On Tuesday, January 14, 2014, the Armenian Apostolic Church observed the Feast John the Forerunner, which is also the name-day of St. Garabed Church of Hollywood. In celebration of this occasion, on Sunday, January 12, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, celebrated Divine Liturgy, delivered the sermon, and conducted the blessing of madagh. His Eminence also presided over the name-day luncheon at the conclusion of the service.
Parish Pastors Archpriest Fr. Viken Vassilian and Archpriest Fr. Hrant Yeretzian assisted at the altar.
In his sermon, the Prelate spoke of the virtuous character and mission of St. John as the Forerunner to Christ. His Eminence stated that St. John was “great in the sight of the Lord” (Luke 1:15) and noting the distinction between being great in the sight of God and great to the eyes of man said that it is possible to be seen as great by men for wealth or talents you possess, but it is much more preferable and important to be great in the sight of the Lord by obeying His commandments, even if doing so causes harm from men. Thus, he advised that we become examples to others by our obedience to God and by being true Christians filled with the Holy Spirit and radiating positivity within our surroundings.
The Prelate conducted the blessing of madagh at the conclusion of Divine Liturgy.
His Eminence then presided over the celebratory luncheon at “Karapetian” Hall.
The program began with welcoming remarks by Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian, followed by the blessing of tables by the Prelate.
It has become a beloved tradition for the Pastor and Board of Trustees to honor an individual at this annual luncheon for his or her service to the church and community. This year’s honoree was former Delegate and Board of Trustees Chairman Mr. Dikran Sarkuni.
Fr. Vicken acknowledged and thanked all the day’s sponsors. Church consecration Godfather Mr. and Mrs. Vahe and Veronika Karapetian this year also sponsored the madagh expense and donated $6,000 to the church and Prelacy. Mrs. Jessica Vartougian donated $5,000 on the first anniversary of her mother Isgouhi Sarkissian’s passing, and Rose and Alex Pilibos School also donated $5,000.
Fr. Vicken presented Mr. Sarkuni’s record of service and invited Board of Trustees Chair Mr. Dajad Yeretsian, who presented Mr. Sarkuni with a memento on behalf of the Board. Tereza Yerimyan presented Mr. Sarkuni with a certificate of appreciation from California State Assembly member Adrin Nazarian and Los Angeles City Council member Paul Krekorian. Mr. Sarkuni thanked Fr. Vicken and the Board for the honor and on this occasion donated $5,000 to the church and $1,000 to the school in his wife Maggie’s and daughter Marae’s name.
Fr. Vicken then invited the Prelate to present Mr. Sarkuni with his letter of blessing, which was read by Fr. Vicken. His Eminence stated that the day is an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to serving faithfully and dutifully for the glory of God and the advancement of our church and people. He commended Mr. Sarkuni for his service and also the church volunteers and guests for their service and support.
The event also included a cultural program performed by Pilibos and Sunday School students.
The celebration came to a close with the Prelate’s benediction and “Cilicia”.