Dublin Parish Celebrates the Feast of the Ascension
On Sunday, 17 May 2026, members of the Armenian Community in Dublin gathered at Christ Church Taney Parish to celebrate the Ascension of our Lord to heaven. We had the added pleasure of a retired visiting priest, Fr. Yeprem Kelegian, from Racine, Wisconsin, leading the Divine Liturgy with the blessing of His Grace Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, the Primate of the UK & Ireland.
Fr. Yeprem Kelegian, in his homily, spoke about how God exists and that when you despair or feel abandoned, you can always turn to God and find hope in his message. Deacon Adam Malkhasian also traveled from the UK to join the service. Lastly, the Dublin Parish was fortunate to witness the amazing talent of Deacon Casey O'Brien from Racine, who has learned the Badarak Liturgy despite not being born as an Armenian.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a Hokehankist (Requiem service) was offered for the departed members. It was especially held in honor of a past parish member, Mrs. Isobel Manook, the wife of Dr. Paul Manook, who recently passed away on 17th April 2026. The congregation was informed of the huge contribution made by Isobel to so many aspects of the Irish Armenian community life, since the establishment of Dublin Parish back in 2010. Commuting from Belfast to Dublin for every occasion, they never wavered in their commitment to the parish and gave generously of their time, particularly in supporting efforts to commemorate the Armenian Genocide in Ireland. They both played key roles in the placement of the Armenian Khachkar - a dedicated symbol of peace - in the grounds of Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin. Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Isoble will never forget her. On behalf of the Armenian Community in Dublin, condolences were offered to her husband, Paul, their adult children, and their extended family.
Following the service, the community together with guests and friends gathered to share Armenian traditional food and refreshments, while socialising and mingling together and giving Fr Yeprem Kelegian and his family the opportunity of meeting members of the congregation.
