On Sunday, June 24, 2018, H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, presided over the service. Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian and deacons assisted at the altar. H.E. Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian participated in the service. Executive Council Chair Mr. Garo Esghian and members were among the faithful in attendance.
During the service, the Prelate greeted the clergy and faithful and once again congratulated the Vicar General on his Episcopal ordination, wishing him great success in his service to our church and people.
The Vicar General first greeted the clergy and parish family, after which he delivered his sermon on verse 3:10 from St. Paul’s epistle to the Philippians about knowing Christ. He spoke about St. Paul’s astounding transformation from a persecutor of Christians to one of the most influential Disciples of Christ, who came to know Christ but sought to know him further. The Vicar General reflected on the purpose of Christ’s earthly mission and service, and invited the faithful to know Christ on a deeper level by reading the Bible, praying, and putting Christ above all, above self and self-interests. Given that the feast of St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen was celebrated the day before, he spoke of how they, alongside St. Gregory the Illuminator, introduced Christ to the Armenian nation and transformed us into a Christian nation.
A luncheon followed at “Avedissian” Hall, sponsored by Mr. and Zeron and Sona Titizian and sisters Loussarpi and Naomi Chahinian. Members and representatives of the ARF Central Committee and “Rosdom” and “Arshavir Shiragian” Gomideh, Executive Council, parish Delegates, Board of Trustees and Ladies Guild, ARS “Anahid” Chapter, AYF “Sardarabad” Chapter, Kessab Educational Association, and faithful were among the guests in attendance.
On behalf of the parish family, Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian greeted the clergy and guests and wished the Vicar General success in his mission. On the 21st anniversary of the Prelate’s Episcopal ordination, Fr. Razmig congratulated and conveyed his well wishes to His Eminence. On behalf of the AYF, Arev Hovsepian spoke on the history of the Armenian-American community of the San Fernando Valley and the important role of the church and community organizations in the life of the community. Mr. Hrair Nahabedian congratulated The Vicar General and conveyed well wishes on behalf of the “Rosdom” Gomideh, also noting that this year marks the 55th anniversary of Holy Martyrs Church. The Executive Council’s message was delivered by Mr. Rafi Kuyumjian, who congratulated the Vicar General and wished him a fruitful mission.
The Vicar General thanked all for their warm wishes. Highlighted the importance of the Armenian Church, Armenian School, and community organizations and institutions in the preservation and advancement of our heritage, he called for united service for the benefit of the collective.
The Prelate delivered the closing message. He began by congratulating the Vicar General once again and wishing him success in his service. He congratulated Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian on the 55th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood and 38th anniversary of Episcopal ordination, commended the parish family for its dedicated service, and commended the day’s sponsors wishing them healthy and happy years. The Prelate concluded by urging for the community to continue to serve as members of one family with faith, love, and sincerity.
The luncheon closed with the benediction.
