The Armenian Community of Ottawa has celebrated Sourp Dzenount, Armenian Christmas and also the Baptism of our Lord Jesus by John the Baptist in the Jordan River exactly 30 years later to the day of the Birth of Jesus.
Der Komitas, Parish Priest of the Laval Armenian Church came to celebrate the Sourp Badarak at St Mesrob Mashdots Armenian Church in Ottawa at the location of St Mark’s Church located on Fisher Avenue in Ottawa. Ivan Sargavak accompanied Der Komitas along with other deacons to celebrate a memorable Divine Liturgy to the Ottawa Parishioners. The Church was filled with members of the Armenian Community…there were families who had come with their children, Grandparents and Students.
The Sourp Badarak was very heartwarming. Maestro Varujan Margaran from Sourp Krikor Loussavoritch Church in Montreal had also made the trip to the Nation’s Capital to help lead and conduct members from the Armenian Community who had formed a small Choir…Vicken Avrikian, a member of the Armenian community of Ottawa also sang solo under the direction of the Maestro.
The Message of the Katholicos Karekin II from Sourp Etchmiadzin was read by Der Komitas during the sermon, a very encouraging Message filled with hope for the Armenians of the Diaspora, Armenia and Artsakh.
To celebrate the Baptism of the Christ, Der Komitas proceeded with the blessing of the water. During the ceremony Der Komitas was surrounded by all the children who were in attendance. A beautiful Alleluia was sung in unison by the whole congregation.
Following the Divine Liturgy the congregation gathered at Bishop Reed Hall for a small reception. The buffet table was filled with Armenian delicacies, hot and cold and everybody wished and greeted one another with ‘SHNORHAVOR NOR DARI YEV SOURP DZENOUNT’. |It was indeed an unforgettable Day filled with Hope and Love and Forgiveness.
