Western Diocese

On Sunday, November 15, the Primate celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Paul Armenian Church in Fresno, California. Serving at the Holy Altar were the Deacons of the church. Current and former Parish Priests Rev. Archpriest Fr. Arshen Aivazian and Rev. Archpriest Fr. Shahe Altounian also participated in the church service.

In his sermon the Primate said, "All messages addressed to our faithful from the Holy Altar call on us to live with the Word of God, thus turning our bodies into the temple of God. Therefore, the liturgical life becomes the mirror of our inner spirituality. And in looking into the mirror we then see our real self, and make the move to transform our spirituality to live a life in concordance with the Law of Christ. The year 2009 is reaching to a closure. Therefore, this gives as all a chance to review the state of spirituality as how just we were to our calling in applying the message of Christ our Lord in our daily life. Therefore, our attendance and participation in the liturgical life is justified. Through our participation, we take with us the necessary nourishment and respond to God's call with courage." 

Following the sermon, Choir Director Svetlana Yepremian and organist Ben Krikorian received special recognition from the Primate.

Banquet and Awards

The church service was followed by a banquet at the Berberian Hall in which the Primate blessed the tables. The Master of Ceremonies was Zaroohi Der Mugrdechian, Parish Council Chair. Also present for the banquet was Rev. Archpriest Fr. Yeghia Hairabedian, the Vicar of Central California and Parish Priest of St. Gregory Armenian Church in Fowler.

During the banquet, the Primate awarded certificates and Hye Spirit medals to Mr. and Mrs. Bob and Sarah Der Matoian and Mr. and Mrs. Russell and Nina Adams and Phil Manoogian for their long-time devoted service to St. Paul Armenian Church of Fresno.

Rev. Archpriest Fr. Arshen Aivazian extended his gratitude to the Primate for his visit and his special attention to St. Paul throughout the years. In his closing message, the Primate commended the service of Rev. Archpriest Fr. Arshen Aivazian and the Parish Council members and blessed the faithful.

For their selfless service to the Parish, the Primate awarded a small Holy Communion decorative box to Rev. Archpriest Fr. Arshen Aivazian and a small hand-sewn decorative cloth to Zaroohi Der Mugrdechian.