On Thursday, May 30, in recognition of the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ (Hampartzoom), Badarak was offered by visiting celebrant, Fr. Mesrob Hovsepyan from St Gregory the Enlightener Church in White Plains, NY. Fr. Abraham also participated in the service and delivered the sermon. Following the service, a delicious lunch consisting of chicken and pilaf was served. We offer our thanks and gratitude to Betty Tellalian and Shoushan Saraydarian for preparing this meal. Other members of the guild contributed salad, dessert and other delights. The meal concluded with some announcements and then, the traditional Vijag was read in Armenian by Anjel Tahmisyan and later in English by Lara Ciamician.  Beautiful flowers and petals used in the Vijag ceremony were brought by the members of the guild. As always, it was a lovely day filled with gratitude, love and blessings.