On Saturday, January 6, 2024, H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate of the Western Prelacy, celebrated Divine Liturgy, blessed the water, and delivered his sermon at St. Mary’s Armenian Church in Glendale, to mark the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany. The church was adorned with fragrant flowers, where the 2024th miraculous birth of Jesus Christ was observed with prayers, singing of spiritual Armenian hymns, and the participation of Western Prelacy Clergy, deacons, and acolytes.
The magnificent celebration was marked by an Episcopal Divine Liturgy, where the incarnation of Jesus Christ was honored and celebrated inside the sacred house of God. The Executive Council, Central Executive, and Religious Council members attended the Divine Liturgy, along with national delegates, representatives from various community bodies, associations, and organizations, as well as a large crowd of worshippers.
H.G. Bishop Donoyan began his sermon by declaring that on this magnificent and miraculous day commemorating the enlightening birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we are gathered together, connected by our faith and emotions, as we express our words of admiration and praise to God from the depths of our hearts and praise His greatness. As a testimony to His unwavering love for humanity, God sent His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to this world in order to guide humanity away from illusions of worldly pursuits. Continuing from the past, extending into the present, and persisting in the eternity to come, God will embrace and comfort the hearts and souls of those who follow the path of Jesus Christ granting them divine blessings and gratifications when they wholeheartedly open their hearts and surrender to God.
H.G. Bishop Donoyan also performed the water blessing ceremony, accompanied by Mr. Mike Saryan, a community benefactor who served as the godfather of the ceremony. On behalf of the Religious & Executive Councils of the Western Prelacy, as well as parishes, Prelacy Armenian Schools, and Preschools, H.G. Bishop Donoyan extended his greetings to His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, and expressed his wishes for many bright and prosperous days ahead. He also expressed his heartfelt wishes to reinforce our faith and foster brotherhood among Churches worldwide. Moreover, in line with the celebration and significance of Jesus Christ’s birth, Bishop Donoyan emphasized the importance of advancing and strengthening our relationship with God and humanity.
A day prior, on the Christmas Eve, H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Armenian Cathedral in Montebello.
