Primate And Diocesan Clergy Visit Ararat Home Residents For Easter

On a number of occasions throughout the year, Diocesan clergy of the Greater Los Angeles area visit the elderly residents of Ararat Home. This year was no exception. Earlier in the year the clergy paid a visit with to the residents and conveyed their cordial greetings on the Feast of the Nativity and Theophany of Christ, our Lord. On March 27, the established annual Diocesan tradition continued. On the occasion of the Feast of the Resurrection of Christ, the Primate and Diocesan clergy visited Ararat Home and met with the residents.

The day’s celebrant was the Rev. Fr. Yeremia Khachatyran in the service presided by Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.

His Eminence was accompanied by Archpriest Fr. Arshag Khatchadourian, Archpriest Fr. Hovsep Hagopian, Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian, the Rev. Fr. Yeghia Isayan, the Rev. Fr. Haroutioun Tachejian, the Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan and the Rev. Fr. Nerses Hayrapetyan. The day’s homily was delivered by the Primate who stressed the importance of spiritual renewal during Holy Week and especially the Victorious Resurrection of Christ, our Lord.

The Primate commended the dedication and selfless service of the Board of Trustees under the leadership of Mike Surmeian. “Dear Mr. Surmeian, your able leadership together the tireless efforts of all members of the Board of Trustees and the staff speak volumes of the God-pleasing mission which is being realized within these blessed walls,” said Archbishop Derderian.

Archbishop Derderian also expressed his gratitude to the administrative and nursing staff for their compassion and enduring affection for the elderly of the community.

Following the service, the clergy performed the traditional Home Blessing (Dunhorhnek) Service, distributed Holy Communion to the elderly.