On Sunday, July 20, 2014 the Feast of St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen, the first Christian king and queen of Armenia, which is also the name day of the Prelacy “St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen” Chapel, was celebrated with Episcopal Divine Liturgy and the blessing of madagh.
Divine Liturgy was celebrated by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, at the Crescenta Valley Parish. His Eminence also delivered the sermon, conducted the blessing of madagh, and presided over requiem service during which prayers were offered for the soul of Alexan Pilavjian, husband of Chapel benefactor Mrs. Ashkhen Pilavjian. Parish Pastor Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian and deacons assisted at the altar. Executive Council Chair Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian and member Mr. Vahrij Pilavjian were among the faithful in attendance.
Prior to delivering the sermon, the Prelate first greeted the faithful and extended his well wishes for the health of benefactor Mrs. Ashkhen Pilavjian. His Eminence quoted the words of Movses Khorenatsi referring to St. Dertad as the second father of our enlightenment and the forerunner who alongside St. Gregory paved the path for our spiritual enlightenment. He then presented the life history of St. Gregory the Illuminator and King Dertad, the crossing of their paths and how by the grace of God they escaped death and brought enlightenment to Armenia, transforming it into the first Christian nation. The Prelate also highlighted the exemplary family formed by King Dertad and Queen Ashkhen, stating that the values and principles of the Christian Armenian families are needed today more than ever in our national and church life. His Eminence concluded by praying for God to guide us according to His will and commandments, and for our families to follow in the example of the first Christian family.
Prior to “Der Voghormya” prayers, Fr. Ghevont expressed gratitude to the Prelate on behalf of the parish community for his blessed presence, for his inspiring message on the Armenian family. He then invited the congregation to pray for the health and strength of the Prelate so that he may continue his leadership of our Prelacy for years to come.
At the conclusion of the service the Prelate presided over the requiem service. The blessing of madagh followed at the courtyard of the Prelacy main entrance. The celebration came to a close with the Cilician anthem and the benediction by the Prelate.
