|
The Episcopal Consecration of three clergymen, including V.
Rev. Fr. Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar General of the Eastern
Prelacy, took place in Antelias, Lebanon, during ceremonies
on Saturday and Sunday, June 3 and 4. The other two clergymen
elevated to Bishop are V. Rev. Papken Charian, Prelate of the
diocese of Isfahan, Iran, and V. Rev. Nshan Topouzian, Prelate
of the diocese of Tabriz, Iran.
On Saturday evening the service of calling and oath of allegiance
took place in the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator.
The next day, Sunday, June 4, which was Pentecost Sunday, His
Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, officiated
at the Divine Liturgy and Consecration service. He was assisted
at the altar by His Eminence Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Prelate
of the Eastern Prelacy and His Eminence Sebouh Sarkissian, Prelate
of the Diocese of Tehran.
The Catholicos anointed the forehead and right hand of each
of the candidates with Holy Oil (Muron) and presented each with
the pastoral staff of a bishop and ring, which symbolizes not
only the spiritual commitment with the Church but also the ecclesiastical
office of the wearer.
His Holiness’ sermon and message to the newly consecrated
bishops concentrated on faith and service. “Today you
once again made an oath to above all else be obedient to God,”
he told them.
During the Kiss of Peace the members of the Cilician Brotherhood
and clergy attending the service ascended the altar to congratulate
the newly-consecrated bishops. The overflow congregation was
composed of the faithful from various parts of Lebanon, as well
as from the United States and Iran.
A reception followed in the Veharan (Catholicosal residence)
where the guests greeted His Holiness and the new Bishops.
We offer our congratulations and prayers to all three clergymen
on this occasion, which is both solemn and joyous. We look forward
to welcoming Bishop Anoushavan upon his return to New York next
week. |
