On Sunday September 25, 2016 St Stepanos Armenian Church celebrated the feast of the Holy Cross of Varak and the 25th anniversary of the Armenia’s Independence. Immediately after Badarak was held a Requiem service for the soul of our benefactor Mr. Kevork Hovnanian then the festivities started with the flag raising ceremony at the front of the Church alongside Ocean Avenue. Our young parishioners sang both the Star spangled Banner and Mer Hayrenik. Der Daniel led us in Thanksgiving prayer of the Republic of Armenia.

We then went to the picnic area of the church grounds for a wonderful meal prepared by the Armenian Independence Day Picnic Committee. The weather supported the committee with a bright and sunny day. Our Congressman Mr. Frank Palone who joined us in this celebration was part of the happiest hours of our children. They performed for our Congressman and for all of us wonderful Armenian traditional dances. Our Pastor, the Armenian Independence Day Picnic Committee, the Parish Council and the Women’s’ Guild are to be congratulated on for all of these events.