Western Diocese

To the joy of the Diocesan faithful, on February 14, 2010, the Primate presided over the "Great Barekendan" and "Dyarnuntarach" service at the Burbank Cathedral Parish.

Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, Parish Priest, celebrated the Divine Liturgy. Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretzian, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Sipan Mekhsian, Chancellor of the Western Diocese, and Rev. Fr. Suren Tsatourian were also present during the service.

In his message, the Primate said, "It is through prayer that we surrender our troubles to God. By committing our lives to God, we leave our lives in His Hands. We must live a prayerful life . . .  In order to reach this state, we must follow the example of Christ, our Lord who separated Himself from the rest and prayed. Christ did not have to do this. However, His love for humanity is unsurpassed. He did this for everyone and became the link between Heaven and Earth".    

Following the service, the Primate presided over a special Requiem Service for the souls of George Kradjian and others. Amidst the singing of the Choir, the clergymen gathered in front of the entrance of the Diocesan Headquarters where the Memorial Cross-Stone dedicated to St. Vartan the Captain and Companions stands. Joining the clergymen were the Benefactors of the Cross-Stone Mr. Jack Kradjian, Mr. Vahe Kradjian, Mrs. Artemis Kradjian, Mrs. Silva Kradjian and her two grandchildren. The Primate consecrated the Cross-Stone with "muron" (Holy Chrism) and expressed his gratitude to the members of the Kradjian family who became the Benefactors of the Cross-Stone.

Following the ceremony, the distinguished guests were treated to a special reception at the Primate's Office.