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On the Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak: Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian Bestowed Privilege of Bearing an Ornamental Cope – “Der Voghormya” Prayers for Artsakh

By September 29, 2020June 18th, 2024No Comments

On Sunday, September 27, 2020, the feast of the Holy Cross of Varak, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, presided over Divine Liturgy at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale, during which, by the ordinance of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, he bestowed the privilege of bearing an ornamental cope upon parish pastor Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian.

Prior to his sermon, the Prelate commended Fr. Ardak’s dedicated service over the years and wished that he continue his service for the glory of God and the advancement of our Church and people renewed in his vow and strengthened by the power of the Cross.

The theme of the Prelate’s sermon was an excerpt from the hymn dedicated to the feast; “By the sign of Your all conquering Cross, O Christ, You Who love mankind, protect us from the invisible enemy, for You alone are the King of glory, praised forever.” His Eminence stated that in the 6th century, God made the Armenian people worthy of setting eyes on the relic of the Holy Cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the light of which radiated across the Armenian lands, adding that throughout the centuries, the Cross has been our protector and refuge, a weapon against enemies.

With sorrow, His Eminence reflected on the full-scale assault on Artsakh by Azerbaijan, which began on that same morning as our brothers and sisters were preparing to celebrate the feast of the Holy Cross of Varak, resulting in military and civilian casualties. “The Armenian people, this time too, will prevail. We have not been defeated and we will never be defeated. We will continue to pray for the Lord to keep and protect the Armenian people, Armenia and Artsakh, and our courageous soldiers by the sign of His Holy Cross.

The Cross of Christ has been a shield of faith, a weapon of hope, a pillar of fire to give light to our soldiers and, today too, the Cross will deliver us from our enemies,” stressed the Prelate.

At the conclusion of his sermon, His Eminence offered a prayer for the Holy Cross to illuminate and strengthen our soldiers, our people, and our lay and religious leaders so that they may defend our lands with renewed faith, unity, and unwavering resolve in the spirit of our forefathers

On this occasion, by the ordinance of the Prelate, “Der Voghormya” prayers were offered in all Churches for the souls of our martyrs, healing for the injured, strength and protection to our valiant soldiers, and peace and stability for our people.

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