Very Rev. Fr. Barouyr Shernezian Celebrates First Divine Liturgy as New Pastor of St. Gregory The Illuminator Church in San Francisco


On Sunday, February 14, 2016, the feast of the Presentation of our Lord to the Temple, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, presided over Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in San Francisco. It was the first Divine Liturgy celebrated by Very Rev. Fr. Barouyr Shernezian as the newly appointed pastor of St. Gregory Church.

During the service, the Prelate congratulated the parish community on the appointment of their new pastor, introduced Fr. Barouyr to the community, and urged them all to work together with their new pastor for the advancement of the church and community. Fr. Barouyr conveyed gratitude to His Holiness Aram I and thanks to the Prelate for his new mission. He then delivered his sermon on the feast of the Presentation of our Lord, in which he spoke of the traditions associated with the feast, such as the presentation of infants and young children to God for blessing, in the example of our Lord, and the lighting of the bonfire which symbolizes the Light of Christ illuminating the world. In the example of Simeon the Elder, Fr. Barouyr encouraged the faithful to always have faith and hope, in all circumstances, so that we too may be worthy of being in the presence of our Lord, and prayed for the Light of Christ to illuminate the hearts of all.

A luncheon hosted by the Board of Trustees and Ladies Guild followed at “Vasbouragan” Hall. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Chairman Mr. Rostom Aintablian first thanked the Prelate and Joint Councils for the appointment of Fr. Barouyr, then welcomed Fr. Barouyr and thanked parish pastor Archpriest Fr. Khoren Habeshian for his years of dedicated service. Fr. Khoren also welcomed Fr. Barouyr and promised his assistance as the new pastor acclimates into his new duties. Fr. Barouyr thanked the parish community for its warm welcome and pledged his full and dedicated service to the parish.

In his closing message, the Prelate once again congratulated the community and wished for Fr. Barouyr’s term of service to be enlivening for the community. His Eminence once again expressed thanks to His Holiness for endowing our Prelacy with two young members of the Brotherhood, Fr. Barouyr and Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Ashekian (who was appointed pastor of Holy Trinity Church in Fresno). Finally, the Prelate commended Fr. Khoren for his dedicated service to our church, blessed the faithful, and wished great successes for the St. Gregory the Illuminator Church family, especially as they prepare to mark the 50th anniversary of the church later this year.

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