Sunday, August 4, 2013 was a special day for the St. Sarkis Church parish community of Pasadena as faithful had gathered to meet their new pastor, Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan, who was celebrating his first Divine Liturgy since his appointment as pastor.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, presided over Divine Liturgy, during which he introduced Fr. Boghos to the community.
In attendance were Parish Pastor Rev. Fr. Khoren Babochian, Executive Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian, Delegates and Board of Trustees members, church benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis and Suzan Kitsinian, sponsors, and representatives of sister organizations.
Addressing the congregation, the Prelate thanked Fr. Khoren for his service to the parish during the past nine years and officially introduced Fr. Boghos, his wife, and their two sons who were assisting in the service. The Prelate congratulated the parish family on their new pastor, and urged the faithful, Board of Trustees, Delegates, Ladies Guild, and sister organizations alike to work together in harmony with the new pastor for the advancement of St. Sarkis Church.
In his first sermon at St. Sarkis, Fr. Boghos first gave thanks to God for the call to ministry, and conveyed his appreciation to the Prelate and Religious and Executive Councils for the opportunity to serve within our Prelacy, expressing hope that collaborative efforts will lead to success. In his sermon, Fr. Boghos expounded on the words of Jesus Christ “he who believes in Mehas everlasting life. I am the bread of life” from the Gospel of John, speaking about the meaning and importance of Holy Communion.
After the service, parishioners had the opportunity to meet and personally congratulate their new pastor.