Very Rev. Fr. Maghakia Amiryan Visits The Western Diocese

The Very Rev. Fr. Maghakia Amiryan, Pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church in Buenos Aires, Argentina is visiting the Western Diocese. At the invitation of the Primate, on Sunday, January 17, Father Maghakia celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral. 

On January 23, Father Maghakia joined Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian and the Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan in the observance of the Feast Day of St. Sarkis the Warrior at St. John Garabed Armenian Church in Hollywood. Following an evening prayer service, a special youth blessing ceremony was held during which salty pastries were blessed and distributed to the faithful.  

On January 24th, a day after the observance of the Feast of St. Sarkis the Warrior, the young archimandrite (vartabed) was the guest celebrant and homilist at St. Sarkis Armenian Church in Santa Clarita. A reception in his honor was held at the church hall following the service.

On January 31, the parishioners of St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale welcomed the guest celebrant priest.

About the Feast of St. Sarkis the Warrior

Each year, on the first day of the Fast of the Holy Catechumens (First Lent), the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church celebrates the Feast of St. Sarkis the Captain, his son Martiros and his 14 soldiers-companions. By the order of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; the feast is proclaimed as a day of blessing of the youth. Saint Sarkis the Warrior is one of the most venerated Armenian saints. He is considered the patron saint of love and youth. His feast day is celebrated in late January or early February.