Dear Friends,

This morning I greet you all from the altar of St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in New York City. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of our beloved cathedral, we have been invited as a parish to celebrate the holy Badarak in the mother church of our Diocese. Over 100 pilgrims have traveled from Rhode Island to offer heartfelt prayers in St. Vartan Cathedral.

This day our altar servers, choirs, parish council and faithful join me in this unique celebration of the sacred liturgy in one of the great cities of our land. The city of New York and the Statue of Liberty are important symbols of our great nation, which has served as a haven for countless refugees and immigrants, who have come from every nation under heaven to attain a life of opportunity for themselves and their loved ones.

Thanks be to God, New York City welcomed so many of our brothers and sisters who fled persecution in the homeland, both in 1895 and 1915. New York has represented endless opportunities for many Armenians. How appropriate that in this great city and thanks to the sacrifice of so many, a most inspiring cathedral was erected in traditional Armenian Apostolic style with its unique golden cupola rising together with the Midtown skyscrapers in majestic beauty.

Viewing the cathedral from the air is truly inspiring as one witnesses a symbol of our ancient apostolic spirit making an marked statement to our modern world – “you may progress in so many ways – technologically and economically – however you shall never forget God your creator.”

All praise and glory to our heavenly Father for giving us the opportunity to pilgrimage on this venerable occasion and thanks to His Eminence our Primate for inviting us to offer the Holy Badarak in his cathedral church, the mother of all the churches in our Diocese. By the way the word cathedra means the “seat or throne” of the bishop.

Through the prayers of St. Vartan Mamigonian may the Lord receive our supplications and save us. May he bestow a special blessing upon all who visit and worship in our beloved cathedral and to our Primate, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian many years. Eternal rest to His Holiness Vazken I, Catholicos of All Armenians of blessed memory, who consecrated our cathedral in Spring 1968.

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With prayers.
Hayr Simeon
November 16, 2008