Armenian Church of Southwest Florida Participates in Ecumenical Service for Assumption Day

By Carole Meghreblian
FLArmenians Guest Contributor

On August 14, 2011, the Mission Parish of the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida (SWFL) was invited by Fr. Michael Rowe, Rector of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church to join his congregation in celebrating the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God. Rt. Rev. Dabney T. Smith, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of SWFL celebrated the Holy Eucharist. An explanation of the Armenian custom of the Blessing of the Grapes on the Day of Assumption was provided by Fr. Rowe. The 11 parishioners of the Mission Parish of Southwest Florida were then called forward for the blessing of the grapes by Rt. Rev. Bishop Dabney T. Smith. The service was followed by a luncheon and, to our delight, the menu was chicken, beans and rice (which almost tasted like pilaf!).

Armenian Church of Southwest Florida

Realizing the demand to serve the spiritual needs of both local, permanent residents and our winter parishioners, the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida was formed in 2001. This mission parish which had begun by word of mouth, has steadily grown over the past decade.

Services are held in season only, specifically November, January-March, and sometimes April. Having no church of our own, services are held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Bonita Springs.

The first Badarak of the coming season will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2011, at 1:00 pm. For further information or to be placed on our mailing list, please contact me at 239-348-3804.

Carole Meghreblian is the Parish Council Chair of the Armenian Church of Southwest Florida.