FAMILY GETS SET FOR THE ‘ARMENIAN POPE’
By Susan Hogan, [email protected]
Chicago Sun-Times, IL
161,CST-NWS-pope22.article
Oct 22 2007
Church leader to bless Evanston home during U.S. tour
A few weeks ago, Mary and John Ipjian received once-in-a-lifetime
news. Not only was the pontiff of the Armenian Church coming to
America, but he was coming to bless their Evanston home.
Karekin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians — chief shepherd to the
world’s 7 million Armenian Christians — will arrive in Chicago late
Tuesday and will leave Thursday, as part of a monthlong U.S. tour.
The Ipjians, longtime patrons of the Armenian Church, have been told
to allow space outside their house for five limousines carrying church
dignitaries. Altogether, they expect 50 people to attend the blessing,
including their five children, 12 grandchildren and other family.
"I don’t know exactly how to prepare for a pontiff," Mary Ipjian,
81, said Sunday. "I’ve been baking and cleaning like crazy. We’re so
excited. It’s such an honor that he’s coming."
Only a few days ago, it looked like the home visit would never
happen. John Ipjian, an 83-year-old decorated U.S. veteran, suffered
a stroke and was rushed to the hospital.
Family members who thought they were flying in for one of the happiest
occasions of their lives feared the worst. They kept vigil by John
Ipjian’s side for a week, and then, Friday, he returned home.
"I’m grateful that I’m alive," he said Sunday with a big smile. A
walker at his side was the only visible sign of his ordeal.
Karekin II, who was elected in 1999, has never been to Chicago. He
lives in Armenia, which embraced Christianity in 301 and identifies
itself as the oldest Christian nation.
His visit comes as Congress debates a politically sensitive matter:
Whether Turks committed genocide in the deaths of 1.5 million Armenians
in 1915.
President Bush opposes such a declaration, saying it could hurt
U.S.-Turkish relations.
John Ipjian’s aunt, a survivor of the killings, will be at Wednesday’s
home blessing. The blessing is a popular church custom of praying
for those who live within a dwelling; it isn’t a dedication to the
building itself.
Karekin II’s Chicago stopover includes a meeting with Cardinal Francis
George, gatherings with church members and a public prayer service
with ecumenical leaders.
Mary Ipjian said that when her husband became ill, some people
suggested canceling the home visit. But the family remained steadfast.
"My husband is home and healthy again," she said. "We’re being blessed
many times over."