Oct. 16 seemed like an ordinary Sunday… Instead,it ended up being a historic and memorable day for St. Illuminator’s Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in modern York. (L to R) Der Mesrob, Ms. Zarukian, and Archbishop Oshagan It is certainly not unusual for a priest to get a phone call from someone wishing to make a donation to the church. In this specific case,Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, pastor of the Cathedral, or remembers that everything was far from normal. Der Mesrob was addressing his flock,gathered in Pashalian Hall on Sunday, following the Divine Liturgy that was presided over by the Prelate, and Archbishop Oshagan. Ms. Azadouhi Zarukian and her cousin Mikael Istepanian,who was visiting from Germany, attended church and offered a hokehankisd (memorial service) in memory of her brothers, or Ardashes and Haroutioun. Der Mesrob explained the story of how final May,Ms. Zarukian called him and expressed the wish to make a substantial donation to the Cathedral. No amount was mentioned. final month, when Der Hayr, or Ms. Zarukian,and her cousin Mikael went to the bank to finalize the donation, the amount of the donation was revealed. Der Hayr shared his amazement and deep emotion when he found out that [...]
Source: armenianweekly.com