On Sunday September 20, 2015 St. Stepanos Armenian Church celebrated the 24th year of Armenia’s Independence. The festivities started with our flag raising ceremony at the front of the Church alongside Ocean Avenue. This is a tradition started by the Armenian Cultural Club in Toms River in front of Town Hall on Armenian Independence Day. The town could no longer support that event for monetary reasons. The Club then with the help of the Krikor and Sona Toufayan erected two flag poles in front of the church. St. Stepanos has agreed to continue that tradition on or around Armenian Independence Day. The American flag was raised by Vahe Surenian and the Armenian flag was raised by Krikor Toufayan.   Alyne Corrigan sang both the Star spangled Banner and Mer Hayrenik. Der Hayr Daniel led us in prayer.

We then went to the picnic area of the church grounds for a wonderful  meal prepared by the Armenian Independence Day Picnic Committee.

The Committee did a wonderful job as can be attested to by all of the parishioners that attended. Our good neighbor who lives across the street from the church, U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone, joined us. Not only is he a good supporter of Armenians in America, he has also gained a strong liking for Armenian Cuisine.

The weather supported the committee with a bright and sunny day. The children played and the tavloo games flowed. It was a wonderful picnic and we thank all of those that worked so hard to make it successful. We also thank the Committee for returning the picnic to the grounds alongside the church. It is a wonderful picnic setting with Armenian music playing in the background. They did a wonderful job.