February 9, 2007
Press Release
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
DURING HOLY MASS ON THE NAME DAY OF ST. SARKIS CHURCH IN PASADENA
LET THE EXAMPLE OF ST. SARKIS
BE A LIVING MESSAGE FOR US ALL
On Sunday, February 4th, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, conducted Holy Mass and the blessing of madaghn
at St. Sarkis Churchin Pasadena, on the occasion of St. Sarkis and the
name day of the church. He was assisted at the altar by Very
Rev. Fathers Muron Aznikian and Barthev Gulumian and parish pastor
Rev. Khoren Babochian. H.E. Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian also
participated in the service.
During his sermon, the Prelate first thanked God for His
bountiful blessings, then spoke of the lives and martyrdom of
St. Sarkis, his son Mardiros, and their 14 soldiers, exalting their
relentless battle against evil, and their bravery in their affirmation
of the truth, Christ. Subsequently, the Prelate called on the
faithful to follow the example of St. Sarkis to bravely face and
reject all adversities and temptations we may face in ourlives, and to
remain staunch in our faith in the example of our saints.
`Let the example of St. Sarkis be a living message for us all’,
concluded the Prelate.
During requiem service, the Prelate conducted the blessing
of madagh, during which he beseeched God and the Holy Spirit for the
atonement of our sins, for the healing of our pains, and for the mercy
of the souls of the departed. Following the ceremony, the procession
headed to the church courtyard where the Prelate blessed the faithful
followed by the collectivelysinging of national and Pontifical
anthems.
At the conclusion of church services, a reception took
place headed by the Prelate and with the participation of Clergy
members, Board of Trustees, Ladies Auxiliary, Deacons, Choir members,
Church benefactors Mr. & Mrs. Sarkis and Suzan Kitsinian and their
family, affiliated bodies, and friends. During the reception, remarks
were made by the Pastor, Board of Trustees and Ladies Auxiliary
Chairpersons, past and present Executive Council members, and the
church sponsors. The Prelate conveyed his blessings to the larger
family of St. Sarkis Church and expressed his wishes for the church
tobe endowed with the traditional Armenian dome and belfry by the
following year. The reception came to a close with the `Bahbanich’
prayer.
From: Baghdasarian