DETROIT, Mich.—On Sat., Oct. 22, St. John Armenian Church will celebrate its 80th anniversary with Detroit “Kef Time.” A highlight of the celebration will be an All Star Band featuring the Armenian music of clarinetist and native Detroiter Hachig Kazarian and oud player Richard Hagopian. Both are musicians whose artistry is legend.
St. John Armenian Church was originally established in Detroit on Oakman Boulevard in 1931. The Armenian population at that time was estimated at 5,400. By the late 1950’s, the congregation had outgrown the Oakman Boulevard church. The vast undertaking of building a new church in the historic Armenian architectural tradition was led by Alex Manoogian and Edward Mardigian. The new location was on Northwestern Highway in Southfield. The groundbreaking took place in June 1960 and was blessed by his Holiness Vasken I. The church was consecrated on Nov. 20, 1966 by Bishop Torkom Manoogian. St. John is a landmark in the Detroit metropolitan area known for its golden dome. Over the past 80 years, the Armenian population of the Detroit metropolitan area grew to an estimate of 60,000.
“Kef Time” Detroit will be a musical evening to honor our past and to celebrate our future. The evening will be filled with wonderful Armenian appetizers and Armenian music—a combination that makes for a great evening. The event is sponsored by St. John’s Women’s Guild and the Men’s Society. Seating is limited to 500. For information or reservations, contact Isabelle Vahratian at (248) 890-2185 or izzy.vahration@gmail.com.
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