St John Armenian Church

05/16/2026

Funeral Announcement - John Kaishian - https://mailchi.mp/07794cb866f1/funeral-announcement-john-kaishian

05/14/2026

St. John Armenian Church E-Newsletter 05/14/2026 - https://mailchi.mp/9977bdc419a9/st-john-armenian-church-e-newsletter-05142026

05/11/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Y7dykiHEi/

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

05/08/2026

The Armenian ecclesiastical television program Shoghakat TV recently featured coverage of the 124th Diocesan Assembly of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, held in Milwaukee.

05/07/2026

St. John Armenian Church E-Newsletter 05/07/2026 - https://mailchi.mp/910c8945b7ae/st-john-armenian-church-e-newsletter-05072026

05/06/2026

Women’s Guild Central Council & The "WOW" Luncheon

During the Diocesan Assembly, the Women’s Guild Central Council (WGCC) also convened to conduct their annual meeting, working through an agenda focused on the mission and future of the guild. Each year, as a cherished part of their gathering, the WGCC hosts the WOW Luncheon which stands for Woman of Wonder to celebrate the strength and faith of an outstanding woman from the local host community.

Since St. John Armenian Church of Milwaukee served as the host for this year's assembly, the parish proudly nominated Ramelann Kalagian for the Woman of Wonder distinction. Ramelann was officially honored during the luncheon, surrounded by her sisters in faith, where she was recognized for her tireless commitment and the many ways she has touched the lives of those in her church and community.

Photo courtesy of Don Rask

05/06/2026

The Yeretzgins’ Breakfast & Cultural Excursion

A special highlight of the Diocesan Assembly was the Yeretzgins’ Breakfast, a gathering defined by sisterhood, education, and inspiration. The morning featured a wonderful presentation by Dr. Elizabeth Kalendarian, the Dean of the Marquette University School of Dentistry. Dr. Kalendarian spoke with grace and insight on the "Daily Challenges" faced in modern life and leadership, offering a perspective that was both professional and deeply personal.

Following the presentation and a shared meal, the program reached a spiritual conclusion as His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate, joined the group to offer his heartfelt remarks and blessing.

The morning of fellowship transitioned into an afternoon of culture, as the Yeretzgins concluded their program with a visit to the world-renowned Milwaukee Art Museum, celebrating the intersection of faith, community, and the arts.

Photo courtesy of Don Rask

05/06/2026

The Gala Banquet
The crowning jewel of a historic week in Milwaukee was the Gala Banquet on Friday, May 1, held in the grand Imperial Ballroom of the Pfister Hotel. The evening served as a profound celebration of those whose lives and service exemplify the spirit of the Armenian Church.

The Diocese bestowed its highest lay honors upon three remarkable individuals:

Armenian Church Members of the Year: Ara Cherchian and John Kaishian were recognized for their transformative contributions. Ara was honored for his immense generosity and dedication to the St. Vartan Cathedral renovation and numerous vital projects in Armenia. John was celebrated for his visionary gift providing his property for over 30 years to host Hye Camp, the foundation upon which generations of Armenian youth in the Midwest have built their identity.

Friend of Armenians Award: Dr. Robin Darling Young, a distinguished scholar from Washington D.C., was honored for her profound contributions to the study of Classical Armenian and Armenian theology. Her tireless research continues to bring the intellectual and spiritual treasures of our heritage to the global stage.

The atmosphere was further elevated by a vibrant cultural tapestry, as the melodic strains of the Qanun played by sisters Lilia and Alexandria Yaralian and accompanied by Dimitri Glarus on the piano filled the ballroom.

In his reflections, Father Guregh, Pastor of St. John Armenian Church, connected the gathering to the parish's deep Milwaukee roots. He recalled the construction of the community’s first sanctuary in the 1940s and its consecration by Archbishop Karekin Hovsepian the legendary figure who would later become Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia. This historical link served as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength and continuity of the Armenian faith in the Midwest.

As the Assembly concluded, His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate, shared a poignant closing reflection. Inspired by a visit to Milwaukee’s North Point Lighthouse, His Grace noted its unique status as a beacon situated on land rather than at the sea's edge. He drew a powerful connection to the Assembly's theme, "Renewed in Hope," stating that the Church serves as an "inland lighthouse" a steadfast guide that leads the faithful through life’s uncertainties while remaining anchored in the firm ground of tradition.

The spiritual energy of the event eventually spilled out from the ballroom and into the city itself. From 6:00 p.m. on May 1 until 3:00 a.m. the following morning, the iconic Hoan Bridge was illuminated in the Red, Blue, and Orange of the Armenian flag.

This breathtaking tribute honored the Saints, Martyrs, and survivors of the Armenian Genocide, celebrating the resilience that made this very gathering possible. As the bridge glowed against the Milwaukee skyline, it stood as a symbol of a community that much like the lighthouse remains a radiant and unshakeable source of light in the world.

05/06/2026

The 124th Diocesan Assembly: A Landmark Gathering in Milwaukee
Hosted by St. John Armenian Church of Greater Milwaukee

From April 30 through May 2, the spirit of unity and dedication shone brightly as the 124th Diocesan Assembly convened in Milwaukee. Building on the momentum of the Clergy Conference, the Assembly brought together a diverse and vibrant cross-section of our faith community including dedicated clergy, parish delegates, youth observers, and representatives from the various Diocesan Ministries, the Diocesan Council, and the Women’s Guild.

The meetings, which spanned from Thursday through Saturday morning, were characterized by a deep sense of purpose and productive collaboration. Each session reflected a shared commitment to the future of our Diocese, as leaders and members worked hand-in-hand to strengthen the foundations of our diocese.

The spiritual and administrative highlight of the Assembly was the Primate's Election. In a moment of great joy and profound significance, His Grace Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan was re-elected as Primate of the Eastern Diocese . His vision and steady leadership have been a source of inspiration for us all, and his re-election ensures a continued path of growth and spiritual renewal for the Eastern Diocese.

As the meetings concluded on Saturday noon, the participants departed with renewed energy and a unified vision. It was truly an honor for St. John Armenian Church to host such an impactful and memorable gathering of our Diocesan family.

Photo courtesy of Don Rask

05/06/2026

Concluding the 2026 Clergy Conference with Prayer and Fellowship
The 2026 Clergy Conference reached its spiritual pinnacle on April 30 at St. John Armenian Church of Greater Milwaukee. The morning began with a beautiful Divine Liturgy, celebrated by Fr. Vardan Hayrapetyan, bringing the clergy together in unified worship.

Following the Liturgy, a solemn Hokehankisd (Requiem Service) was performed. In a moving tribute, the names of the deceased clergy of the Eastern Diocese were remembered, honoring their lasting legacy and service to the Church.

To conclude the gathering, the clergy and delegates joined the parishioners of St. John for a wonderful luncheon. The meal, thoughtfully prepared by the dedicated parishioners, provided a warm and joyful final moment of camaraderie before everyone departed back to the Pfister Hotel for Diocesan Assembly General Session. It was a grace-filled conclusion to a week of prayer, planning, and brotherhood.

Photo courtesy of Don Rask