On the weekend of October 3rd and 4th, 2015, St. Sarkis Church of Pasadena celebrated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the parish and the 10th anniversary of the consecration of the sanctuary with Episcopal Divine Liturgy and a banquet.
On Sunday, October 4, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. Sarkis Church. Parish Pastor Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan assisted at the altar. Faithful in attendance included Executive Council member Mrs. Therese Kemanjian, parish board and delegates, representatives of sister organizations, and a group of Homenetmen scouts who were there to receive the blessings of the Prelate as they begin the “St. Mesrob Mashdots” emblem program.
Prior to his sermon the Prelate greeted past and present parish pastors and church servants, commending them all for their service to the parish. He greeted and blessed also the Homenetmen scouts, who are preparing to begin the “St. Mesrob Mashdot” religious program.
The Prelate noted that he had just returned from Etchmiadzin, where he had represented His Holiness Aram I at the blessing of Holy Muron, and stated that our Pontiff was in Switzerland during those days to convey the gratitude of the Armenian people for the humanitarian efforts of the Swiss government and people in the years following the Genocide. He noted also that in the past few months he has been conducting the blessing of water in Prelacy parishes with the new Holy Muron blessed by His Holiness Aram I, and in the near future the blessing of crosses bearing the ashes of our martyrs will be conducted, so that our holy martyrs remain a constant presence in all of our churches.
Following to the day’s Apostolic reading, the Prelate reminded that our Lord Jesus Christ must always be a constant presence in our hearts and souls and that we must remain firm in our faith always, that these dual anniversaries are an opportunity for us to reflect on the strength of our faith and our service, adding that 30 years ago a group of individuals set the foundation for the parish community with faith and vision, 10 years ago the sanctuary was consecrated by His Holiness Aram I, and today, there are dedicated servants who faithfully continue the mission set forth decades ago. The Prelate thus blessed all the church servants and benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis and Suzan Kitsinian, and wished for all to work together for the progress of the parish with harmony, love, faith, humility, and clean hearts and spirits.
In conclusion, the Prelate addressed the Homenetmen scouts, advising them to remain faithful to the principles of Homenetmen and to seriously follow the religious emblem program. He invited them to gather before the altar where he blessed them through prayers and presented them with crosses, and blessed also the scout masters and Regional Executive members who are collaborating with the Prelacy in this program.
During the requiem service, prayers were offered for the first parish pastor and all departed servants.
The banquet was held on the evening of Saturday, October 3rd at the Great Caesar Banquet Hall, presided over by the Prelate, hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis & Nune Sepetjian, and with the attendance of over 350 guests. The program began with the national anthems, followed by opening remarks by Board of Trustees member Mr. Koko Panossian, who served as the evening’s MC. Fr. Boghos delivered the invocation, which was followed by dinner. Chairman Mr. Hovsep Geragossian conveyed the message of the Board of Trustees. The banquet’s honorary presidents were acknowledged, and Mr. and Mrs. Sepetejian were invited to the podium to receive a memento.
The official program concluded with the Prelate’s message. His Eminence blessed all the past and present members, sponsors, and this year’s hosts for their service to the advancement of the parish. He commended the support and encouragement of the church benefactors, the Kitsinian family, and invited all to continue their service inspired by the example of the founders and first church servants.
