DURING DIVINE LITURGY ON THE FEAST OF ST. SARKIS
ST. SARKIS IS A CHAMPION OF FAITH
STATED THE PRELATE
On Saturday, January 26, the Armenian Church celebrated the Feast of St. Sarkis and his son Mardiros.
In reverence for the unyielding faith of St. Sarkis, his son Mardiros, and the fourteen soldiers, the Armenian people have over the centuries built many Churches in their memory. Among these is St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena, which celebrates its name day on this Feast.
On this occasion, on Sunday, January 27, 2013, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, celebrated Divine Liturgy, delivered the sermon, and conducted the blessing of madagh at St. Sarkis Church.
A celebratory luncheon followed at the adjacent “Andon Andonian” Hall, hosted by the Parish Ladies Guild.
The celebration of St. Sarkis began on Saturday morning with the blessing of salt by Parish Pastor Rev. Fr. Khoren Babochian, which was later used in the preparation of the madagh by the Ladies Guild, who were assisted by Church volunteers. In the evening a service was held during which hymns dedicated to St. Sarkis were sung.
The Church was filled on Sunday morning as faithful had gathered for the Episcopal Divine Liturgy celebrated by the Prelate.
Prior to his sermon the Prelate greeted the faithful in attendance, among them Church benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis and Suzan Kitsinian, stating “today we raise our prayers to God so that through the intercession of our protector St. Sarkis He may help us in keeping His commandments and guide our lives in accordance with His holy will”.
In his sermon the Prelate lauded the unyielding faith and ultimately martyrdom of St. Sarkis and his son Mardiros in defense of their Christian faith stating, “St. Sarkis was undefeatable, in his Christian faith and on the battlefield alike. He was a champion who fearlessly crusaded to spread the Truth and Light of Jesus Christ.”
During the requiem service, prayers were offered for the souls of the first Parish Pastor, Board of Trustees, delegates, and Church servants.
Following the blessing of the madagh, the Prelate was led in a procession to the Church narthex where the service concluded with the benediction and the Cilician and Pontifical anthems.
The luncheon began with the blessing of tables by the Prelate.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Board of Trustees Chair Mr. Hagop Avedikian. Fr. Khoren thanked the Prelate for being with the parish community on this special occasion, thanked Executive Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian, the benefactors and sponsors for their participation, and commended the Board of Trustees, Delegates, Ladies Guild, and all the volunteers for their service. Mr. Nareg Kitsinian, son of the benefactors, congratulate the Church family on behalf of this parents. Mrs. Boghossian also congratulated and commended the parish stating, “Where there is unity, there is strength and harmony”.
The luncheon concluded with the Prelate’s blessings and commendation of all the Church volunteers who devote their time and resources for the progress of the parish.