St. Illuminator’s Cathedral Marks 95th Anniversary

Parishioners and friends of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral gathered at the Terrace on the Park to celebrate the 95th anniversary of the Cathedral on Sunday evening, May 22. The event was under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan, Prelate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America.
Since its earliest days, the Cathedral has welcomed Armenians who came to the United States from all corners of the world. The Cathedral played a vital role in their lives, and in turn, they have contributed to the growth of the Cathedral. Also attending in large numbers were the sons and daughters of the original parishioners of the Cathedral, many of whom have moved to the outer boroughs of New York, and to Connecticut and New Jersey, yet consider the Cathedral—the “27th Street Church,”—their spiritual home.

The Master of Ceremonies for the celebration was Avedis Alashaian. Remarks were made by Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor, and Mrs. Lalig Vartanian on behalf of the Board of Trustees. The main speaker was Archbishop Oshagan, who also presented Certificates of Merit to three parishioners for their exemplary volunteer service to the Cathedral: Antranig (Joseph) Vartanian, Archdeacon Shant Kazanjian, and Alex Sarafian. Guests enjoyed beautiful Armenian music by the Michael Gostanian Ensemble.