On Sunday, December 3, 2023, on the occasion of the Feast of St. Thaddeus and St. Bartholomew, H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, presided over a Divine Liturgy at Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church in Encino and delivered his sermon regarding the origins of Christian principles, emphasizing the significance of these principles in the lives of Armenian Christians and the Armenian nation.
Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian, Pastor of Holy Martyrs Armenian Church, conducted the Divine Liturgy, which was attended by the members of the Executive Council of the Western Prelacy, Board of Trustees, delegates, representatives of various community organizations, benefactors, friends, 10th grade students from Holy Martyrs Ferrahian Armenian School, and a substantial number of parishioners.
Following the Divine Liturgy, H.G. Bishop Donoyan presided over a luncheon to celebrate the New Year and Christmas, at the Gates restaurant. The luncheon organized by the Ladies Guilds of Holy Martyrs Armenian Church and hosted by Ms. Marousha Artan, was attended by 170 guests. Amongst those present were benefactors, representatives of various community organizations, delegates, and parishioners of Holy Martyrs Armenian Church.
Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian performed the ritual of blessing of the tables and extended a warm welcome to H.G. Bishop Donoyan and the attendees. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Archpriest Fr. Khatchadourian conveyed his congratulations for the New Year and Christmas, expressing his wishes that the year 2024 will bring peace to humanity, particularly to the Armenian nation and its diaspora.
After the warm greetings delivered by Ms. Nancy Bedirian, Chairlady of the Ladies Guild of Holy Martyrs Armenian Church, H.G Bishop Torkom Donoyan addressed the attendees. His Grace acknowledged the collaborative efforts and initiatives undertaken by both the religious and lay members of Holy Martyrs Armenian Church. Additionally, he praised the significant contributions made by each member towards the spiritual and educational institutions within the community. On this occasion, on behalf of the Western Prelacy, H.G. Bishop Donoyan pledged a symbolic contribution, extending his well wishes for the continuous success of the thriving San Fernando Valley community in their mission.
Following his address, H.G. Bishop Donoyan, on behalf of the Pastor and Board of Trustees of Holy Martyrs Armenian Church, presented to Ms. Marousha Artan, the luncheon host, a special memento as a token of appreciation for her generous contribution of ten thousand dollars ($10,000), which will be utilized for the beautification of the Holy Martyrs Armenian Church.
During the luncheon, a multitude of contributions were made in a warm familial atmosphere, as genuine and heartfelt well wishes for the holiday season resonated throughout the hall.
