Rev. Kevork Halladjian Performs Inaugural Divine Liturgy as Parishioners Celebrate his Ordination at Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church of Upland

Upland, CA, USA — On Sunday May 28, newly-ordained Priest Rev. Kevork Halladjian performed inaugural Divine Liturgy Sun at Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church of Upland. The church was full to capacity with the Faithful. Pastor Halladjian delivered an illuminating and inspiring sermon calling for Peace and Spiritual Renewal. He urged the faithful to always focus on maintaining inner peace and spiritual completion. A priest and several deacons assisted in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy.
Well-known singing artist/musician Araksya Varteressian accompanied on the organ rendering heartwarming and spiritually nurturing Armenian Church hymns.
Later in the day, Rev. Pastor Kevork Halladjian performed very first Baptism of an Armenian baby.
Following the Divine Liturgy, Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church parishioners held a reception celebrating Rev. Halladjian’s ordination as a Priest and his inaugural performance of the Divine Liturgy. The festive ambiance permeated the entire congregation as well-wishers and supporters of the church greeted their newly ordained pastor Halladjian.
Investigative Reporter, an expert on Armenian Apostolic denomination and a TV commentator Vosgan Mekhitarian spoke at the reception. A founding member of the Church Mr. Avedis Aghiarian delivered short remarks.
A week earlier, on Sunday May 21, former Deacon Kevork Halladjian who had been serving the Armenian Church since 1987, was elevated in ranks in a solemn and inspiring ceremony held at a medieval Armenian church in Armenia.
The Ordination Ceremony was performed by the former Primate of Russia and New Nakhichevan Arch. Tiran Kiureghyan and Very Rev. Goryun Arakelyan with the participation of a large flock of faithful. The faithful trekked from local and distant regions in Armenia, and faraway United States of America and Russia.
In attendance were many notable journalists such as Armenia-based investigative reporter Kevork Yazedjian and U.S.-based investigative reporter and Managing Editor, USA Armenian Life Appo Jabarian.
The Upland community continues to experience growth. There are now over 70 families registered as fully pledged members of the independent parish of Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church of Upland.
The spiritual services are broadcast every Sunday via the Facebook page of Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church of Upland.
Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church of Upland is located at 196 S 3rd Ave, Upland, CA, United States, California. For more information call (909) 920-6765; or email: khalladjian@gmail.com