The Diocesan Primate celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Vartan Armenian Church in Oakland on Sunday, January 11, 2015. Archbishop Derderian was assisted at the Holy Altar by Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan and the deacons of the parish. The Primate’s homily was centered on the Miraculous Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His Eminence congratulated the family of St. Vartan Armenian Church on the blessed occasion of the Feast of the Nativity of Christ our Lord encouraging them to serve with a renewed sense of dedication and zeal.
Archbishop Derderian commended the Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan, Parish Priest, the members of the Parish Council, Ladies Society and all auxiliary bodies of St. Vartan Armenian Church for their role of spreading the Gospel of Christ, upholding the sacred traditions of the Armenian Apostolic Church, preserving the values which we commonly hold in reverence.
In efforts to recognize the steadfast service of Mr. Krikor Soghikian, a devout parishioner of St.
Vartan Armenian Church of Oakland, the Primate had submitted a request to His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians to award the St. Nerses Shnorhali medal and the Pontifical Encyclical to Mr. Krikor Soghikian. Unfortunately, Mr. Soghigian passed away a day prior to the recognition ceremony. Archbishop Derderian expressed his condolences to Mr. Soghikian’s widow Mrs. Caline Soghikian, the Soghikian family and the parish family of St. Vartan Armenian Church on the passing of the beloved parishioner.
The Pontifical Encyclical of His Holiness was read by Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan. The Primate presented the Nerses Shnorhali medal and the Encyclical to Mrs. Soghikian and prayed for the departed soul of Mr. Krikor Soghikian.
“For years, you have dedicated your valuable time to contribute to the prosperity of St. Vartan Armenian Church in Oakland and have excelled in your noble deeds. Through your God-pleasing endeavors you have contributed to the spiritual growth of the Armenian-American community and have loyally supported the Pastor in his mission in order that our ancestral Christian faith and the sacred traditions which we commonly hold in reverence may blossom in the hearts of our people,” wrote His Holiness in part.
At the conclusion of the service, the Primate, with the participation of Father Ohanyan and the Chor, consecrated the new baptismal font of St. Vartan Armenian Church and delivered his message. The benefactors of the baptismal font were Mr. Greg and Kaylin Soghomonian.
The service was followed by a luncheon reception at the hall of the parish during which parishioners Suzanne Abnous, Elizabeth Ojakian and Janet Yeghissian-Kanneian were recognized by the Primate with the Diocesan “Hye Spirit” medals. The Archbishop’s Award was presented to Mr. and Mrs. Bill (Antranig) and Beverly (Yeranouhi) Nalbandian. His Eminence congratulated the honorees and wished them continued success in their God-pleasing endeavors.
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