On Saturday, June 9, about 100 “church family” members gathered in the auditorium for a “tech-free” buffet salad and pasta dinner. Before dinner was served, Fr. Abraham led a family prayer with the involvement of all the adults and children. Then, Dr. Lynn Cetin, Co-Chair of the 60th Anniversary Committee, advised everyone to turn off their phones and place them in the “beach bucket” table centerpieces. As people waited on line to get their dinner, the chatter in the auditorium became louder. People were talking to one another. The delicious dinner, prepared by Peter Paternostro, was enjoyed by all, including our littlest parishioners. After dessert, Dr. Lynn Cetin engaged the attendees in a game of “How well do you know Der Hayr?”
Many thanks to “Chef” Peter Paternostro Jr. for enthusiastically agreeing to cook dinner for our “church family,” to Dr. Lynn Cetin, Patty Demirjian and Lucy Calikyan for the generous donations to offset the cost of the dinner, to Lara Ciamician for setting up and taking photos of our children in the photo booth and to all other committee members for their help. As the music played in the background, the conversation continued for many, even as the tables were being cleared. It was obvious that many people needed a break from technology and the Family Dinner was a great way to bring our “church family” closer together.
