ARCHBISHOP KHOREN CELEBRATES INAUGURAL LITURGY IN CONNECTICUT

On Sunday, May 18, His Eminence Archbishop Khoren Doghramadjian celebrated his first Divine Liturgy as the newly appointed pastor of St. Stephen’s Armenian Apostolic Church in New Britain, Connecticut. Representing His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, who was in Rome for the enthronement of Pope Leo XIV, the Prelacy’s Religious Council Chair, Very Rev. Fr. Ardag Arabian, formally introduced Archbishop Khoren.

Over 65 faithful from the local area and beyond attended the celebration, which was enhanced by the participation of deacons, altar servers, and choir members under the direction of Susan Shabazian.

In his homily, Archbishop Khoren reflected on the Feast of the Apparition of the Holy Cross, urging the faithful to distinguish between what is divinely revealed and what is artificial or misleading. “The Feast of the Apparition of the Holy Cross reminds us to believe, to look, to be inspired only by what is true, what is bright, what is transmitted to us from above,” he said. “We, as a centuries-old Christian people, believe only in the Cross.”

Following the Divine Liturgy, a reception was held in the parish hall, organized by the Board of Trustees. Messages of welcome were delivered by Dr. Houri Daghlian on behalf of the Prelacy’s Executive Council, and Fr. Ardag, who described Archbishop Khoren’s presence as “a visible sign of God’s grace to this blessed community.” Remarks were also offered by Richard Sarajian, former Executive Council Chair, and Margaret Babikian, who announced the establishment of a local chapter of the Armenian Relief Society, named “Van.”

In his closing words, Archbishop Khoren thanked Catholicos Aram I and Archbishop Anoushavan for their trust and guidance, and invited parishioners to collaborate in the community’s renewal. The event concluded with the singing of “Cilicia” and Khoren Archbishop’s blessing.