Pontifical Celebration Of The Divine Liturgy And Blessing Of Madagh

The Cathedral was filled to capacity on Sunday, October 29, 2017, for the Pontifical celebration of the Divine Liturgy. The service was attended by high-ranking clergy, government officials, representatives of Armenian organizations, Diocesan benefactors and hundreds of faithful. This marked the first time the Pontiff celebrated the Divine Liturgy since September 12, the day following the consecration of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral in 2010, solidifying the bridge between the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.

Welcoming the Pontiff was His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian who acknowledged the presence of dignitaries and highlighted the importance of progressive collaboration between the Armenian Church and respective institutions and organizations for mutual understanding and dialogue.  

Considering that the day marked the Feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross, in his sermon, His Holiness emphasized the importance of the Christ’s Holy Cross in the lives of the Armenian people. The Cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ became an ingrained powerful symbol in the hearts of the Armenian people through which we were able to overcome all trials and tribulations. Through the cross, we rose from the ashes of Genocide and thrived in all corners of the world,” stated His Holiness in part.  

Hundreds received Holy Communion by the hand of the Catholicos of All Armenians. The solemn atmosphere carried onto the Turpanjian Plaza where the traditional madagh was blessed by His Holiness and distributed to the faithful. These series of historic events in the life of the Western Diocese inspired the faithful who departed from the Cathedral with rejuvenated spirits.

The Pontifical celebration of the Divine Liturgy was broadcast live by Horizon Armenian TV. Watch the broadcast in its entirety below.