Holy Easter Celebration At St. Leon (Srbots Ghevontiants) Armenian Cathedral

On Easter Sunday, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the homily at St. Leon (Srbots Ghevontiants) Armenian Cathedral. 

The Holy Easter service was livestreamed on the Diocese's Facebook page. 

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26).

My dear faithful,

These are the words of Christ, our Lord, addressed to us all especially in these trying and challenging times.

As we take heed to these words, we then stand tall and strong in our faith and carry within our spirituality the resilience to fight against all kinds of tribulations and challenges which can at times shatter the hopes and aspirations in life.

We are Christians, and as we celebrate the glorious resurrection of Christ, our Lord, we then secure the companionship of Christ in the journey of our lives. And as Armenian Christians, we have been graced by the faith of our forefathers, who during turbulent times in our history lived a similar life to Christ.

Christ, our Lord calls on us all: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

Our response is a strong affirmative Yes! Therefore, strengthened by the divine light, let us all set on a new journey – a journey with God.

In these most challenging weeks, people have lived the faith in action, whether they are doctors, firefighters, volunteers from all sectors of life, who have shared God’s love with the people of God.

“I am the resurrection and the life.”

Let our lives be the reflection of Christ’s glorious resurrection. God is the safeguard of our lives. Let us all live life with the faith in the Resurrection. Let us all keep the sanctity of the image of the Almighty in the depth of our spiritual being.

I invite you all to pray for the peace of the world, for all people, for our great country the United States of America, for our ancestral land of Armenia and all Armenians in the Diaspora, for our Mother Church headed by His Holiness Karekin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians, for our hierarchical sees.

Dear faithful in Christ,

Brothers and Sisters,

Believe in the miraculous Resurrection of Christ and bear in mind that these tribulations too shall pass. We urge you to lead your lives with this message of Christ’s Resurrection, despite the current circumstances. Do not forget your Lord during times of joy and prosperity, rather glorify His Holy name always, for to Him befits the glory, the power and the dominion. Amen.

Christ is risen from the dead!

Blessed is the Resurrection of Christ!