Western Diocese

The first candle lighting service inside the newly constructed Cathedral took place on Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. Presided over by the Primate, the candle lighting ceremony was the first event of the Victory Ball.

The Primate was accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian and Diocesan clergy from the greater Los Angeles area. The clergy led a procession to the Cathedral where the faithful participated in the memorable candle lighting ceremony.

The Primate delivered an inspirational message where he stressed the importance of the Cathedral in the life of the Western Diocese. "The magnificent Cathedral is the bridge between and the Western Diocese and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Soon, the Cathedral will be filled with our prayers. Couples will be joined in the Holy Sacrament of Matrimony. Children will be baptized inside this Cathedral. It will become the spiritual center of the Western Diocese," said the Primate.

The clergy read an inspirational verse from the Gospel according to Matthew. "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to you Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:14-16).

The Primate then welcomed the faithful to light their first candle and say their prayers inside the Cathedral. The spiritually uplifting ceremony left a lasting impression on the faithful.