Western Diocese

On Sunday August 12^th, His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese celebrated Divine Liturgy at St. Mary Armenian Church of Costa Mesa on the occasion of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The service was fully attended by the faithful. The atmosphere was joyous in the church on that day which inspired the Archbishop to address the faithful with challenging words.

In his address to the faithful the Primate stressed the importance of the role of the Blessed Virgin Mary has played in the in the lives of all mothers. He said, “The Blessed Virgin Mary is the source of Divine inspiration for all mothers. As we celebrate the feast of the Assumption in our Christian life we also celebrate Her presence in our spirituality. The Blessed Virgin Mary is the first amongst all saints who intercedes for our prayers. Through the celebration of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary we also celebrate the sacrificial life of all mothers, but above all the motherhood of the Church.”

Following church services a reception was held in the Fesjian Hall with close to 250 in attendance. During that time $130,050 were raised in support of the St. Mary Armenian Church. In his closing remarks the Primate praised Fr. Moushegh Tashjian for his exemplary pastoral work and commended all the members of the ladies society for their dedication and generosity.