Western Diocese

On Sunday, August 17, 2008, a great number of faithful partook in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy throughout the Western Diocese. Upon the conclusion of the church services, the blessed grapes were distributed among the faithful in remembrance of the Mother of God and Her Assumption in the third day of Her passing - who continues to live in Heaven in Her resurrected holy body, as promised to the faithful in the last day by Her Son and the Lord Jesus Christ.In Antelope Valley, the Armenian Church based in Palmdale experienced a significant surge in attendance on the blessed occasion of the Assumption of Virgin Mary.  Fr. Nareg Matarian celebrated the Divine Liturgy, delivered the sermon and blessed the grapes according to the Armenian tradition. The Saturday School children were also present during the church service. Following the church service and distribution of the blessed grapes, a luncheon was held in the church hall for further fellowship as well as an opportunity for the parishioners to meet one another.  The Armenian Church of Santa Clarita also experienced a surge in attendance. Fr. Gomidas Zohrabian as the celebrant priest delivered the sermon and blessed the grapes, assisted by Dn. Arsen Hayrapetyan. According to a well established parish-tradition for the day, every year, the celebrant priest offers prayer of ‘protection’ upon the mothers following the church service and blessing of the grapes. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan, Pastor of the Armenian Church of Ventura County, celebrated the Divine Liturgy, delivered the sermon and blessed the grapes for the enthusiastic faithful in attendance. Yeretsgin Anahit led the choir during the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. A reception was held following the church service.In Utah, the Armenian faithful gathered on Sunday for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy on the significant occasion of the Assumption of Mary, Mother of God. Fr. Avedis Abovian, Youth Director, was the celebrant priest for the day and delivered the sermon and blessed the grapes. Fr. Avedis Abovian has been regularly visiting the newly established parishes of the Western Diocese.