On Sunday, December 24th, 2023, the Feast of St. Stephen the Protodeacon and the first martyr was commemorated at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias, presided over by Holiness Catholicos Aram I. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by the Prelate of Greece, HE Arch. Kegham Khatcherian, who also delivered the sermon. The Altar service was performed by the deacons of the Theological Seminary. Following the service, a celebration, organized by the seminarians, took place in the atrium of the Catholicosate, where His Holiness delivered his message.
In the heart of the Catholicos’ address was the theme of modesty, a characteristic defining St. Stephen. He emphasized that, in today’s world, modesty is regrettably absent, yet it is a true sign of greatness and authority. Modesty, he asserted, is often mistaken for weakness, whereas true greatness expresses itself with humility. He reminded the faithful that the source of modesty is God Himself, who descended from heaven to earth through His Only Begotten Son, living in the most humble conditions. His final words were directed at the deacons of the Seminary, urging them to live by the example of the Protodeacon.
It it noteworthy that Archbishop Kegham Khatcherian’s sermon delved into the life and mission of St. Stephen. He highlighted the virtues and sacrifice of St. Stephen, emphasizing that St. Stephen followed the example of Christ, who came to Earth and transformed the concept of serving others.
