by Corinne Khederian

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — The State of Michigan Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers and his wife, Kristi, joined parishioners and members of the Armenian community Saturday evening at St. John Armenian Church in Southfield for the church’s annual Bazaar.

The couple was welcomed by the Very Rev. Fr. Aren Jebejian, Pastor of St. John Armenian Church, along with John Jamian and Corinne Khederian, Co-Chairs of the Michigan Chapter of the Armenian Assembly of America, David Dolik and Ron Keurajian.

Rogers and his wife first met with Very Rev. Fr. Jebejian  and the welcoming before joining the festivities in the Church Hall.

Father Jebejian welcomed the couple, saying, “As a Church, our doors are always open to everyone.  It is nice seeing you and Kristi again.”

Rogers responded, stating, “We are grateful to Father Jebejian and St. John’s for welcoming us back.   The Armenian American community reminds us why it is so important to fight for our freedoms, our faith and our families. I look forward to continuing our partnership when I am in the U.S. Senate.”

Once inside the Bazaar, Mike and Kristi spent the evening visiting with parishioners and guests. Attendees had the opportunity to speak personally with Rogers, ask questions and discuss issues important to them and to the Armenian American community.

“Despite an incredibly busy schedule during the final month of the campaign, Mike took the time to stop by our Bazaar and meet with our community,” said John Jamian. “Mike and his wife received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the crowd, and we were very pleased to have them join us.”

Corinne Khederian said the amount of time Rogers and his wife spent speaking with attendees was especially meaningful.

“The fact that Mike and Kristi spent the entire evening meeting with everyone impressed us and made it clear how important the Michigan Armenian community is to Mike’s candidacy,” Khederian said. “It also demonstrated his commitment to working with us on issues important to our community if elected.”

During their visit, Mike and Kristi also stopped to meet volunteers and visit the many Bazaar booths featuring traditional homemade Armenian foods, delicacies, crafts and other specialties.

Before departing, the couple thanked parishioners and volunteers for their warm welcome and hospitality.

“Mike and I had a fabulous time visiting with our friends at St. John’s,” Kristi Rogers said. “We do not take the community’s support for granted and are always excited to join them for great food and even better fellowship.”

The St. John Armenian Church Bazaar is an annual tradition that brings parishioners, families and friends together to celebrate Armenian culture, food, music and dance. Volunteers devote countless hours throughout the year preparing traditional foods and specialties for the event. Proceeds from the Bazaar support the Church and its programs.