Feast Of The Exaltation At St. Leon Armenian Cathedral

At St. Leon Armenian Cathedral, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on September 11, 2016 was celebrated with tremendous zeal and excitement. Hundreds took part in the episcopal celebration of the Divine Liturgy with the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian as the day’s celebrant and homilist on the last Tabernacle Feast of the year.

Members of the Diocesan Council including the Diocesan Council Chairman Joseph Kanimian, Esq., Diocesan Benefactors and Godfathers, participated in the service. Among the dignitaries in attendance was His Excellency Sergey Sarkisov, Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles.

The traditional Blessing of the Four Corners of the World (Antasdan) was performed by the Primate, the Very Rev. Fr. Yeremia Abgaryan, Archpriest Fr. Sipan Mekhsian and the Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan.

Mr. Tevan Aroustamian was recognized during the service with the Pontifical Encyclical of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians and the accompanying St. Nerses the Graceful Medal of Honor. The Primate congratulated the honoree and reflected on his valuable service rendered to the Armenian-American community.  

Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich was also honored during the service with the Archbishop’s Award in recognition of his unwavering service rendered to the Great City of Los Angeles.  The award was presented to the Supervisor along with the Primate’s Message of Blessing and Commendation. Archbishop Derderian congratulated Supervisor Antonovich on the award, extended his blessings to his family and wished him continued success in his endeavors.    

In his homily, the Primate reflected on the significance of the feast. “In the cross we see the spiritual journey of Christ, our Lord. As we exalt the cross, we then make the commitment to attain a life similar to that of Christ, our Lord. As the Son of God sacrificed His life on the cross, we too as Christians ought to sacrifice our lives for our families, our communities and for our country. Our Christian calling ought to be expressed in action,” said Archbishop Derderian in part.

A reception in honor of Mr. Tevan Aroustamian and Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich was held at the Paul Brothers Galleria following the service.