On Sunday, January 14, 2024, on the occasion of the Feast of the St. John the Baptism, the Name Day of St. Garabed Church, H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, celebrated Divine Liturgy, delivered his sermon, and performed the blessing of the Madagh (offering) at St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church in Hollywood.
Archpriest Father Vicken Vassilian, Pastor of St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church, along with deacons, and scribes assisted at the altar. The Divine Liturgy was attended by members of the Executive Council, the Central Executive, the extensive family of St. Garabed Armenian Chruch, benefactors, friends, and devoted community members.
During the Divine Liturgy, H.G. Bishop Donoyan delivered his sermon, focusing on St. John the Baptist and the significance of the word “repent” as mentioned by St. John the Baptist in the Bible. Emphasizing the importance of repentance, H.G. Bishop Donoyan, expounded upon God’s limitless forgiveness, His Divine love for each individual who sins, and the possibility of salvation for mankind. H.G. Bishop Donoyam stressed the crucial role repentance plays in people’s lives, enabling them to be accepted into the kingdom of heaven.
H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, extended his congratulations to the large family of St. Garabed Armenian Church on the occasion of the Feast of the Birth of St. John The Baptist and the name day of the church. Having recently returned from Lebanon, H.G. Bishop Donoyan shared a message from His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, conveying congratulations and sincere good wishes to Archpriest Father Vicken Vassilian, members of the Board of Trustees, congregation members, and the faithful present at the Divine Liturgy.
H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan blessed the Madagh (offering), and following the Divine Liturgy, attended a special luncheon at the church hall. In a cozy and loving ambiance, he shared bread with the people present at the luncheon and on the occasion presented a letter of blessing to Mr. Berj Giragossian, a dedicated member of the church and community. Additionally, Mr. Giragossian received a memento as a token of appreciation from the Pastor and Board of Trustees of St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church.
At the luncheon, Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian High School students presented captivating musical performances and recited poetry, evoking a sense of enthusiasm in the hearts of all those present.
We want to also share that requiem services were conducted at the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the passing of H.E. Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian, former Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, the 40-day anniversary of the passing of H.E. Archbishop Souren Kataroyan, and the third year anniversary of the passing of H.G. Bishop Meghrig Parikian.
