On the morning of Sunday, December 1, 2024, H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, presided over a Divine Liturgy, conducted the ordination of acolytes and delivered a sermon at St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Glendale. Archpriest Fr. Gomidas Torossian, Pastor of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church celebrated the Divine liturgy.
Rev. Fr. Movses Shannakian, Pastor of St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church, aassisted the Prelate at the altar and during the ordination ceremony in the presence of the church’s larger family, parents, and faithful members of the parish.
During the Divine Liturgy, 16 dedicated young men who serve at Western Prelacy churches surrounded H.E. Archbishop Kegham Khacherian during the ordination ceremony. The newly ordained acolytes are Hovan Hamalian, Vahan Minassian, Hrant Minassian, Sevag Kurkjian, Mesia Kesperian, Thomas Naldjian, Daron Naldjian, Harout Naldjian, Melkon Manamshian, Krikor Kuzoukaraian, Hovsep Garabedian, Emmanuel Chakbardarian, Shant Chakbardarian, Johnny Yesayan, Razmig Hovasapian, and Norig Sahagian.
H.E. Archbishop Khacherian started his sermon by reciting the opening verse of Psalm 1 from the Holy Bible, which states that blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked, stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord which resembles a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season.
H.E. Archbishop Khacherian explained to the newly ordained acolytes that following the path of God is crucial for protection against various trials and evils. The Prelate detailed the specific roles of acolytes during the Divine Liturgy of the church, including the duties and responsibilities of the dedicated acolytes, reading psalms from the Holy Bible, cleaning the entrance of the church and the altar, lighting of candles and lights, and opening the church door for the parishioners. The Prelate emphasized that scribes are also accountable to God for the fulfillment of their duties and responsibilities, and the cutting of their hair during the ordination ceremony symbolizes a commitment to forsake worldly pursuits and embrace a life dedicated to God.
H.E. Archbishop Khacherian also stressed the significant role parents play in shaping and guiding their sons explaining that parents are the primary educators who have instilled values and led their children toward a spiritual life, a life filled with God. The Prelate also emphasized the crucial role families and parents have played in the moral upbringing of their children.
H.E. Archbishop Khacherian expressed his sincere congratulations and gratitude towards the parents and relatives of the 16 newly ordained young acolytes for encouraging their children to devote themselves to serving God and the community. Archbishop Khacherian referenced the stories and teachings of Spiritual Fathers, including Khrimian Hayrik, and urged the ordained acolytes to maintain a strong faith and offered a heartfelt wish for them to always stay connected to Jesus Christ and His Church in their lifelong journey.
