On Sunday, September 22, 2019, V. Reverend Father Barouyr Shernezian, Parish Pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of San Francisco, celebrated his Divine Liturgy prior to his departure to Antelias. After Badarak, a celebration banquet took place at the “Saroyan” Hall of the “Khachaturian Armenian Community Center” under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and organized by Board of Trustees and Ladies Guild.
On behalf of the Prelate H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, presided over the Divine Liturgy and banquet. Very Rev. Fr. Barouyr Shernezian, who completed his tenure, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon. Led by Bishop Torkom Donoyan, the priests conducted the Prayers of Thanksgiving for the Republic of Armenia. Thereafter, Bishop Donoyan read the Prelate’s blessing and congratulatory letter for Fr. Shernezian and presented the pectoral cross, a gift sent by his eminence.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the faithful gathered at the “Saroyan” hall to bid farewell to Fr. Shernezian. A short program was performed during the banquet, including a video which showed the achievements of Fr. Shernezian throughout his tenure.
Remarks were made by Executive council member Mr. Garbis Bezdjian, Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone, Archbishop of the Catholic Diocese of San Francisco, Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanian and Mr. Rosdom Aintablian, Chair of the Board of Trustees. Mr. Aintablian thanked Fr. Shernezian for his service to the parishioners of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of San Francisco. Remarks were also made by Ms. Lori Der Khatchadourian and Mr. Hrag Bardizbanian, members of the “Cilician Warriors” youth group.
Fr. Shernezian in turn made his remarks; he thanked His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, Board of Trustees, Ladies Guild, the Principal and teachers of Krouzian Zakarian Vasbouragan Prelacy School, Deacons, Acolytes, Church employees and parishioners. Mentioning that he began his service with little experience, and the parishioners themselves taught him how to be a good parish priest. That experiences he gained will be with him until the end of his life, mentioned Fr. Shernezian.
At the conclusion of the banquet, Bishop Donoyan congratulated Hayr Sourp amd noted that H.H. Aram I follows the steps of clergy, especially during the time at the seminary. Fr. Shernezian came to the Western Prelacy as a monk of the Cilician brotherhood, served with fortitude and proudly returns home to Antelias, added Bishop Donoyan.
The banquet concluded with the benediction of Fr. Shernezian and singing of “Cilicia.”
Also, on September 20, 2019, Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Ashekian, celebrated his Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church in Fresno, prior to his departure to Antelias. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, presided over the Divine Liturgy. In attendance were; H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, Executive Council Chair and members and parishioners.
A banquet including an official program was held following the Divine Liturgy. (Details will follow.)