Christmas Celebration at Ararat Home

On Friday, December 29, 2017, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, accompanied by clergy members, visited Ararat Home in Mission Hills to spread New Year and Christmas cheer and blessings to the elderly residents.

The day began at the Skilled Nursing Facility. The Prelate firstly conveyed his blessings and well wishes to the Ararat Home family and introduced H.E. Archbishop Gomidas Ohanian, a senior member of the Holy See of Cilicia who was on a visit to the U.S. Archbishop Ohanian greeted the administration and residents and also conveyed his New Year and Christmas wishes. The blessing of the home service followed, after which the blessing of water was conducted, with Mr. Derek Ghoogasian, Ararat Home COO, serving as Godfather of the Cross. Mr. Ghoogasian and Skilled Nursing Facility Executive Director Ms. Margarita Kechichian thanked the Prelate and clergy for their traditional visit and prayers and wished them a happy New Year and a Merry Christmas. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Ghoogasian presented a gift basket to the Prelate, while His Eminence gifted copies of the Prelacy’s latest publications to all.

Next, Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Chapel by Rev. Fr. Movses Shannakian, who also delivered the sermon. Fr. Movses spoke of the importance of having our Lord Jesus Christ as the way and truth of our lives, and prayed for the tidings of Christ’s Birth to fill the hearts and souls of all with boundless joy. The blessing of water followed, conducted by Archbishop Ohanian. Christmas hymns were sung and faithful received Holy Communion. Clergy members thereafter visited residents in their rooms to offer Holy Communion and prayers.

Afterward, clergy members were hosted to a luncheon by the Board and administration. On behalf of the Prelate, Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, wished all a blessed New Year.

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