Western Diocese

Primate accompanied by Frs. Arshag and Nareg during the consecration of the cross stonesOn December 13, 2009 on the occasion of Feast Day of St. James the Bishop of Nisibis and the Name Day for the church, the Primate celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. James Armenian Church in Los Angeles. The Parish Deacons served at the holy altar. The Choir was directed by Manik Manukyan.

In his message, the Primate stressed the importance of prayer. "While I was reading the writings of Mother Teresa, I came across an interesting story. One day Mother Teresa approached one of the more famous clergymen in India with a question 'Father, you talk about God the entire day. How close must you be to God?' The clergyman replied, 'Although I endlessly talk about God, the question is 'Do I talk with Him?' I sometimes fail to devote the time to listen to His voice.

"...The priority in the life of St. James was his relationship with the Almighty through prayer. St. James searched for and listened to His Voice.

". . . Why do we celebrate the lives of the holy? Their lives should serve as examples in ours."

During the celebration of the Divine Liturgy Following the church service, a special requiem service was offered for the repose of the souls of the deceased pastors, benefactors and donors of St. James Armenian Church in Los Angeles. Furthermore, the Primate anointed six of the cross-stones out of the eight which had recdently arrived from Artsakh. During the ceremony, the Primate prayed for the souls of those who perished during the liberation of Artsakh.

Banquet and Awards

From left: Fr. Nareg, the Primate, Parish Priest Fr. ArshagFollowing the church service, a banquet was held at the John Gogian Hall in honor of the 68^th anniversary of the Name Day of St. James Armenian Church in Los Angeles. George Mardikian offered the opening remarks and the Primate offered the invocation.

Dn. Dr. Sarkis Mesrobian, Chair of the Parish Council, expressed his heartfelt message and introduced the Parish auxiliary bodies. According to the by-laws, they handed the check, the year's fundraising efforts, to Dn. Dr. Sarkis Mesrobian. Dn. Dr. Mesrobian thanked the auxiliary bodies for their commendable dedication to the Parish.

By the request of Rev. Archpriest Fr. Arshag Khatchadourian, the Primate presented "Hye Spirit" Awards and certificate of blessing and appreciation to Sub-Deacon Daniel Akaragian.

Rev. Archpriest Fr. Arshag Khatchadourian expressed his sincere appreciation to the Primate for being present at the Name Day of the church and for making frequent pastoral visits to the Parish. Furthermore, the Parish Priest acknowledged Mr. George Mardikian and Dr. Sarkis Mesrobian, Chair of the Parish Council with special recognition. Additionally, the Parish Priest thanked all organizations of the church for their devotion to the Parish.

In turn, the Primate commended the dedication of Rev. Archpriest Fr. Arshag Khatchadourian for his dedicated service to St. James Armenian Church in Los Angeles and the Diocese as well. The evening concluded with a parting prayer by the Primate.