PRELATE HIGHLIGHTS POWER OF THE CROSS OF VARAK AT TROY

On Sunday, September 29, His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Church in Troy, New York. Serving at the altar were Rev. Fr. Vahan Kouyoumdjian, Pastor, and the deacons.   

In his sermon, the Prelate first congratulated the community on its 67th anniversary and then reflected on the significance of the Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak in our lives. He stressed that this uniquely Armenian feast is the clearest testimony that, while being an integral part of the Universal Church, the Armenian Church also has its own distinct characteristics that highlight our identity. 

With a didactic spirit, His Eminence explained that even the outward form of making the sign of the cross, distinct from other churches, is a magnificent expression of faith. When we join together the thumb, index, and middle fingers, we profess the one divinity of the Holy Trinity. By moving the hand from the head to the heart, we state the direct relationship between God and humanity, sealing both reason and emotions with divine grace. Finally, by moving the hand horizontally from the left shoulder to the right, we ask God to guide our relationship with others.  

The Prelate also spoke of the power of the cross, which, both as the altar of the Incarnate God and as the herald of Christ’s Second Coming, exerts its beneficent influence on the faithful’s life. He therefore urged the faithful to bring the traditions of the Armenian Church into their personal, family, and communal lives to safeguard their faith. 

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, during the fellowship hour, Archbishop Anoushavan warmly commended Fr. Vahan for his devoted pastoral service. He also praised the Board of Trustees, the Ladies Guild, the deacons, and the choir for their active role and spirit of cooperation with sister organizations. Fr. Vahan and Antranig Karageozian, chair of the Board of Trustees, also addressed the parishioners. As is customary, the celebration concluded with the singing of Giligia.