Primate Celebrant At St. Gregory The Illuminator Armenian Church – Four Parishioners Awarded The St. Nerses The Graceful Medals

The Diocesan Primate celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Pasadena on Sunday, May 21, 2017. In his sermon, the Primate called upon the faithful to serve the Lord with gladness (Psalm 100:2). “Each day presents an opportunity for us to renew our calling, to restore our faith, and to serve God with a joyful heart,” said His Eminence. “Created with free will and in the image of God, it is up to us to strengthen and solidify our relationship with the Almighty through fervent prayer and noble deeds,” he continued.

At the conclusion of the service, the Primate called forth to the nave Dr. Kourken Matossian, Mrs. Joan Meymarian, Mr. Ray Bedian and Mr. Vahe Skenderian, parishioners of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church, who were honored with the Pontifical Encyclical of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians and the prestigious St. Nerses the Graceful medal. Archbishop Derderian congratulated the honorees and commended their zealous Christian spirit in serving our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the Armenian Apostolic Church. In recognition of his pastoral leadership, the Primate honored Fr. Sarkis Petoyan and presented an icon to the merited priest.  

“Honoring Our Own” was the theme of the celebratory banquet which was held in honor of the four medal recipients at Geragos Hall held following the service.

The artistic portion of the program included musical selections by composer Artashes Kartalian. The honorees were introduced by Richard Mushegain, Esq. In his heartfelt message, Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan reflected on the selfless service of the honorees, commended their dedication and called for a renewed sense of zeal and commitment in serving Christ, our Lord.

Delivering the benediction, the Primate said “Today’s honorees have played a particularly pivotal role in the mission of the parish during recent years. It was during this historic time that saw the completion of the new sanctuary, as well as the period of transition to the pastorate of Fr. Sarkis. I consider Joan Meymarian, Ray Bedian, Kourken Matossian and Vahe Skenderian to be my co-laborers in the ministry of Christ.”

Guests received a commemorative booklet as a keepsake.