjanian, Dina Ohanessian, Mona Karoghlanian, Aga Harutyunyan, Selin Arakelian Panosyan, Raz Pounardjian, Karine Ghevondyan, Alison Bashian, Ronnie Tellalian, Ustghick Avanesian, and Vahag Klekchyan.

The ACYOA also held a meeting, led by Yn. Naira Azatyan, to discuss upcoming retreats and events.

It was truly a day of prayer, fellowship, and thanksgiving as we came together to honor the life-giving Cross of Christ.