Under the blessing of H.H. Aram I., Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, on Wednesday, February 1, 2023, the Order of the Last Rites (including Divine Liturgy, viewing and church service) for Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian took place at St. Mary’s Armenian Church in Glendale, California.
H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate, celebrated the Divine Liturgy, accompanied by Archbishops, clergy and the faithful.
The viewing service which preceded the Divine Liturgy was headed by H.E. Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate of the Eastern United States, and the church service was headed by H.E. Archbishop Papken Tcharian, Prelate of Canada, whom also read the pontifical condolence letter. Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian read the late Archbishops biography.
In his message, Bishop Donoyan referred upon the selfless, courageous, brave and fearless, resilient and culture-loving spirit the late Archbishop, which served as Prelate of the Western United States from 1977-1985.
The Prelate also spoke about the fifty-year history of the Western Prelacy and wished upon future accomplishments, and stressed that the mission of the Holy See of Cilicia, with its Pontiff, Clergy and lay faithful, is a mission of hope scattered across the people of the nation and in accordance with the Pontifical Declaration, the Diaspora through internal revitalization is the strongest, unparalleled and most reliable ally of Armenia and Artsakh.
During the “Kiss of peace” portion of the Divine Liturgy, the clergy as a sign of respect, approached, bowed and gave a final kiss on the right hand of the late Archbishop, bidding him farewell on the path to join all the Cilician brothers who went before him.
The graveside service for Archbishop Tabakian took place on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 9:30am, at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills.
