On Sunday, August 14, 2022, we observed the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God. Our Pastor Rev. Fr. Daniel Karadjian, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered a sermon based on the significance of The Holy Mother of God in our church and in our daily life. Services concluded with the traditional Blessing of the Grapes ceremony and with honoring a long-time and extraordinarily deserving member, Mrs. Linda Patruno, as “The Mother and Woman of the Year 2021”.

Linda’s continued selflessness, love, and devotion to serving God, the church, and her family and friends made her a unanimous choice in receiving this honor and reflecting the revered qualities and attributes of St. Mary.

Der Daniel, the Parish Council, and members of the Women’s Guild oversaw the preparation of a delicious luncheon following the traditional Blessing of the Grapes service.
According to the explanation of our church fathers, the Holy Mother-of-God was the selected branch that presented humanity with a pure and life-giving vine: Jesus Christ.
The blessing of the fruit conducted on the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother-of-God coincides with the end of summer when the grape ripens. Thus symbolically, the harvest of the entire year was blessed by the church, and not only that. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the first-born fruit of Mary and, as such, He was offered to God in the temple after 40 days of His birth. In other words, the celebrated person on the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God is Asdvadzamayr who gave birth to Jesus Christ, the first fruit of the entire human salvation.
The entire church community was blessed by the attendance of Linda’s family and loved ones who shared heartfelt words, accolades, gifts, and warm hugs.
Let us always pray to the Holy Virgin Mariam, and ask her to establish her kingdom in our souls while we remain in this sinful world.