“HIS HOLINESS CATHOLICOS’ ANNUAL PROCLAMATION”
“THE FOLLOWER OF CHRIST SHOULD POSSESS BOTH
SPIRITUAL COURAGE AND BOUNDLESS LOVE”
H.G. BISHOP DONOYAN
On Sunday, January 28, 2024, H.G. Bishop Donoyan, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the United States, celebrated Divine Liturgy, on the occasion of the Feast of St. Sarkis the Commander, at St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in Pasadena. During his sermon, H.G. Bishop Donoyan emphasized the boundless love of Jesus Christ and the compassion shown by our Lord towards sinful individuals who are present in our world.
By the ordinance of the Prelate, H.G. Bishop Donoyan, on Sunday the proclamation of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, declaring «2024 Year of Preparation of Human Resources» was read in all Western Prelacy churches. Referencing His Holiness Catholicos Aram I’s proclamation, H.G. Bishop Donoyan referred to it as an “annual precedent” that provides direction, depth, and significance to the activities and life of the Prelacies under the auspices of the Holy See of Cilicia and the Diaspora in general.
Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan, Pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, along with deacons, and scribes assisted at the altar. Mr. Vahe Havaguimian, Chairman of the Western Prelacy Executive Council, attended the Divine Liturgy, together with his wife Mrs. Hasmig Hovaguimian, along with Mr. Mher Der Ohanessian, Vice-Chairman of the Western Prelacy Executive Council and Mr. Sarkis Tatikian, member of the Executive Council. Also in attendance were members of the Board of Trustees, delegates, the extended members of the St. Sarkis Armenian Church family, benefactors, friends, and dedicated members of the community, who listened to the spiritual sermon delivered by H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, and received heavenly blessings from prayers and hymns.
At the end of his sermon, H.G. Bishop Donoyan, extended his congratulations to all the attendees and volunteers on the occasion of the name day of St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, as well as all those individuals who bear the name of Sarkis, emphasizing that being a follower of Christ requires internal courage and strong faith. Moreover, he stressed the importance of being willing to sacrifice for Jesus Christ and stated that in order to do this, one must first be imbued with everlasting love for the Lord Jesus Christ.
During the ceremony, H.G. Bishop Donoyan also bestowed the honor of stole-bearer upon two young church servants, David Der Garabedian and Garo Kelledjian. He then blessed the madagh “offering” that was prepared for the name day of St. Sarkis Armenian Church. After the conclusion of the ceremony, the madagh “offering” was distributed to the attendees, ensuring that both their households and family members would also receive the blessing.
