On the 27^th of April, 2025, the New Sunday, according to the Armenian Catholic ritual calendar, the annual ceremony of the First Holy Communion took place in the Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator of Arevik, in the process of the Holy Mass, celebrated by H.E. Kevork Archbishop Noradounguian, with the assistance of Rev. Fr. Narek Tadevosyan, the local parish priest, and with the participation of multitude of parishioners.

The Ordinary Archbishop, while giving a homily to the faithful, reminded the story of the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and their feeding with the manna in the wilderness. That manna was preparing them for another Heavenly Bread, which “gives life to the world”-the Body of Christ, the Bread of Life, the Word of God. This sublime sacrament was established by Jesus at the Last Supper. This Heavenly Food never ends, in contrast to the earthly bread, which is but temporary. The Bread of Life also provides with a spiritual power, which assists us to overcome the temptations of the evil one.

“Lots of temptations you will face in life, but today’s memory will remain with you always. It is not of little importance to be aware, that you are here this day because of the faith of your parents: you owe it to them. The world with all its power did everything to make this community forget God, the Church, holiness and values, but your parents came out to be able enough to use the right scale for all of the values and temptations, and to never give up their “yes!” to the Lord Jesus. Today the world’s technique to harm your faith is much more elaborate and cunning, like a creeping serpent, which oftentimes appears so nice and will tell you: “Forget about that day, the white garments, that tiny Bread, times have changes, it is the 21^st century outside! If that Bread is so powerful, why did we have so many deceased at war? He will ask you questions like this, to detract you. But may your faith remain steady like the faith of your parents”, said His Excellency.

Those children, who received the Holy Communion, had previously been prepared by Anahit Kirakosyan, their teacher of catechism, received the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Archbishop asked them several questions and got satisfying replies. He then thanked Fr. Narek and the teacher for preparing the children and for organizing the religious life of the village.

During the Mass, the children gave to the Archbishop items connected with the Mass, as it is done usually at this ceremony: grain, bread, wine, a thurible for incense burning, candles, flowers.

One of the young people thanked His Excellency on behalf of the community for the celebration of the Mass, spoke about the importance of the Mass, also prayed, that the children who received the Holy Communion “may be filled with divine graces and light”, she wished, that “blessed day of the First Holy Communion may become a new starting point for all of us, on our way of strong faith and unrelenting love”.

After the Holy Mass, the students of “Arev-Van” dance ensemble had a presentation, by artistic director and choreographer Armine Hamazaspyan. Afterwards, a beautiful event took place in the school premises, with the participation of the receivers of the First Holy Communion and the staff of the school, with a cordial hospitality.

Fr. Hovsep Galstyan

Secretariat of the Ordinariate

28^th of April, 2025