On April 15-16, 2023, H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate, accompanied by Rev. Fr. Movses Shannakian, Mr. Meher Der Ohanessian, Vice Chair of the Executive Council and Mr. Berj Apkarian, member of the Executive Council, paid a pastoral visit to Las Vegas and was a source of spiritual inspiration and encouragement of the community of St. Garabed Armenian Church.
On Saturday, April 15, 2023, Bishop Donoyan presided over the celebration dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the consecration of St. Garabed Armenian Church and the 25th anniversary of the formation of the community, which took place in the hall of the “Desert Willow,” in the presence of spiritual fathers, benefactors, friends, guests and parishioners.
The Bishop blessed the tables and praised the organizers of the evening, describing the celebration as “exceptional and complete.” Following the blessing of tables, heartfelt remarks were delivered by Dr. Michel Tusan, Lecturer of International History at the Las Vegas State University, Mr. Garo Bayramian, Chair of the Board of Trustees and Rev. Fr. Artsakh Badoyan, Pastor of St. Garabed Armenian Church of Las Vegas.
In his speech, Bishop Donoyan highly commended the God-pleasing efforts and work of his predecessors for the benefit of the Armenian community and the foundation of St. Garabed Church, especially the founding benefactors, the late Larry and Seta Der Garabedian-Barns, also H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Mr. Adrushan Armenian (Honorary Consul of Armenia in Las Vegas), the Yemenijian and Kouchakian families, as well as the current Board of Trustees, the Ladies Guild and the 10th year anniversary committee. He then commended the service of the Fr. Badoyan and his dedication to his community and in appreciation of the spiritual pastor’s virtues, under the directive of H.H. Aram I. Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, bestowed a pectoral cross on the Pastor.
Under the leadership of the Bishop, a cutting of the cake ceremony took place, with the participation of the godfathers of the columns of the St. Garabed Church, the Vice Chair of the Executive Council, the Pastor and the Chair of the Board of Trustees, which created a festive atmosphere in the hall. The event concluded with the Prelate’s benediction.
During the event, a short program was performed by “The Armenian Dance Aademy of Las Vegas,” headed by choreographer Mrs. Gohar Yeghiayan, and Mr. Harry Hovagimian performed musical pieces on the violin. The host of the evening was Ms. Karin Tovmasian, who delivered the opening speech and invited the attendees to watch the video dedicated to the 25-year life of the Las Vegas community.
EPISCOPAL DIVINE LITURGY
On the morning of Sunday, April 16, H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate, celebrated Divine Liturgy at St. Garabed Armenian Church, assisted by Rev. Fr. Artsakh Badoyan and Rev. Fr. Movses Shannakian.
During his sermon, the Prelate congratulated the Las Vegas parish, reminding that in the city of Las Vegas, our people prayed for twenty-five years and the community prospered and blossomed by the construction of St. Garabed Armenian Church, and encouraged the faithful to become individual temples for the glory of God.
On this occasion, Bishop Donoyan also commended the Pastor and Board of Trustees, benefactors and donors for their meticulous work and services for the prosperity of church, at the same time expressing hope and belief that the coming decades will bring new achievements to the parish community of St. Garabed Armenian Church in Las Vegas.
