Primate Celebrates Divine Liturgy at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral

Primate Celebrates Divine Liturgy at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral - Opening Ceremony of the “Western Diocese Turpanjian Diocesan Building” Held. For decades, the Turpanjian family has answered to the calling of the Almighty. Gerald and Patricia Turpanjian have been immersed in the life of the Armenian Apostolic Church through their generosity and steadfast support of her sacred missions. The benefactors of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America were honored on May 5, 2013 during the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral. Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan and the deacons of the Cathedral parish assisted the day’s celebrant, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate. Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian also participated in the service.  

The Pontifical Message of Blessing of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians was read aloud by the Primate.

“With fondness, we extend to you Our Pontifical blessings and commend the love and dedication with which you serve. You have stood by the sacred mission of the Armenian Apostolic Church and have vividly demonstrated your firm belief in her bright future. Your commitment to sponsor a grandiose undertaking of the complete renovation of the Harichavank complex and the adjacent Seminary, speaks of your unwavering Christian spirit. Your names, as benefactors of “The Turpanjian Seminary of Harichavank” will forever remain in the list of esteemed and honorable benefactors of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

By sponsoring the renovation of the Diocesan Headquarters, you mark a new milestone in the life of the Armenian faithful community, add to your list of outstanding accomplishments for the betterment of the Church and contribute to the ultimate reward of an everlasting life in God’s heavenly kingdom. We praise and give thanks to the All Merciful for granting the Armenian Apostolic Church with such devout individuals whose enduring service strengthens the spirituality of the flock of Christ,” wrote His Holiness in part noting the Church-loving spirit of the honorees.

Following the service, amidst the jubilant voices of the Armenian Society of Los Angeles Choir, the Primate led a procession to the entrance of Diocesan Headquarters building where the ribbon-cutting and the unveiling ceremony of the Western Diocese Turpanjian Diocesan Building would take place.

The Primate blessed the benefactors and at the entrance, His Eminence consecrated a commemorative cross-stone (khachkar) with the date of the official opening ceremony engraved at the bottom.

The Primate extended his wholehearted gratitude to the Turpanjian family for their unwavering Christian spirit their active involvement in numerous humanitarian projects and missions and the dedication with which they serve.

 Western Diocese of the Armenian Church

Western Diocese [info@armenianchurchwd.com]