Rev. Fr. Mesrob Ash Celebrates First Divine Liturgy
Following a 40-day seclusion period, Rev. Fr. Mesrob Ash who was ordained and consecrated into the Priesthood on April 29, celebrated his first Divine Liturgy on Sunday, June 3, 2012 at St. John Armenian Apostolic Church in San Francisco.
“Today, your beloved pastor is celebrating his first Badarak in bringing to you the Word of God and spiritual comfort to the family of St. John Armenian Church.
Dear Fr. Mesrob, you have held firm in your heart the vision to become a devout priest of the Armenian Church. You have been called Mesrob in appreciation of your firm commitment to bringing the Word of God to your people in the original language into which the Bible was translated by St. Mesrob.
I have no doubt that together with Yeretzgin Ani you will be a blessing to this church and community with your pastoral services.
May the Good Lord be with you always and may you be the joy of your people,” wrote Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian in his congratulatory message addressed to Rev. Fr. Mesrob Ash.
The Primate also extended words of gratitude to Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian who served as a Visiting Priest to St. John Armenian Church for close to one year.
“I extend my sincere gratitude and commendation to Father Avedis Abovian, the Youth Director of the Western Diocese for his immense pastoral support and care for St. John Armenian Apostolic Church of San Francisco. For close to one year, he served your community with love and compassion led by God’s love and the wisdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
May the Good Lord bless him and his family. I pray to God to grant him a healthy and a long life in the ministry of the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church,” wrote Archbishop Derderian.
