On Saturday, January 31, 2015, the Armenian Apostolic Church commemorated the Feast of St. Sarkis, his son Mardiros and their fourteen soldiers who were martyred for their Christian faith. The feast of St. Sarkis is also the name day of St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena.
Thus, on this occasion, on Sunday, February 1st, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, celebrated Divine Liturgy, delivered the sermon, and conducted the blessing of madagh at St. Sarkis Church.
The blessing of the salt for the madagh was conducted on the afternoon of Friday, January 30, by parish pastor Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan, after which the madagh was prepared by members of the Board of Trustees and Ladies Guild.
Prior to delivering the sermon, the Prelate first greeted and congratulated the parish community, among them church benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis and Suzan Kitsinian, and commended them for their dedicated service and support. In his sermon, His Eminence exalted the character and steadfast faith of Saint Sarkis and his willingness to be martyred for his Christian beliefs, and invited the faithful to follow in the saint’s example remaining firm in our faith and serving not for our own personal interests, but for the glory of God. Lauding the courage and martyrdom of our saints, the Prelate urged the faithful not to be like those who in the face of hardship put aside their beliefs and seek the easy way out, rather to be inspired and strengthened by St. Sarkis and our other saints who adhered to their faith in all circumstances, to call on their intercession, and to be guided in our lives by their ideal example.
At the conclusion of Divine Liturgy, special requiem prayers were offered for the souls of the first parish pastor, Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Antreassian, departed Delegates, Board of Trustees and Ladies Guild members, and church servants. Thereafter, the Prelate conducted the blessing of the madagh, and the service came to a close at the church entrance with the Cilician and Pontifical anthems and the Prelate’s blessings.
A luncheon organized by the parish Ladies Guild followed at “Andon Andonian” Hall. The Prelate was joined by Executive Council Vice-Chair Dr. Dikran Babikian and member Mrs. Therese Kemanjian. Following the invocation by the Prelate, remarks were delivered by Board of Trusteed Chair Mr. Hovsep Giragossian, the Kitsinian family, and Dr. Dikran Babikian. The Prelate once again conveyed his congratulations and commendations, and the luncheon came to a close with the benediction by His Eminence.
On Saturday, January 31st, the eve of the feast was commemorated with evening service conducted by Fr. Boghos.
