The devoted faithful of the Armenian community of Ottawa and hundreds of out of town visitors were present to participate in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy of the Armenian Apostolic Church on the occasion of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on Sunday September 16, 2012. The Primate of the Armenian Diocese, Bishop Bagrat Galstanian was the celebrant on this auspicious occasion. In the hallowed Chapel of St. Paul University of Ottawa, with the sun beaming through the stained glass windows, the worshipers filled the room to an overflow capacity for the celebration of the Holy Liturgy.
Serving on the alter were Deacon In Charge of Ottawa, Sargavak Ivan Gyadayan, Deacon Armen Kutsanyan, Alex Parsyan, Hrayr Danielyan, Haro Danielyan, Mr. Varujan Markarian, Maestro of the Gomidas Choir of the St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral masterfully directed the combined choir, made up from members of the Montreal Cathedral Choir and the Ottawa St. Mesrob Church choir with the accompaniment of Mr. Micheal Tourabian, principal organist of the Ottawa Church.
The Church Service on this date was coordinated with the two day festivities of the Ottawa Armenian Festival, held for the first time in the Nation’s Capital of Ottawa. The joyous spirit, in celebration of the Armenian heritage and the Armenian spirit was also very much felt in the Chapel, on this morning, of the celebration of the Feast of Khatchveratz.
The Armenian Church celebrates, Khatchveratz, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, from September 11 to 17 each year. This year the feast fell on September 16, with the following day the Memorial Day of Merelots. It is the last of the five major feasts of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the most important of all the feasts as it is dedicated to the history of the return, and elevation and glorification of the Holy Cross. For Armenians and all Christians, the Cross is God’s power and strength, on which Christ’s blood was shed. By means of the Cross, Jesus proved His love towards mankind, and the Cross became for us the symbol of hope, love and the savior.
The service was jubilant, and a close communal feeling was shared by all. Many times, the choirmaster invited and encouraged the worshipers to join the choir in the singing of our sacred hymns. Following the Holy Communion Bishop Bagrat delivered his sermon, with an uplifting and inspirational message.
Bishop Bagrat began his sermon by giving thanks to the Cross in celebration of Khatchveratz. Repeating “Park Kez” to acknowledge the force of the cross, he reminded the faithful that this tradition is followed throughout the world and is a universal celebration. “The Cross is significant to us for it is a vital presence and brings vitality to our lives. Christ shed his blood and died on the cross to teach mankind that without sacrifice there can be no love. To give sacrifice is to receive love. ”
Bishop Bagrat reminded the congregation that the significance of this feast day of Khatchveratz and goal of the Armenian Festival should carry the same message to all Armenians. “Christ wants us to be together, in the family of the Holy Trinity. Without suffering, without giving, we will not reach our goals; we will not make it if we choose to go on our own. United we will prevail, one spirit, one mind. Christ wants us to work together, for love is most manifested when it is shared”
Bishop Galstanian acknowledged the presence of Mr. Armen Yerganian, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia and his gracious wife, Mrs. Maria Yerganian, and the diplomatic staff of the Embassy of Armenia in Canada. He welcomed them and congratulated Mr. and Mrs. Yerganian for their auspices and leadership in working with the community to organize the Ottawa Armenian festival. Bishop Bagrat reminded the faithful that shortly the Republic of Armenia will be commemorating the 21st. Anniversary of the Independence of our beloved Armenia.
The Primate also recognized and commended the efforts all the organizers of the Festival, Mr. Micheal Iskedjian and the Executives of the Festival Committee, and all participating organizations, the Armenian Cultural Association, HOM, Armenian Students Association and St. Mesrob Church, and all the many volunteers who made this event possible. His message to all was “work to grow, for the work you do is important, do not be discouraged but be proud, be content, and try best to succeed. Know that we are not a small lost nation, we are strong and we are able. Through suffering and through sacrifice we have achieved and we will continue, to achieve.”
Prior to the singing of “Der Voghormia” Bishop Bagrat asked the worshipers to: “remember their families and friends, in love and in peace. Pray for our loved ones past and present, for our martyrs and soldiers and their families.”
Church Service concluded with the Alleluia ceremony for the Feast of Khatchveratz. The basket of Reyhan was blessed and carried to the four corners of the Church representing the four corners of the world. Bishop Bagrat blessed the worshipers, spraying them with springs of Reyhan blessed with Holy Water. The faithful joined in the Alleluia chorus and approached the Holy Alter to receive the blessed Reyhan to take to their homes.
This day will be remembered for its significance to our community. In keeping the faith and good wishes of the Primate Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, we will strive with great hope and commitment to work together to make many new opportunities possible for the life of St. Mesrob Church and the faithful community of Ottawa.
