Saturday, January 14, 2012, was the Feast of St. John the Baptist, which is also the name day of St. Garabed Church of Hollywood.
On this occasion, on Sunday, January 15, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. Garabed Church. Parish Pastor Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian assisted at the altar.
In his sermon, the Prelate exalted the faith and piety of St. John the Baptist, a man who was filled with the Holy Spirit and was exalted by God for his obedience and humility, baptized the people with water and urged them to live righteously. The Prelate called on the faithful to live by the example of St. John, with faith, obedience, and humility so that we too are elevated in the eyes of God.
The blessing of madagh took place after the service, followed by a luncheon at “Karapetian” Hall organized by the Parish Pastor and Board of Trustees.
The luncheon began with welcoming remarks delivered by Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian, followed by the invocation by the Prelate.
Each year during this annual event, individuals are recognized and honored for their service to the Church and community. This year’s honoree was Deacon Zohrab Yaralian.
Fr. Vicken spoke of Deacon Zohrab as an individual with a pure heart who is always ready to assist and service, and commended him for his 45 years of service as a singer, teacher, Board of Trustees member, and especially as a deacon.
He then invited Board of Trustees Chair Mr. Dajad Yeretzian to present Deacon Zohrab with a memento on behalf of the Board. Mrs. Baydsar Thomassian also presented Mr. Yaralian with a certificate on behalf of State Senator Kevin de Leon.
Deacon Zohrab thanked the Prelate, Fr. Vicken, and Board for the honor, and noted that we must all use the talents and blessings God gives us for His glory and for good.
The Prelate presented Deacon Zohrab with a letter of blessing, which was read by Fr. Vicken, commended him for his years long devoted and humble service, and also commended his wife Carmen for her service as a member of he Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary. In conclusion, the Prelate blessed the memory of Kevork Aslanian, who passed away recently.
The madagh and luncheon were sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Vahe Karapetian, Mrs. Silva Tchakmakjian, Mrs. Maggie Pligian, and the late Kevork Aslanian who before his passing had pledged to host the luncheon in memory of his wife Marie Aslanian. The luncheon also included a cultural program presented by Sunday School students and Rose and Alex Pilibos High School students.
The luncheon came to a close with the benediction by the Prelate, and the singing of the Cilician anthem.
