On Sunday, November 27, 2022, H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate, celebrated Divine Liturgy and blessed the new doors at St. Mary’s Armenian Church in Glendale. Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, Dean of St. Mary’s Armenian Church and Rev. Fr. Movses Shannakian, Pastor, assisted on the altar.
In his sermon, the Prelate focused on the importance of having a strong faith and becoming actual followers of Christ. “Jesus stands in front of all our hearts and says: Open your doors so that I may enter,” stressed the Prelate, affirming that when the doors to our hearts are opened, the Lord will pour out His mercy on us. Bishop Donoyan also touched on the importance of communication with God, saying that every time we pray, it reaches up to heaven and knocks on God’s door.
The Prelate also highly commended the clergy, Board of Trustees, deacons and the faithful who put in their efforts for the betterment and enlightenment of St. Mary’s Armenian Church. Thereafter, Bishop Donoyan praised the past and present benefactors of the Church in general, and in particular Mr. & Mrs. Ara and Aline Tchaghlassian, with their children; Arsen, Vahe and Armen,who sponsored the new doors of the Church, and wished upon them an abundance of heavenly graces, emphasizing the Lord’s word, “Blessed are those who prefer to appear rich in the eyes of God.”
It is important to note that during the Divine Liturgy, the Prelate granted the rite to bear the stole (ourar) to one of the young acolytes of the Church; Hagop Naljian.
