Primate Celebrant At St. Gregory The Illuminator Armenian Church In Fowler

The parishioners of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church of Fowler received the blessings of the Diocesan Primate on Sunday, December 11, 2016 as His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian was the celebrant at the oldest parish of the Western Diocese.

During the service, Archbishop Derderian granted four minor orders of acolyte to James Cooper, congratulated the altar server and wished him a renewed sense of dedication in the service of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Mr. Richard Ahronian was honored during the service with the prestigious St. Nerses Shnorhali medal of honor which was bestowed upon the parishioner by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians at the request of the Diocesan Primate. Archbishop Derderian commended the honoree on his selfless and steadfast service rendered to St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Fowler.

Reflecting on Mr. Ahronian’s valuable role in the Armenian-American community, His Holiness wrote in part “Your kind deeds have been most notable in the life of the Armenian-American community of Fowler. As a member of the Parish Council, you have served St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church with unrelenting dedication and enduring affection. Through your selfless commitment, you have facilitated the organization and unification of the youth under the blessed dome of the church.”

The Sunday School annual luncheon was held following the service in a packed hall. In awe by the delightful and powerful performance of 60 Sunday School students, His Eminence proudly announced the parish’s Sunday School as the Sunday School of the Year. Archbishop Derderian commended the leadership of role of the Sunday School’s Superintendents Dr. and Mrs. Scott and Jane Asmar. The Primate also congratulated the students on a rousing performance and wished them well in their Christian studies.

His Eminence also recognized Archpriest Fr. Yeghia Hairabedian’s pastoral leadership and the enduring love with which he serves the Armenian-American community of Fowler.

The day concluded with the Primate’s benediction.