WE DEDICATE THIS CONCERT FOR THE RELEASE OF ARMENIAN PRISONERS OF WAR” – STATED BISHOP TORKOM DONOYAN
On Friday, December 10, 2021 a Thanksgiving and Christmas spiritual concert was held at St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena presided by H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate, and presented by the St. Sarkis Church choir led by choirmaster Deacon Yervant Keshishian.
Among those in attendance were Executive Council members, local Delegates and Board of Trustees members, representatives of community organizations, invited guests, relatives and friends of choir members, and supporters.
Opening remarks were delivered by the parish pastor, Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan, after which the multilingual and evocative concert commenced, which was received with great enthusiasm by the guests. The concert featured a medley of religious, festive, and national songs by Movses Khorenatsi (by violinist Koko Ohanian), Magar Yegmalian, Shahan Berberian, Ardashes Haroutounian, Gomidas Vartabed, Alexan Mnagian, Bishop Meghrig Parikian, Khoren Mekhanejian, Sebouh Hovagimian, Joseph Fakhouri (Arabic), and renowned European composers Antonio Vivaldi and Franz Gruber, which where skillfully presented by the choir, as well as by solo and duet performances.
The festive atmosphere was further enhanced as children joined the choir in singing “Children’s Prayer” by Gomidas Vartabed, the patriotic song “Armenians Unite,” and “Holy Nativity” featuring lyrics by Archbishop Varoujan Hergelian and music by Mnagian. The meticulous selection of songs and performances by each individual choir member transformed the concert into a true celebration, in particular as the choir closed the concert with an original composition by the choirmaster titled “Dedicated to Bishop Torkom,” which earned a standing ovation from the guests.
The Prelate delivered his message, first commending the parish pastor, choir members, the choirmaster, Board of Trustees, sponsors, and especially the participating children and large number of attendees. Thereafter, the Prelate invited the audience to join him in dedicating the concert as spiritual support to Armenian prisoners of war being held captive in Azeri prisons, a gesture which was welcomed by the guests with tearful eyes and applause. Subsequently, both shepherd and flock wished for the faith-filled prayers emanating from St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena to reach the faraway Caucasus and bring home our captives in good health.
Following the collective singing of “Cilicia,” guests returned to their homes with uplifted spirits and a prayer in their hearts for the liberation of our captives.
