On Sunday 11 February 2024, on the Eve of Great Lent or Poon Paregentan, a special blessing took place of a cross donated by Mrs and Mrs Greg and Ani Soghomonian, in memory of Greg’s late parents, Hagop and Haigouhi Soghomonian and all passed members of the Soghomonian Family.
Designed by Father Avetis Hambardzumyan, the beautiful multilayer Cross and pedestal was handcrafted with walnut tree wood in Armenia, by master craftsman, Artak Nersesyan.
The Cross was blessed and consecrated after the Divine Liturgy by Archbishop Haigazoun Najarian, in presence of the Soghomonian family.
During the Great Lent, when the altar curtain is closed, a large cross, decorated with candles is placed in front of the curtain. During the Good Thursday and Good Friday services, twelve candles are placed around the cross as a symbol of the twelve apostles. The candles are extinguished as each gospel is read.
This beautiful piece consists of the newly consecrated Cross and the base. The design of the base includes the brass candle holders, the 12 brass apostle figures and an inbuilt book holder (krakal) for Jamakirk.
In a wonderful nod to tradition, Greg and Ani Soghomonian have followed in the footsteps of Greg’s parents, who donated the previous piece that was used on the altar during the Lenten period.
