PASADENA—On the weekend of November 13, St. Sarkis Church of Pasadena celebrated the 25th anniversary of its establishment with Episcopal Divine Liturgy, ordinations, and a banquet.
On Sunday, November 14, Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. Sarkis Church. Parish Pastor Rev. Khoren Babochian assisted at the altar, and the Prelacy “Lousavorich” youth choir, led by Very Rev. Barthev Gulumian, joined the church choir in the singing of the Liturgy.
Prior to the sermon and with the singing of the “Oorakh Ler” hymn, the Pontifical letter of blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I was taken up to the altar and read by the Prelate.
On the occasion of the parish’s 25th anniversary, the Prelate ordained as acolytes members of the church youth group and altar servers Melvin Arzoumanian, Suren Odabashian, Ara Der Harutunian, and Sarkis Gaparian.
The four altar servers ascended to the altar and knelt before the Prelate where with prayers and hymns, they were ordained as acolytes.
Following the ordinations, the Prelate also bestowed upon two of the new acolytes Melvin Arzoumanian and Suren Odabashian the privilege of bearing a stole. The ceremony concluded with the Prelate blessing the newly ordained acolytes.
In his sermon, the Prelate thanked Almighty God for His bountiful blessings and for granting that blessed day, and congratulated the acolytes, praying for the Lord to lead them in their service to the Church. Following to the day’s Scripture reading, he spoke of the virtue of humility, urging the faithful to become humble as children so that the Lord may life them up.
During the requiem service, prayers were offered for the first Parish Pastor Archpriest Sarkis Antreassian, and all dedicated servants of the church.
The service concluded with the singing of the Cilician anthem and the benediction by the Prelate.
The 25th anniversary banquet was held under the auspices of the Prelate on the evening of Saturday, November 13, at the Pasadena Armenian Center. The banquet was organized by the Parish Pastor, Board of Trustees, and Ladies Auxiliary.
Among the guests in attendance were Very Rev. Muron Aznikian, Executive Council Chair Rima Boghossian, church benefactors, sponsors, representatives of sister organizations, faithful and friends.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by organizing committee Chair and Mistress of Ceremonies Lucine Karjian. Board of Trustees Chair Sarkis Tatuigian delivered remarks on behalf of the Board. Long-time church sponsors Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis and Noune Sepetjian were honored for their support, and a candle-lighting ceremony also took place.
The official program concluded with the Prelate’ s message and blessings.
