His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Prelate, took part in the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, Dec. 26, at St. Sarkis Church of Douglaston, NY. Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Nareg Terterian, Pastor, who also delivered the sermon. Fr. Nareg entwined the joy of the Christmas holiday in the West with the observance of the period of Advent in the Armenian Church, inviting the faithful to continue to cultivate their spiritual life, and relish the realization of their faith and hope in Christ with the joy of the magi.
Following Divine Liturgy, St. Stephen’s feast was observed with a special celebration. The three deacons of the church—Dn. Bedros Kalajian, Dn. Berdj Agopian, and Dn. Razmik Nenejian—wearing a priestly miter, gave incense to the altar and obtained the blessing of the Prelate. Archb. Anoushavan said that these rarely marked holidays should never diminish our faith. On the contrary, “Do not be afraid, little flock” (Lk 12:32), we must strengthen our Christian Armenian identity and overcoming the present circumstances, greet each other as we would regularly.