Primate Celebrant At St. Leon Armenian Cathedral Remembering The Victorious Battle Of Sardarabad And The Establishment Of The First Republic Of Armenia

On May 27, 2018, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral. Archbishop Derderian was assisted at the Holy Altar by Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian, Archpriest Fr. Mampre Kesabyan, deacons and altar servers of the Cathedral.

Among the dignitaries in attendance was Her Excellency Armella Shakaryan, Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles, who was recognized during the service by the Primate.

During the service, His Eminence reflected on the historic Battle of Sardarabad and its immense role in the establishment of the First Republic of Armenia. “The Battle of Sardarabad should be considered as the Battle of Avarayr of our times, and its leaders as the New Vartans who paved the path of future victories for an eternal Armenia. In May 1918, three short years after the Genocide, the Armenian nation found itself abandoned and standing alone face to face with bloodthirsty Ottomans. The Turkish offensive aimed at usurping what was left from historical Armenia, jeopardized the very existence of the Armenian people,” said Archbishop Derderian.

“The Sardarabad Memorial erected on the spot of the battlefield in Armenia in 1968, is a symbol of pride and survival. The entrance is flanked by huge winged oxen made of red tufa signifying determination, strength, and resilience. The twelve bells atop the 85 feet tower resemble the bells of the churches that pealed for six days calling people to defend the Motherland,” said the Primate.  

The decisive victory secured on May 28, 1918, led to the establishment of the First Republic of Armenia by the Treaty of Batum.

The clergy and faithful participated in a Prayer for the Republic of Armenia (Hanrabedagan Maghtank). At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a special requiem for the souls of His Holiness Kevork V, Catholicos of All Armenians and His Holiness Karekin Hovsepians, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, was held during the service.