Raising of the Cross
Rising Cross
On June 28, 2009 the Western Diocese celebrated a milestone as it progresses towards the completion of the Mother Cathedral. The celebration began following the Divine Liturgy celebrated at the Burbank Parish with the blessing and consecration of the cross which will sit atop the central dome of the Mother Cathedral, and was continued later that afternoon during the “Together We Progress” event, where the cross was installed in its lofty place, and a religious and culture program was held.
Divine Liturgy at the Burbank Parish saw many special events. First was the ordination of young Vartan Zargarian to the order of Acolyte, followed by the announcement by the Primate, Abp. Hovnan Derderian that he has been accepted as a candidate for the priesthood in the Western Diocese. Also, at the request of the Primate, a special requiem service was held on the occasion of the anniversary of passing of His Holiness Karekin I of Blessed Memory. For this reason, the celebrant, Archpriest Fr. Zaven Arzoumanian, offered a sermon which reflected on Karekin I’s important contribution to the history of the Armenian Church. Following the liturgy, the clergy, choir, and faithful processed to the front of the Diocesan Complex where the Primate led the blessing and consecration of the massive cross which would be placed on top of the center dome of the cathedral. Present were the benefactors of the cross, Mrs. Sonia Tutelian and her family, who were deeply moved by the ceremony. Also present was the crafter of the cross, Mr. Chuck Simonian, member of the Cathedral Construction Committee.
Primate consecrating the cross to be placed on top of the central dome of the Mother Cathedral
At 6:00pm the “Together We Progress” program began with the entrance of the clergy as they processed to the dome cross. With their prayers, the censing of the deacons and the singing of hymns by the Khatchadourian choir, the cross was raised by a crane to its location high atop the central dome of the mother cathedral. The experience was deeply moving, and unforgettable by those who attended. Following the installation of the cross, a program was held to celebration the milestone which had been reached in the process of completing the Mother Cathedral. On this occasion three choirs performed beautiful cultural and religious music.
Attending the event were many dignitaries including the following: The Honorable Gary Bric, Mayor of Burbank, Burbank City Council Members David Gordon, Jess Talamantes, and Dave Golonski, Los Angeles City Council Members Wendy Gruel and Dennis Zine, Glendale City Council Members Laura Friedman, Ara Najarian and David Weaver and Glendale City Council Clerk Ardashes Katsakhian.
In his concluding remarks the Primate stated, “This is a God-given day in our Diocesan life as we all witness the progress of the Cathedral construction – the dream of the founders of the Western Diocese. The Initial call addressed to us all was “Together We Build.” Today we proudly declare “Together We Progress” as we celebrate the completion of the first phase of the construction, with the official opening of the overbuild and the installation of the Central Dome of the Cathedral.”
Furthermore regarding efforts to continue fundraising for the Mother Cathedral Construction he said, “This is a God-given day in our Diocesan life as we all witness the progress of the Cathedral construction – the dream of the founders of the Western Diocese. The Initial call addressed to us all was “Together We Build.” Today we proudly declare “Together We Progress” as we celebrate the completion of the first phase of the construction, with the official opening of the overbuild and the installation of the Central Dome of the Cathedral.”
During the Primate’s speech, he invited Los Angeles City Councilmembers Dennis Zine, and Wendy Greuel to address the faithful. During their gracious remarks, they both generously pledged $1000 toward the Cathedral. Burbank Mayor Gary Bric, also offered his kind remarks.
