At St. Leon (Ghevontiants) Armenian Cathedral, Holy Week services were presided by the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.

HOLY THURSDAY

Holy Thursday, which holds deep theological significance in the liturgical life of the Armenian Church, commemorates the institution of the Holy Communion by our Lord Jesus Christ and manifests His example of humility.

On this sacred day, the faithful of the Armenian Apostolic Church participated in the solemn services were held at Ghevotiants Cathedral, gathering a large number of faithful who participated in prayer and reflection.

MORNING DIVINE LITURGY

Commemorating the institution of the Sacrament of Holy Communion in the Upper Room, before Christ’s betrayal, crucifixion, and death, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Maundy Thursday at 10:30 am. The day’s celebrant was Rev. Fr. Mikael Kyureghyan. The homily was delivered by the Primate.

During the service, a homily by St. Basil the Great titled “On Holy Communion” was read from the Holy Altar, revealing the theological mystery of the Last Supper and inviting the faithful to spiritual awakening.  

This sacred service offered the faithful an opportunity to renew their covenant with Christ and partake in His divine love and sacrifice.

WASHING OF THE FEET SERVICE

The Washing of the Feet service took place at the Cathedral on Maundy Thursday at 6pm. Presided over by the Primate, Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian, Pastor of the Armenian Church of Glendale and the Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, Pastor of the Cathedral, along with deacons and acolytes participated in the service.

During the ceremonial service, passages from Scripture and patristic writings were read, and the hymns of the service were chanted. His Eminence blessed the water and oil and washed the feet of the participants, symbolically reliving Christ’s humility and service.

In his message, His Eminence emphasized that true greatness lies in humble service. By washing the feet of His disciples, Christ gave the greatest lesson of love and selflessness. He called upon the faithful to live with mutual love, humility, and a spirit of service, making their lives a living testimony to Christ’s teachings. He also addressed the children present, commending their participation and their families’ devotion to the Church.

KHAVAROUM SERVICE

The Washing of the Feet was followed by the Khavaroum (Darkness) service in the evening. Gospel readings recounting Christ’s final days—His betrayal, suffering, crucifixion, and death—guided the faithful into deep spiritual reflection.

In his sermon, His Eminence reflected on the spiritual journey of Holy Week, emphasizing Christ’s call: “Watch and pray.” He noted that this service is a moment of self-examination and spiritual awakening, preparing the faithful to receive the light of the Resurrection.

The service concluded with the hymn “Khach’ee Ko, Kristos” (“Your Cross, O Christ”) and the “Protector” prayer.

GOOD FRIDAY – THE BURIAL OF CHRIST

On the evening of Friday, April 3, the Rite of the Burial of Christ was held at St. Leon Ghevontiants Cathedral. In a solemn spiritual atmosphere, many faithful gathered to commemorate the burial of the Lord.

Before a symbolic tomb prepared in the church, spiritual hymns were chanted and scriptural passages were read. Clergy, deacons, and acolytes surrounded the tomb with incense and prayers, while the faithful approached with reverence.

At the conclusion, Archbishop Derderian emphasized that Good Friday is a sacred moment when Christians stand united before Christ’s tomb, reliving the mystery of His crucifixion, death, and burial. He highlighted that Christ’s burial signifies the triumph of divine love over death and the dawn of the Resurrection.

EASTER EVE

Prior to the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, an evening service was held with readings from Scripture and the Prophets. With hundreds of faithful in attendance, at 5:30 pm., the Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Cathedral by the Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan.  In his sermon, Fr. Khajag emphasized the significance of Christ’s Resurrection. The Easter message of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians was also read during the Divine Liturgy.

At the conclusion of the service, the faithful, holding lighted candles, rejoiced proclaiming the most sacred words in Christendom -  “Christ is risen from the dead. Blessed is the Resurrection of Christ.” The light filling the Cathedral symbolized the victory of the Risen Christ.

EASTER SUNDAY

On Sunday, April 5, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., the solemn Divine Liturgy of the Holy Resurrection was celebrated by the Diocesan Primate His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.

Among those present were the Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles Her Excellency Anna Avetisyan, Diocesan Council Chairman Derik Ghookasian accompanied by his spouse Adrineh, members of the Diocesan Council, representatives of various organizations, benefactors, and thousands of faithful.

In his message, His Eminence centered on the words of the Apostle Paul: “We do not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:9). He emphasized that God is our true refuge and that Christ’s Resurrection reveals the path to eternal life.

He concluded by affirming that the Resurrection is a call to renewal, victory over trials, and a life lived in faith, hope, and love.

Following the Liturgy, the choir sang the hymn “Today He is Risen from the Dead,” after which His Eminence led a procession to the Turpanjian Plaza , where the faithful exchanged Easter greetings.