St. Mesrob Church in Wisconsin presents program on parishioner’s
pilgrimage to India

Racine, – The St. Mesrob Armenian Church Heritage Committee on Sunday,
October 11, will offer a special presentation by Charles Hardy, a
deacon and parishioner, about his pilgrimage to India. The event will
start at 11:15 a.m., following church services, in the church
hall. There will be a luncheon following the program. The public is
cordially invited. St. Mesrob is located at 4605 Erie Street.

Mr. Hardy travelled to India in November 2008 on the occasion of the
300th anniversary of the founding of the Armenian Holy Church of
Nazareth in Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta). Karekin II,
Catholicos of All Armenians, presided over the observance.

Armenians have had a long and impressive history in India for more
than 400 years. Although the Christian population in India numbers
approximately 27 million, the number of Armenians now living in the
country is estimated to be not more than 140 individuals, half of whom
live in Kolkata.

Despite the small number of Armenians in India today, the Armenian
Church has persevered throughout the centuries due to generous gifts
and endowments. Because the wealth cannot be taken out of the country,
the funds are used to restore, renovate and maintain the Armenian
churches, day school and home for senior citizens. The Church also
contributes to non-Armenian charitable institutions in India.

This program will feature photos of places of interest in India such
as the Taj Mahal and the Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity
founded by Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu ("Mother" Teresa) in addition to the
six Armenian churches Mr. Hardy visited.

A world traveler, Mr. Hardy recently returned from a visit to Central
Europe.

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