On Sunday, September 12, 2021, the feast of the exaltation of the Holy Cross was celebrated in all Prelacy Churches. The religious and national aspect of the feast gave new meaning and strength to Armenian life, beautifully melding history, religion, Armenianness, and Christianity.
H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate, celebrated Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Cathedral in Montebello and, on the occasion of the Cathedral’s name day, congratulated the parish dean, Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, pastor, Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian, Board of Trustees, altar servers and choir members, Armenian Mesrobian School family, community organizations, volunteers, and faithful.
The Prelate’s sermon was comprised of three main points:
First, His Grace expounded on the mystery of the Holy Cross and, addressing our Prelacy faithful who profess the Crucified and Risen Lord as the supreme guide of their lives, emphasized the essential duty of remaining faithful to the Holy Cross and the Crucified One.
Second, the Prelate reflected on his recent mission to Lebanon and conveyed the blessings and well wishes of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I.
At the same time, he expressed his commendation to the Western Prelacy community for their wholehearted care and attention to the Armenian community of Lebanon and for their spiritual, financial, and moral support.
Finally, the Prelate greeted the representatives of the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry in attendance, commended their mission, and fervently beseeched Christ, the Great Physician, to heal all the sick and especially those suffering from cancer, wishing a speedy recovery and restoration of good health to all Armenians, in Armenia, Artsakh, and the Diaspora.
Following the collective singing of “Cilicia,” the Prelate, led by a procession, headed to “Bagramian” Hall where he conducted the blessing of “madagh,” received the congratulatory and well wishes of the faithful, and conveyed his blessings to all.
