On Sunday, January 19, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Diocesan Primate, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral.

During the service, assisted by Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian and the Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, the Primate granted four minor orders of acolyte to Aret Allen Guzelses, Haig Divanian, Andrew Gharibian and Nareg Ghookasian. Archbishop Derderian encouraged the young altar servers to renew their calling to service, to uphold the sacred traditions of the Armenian Church and family and to become exemplary Christians in society.

Archbishop Derderian reflected on the successful ACYO Convention which was held days prior. Addressing the newly ordained altar servers and the ACYO delegates in attendance, the Primate said “Throughout the weekend the ACYO delegates and the youth in attendance have shown the highest level of maturity in their faith life and in fulfilling their duties and responsibilities as young ambassadors of our Church.”

Archbishop also commended the youth for their zealous Christian spirit and dedication to the preservation of the Armenian identity. “I have witnessed an exemplary conduct by each and every one of them in all aspects of the convention be it the prayerful life, administration and wisdom in their activities. Much can be said about our youth; however, the most important thought which I want to share with all is that with their active engagement, this diocese will secure a healthy transition of leadership.”

During the service, Archbishop Derderian introduced the newly-elected ACYO Central Council members to the congregation and presided over the installation ceremony. Archbishop Derderian called upon the officers to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with unrelenting dedication, humility and grace.