Western Diocese

On February 28, 2010, the Primate made a pastoral visit to the Armenian Church in Riverside where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon.

At the request of Rev. Fr. Dr. Stepanos Dingilian, Parish Priest, His Eminence ordained the very first Subdeacon of the Parish, Sarkis Boniekerian. In his sermon, the Primate reflected on the message of the Parable of the Prodigal Son. He congratulated Rev. Fr. Stepanos Dingilian for forming the Parish from ground up and guiding her towards spiritual growth, and exhorted the newly ordained to prepare for the Deaconate ordination the following year. 

The Primate also congratulated Yérétzgeen Mariam Dingilian for preparing the Youth Choir in Armenian language and singing of Church hymns, since the Youth sang by themselves the first half of the service. Close to one hundred faithful were present during the service, marking a milestone in the life of the Riverside community. They were part of a memorable picture with the Primate.

A Lenten luncheon was held in the hall following the services, where Rev. Fr. Stepanos Dingilian presented the Parish's contributions to such Diocesan programs as the Stewardship Program, the Cathedral Fund, and the Armenia Sister Church Program. The Primate presented certificates and wooden stone-crosses (khatchkars) prepared in Armenia to the youth of the Church, along with those who contributed to the spiritual growth of the Parish including, the Family of the Year, the Senior Couple of the Year, the Family Program Coordinators, and those who supported and guided the Youth.

The Primate also bestowed upon the Hye Spirit Award to Mr. Hagop Palandjian who was voted by the Parish as the exemplary faithful of the year for his relentless efforts to support the Church programs at all events.

Finally, the Primate congratulated Rev. Fr. Dr. Stepanos Dingilian for his dedicated service in the community life who also inspires young families to be part of the Parish Council and Ladies Society, and to serve as entire families in strengthening all aspects of the Church.

In his closing remarks, the Primate called upon the Community to continue growing spiritually with the Faithful Armenian Spirit that emanates from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin by stating: "You have the very Spirit here that our Church and Savor wanted the Church to have and the Armenian people have given their lives to maintain for all these centuries. The Church is more than a building, it is the Spirit in the Community and you have this Spirit. There are many Churches that have the building, but are empty because the Spirit is lacking. Continue focusing on this vision, and strengthening the entire Church Community as you continue growing as a Faithful Family and a dedicated Parish."