HISTORIC GALA BANQUET AT MILWAUKEE’S PFISTER HOTEL CELEBRATES FAITH, SERVICE, AND ARMENIAN HERITAGE

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — On May 1, 2026, the Eastern Diocese held a Gala Banquet at The Pfister Hotel, honoring leaders embodying the Armenian Church’s spirit. Ara Cherchian and John Kaishian were named Armenian Church Members of the Year for their transformative service, including St. Vartan Cathedral renovations and hosting Hye Camp. Dr. Robin Darling Young received the Friend of Armenians Award for her scholarship in Armenian theology. Cultural performances enriched the evening, while Bishop Mesrop likened the Church to an inland lighthouse. The Hoan Bridge lit in Armenian colors celebrated heritage, resilience, and hope.

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2026 CLERGY CONFERENCE INSPIRES UNITY AND SPIRITUAL RENEWAL IN MILWAUKEE

From April 28–30, clergy from across the Eastern Diocese gathered in Milwaukee for the 2026 Clergy Conference hosted by St. John Armenian Church of Greater Milwaukee. The conference fostered spiritual renewal, fellowship, and collaborative dialogue under the leadership of Bishop Mesrop. Events included gatherings at The Pfister Hotel, a visit to St. Josaphat Basilica, and the Divine Liturgy led by Fr. Vardan Hayrapetyan. The conference concluded with prayer, remembrance, and fellowship, celebrating the enduring unity and mission of the Armenian Church.

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EASTERN DIOCESE CELEBRATES FAITH AND LEADERSHIP

At the 2026 Diocesan Assembly in Milwaukee, the Yeretzgins’ Breakfast united women in fellowship, faith, and inspiration. Dr. Elizabeth Kalendarian, dean of Marquette University School of Dentistry, spoke on “Daily Challenges,” reflecting on leadership and modern life. Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan later offered remarks and a blessing. The gathering concluded with a visit to the Milwaukee Art Museum.

The Women’s Guild Central Council also held its annual meeting and WOW Luncheon, honoring Ramelann Kalagian of St. John Armenian Church for her faithful service and lasting impact on her church and the wider community.

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ROBIN DARLING YOUNG, PH.D.

Robin Darling Young, Ph.D., this year’s distinguished “Friend of the Armenians” award recipient, is Ordinary Professor Emerita of the History of Christianity at The Catholic University of America. An internationally respected scholar of eastern Christianity, she specializes in Armenian, Greek, and Syriac traditions, with a focus on asceticism and St. Evagrius of Pontus. Professor Young has taught at leading institutions including Notre Dame and the University of Chicago, translated significant Armenian theological works, and dedicated decades to advancing Armenian language, history, culture, and ecumenical scholarship in the United States and abroad.

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A LIFE OF LEADERSHIP, ENTERPRISE, & SERVICE: ARA CHERCHIAN

Ara Cherchian, born in Tehran to a close Armenian family, built a life centered on family, education, and cultural identity. He earned degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Accounting/Finance, leading to a distinguished career in management and entrepreneurship, including Northland Stainless and Cherchian Investments. Ara’s philanthropy spans Armenia and the U.S., supporting education, healthcare, culture, and community projects. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he also enjoys lapidary, fishing, golf, travel, and the arts. His legacy reflects leadership, generosity, and enduring community impact.

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FROM GENEROSITY TO LEGACY: THE KAISHIANS’ HYE CAMP STORY

John and Lynn Kaishian were pivotal in founding Hye Camp and strengthening the Armenian church community in the Midwest. Beginning in 1963, they offered their Pleasant Lake property, hosting the camp for 30 years and providing land and food free, enabling low tuition for all children. Their generosity nurtured future clergy, leaders, and lifelong bonds. Beyond the camp, they supported church construction, held key leadership roles, and inspired community service. Their vision, commitment, and selflessness created enduring spiritual, cultural, and educational legacies still felt today.

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THE EASTER MESSAGE OF BISHOP MESROP PARSAMYAN

On the first Easter morning, the women who cared for Jesus made their way to His tomb: a tomb cut into rock, with a great stone sealing its entrance. Their hearts on that morning were heavy with grief. The tears they had shed on Good Friday were not yet dried. The pain of loss, the ache of disappointment, the crushing weight of despair: it all weighed on them like a great stone, pressing down on their hearts. And as they walked, they asked a question that many of us have asked in our own lives: Who will remove the stone?

That stone represented finality. It marked the end of Jesus’ story—or so it seemed. He who had healed the sick, who had opened blind eyes, who had spoken words of Life—He was gone. The One who had lifted burdens was now sealed behind a burden too heavy to move.

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SEVEN NEW PRIESTS ORDAINED BY BISHOP MESROP’S HAND

This week, Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan was blessed to ordain seven new priests to serve the Armenian Church. He did so while he was visiting Armenia to attend the Supreme Spiritual Council meeting at Holy Etchmiadzin.

The ordination service took place on Sunday, June 16, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Yerevan. Each of the seven young men who knelt before the altar embodied a unique calling that God had planted in their hearts. These seven represent the first priests to be ordained by the hand of our Primate.

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PRIMATE’S EASTER 2024 MESSAGE

For weeks now, throughout the Armenian Church, our faithful have prepared for Easter with great anticipation, from Holy Etchmiadzin, to St. Vartan Cathedral, to every local parish. But wherever you are on that day, we all stand together as witnesses to the glory of our Lord’s Resurrection. On Easter Sunday we all proclaim with the apostle: “Glory to God—the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! For in His mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope, through the resurrection of Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).

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RELIGIOUS LEADERS OF THE AREA GATHER AT ST. VARTAN

The religious leaders of the area, with whom we share not just a geography but also a commitment to love and service, joined together in St. Vartan Cathedral to extend a warm welcome to me in my new role as the newly ordained bishop of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America. Their presence was a testament to the unifying power of faith and the collaborative work we all aspire to undertake for the glory of God and the betterment of His people.

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