Faithful of the Armenian Church of Our Saviour in Worcester, MA, enjoyed an unusual excursion on Saturday, April 13, when they hiked to the summit of Mount Ararat.
No, this was not the snow-capped symbol of the Armenian homeland, where Noah’s Ark came to rest at an elevation of some 17,000 feet. Rather, it’s the name of a 728-foot peak in the town of Millbury, MA.
But as pastor Fr. Tadeos Barseghyan explained: “It was the significance of that name, and the meaning behind it, that mattered to us.”
“You can imagine our surprise—and excitement—when we learned about this Mount Ararat standing not far from Worcester,” he went on. “We contacted the Millbury Historical Society to inquire about the history of the mountain’s name; but they didn’t have any clear information about its origins.”
Nevertheless, an encounter between America’s first and oldest Armenian Church, and Armenia’s greatest primeval geographic feature, seems like a meeting that had to happen, one way or another.
“The trip to Mount Ararat in Millbury was deeply meaningful for all of us,” said Fr. Tadeos. “During the hike we shared stories about the Biblical mountain. And when we arrived at the summit, we prayed together and sang Armenian songs, including our National Anthem.”
Before descending Mount Ararat, the Worcester group left two mementos of their presence behind: an Armenian flag, and a pole surmounted by a cross. “That’s our promise to return soon,” Fr. Barseghyan said. “Our parishioners are already talking about when we can do this hike again!”
And when that happens, perhaps faithful from sister Armenian communities will be inspired to join Worcester’s intrepid mountain-hikers. “I’m sure people would be interested to know that there is a ‘Mount Ararat’ here in America,” said Der Tadeos. “And we would love to have them climb with us.”