Divine Liturgy and Consecration of Cross-Stone at St. Garabed Armenian Church in Las Vegas

On Sunday, May 8, 2022, on the occasion of the 9th anniversary of the consecration of St. Garabed Armenian Church in Las Vegas and to consecrate the new Cross-stone at the Church, H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate, celebrated Divine Liturgy at St. Garabed Armenian Church in Las Vegas. The Prelate entered the Church escorted by HMEM Scouts, where he joined the faithful in prayer. Archpriest Fr. Viken Vassilian, pastor of St. Garabed Mother Church in Hollywood, accompanied the Prelate.

Making the essence of the light of Jesus Christ the core of his message, the Prelate wished that the true and inexhaustible Light, Jesus Christ, become a permanent presence in the lives of all people. Thereafter, Bishop Donoyan greeted the clergy, faithful, Board of Trustees, choir members, Ladies Auxiliary and representatives of community organizations.

After the Liturgy, Bishop Donoyan led a procession to the entrance of the church and consecrated the new Cross-stone. In attendance were also the families of the late benefactors of the Cross-Stone; the three daughters of Mr. Garabed Boghossian, the widow of the stone’s artist, Frederick Apkar, and the friends of Mr. George Gogian.

This Cross-stone has a significant history behind it, and a decade later, its discovery aroused new vigor in the life of St. Garabed Armenian Church parish in Las Vegas. Ten years ago, three friends, Garabed Boghossian, Frederick Abkar and George Gogian, planned to donate a Cross-stone to the St. Garabed parish in Las Vegas. The latter two shaped their vision of the Cross-stone and Mr. Boghossian’s factory made it a reality. However, without suitable transportation, the Cross-stone remained in its birthplace, Los Angeles, and faded from memory. Only in the last few months, thanks to dedicated parishioners, the stone is placed in its rightful home, at the entrance of St. Garabed Armenian Church in Las Vegas.
On this occasion, the Prelate dedicated mementos to the sponsor families. Also, Board members of the local ARS “Shoushi” Chapter were awarded the title of “Mother of the Year” by the church Pastor and Board of Trustees.

Thereafter, Bishop Donoyan, Prelate, presided over a “Mothers day” luncheon at the “Koujakian” hall, which was organized by the ARS “Shoushi” Chapter. In attendance were Honorary Consul Mr. Adroushan Armenian and his wife Nora, and Mr. & Mrs. Adour and Arsho Aghjayan.

At the conclusion of the luncheon, the Prelate blessed all in attendance, and called to action the planning of a joyous and memorable ten year anniversary of St. Garabed Armenian Church, which would take place next year.

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