MASSARA CELEBRATION BENEFITS THE APELIAN CLINIC
Kessabstis, family and friends gather for the Massara ceremony and prayer.
Thousand Oaks, CA—On Saturday, November 3, more than 150 Kessabsti’s and friends of Kessab gathered at the home of Dr. George Apelian to celebrate the traditional preparation of Massara.
This annual tradition—preparation of the massara or grape molasses—takes place soon after the grape harvest begins. It is meant to be a time of celebration and merriment. Dr. Apelian and his family hosted the annual event. Guests each left with a jar of the rich and delicious molasses as a memento of the evening.
“It is important to me to keep this Kessabsti tradition alive.” Said George Apelian “I am so appreciative of my friends and family who support this tradition each year.”
Proceeds from donations benefited the Apelian Dental Clinic in Yerevan, Armenia. The Apelian Clinic provides free of charge dental services for children with disabilities and their families at the Prykutun Center. Dr. Apelian established the clinic 12 years ago bearing the name of his son.
Dr. George Apelian, Host of the Massara celebration, Peter Abajian-Paros Foundation, Esther Tognozzi-Kessab Educational Association and Narine Panosian-Paros Foundation at the Massara celebration.
To learn more about the Apelian Clinic and to donate towards its important mission, please visit www.parosfoundation.org.