PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: jakeg@armeniandiocese.org
Website:
December 17, 2004
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CHURCH CELEBRATES HISTORY OF SUCCESS
Like so many parishes, the story of the Holy Resurrection Church of
South Milwaukee, WI, reflects the larger story of Armenian Americans.
As more and more Armenian immigrants found their way to America, some
wandered away from the concentration of Armenians on the East Coast. In
1910, five Armenians traveled to South Milwaukee to work in its
factories. Finding the community welcoming, they beckoned their
Armenian brothers and sisters to join them.
In just two short years, the Armenian community in South Milwaukee
jumped to more than 100 individuals. By 1924, community leaders decided
the expanding community needed its own spiritual home. Until that time,
the Armenians had celebrated badarak with visiting pastors at St. Mark’s
Episcopal Church.
The community soon bought its first sanctuary, the former St. Luke
Church. It was the first Armenian church in Wisconsin.
In 1960, fire destroyed the church. But the community did not sit idly
by. As generations had done before, they found the faith to rebuild.
On April 15, 1962, Archbishop Sion Manoogian, then-Primate of the
Eastern Diocese, traveled to Wisconsin to consecrate the new Holy
Resurrection Church.
“Our predecessors set the foundation of this parish and skillfully
piloted this community through trying times,” wrote Fr. Vahram Hazarian,
the current visiting pastor of the Holy Resurrection Church, in a
message celebrating the parish’s anniversary. “Every generation has its
own challenges. Generations come and go, but nations persist. The
Armenian Church has been the tabernacle of our timeless values. A
church is not merely comprised of four walls and a roof. You — the
parishioners — are the church.”
The people of the church turned out in large numbers on October 24,
2004, when Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, the current Primate of the
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern), traveled to South
Milwaukee to celebrate the church’s 80th anniversary with the
parishioners.
“The founders of this church and the generations that have followed have
always shown a great sense of dedication and devotion. That has always
been a cornerstone of the Holy Resurrection Church,” said the Primate,
who celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the parish and attended a banquet
where hundreds from the three parishes in Wisconsin joined to mark the
anniversary. “God has given the great Armenian community of South
Milwaukee a truly passionate spirit. So far from our motherland, they
have come together and built a truly Armenian community of faith.”
That sense of community and connection is still alive in South
Milwaukee. And it is the reason the community endures after so many
years and so many challenges.”
“A parish excels on the laborious shoulders of her children,” Fr.
Hazarian explained.
— 12/17/04
E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,
PHOTO CAPTION (1): Parishioners from the Holy Resurrection Church of
South Milwaukee, WI, turn out for a celebration of the parish’s 80th
anniversary.
PHOTO CAPTION (2): During a celebration of the parish’s 80th
anniversary, the Holy Resurrection Church of South Milwaukee, WI, honor
some of the stewards who have played a role in making the parish a
spiritual home for the area’s Armenian community.
PHOTO CAPTION (3): Diocesan Council member Oscar Tatosian speaks about
his memories of the Holy Resurrection Church of South Milwaukee, WI,
during the parish’s 80th anniversary celebration on October 24, 2004.
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