On Thursday, February 23, 2017, the Armenian Church celebrated the Feast of St. Vartanants honoring our forefathers who boldly fought and sacrificed their lives in defense of our faith and national identity. Within the Western Prelacy, the Feast of St. Vartanants was commemorated with Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena presided over by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and with the participation of clergy. Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon. Executive Council members Avo Kechichian, Therese Kemanjian, and Elo Boyajian were among the faithful in attendance.
During the Liturgy the Prelate presided over a special service of intercessory prayers dedicated to the 1036 martyrs of the Battle of Avarayr. Fr. Karekin then delivered his sermon on the legacy of Vartanants, stating that it is not merely a battle in history rather a living message and reality which continues today as we fight to preserve our faith and identity in Armenia and in the Diaspora especially.
The service concluded with beloved patriotic and national songs dedicated to the Vartanants saints and the commemoration came to a close with Cilicia and the Armenian national anthem.
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A reception followed at “Andon Andonian” Hall, during which Deacon Harout Matossian was honored for his thirty-five years of dedicated service as the parish Choirmaster. Parish Pastor Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan, as well as previous parish pastors, commended Deacon Harut and presented a plaque of appreciation. Deacon Harout conveyed his thanks for the recognition and vowed to continue serving our Church.
The Prelate blessed and commended Deacon Harout and all the servants of the parish, and then reflected on the St. Ghevontiants commemoration held earlier in the week at Holy Trinity Church in Fresno, noting that special attention was given to the His Holiness Catholicos Aram I’s “Year of Renewal” message and highlighting the importance of renewal in our individual and collective lives.
