Western Diocese

On December 27, 2009, on the occasion of Name Day of St. Peter Armenian Church of Van Nuys, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, celebrated the Divine Liturgy, delivered the sermon and consecrated the icons at the church. Rev. Archpriest Fr. Shnork Demirjian, Parish Priest, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Nareg Matarian, Musical Director of the Western Diocese and Priesthood-Candidates Dns. Mkrtich Ksachikyan and Hovnan Vardanyan assisted the Primate and served at the holy altar.

In his sermon, the Primate reflected on the tale of the three servants (Luke 19:12-28). In it, a nobleman leaves to a far country to receive a kingdom. Prior to his departure, he leaves ten pounds to each of his three servants and instructs them to put the money to use. Upon his return, he sees one servant reply that his ten pounds yielded another ten. The nobleman commends his servant for his efforts and puts him in charge of ten cities. Another servant replies that his ten pounds yielded another five. The nobleman also praises rewards that servant and gives him the right to rule five cities. The third servant replies that he has saved the ten pounds in a napkin with the fear that his master would hand him a severe punishment if he had lost the money. The nobleman criticizes the servant and takes his ten pounds and gives it to the first servant with the extra ten pounds. Furthermore, the nobleman says, "to everyone who has will more be given; but from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away" (Luke 19:26).

Dear parishioners, the lesson from this story is that we are the servants of God. Furthermore, He has bestowed upon us the greatest gift of all, life. Let us use all our cherished gifts in glorifying Him rather than saving it from Him. The ultimate reward is an eternal life with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  

Considering that on Saturday, December 26, 2009 we would be celebrating the Name Day of St. Stephen the Proto Deacon and first Martyr, (Feast Day of the Deacons) a ceremony celebrating the deacons of the church took place at St. Peter Armenian Church in Van Nuys. Furthermore, the following people received certificates of blessing and commendation from the Primate: Mr. & Mrs. Arthur & Lily Seredian, Rita, Ron & Dina Seredian, Alina & Eric Seredian, Auni, Lena & Elyse Hovanesian, Mr. & Mrs. Saro and Manoush Marukian, Mr. & Mrs. John & Esther Berberian, Mr. & Mrs. John & Hermine Kazanjian, Mr. Garo Zokian, Mr. & Mrs. Vahe and Higouhi Hovsepian, Mr. & Mrs. Agop and Tanya Mikailyan, Mr. & Mrs. Ara and Lina Derderian, Dr. & Mrs.  Mark and Anette Kosker, Mrs. Aida Sorfazian, Mr. & Mrs. Simon & Noushig Simonian and Mr. & Mrs. Krikor & Seda Derian.