The Diocese
Posted: 09/30/2016
The 25th anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Armenia was celebrated at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral on Sunday, September 25, 2016. The festivities commenced at 10:30 a.m. with the episcopal celebration of the Divine Liturgy by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.
Present at the service were His Excellency Grigor Hovhannissian, the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the United States, His Excellency Garo Paylan, an Armenian member in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey and a vocal advocate of the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, Diocesan Council Chairman Joseph Kanimian, Esq. and members of the Diocesan Council, AGBU Vice President Mr. Sinan Sinanian, members of the AGBU Western Region Executive Committee led by Chairlady Taline Yacoubian, Esq., Diocesan benefactors and Godfathers and hundreds of faithful.
Prior to the Lord’s Prayer, in a moving ceremony, Ambassador Hovhannissian followed the AGBU Scouts and the members of the AGBU-WR Executive Committee in bringing the flag of the Republic of Armenia down through the sanctuary and to the nave. Archbishop Derderian, with the participation of the clergy performed the Prayer for the Republic of Armenia (Hanrabedagan Maghtank). Archbishop Derderian then blessed the Yerakooyn.
The Primate’s homily centered on the Epistle of St. Paul to the Ephesians (6:16). Citing the Apostle, His Eminence noted the importance of unwavering Christian Faith in overcoming life’s challenges.
Archbishop Derderian recognized the members of the AGBU-WR Executive Committee and their valuable role in promoting the Armenian heritage and culture while preserving the Armenian identity in the Diaspora. Archbishop Derderian also introduced His Excellency Garo Paylan to the congregants, commending Mr. Paylan’s relentless pursuit of justice in the National Assembly of Turkey. His Eminence also noted the presence of Anthony Portantino, former Mayor of the City of La Canada.
At the conclusion of the service, Prayers for Repose of the Souls (Hokehankist) was held for the slain Armenian soldiers during the Four Days War in April.
Archbishop Derderian also reflected on the 110th anniversary of the Armenian General Benevolent Union noting AGBU's invaluable contributions to the preservation of the Armenian heritage and culture. His Eminence welcomed the presence of AGBU Vice President and Diocesan Benefactor Mr. Sinan Sinanian.
Invited by the Primate to deliver a message to the congregants, Ambassador Hovhannissian congratulated the Armenian-Americans on the auspicious occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Republic of Armenia. His Excellency expressed his delight in being present at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral fondly recalling the Cathedral’s consecration ceremony in 2010 by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.
Following the service, in a procession led by the Primate, the faithful gathered at the Turpanjian Plaza of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral. In a traditional ceremony, the Primate and the clergy blessed the bread, salt and harissa. Already an established tradition at the Cathedral, the harissa was served to the faithful in a warm and cordial atmosphere.
