The parish family of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Pasadena received the episcopal blessings of the Diocesan Primate on Sunday, September 10, 2017 who celebrated the Divine Liturgy. Assisted by Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan at the Holy Altar, the Primate ordained eleven altar servers. Armand Yerjanian and Alex Giragosian were ordained into the Diaconate. Shant Kurdian, Nareg Kurdian, Johnathan Dergazarian and John Yagubian were ordained as subdeacons. Alexander Mnatsakanian, Andre Mnatsakanian, Garen Matossian, Saro Matossian and Armen Matossian were granted four levels of acolyte.

In his message to the altar servers, the Primate said “Today’s ordinations is most uplifting for us all. These young servants have shown the willingness to serve God and this holy sanctuary. As they were ordained to become acolytes, sub-deacons and deacons, through their ordination, all of have been ordained in the service of God. In particular, I would like to extend my deep appreciation to Deacon Alex and Deacon Armand who from an early age have continuously and relentlessly served St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church. They have given us hope for a brighter future. It is through this kind of celebrations that anniversaries become meaningful.”

Archbishop Derderian also performed the blessing of the veils of the choir members of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church.

Following the service, a luncheon celebrating the newly ordained altar servers was held in Geragos Hall. Directed by Mrs. Elise Tashjian, the St. Gregory Choir presented a special choral program to celebrate the auspicious occasion.