Western Diocese

On Sunday, January 20, 2008, the Primate celebrated Divine Liturgy and offered the sermon at St. Sarkis Armenian Church, in East Los Angeles. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian ordained Sarkis Elenjian to the rank of diaconate, and presented Dn. Dennis Takessian with the ‘Hay-Spirit’ award, for many years of dedicated service to the Church. The Primate also presented Yeretsgin Baytsar Matarian with the ‘Hay-Spirit’ award, for her dedication and longstanding service to the Church. The church service was followed by a reception. The Primate offered his benediction upon the attendees and blessed the table. Dn. Hagop Tzerunian was the master of ceremonies. The Chairman of the Parish Council, Mr. Vartevar Tutak, P.C. offered the opening remarks. Archpriest Fr. Nareg Matarian, Pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Church, expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation to the Primate for his inspiring sermon and ordaining Sarkis Elenjian to the rank of diaconate. In his concluding remarks, the Primate congratulated the St. Sarkis Parish on the occasion of the name day of St. Sarkis the Captain, wishing all to follow the example of St. Sarkis as exemplary Christians, under the leadership of Archpriest Fr. Nareg Matarian—to serve the Church and bring their love and active participation in the life of St. Sarkis Armenian Church of East Los Angeles.