“We Are a Martyred People, But Are Reborn” Stated the Prelate

On Saturday, October 31, 2020, the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrated the Feast of All Saints, which is the name day of Holy Martyrs Church in Encino. On the occasion of the feast and the 57th anniversary of the church, H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate, presided over Divine Liturgy, delivered his sermon and blessed the madagh at Holy Martyrs Church on November 1, 2020. Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian celebrated the Divine Liturgy. Also, in attendance were H.E. Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian, Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian, Chair of the Executive Council, Board of Trustees members, National Representatives members, and community representatives.

Prior to his sermon, the Prelate congratulated the Holy Martyrs Church family; the Pastor, Board of Trustees, Ladies Guild and Church choir for their dedication and service to the Church. Thereafter, the Prelate spoke on the notion of sacrifice and martyrdom, emphasizing the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins. Starting from Sts. Thaddeus and Bartholomew until the Armenian Genocide, the Prelate highlighted the sacrificial spirit of the Armenian and their determination towards their faith, which ultimately led them to martyrdom.

“Holy Martyrs Church was consecrated 57 years ago in honor of the Armenian Genocide and remains a confessing point in the lives of the faithful in the Western United States. Every time when we enter the Church, we are reminded that we are children of a nation who experienced genocide. However, we are not weakened by that experience; rather, even today we are strengthened through martyrdom when our sons and daughters are sacrificing themselves for our nation, faith, and Jesus Christ. We will continue to survive,” stressed the Prelate.

Referring to Sunday’s gospel reading; “Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother,” (Mk. 3:35,) the prelate stated “Jesus invites us all to become members of His family, to carry out his words and live a life full of God’s glory. In order to become a member of God’s family, we must sacrifice in everything. In the past couple of days, our people embodied that sacrifice, by giving everything to our homeland. Today, as mothers, brothers, and sisters of Christ, we are invited to give more to Christ and our nation,” added the Prelate.

A requiem service was conducted for the deceased during the war in Artsakh and to all those who served the Holy Martyrs Church, followed by blessing of the madagh which was sponsored by Mrs. Janet Vartazarian in memory of her late husband Mr. Razmig Vaghdasarian.

The service concluded by singing of Giligia and the Armenian National Anthem.

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