LA CRESCENTA—Requiem services on the 40th day of the passing of Archbishop Sumbat Lapajian took place in all Prelacy Churches by a directive from Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian.
The Prelate presided over Divine Liturgy and the requiem at Holy Cross Cathedral in Montebello, and also delivered the sermon. Among those in attendance to pay their respects to the late Archbishop were Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian, Executive Council Chair Rima Boghossian and member Levon Kirakosian, and representatives of sister organizations.
The Prelate’s sermon was on the passage from the Gospel of Mark which tells of Jesus calming the storm. “The great lesson we can take from today’s reading is that God is in control. We all face storms in our lives, however through this passage, Jesus shows His power and sovereignty over creation and that He has the power to calm the storms in our lives as well. Let us therefore lay our burdens at the feet of our Lord Jesus Christ and look to Him to bring us strength, courage, and wisdom to walk through our storms into a bright new day”, said the Prelate.
The Prelate also recalled the life of Archbishop Sumbat Lapajian, speaking of him as a humble and faithful servant of God who was loved and admired by all, and especially by the Holy Cross parish community. “Forty days ago in this very church we conducted the extreme unction service and paid tribute to this remarkable man and clergyman who dedicated his life, heart, and soul to working for our Lord and our Church. We will remember him as a dedicated son of the Armenian Church and nation, a devoted pastor and spiritual leader, an inspiring teacher and preacher, and the first Prelate of the Western Prelacy, and recall with thanks his accomplishments and contributions to the advancement of our Prelacy”, said the Prelate.
Following the requiem service, the Prelate and clergy were led in a procession to the courtyard of the Cathedral where they blessed the gravesite of Archbishop Lapajian.
A memorial luncheon, organized by Holy Cross Cathedral Pastors and Board of Trustees, took place at “Baghramian Hall” following the services.
During the luncheon, remarks were delivered by Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Hagop Dikranian, Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian, Levon Kirakosian, Nazaret Sadorian, Torkom Postajian, and Mesrobian School Principal Seto Boyajian.
On behalf of the Lapajian family, the late Archbishop’s grand-nephew Hrair Lapajian expressed his thanks for the tribute to his great-uncle.
The luncheon came to a close with the benediction by the Prelate.
