On Friday, December 16, 2022, under the auspices of H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate, a special concert dedicated to the “Year of Diaspora” took place at St. Sarkis Armenian Church in Pasadena. The concert was organized by the Pastor and Board of Trustees of St. Sarkis Church and performed by the church choir, led by conductor Deacon Yervant Keshishian. In attendance were Mr. Sarkis Tatikian, member of the Executive Council, the family of benefactor Mr. Sarkis Kitsinian and the faithful.
Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan, Pastor, welcomed the Prelate and delivered his remarks, taking point from H.H. Aram I., Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia’s Pontifical declaration and stated; “the Church organized this event to revamp the community spirit, during the ‘Year of Diaspora.’”
The choir performed church hymns, which were accompanied by musical instruments performed by brass instrument players Gogor Ohanian, Garin Melkonian, Steven Aintablian, Christ Aintablian, Maria Keshishian (Piano), Hilda Mnagian (Piano) and Arthur Keshian (drums.) The performances were followed by recitals of famous Armenian poets and was elevated by the recitals of children, who sang “Hay enk menk” and “Genats” with great enthusiasm and inspiration.
The Bishop delivered his remarks and commended the Pastor for his diligence and service to the Church, the Board of Trustees, Deacon Yervant Keshishian, the volunteers, the choir and musicians, emphasizing the importance of revitalizing the community life and the need for the continuation of such concerts in the future.
The concert ended by the singing of “Giligia” and the Prelate’s benediction.
