The Weekend of Celebration for the Armenian Heritage Walk was marked by both solemn reflection and celebration, beginning with an intercommunal service of peace and remembrance on Friday, April 24 at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. Religious leaders, clergy, and altar servers from all five Philadelphia-area Armenian churches came together in a powerful display of unity, joined by an intercommunal choir whose 40 members wore gowns representing their respective parishes. The evening featured moving musical performances by students of the Armenian Sisters Academy and culminated in the blessing and presentation of an Armenian cross-stone (khatchkar) to the basilica.

The khatchkar was gifted in honor of the Holy See of the Vatican for its role in bringing attention to the Armenian Nation and commemorating the sainted martyrs of the Armenian Genocide. The service brought together senior clergy from the Armenian Apostolic and Armenian Catholic Churches, alongside community leaders and volunteers, reflecting the depth of collaboration behind the project. In a meaningful close to the evening, the Khatchkar monument was formally accepted on behalf of the Archdiocese, symbolizing both remembrance and a shared commitment to faith as Armenian heritage was honored in Philadelphia.

Below is a gallery of photos from the event.

Photos by: Alec Balian