EPISCOPAL DIVINE LITURGY AND BLESSING OF HERISA
AT 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HEROIC RESISTANCE OF MUSA LER
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the heroic resistance of Musa Ler. The fifty-three day resistance, lasting from July 21 to September 12, 1915, saved the lives of over 4,000 residents of the six villages comprising the Musa Ler region. They were eventually rescued by Allied forces and transported to Egypt. At the end of World War I the Armenians returned to their homes in Musa Ler, only to flee again when the region was occupied by Turkey.
The Armenian community of Fresno, which boasts a large number of descendants of Musa Ler, has organized a three-day commemoration of the centennial anniversary, to be held at the Fresno County Peace Officer’s Training Grounds (7633 N. Weber Ave., Fresno, 93722).
The commemoration begins at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 5 with the blessing of salt in preparation of the Herisa and traditional entertainment. On Sunday, September 6, at 10:30 a.m., H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will celebrate Divine Liturgy, deliver the sermon, and conduct the blessing of Herisa. He will be assisted at the altar by Very Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian and deacons. A lecture will follow featuring keynote speaker Mr. Levon Filian, Director of the Armenian Missionary Association of America Western Region.
On Monday, September 7, at 10:00 a.m., a Victory Breakfast will take place at Piccadilly Buffet (2305 W. Shaw Ave., Fresno, 93711).
We invite our faithful to participate in these commemorative events celebrating the heroism of our ancestors.
