Two Pilgrimages to the Homeland, to Mark 135 Years
DIOCESE ENEWSLETTER ARTICLE ON OUR TRIPS
This summer, the faithful of the Armenian Church of Our Saviour of Worcester, MA, undertook an extraordinary journey of faith and heritage, as the parish organized two pilgrimages to Armenia in celebration of its 135th anniversary. The effort brought nearly 70 pilgrims to the homeland in two groups, each numbering more than 30 participants.
The Worcester parish is the oldest Armenian Church community in America, and sponsoring two pilgrimages in a single summer may well be another “first” for churches in the Eastern Diocese.
Led by parish pastor Fr. Tadeos Barseghyan, the first pilgrimage took place July 1-13, followed by a second group journeying July 17-30 (shown here against the majestic backdrop of Mount Ararat). During their travels, the pilgrims prayed at many of Armenia’s holiest shrines—including Khor Virab, Geghard Monastery, Noravank, and Datev Monastery.
Both groups were warmly received at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin by His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and received his fatherly blessing.
The itineraries also included visits to the Matenadaran; the Armenian Genocide Memorial at Dzidzernagapert; the Fund for Armenian Relief’s Octet music school in Dilijan, and its ACT technical college in Parakar; as well as educational and cultural sites throughout the country.
Reflecting on the experience, Fr. Tadeos said: “These pilgrimages are about connecting our people with their ancestral homeland, strengthening their faith, and helping them rediscover the richness of their Armenian identity. Together we prayed where our forefathers prayed, celebrated our heritage, and experienced the living faith of our church at its source.”
Click the following link to view photos and videos from both pilgrimages on the Facebook page of the Armenian Church of Our Saviour. the caption position and set other styles.
