The Diocese
Posted: 08/15/2018
Armenian community members of Utah came out for a day of celebration and blessing Sunday, August 12, at the Germania Park in Murray, Utah.
The event was organized by the Armenian Apostolic Church in Utah. Father Vazken Movsesian officiated at the traditional grapeblessing service and brought the greetings of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese.
The Rev. Gevork Paronyan, Pastor of the Ararat Evangelical Church, along with members of his congregation came to participate in the celebration. Rev. Paronyan offered the scriptural readings and shared his musical talents by leading the group in the Lord’s Prayer and later in Armenian songs.
Among those present were Congressman John Curtis, U.S. Representative for Utah’s 3rd Congressional District and Judd Sheranian, Bishop of the local LDS ward. Both gentlemen offered words of encouragement to the community and their best wishes.
In an atmosphere of fellowship and love, the celebration brought together young and old. In his remarks, Fr. Vazken shared the message of John 15 - to stay connected to the “vine” Jesus. He further emphasized the importance of witnessing to the miracle that the Armenian community in Utah is alive and to share God’s blessings with the world.
In a true expression of Christian charity, event organizers Hovig Megerdichian and Miriam McFadden, also called for a collection of non-perishable canned foods (collected at the picnic) to help the Utah Food bank, Utah refugees and the homeless shelters.
The event was a true success in every sense of the word, leaving attendees asking for regular gatherings to celebrate the life of the community.
