On Sunday, September 10, 2023, St. Gregory’s Church celebrated the launch of Parishioners’ Day. This event was developed following on from the St. Gregory’s Parishioners’ Survey that was conducted several months ago. The Board of Trustees took feedback that our congregation wanted to engage in more social programs and events. The objectives of Parishioners’ Day were to:
*Celebrate St. Gregory’s parishioners and affiliated organizations
*Encourage parishioners to get to know the affiliated organizations and potentially participate in them
The format was similar to a career fair setting with tables arranged around Founders Hall. A total of 25 organizations were present, including the following church and sister organizations:
Aghtamar Choral Group | Altar Guild | Altar Servers | Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA)
Armenian Relief Society (ARS) – Ani Chapter | Armenian Relief Society (ARS) – Artemis Chapter
Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) | Armenian Sisters Academy (ASA) | Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) – Juniors
Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) – Seniors | Board of Trustees | Church Choir | Church Membership
Haigazian Armenian School | Hamazkayin | Homenetmen | Ladies’ Guild | Meghry Dance Group | Men’s Club
National Representative Assembly (NRA) | Salt & Light Youth Ministry | Seroonian Community Center
St. Gregory’s Basketball | St. Gregory’s Golf Outing | Sunday School
Parishioners were invited to visit the tables and meet representatives, learn about the organizations, as well as enjoy tasty treats provided by many. They each received a complimentary St. Gregory the Illuminator tote bag to fill with information given by the organizations. In addition, children enjoyed face painting and creating Grandparents Day crafts. Over 100 parishioners were in attendance for this exciting open house event, which welcomed everyone back after their summer breaks. They also had an opportunity to complete a post-event survey to provide feedback on the event. Those who completed the survey were entered into a raffle drawing for $25 Amazon gifts cards. It is hoped that Parishioners’ Day generated plenty of interest so that it will take place again in the future.
The Parishioners’ Day Committee members who worked tirelessly to produce this new event were Matthew Avetian, Veronica Kazandjian Babayan, Mary Keytanjian, Nancy Keytanjian, and Tina Kashishian Sickler.
The Committee would like to thank the following people and organizations who supported this event:
• The Board of Trustees
• All the participating church affiliated and sister organizations
• The Hovnanian Family for their contribution towards St. Gregory’s 100th anniversary
• The Der Garabedian Family for sponsoring the fellowship hour
• The Ladies’ Guild for preparing the fellowship hour refreshments
• Majda Garabedian and Danny Babaian for their support behind the scenes
• George Kazandjian from Graphic Impressions of America for preparing the St. Gregory’s tote bags
• Aram Frounjian for preparing the Parishioners’ Day promotional flyer
• Gabrielle Sickler for her artistry in the face painting
• Parishioners’ Day volunteers
