Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, WI
June 20 2005

Apostolic church to host Armenian Picnic Sunday

Racine – St. Hagop Armenian Apostolic Church will hold its annual
Armenian Picnic or “Madagh” on Sunday at Johnson Park.

St. Hagop has held its traditional picnic since 1938.

The word madagh means offering, and Armenians have designated places
of pilgrimage where they go to worship and offer a meal to the
community.

The blessing of St. Hagop’s meal will begin at 11 a.m., with
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, who is prelate of the Armenian Apostolic
Church of the Eastern United States, officiating.

>From noon to 7 p.m., the public is invited to attend the picnic
featuring marinated shish kebab and chicken, sarma (stuffed grape
leaves), penelee (cheese puffs), khurabia (butter cookies) and other
Armenian delicacies and pastries.

Live Armenian music will be provided by the Mideast Beat throughout
the afternoon, and children’s entertainment will include a magician
and face painter.

A cash raffle drawing will be held at 6 p.m.

The event is free. For more information on the picnic, contact Mary
C. Buchaklian at (262) 639-1567 or e-mail at m arycb@core.com.