St. Mary's Annual Grape and Madagh Blessing preparations began with the cooking of 400 lbs. of lamb meat. Dr. Kris Mirzayan, Chairman of the Madagh Committee, supervised and thanked all the volunteers — men and women alike — for their dedication, cooperation, and contribution. Fr. Moushegh, the pastor, was also present and assisting. 1,200 rolls of bread were ordered and Madagh sandwiches were made for Saturday evening pilgrims and Sunday worshippers by the Ladies Society and other volunteers. Hundreds of bags of grapes were also prepared.
Four busloads of pilgrims and dozens of cars arrived, bringing some 300 faithful for the evening services dedicated to Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Services began at 8:00 PM, led by the Pastor. Nahabed Melkonian organized the pilgrimage from Glendale for the sixth consecutive year — the first year started with just one bus. Services included a sermon, a melody dedicated to St. Mary, the singing of Der Voghormia for the peace of the world, and the Lord's Prayer. The pilgrims were then escorted to the Fesjian Hall for a fellowship of Madagh sandwiches, choreg, grapes, coffee, kadaif, party favors, free books, songs, recitations, and prayers. Everyone pledged to return the following year.
On Sunday, church services began with moving prayers at 10:00 AM. The church's Holy Altars were decorated with beautiful flowers for the feast day. Baskets of Madagh sandwiches and grapes were prepared for blessing during the Solemn Divine Liturgy, presided and celebrated by Archpriest Fr. Moushegh Tashjian — his 21st as Pastor of St. Mary Armenian Church. In his sermon to a full church, Fr. Moushegh touched on the piety, devotion, and sacrifice of Holy Virgin Mary, who agreed to God's salvation plan and was conceived by the Holy Spirit to become Mother of God's son.
