SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — St. Mark Armenian Church’s Annual Armenian Festival will be held on the church grounds on Sunday, September 1, from 12 to 6 p.m., 2427 Wilbraham Road, Springfield. The Fest, which has become a favorite in the Greater Springfield area, is the parish’s biggest event for nearly 30 years and will feature delicious hot meals, a live Armenian band, dancing, authentic Armenian baked goods and pastries, a raffle, and more.
Every year, the St. Mark Armenian Festival draws more than 1,000 people from Springfield, surrounding suburbs and throughout New England that enjoy great food, entertainment and a wonderful social atmosphere. Everyone is welcome to be a part of the culture and enjoy all that is offered.
The Fest involves dozens of parishioners lending their time and talents to put on this annual one-day event, which is the parish’s largest annual fundraiser. Baking workshops have taken place over the summer, including the preparation of choreg (Armenian sweet rolls), cheese boreg (phyllo dough triangles filled with cheese); and Spinach Pie (phyllo dough squares filled with spinach and cheese). Workshops will continue up to the time of the Festival.
Hot dinners feature St. Mark’s signature losh, chicken, beef and pork kebabs.
Attendees can enjoy an array of ethnic baked goods and sweets. New this year will be an Ancestry booth organized by parishioner Kristen Fraser, where attendees can learn about the family histories of St. Mark parishioners through old photos and short stories. There will also be a cultural booth with handmade silver Armenian jewelry and other items made in Armenia, and a raffle.
St. Mark’s priest, Father Nigoghos (Nicholas) Aznaviourian, will be giving tours of the church throughout the event, and will explain the Armenian Apostolic faith and its history for those interested in learning more
