Despite the inclement weather, a sizable number of people attended the annual Prelate’s Christmas Reception and Blessing of the Home (Doonorhnek) service at the Prelacy headquarters in New York on Saturday, January 6. The service was presided by His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate.
In his opening remarks, the Prelate greeted the guests and reminded them that this tradition was initiated by Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian, of blessed memory, during his tenure as Prelate. He referred to Catholicos Aram I’s pontifical visit last November, as well as to the need for renewal and development of human resources, as enunciated in His Holiness’ proclamation for 2024. He also thanked several guests for their contributions and devotion to the Prelacy and respective parishes.
Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, celebrated the Home Blessing ceremony, during which he blessed bread, water, and salt—all considered to be essential to life in our Church customs. Very Rev. Fr. Sahag Yemishian, Vicar and Pastor of Sts. Vartanantz Church (Ridgefield, NJ), also participated in the ceremony.
The faithful enjoyed the reception and mingled with friends and other guests. Among the guests was Shahan Kandaharian, editor-in-chief of the Aztag Daily of Beirut and member of the Central Executive Council of the Catholicosate of Cilicia.