Young Diocesan Priests Celebrate First Divine Liturgy At Newly Assigned Parishes

Two young Diocesan priests celebrated the first Divine Liturgy at their newly assigned parishes on Sunday, July 10, 2016. The Rev. Fr. Nerses Hayrapetyan, 35, (ord. 2008) celebrated his first Divine Liturgy at St. John Garabed Armenian Church in San Diego.

Father Nerses, who had previously served as Pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Church of Santa Clarita, officially assumed the pastorate of the San Diego Parish on July 1, at the appointment of the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian. Father Nerses was officially introduced to the parishioners by the Vicar General of the Western Diocese the Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Dz. V. Berjekian.

The Rev. Fr. Serovbe Alanjian, 42 (ord. 2014), celebrated his first Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis Armenian Church of Santa Clarita. Father Serovbe, who in his previous assignment served as Pastor of the Armenian Church of Ventura County, was appointed to the pastorate of the Santa Clarita Parish on July 1. Father Serovbe was introduced to the congregants by the Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian.

Both priests were welcomed by the respective Parish Councils, auxiliary bodies and faithful with tremendous excitement and zeal.
 
May the Almighty God bless the priests and their ministry in their new capacities.