On February 13-15, Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan visited the Armenian Church of Naples (FL), where he spent time among the people of the mission parish and celebrated the badarak.
Saturday was occupied with meetings and social gatherings with parish leaders. Sunday’s Divine Liturgy at St. Paul Episcopal Church drew more than 150 worshipers from throughout southern Florida. Fr. Krikor Sabounjian, recently retired from Holy Translators Church (Framingham, MA), assisted the Primate during the service, which was enriched by devoted altar servers and a superb choir comprised of faithful from communities around the Eastern Diocese.
A warmhearted banquet at a local country club allowed the community to greet Bishop Mesrop and enjoy an atmosphere of renewed friendship.
“Our heartfelt gathering honored the founding members of this growing Armenian community, as well as the faithful who find their winter spiritual home in the Naples mission parish,” said the Primate. “Their sense of unity and shared faith was truly uplifting.”
“My deepest gratitude goes to everyone involved: those who served on the altar, the voices that lifted our choir, and the committee that organized the warm banquet. A special thanks to the Parish Council and its chairman, Ron Khachadoorian. Your commitment and service breathe life into the Southwest Florida community.”
He concluded: “To all the faithful parishioners, your presence and devotion strengthen the Naples community. Thank you for being the heart of the mission parish of Southwest Florida.”