On Sunday, November 6, 2022, H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate, celebrated Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Fresno. During the Liturgy, the Prelate blessed the water with the newly consecrated Holy Muron, ordained 8 acolytes (Armen Apkarian, Nareg Apkarian, Zareh Apkarian, Minas Arisian, Armen Bedrossian, Michael Haroutunian, Hovig Ohanian and Vahe Ohanian) into the deaconate and read the letter directed by H.H. Aram I., Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia towards the granting of bearing the pectoral cross to Very Rev. Fr. Ashod Khatchadourian.
Very Rev. Fr. Smpad Sabounjian and Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian assisted on the Altar. In attendance were Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, Chair of the Religious Council, Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian, Chair of the Executive Council, Deacon Berj Apkarian, member of the Executive Council, benefactors and the faithful.
The sentiment at church was both exciting and heart-wrenching. “The temple matures in the temple, and the church grows in the church,” as the Bishop emphasized in his message. Indeed, the present world, which is permanently affected by evil and is in an unhealthy atmosphere, the ordination of the deacons, grants new life and brings a new prosperity to the Western Prelacy in general and the mission of Holy Trinity Church in particular. Bishop Donoyan stated; “Our souls absorb the faith shown through today’s ceremony, and new hope, purpose and love is granted to us.”
Bishop Donoyan highly commended the newly ordained deacons, their parents and the Holy Trinity Church family, beseeching God to grant Holy Trinity Church parish healthy and green pastures ahead.
