After a long pandemic break, the parish of St. Gregory the Enlightener held a delightful event on Sunday, November 21st, 2021. The 2019 St. Gregory Award was presented to Gregory Sahagian for his dedicated service to our church community. Greg was overwhelmed with humble joy throughout the afternoon, while surrounded by St. Gregory parishioners, his family (wife, Lori and his 3 children, Greg/Carly/Robert), extended family & personal friends. As is tradition, the most recent past recipients of the (pre-pandemic) 2018 St. Gregory Award hosted this year’s “come back” luncheon. Chris & Adriane Keleshian Bonfiglio, along with the event committee consisting of many previous Award recipients, presented a delicious meal including homemade Armenian mezzes & desserts, with an entertaining musical program. Classical pianist, Joel A. Martin, accompanied Anoush Givelekian as she touched the hearts of all in attendance gloriously singing the Armenian & American national anthems. Joel continued to WOW! the guests performing his specialized Jazzical Komitas, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd of over 100 in attendance. Speakers included Fr. Mesrob Hovsepyan, Chris Bonfiglio (emcee), Elizabeth Shaghalian Vranka (Parish Council Chair), with tributes from Fr. Karekin Kasparian, Carly Sahagian, Ann Giragosian Daw and Ellie Krolian. Sincere gratitude is extended to everyone who participated in planning, preparation, and execution of the joy filled afternoon. With extra special thanks to Meline Kasparian Longacre and the ACYOA Jrs. in attendance to help with any task asked of them (Celia & Leo DiBenedetto, Tanya & Gregory Postian, David Forte and Kyle Pidedjian). A note of gratitude to Sylvia & Derek Kruizenga/KRUSH! Armenian Wine Importers for their kind & very generous donation of Armenian wines served at the event.
