WKBT, WI
Oct 20 2007
Racine readies for visit by Armenian ‘pope’
Associated Press – October 20, 2007 10:55 AM ET
RACINE, Wis. (AP) – Armenians in Wisconsin are getting ready for a
big event next week. For the first time in nearly 50 years, their
version of the pope will be visiting the state.
His Holiness Karekin the second will lead a service at St. Mesrob
Armenian Apostolic Church on Tuesday night in Racine.
The church’s pastor, Yeprem Kelegian says it’s a big visit and
Armenians look to this leader as though he were pope.
Kelegian says he was about 13 the last time an Armenian spiritual
leader visited, and that time was in West Allis.
Kelegian says the church holds about 300 people but they are
expecting a crowd and plan to stream video and audio into the
church’s hallways.
The Supreme Patriach – as Karekin is called – started a visit to the
U.S. on October 3rd in New York. He plans to end his trip on November
1st in Detroit.
During his time in Wisconsin, he will also meet with Archbishop
Timothy Dolan and other representatives of Christian faiths.
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