
With the current difficult times, the Feast of the Nativity and Epiphany of Jesus Christ puts a barely noticeable smile on all of our faces. It is difficult when the world and especially for all Armenians, especially since the situation in Artsakh is shaking our lives tremendously, nevertheless, honoring in front of the Feast of the Nativity, we raise our gaze upwards with faith and believing that the Birth of Christ is the beginning of a new life and a new milestone.
With this in mind, H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate, on the occasion of the Nativity and Epiphany of our Lord Jesus Christ and the 50th anniversary of the Western Prelacy, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Mary’s Armenian Church in Glendale. During the Liturgy, Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, Dean of Holy Cross Cathedral in Montebello, and Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, Dean of St. Mary’s Church in Glendale assisted on the altar.
In attendance were members of the Religious and Executive Councils, delegates, representatives of community organizations and a large number of faithful.
The Prelate extended a prayer of thanksgiving and praise and greeted the Religious and Executive Councils of the Western Prelacy, as well as all parishes, schools and organizations, His Holiness Aram I., Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, wishing upon the Pontiff green pastures and many years of service. Then, Bishop Donoyan greeted the parishioners, wishing everyone the will and strength to grow under God’s blessing and to increase the love among them. Calling the Liturgy dedicated to the Feast of the Nativity and Epiphany of our Lord Jesus Christ, the beginning of a new era opening in the activities of the Western Prelacy.
Bishop Donoyan then delivered his sermon.
Let us inform that the godfather of the blessing of water and on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Western Prelacy was entrusted to the national benefactor of the region Mr. Garo Eshgian, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of St. Mary’s Armenian Church in Glendale. Alongside the blessed water, 1,000 copies of the New Testament inscribed by Bishop Donoyan were distributed to the parishioners in attendance.
The Liturgy concluded by singing of “Giligia.”