On Sunday, August 13, 2023, on the occasion of the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, H. G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate, celebrated Divine Liturgy, and delivered the sermon at St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Glendale. More than one thousand parishioners were in attendance. Bishop Donoyan stressed the importance of heavenly love and loving one another. With a special prayer, the Prelate proceeded to anoint and bless the new church bell, offered his spiritual support to the people of Artsakh, who continue to live through an ongoing humanitarian crisis than conducted the blessing of grapes.
The captivating Divine Liturgy and prayers moved the parishioners in attendance, specifically when Bishop Donoyan termed the new church bell, which was placed at the right side of the altar, “Toll Bells of Artsakh.” The Naljian family, who have served St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church for many years, donated the church bell in honor of their mother and grandmother, Mrs. Lusin Naljian. Under the sounds of a breathtaking consecration prayer, Bishop Donoyan rang the new church bell three times declaring that with each ring, our hearts will be filled with Artsakh and the people of Artsakh, and wished that each ring will fortify a greater manifestation and engagement of Armenians residing in Los Angeles towards the inhuman and catastrophic circumstances our struggling fellow brothers and sisters in Artsakh are facing.
H. G. Bishop Donoyan conducted the traditional blessing of the grapes, congratulated the Name Day of St. Mary’s Church on the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, commended Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, Dean of St. Mary’s Church, for his service and on this blessed occasion bestowed on him a pectoral cross as a token of appreciation for his devotion. The Prelate also extended warm words of appreciation to the clergy, the Board of Trustees, deacons, members of the choir and Ladies’ Auxiliary, and all volunteers, who for an entire week, dedicated their time and efforts to serve their church, turning God’s house into a place of celebration during the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God.
The Divine Liturgy served as the zenith of the week’s events, where for an entire week thousands upon thousands of parishioners attended services, while others joined and participated in prayers through online platforms. The hearts and souls of parishioners were filled with heavenly blessings in a divine and astounding environment.
ANOINTMENT OF HOLY ICONS
Starting Monday, August 7, 2023, the St. Mary’s Armenian Church congregation, and the Armenian Community at large, enjoyed a week filled with prayers and traditional services, during which a plea through divine prayer was extended for all of mankind, the world we live in, and for the safety and peace of Armenia, Artsakh, and Diaspora Armenians. Each day was filled with new blessings, such as bread, salt, incense, oil, and roses, thus strengthening the presence of God in the lives of our faithful.
On Friday, August 11, 2023, hundreds of parishioners had the unique opportunity to witness the Prelate consecrating the beautifully painted grand Holy Icons at the main entrance of the church. The Holy Icons included the Lord’s Last Supper with his disciples, Virgin Mary with Baby Jesus in her arms, surrounded by the Holy Spirit and singing angels, the four Evangelists prepared to disseminate the good news to the world amongst others. These paintings were made possible due to the generous contributions of Mr. and Mrs. Vache and Lena Fermanian and were painted by artist Tigran Hovumian.
THE BLESSING OF OFFERINGS (MADAGH)
On Saturday, August 12, 2023, after the morning service, St. Mary’s Church experienced an unusual bustle in preparation for the blessing of offerings, madagh. A day prior, a group of parishioners had pledged and donated 12 sheep to be used for the blessing of offerings, which were placed in 12 pots, to prepare the traditional harissa. As the evening approached, the harissa was placed in more than 2,000 containers, in preparation to receive the blessing.
Saturday evening, Bishop Donoyan presided over the service of blessing of the offering and delivered a sermon, in which H. G. focused on the human characteristics and qualities of the Virgin Mary, who gave birth to the Son of God, stressing that a 14-year-old young woman, Mary, became the Mother of God because of her unconditional love and devotion to our creator, and because her love towards God was much greater than that of herself and the world. Fulfilling the word of God our Creator became the main purpose of Mary’s existence. The Prelate then appealed to those present to love God just as Mary did. At the end of the faith-filled spiritual ceremony, Prelate Donoyan invited the attendees to collectively sing “Glory to You God” and in unison recite the Lord’s Prayer. As in previous days, the worshipers took home with them bowls of the blessed harissa giving praise for all the blessings of God they receive from Heaven.
The Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God was a special week at St. Mary’s Church. Throughout the week, all moments of prayers were filled with the strength of our heavenly father. H. G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan’s sermons, messages, and guidance about faith, hope, and love, warmed the hearts of all parishioners who were present. On this occasion, the Prelate also anticipated that all the heartfelt wishes, sermons, and prayers from St. Mary’s Church will reach the brave and courageous people of Artsakh, without any impediment. These heartfelt wishes and prayers will bypass all obstacles placed by enemy forces to fill the hearts and lives of our brothers and sisters, and the Armenian soldiers, young and old, protecting our borders. Bishop Donoyan urged to stand together and stay united in our national struggle, be compassionate and loving towards one another, to eradicate all sufferings and evil facing our people.
We want to also note that the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God was celebrated with special masses within all Western Prelacy Churches. H. E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian presided over the Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Church in Fresno, H. E. Archbishop Nareg Alemezian at St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena, H. E. Archbishop Krikor Chiftjian at St. Garabed Church in Hollywood.
