June 21, 2006

Press Release

Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: prelacy@aol.com
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DURING HIS SERMONAT HOLY MASS ON THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE CORONA
PARISH

COME, LET US BUILD THE ALTAR OF LIGHT AND

BRIGHTEN OUR SPIRITUAL LIVES

Preached His Eminence the Prelate

On Sunday June 18, 2006, His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate conducted Holy Mass at the Armenian Apostolic Church of
Corona, Riverside County, on the occasion of the first anniversary
of the establishment of the parish community. Holy Mass took place
at St. Anthony and St. Abanoub Coptic Orthodox Church.

Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian assisted at the altar. Also
participating in the Holy Mass were deacons and choir members of the
local parish as well as from Forty Martyrs Church of Orange County
and St.Garabed Church of Hollywood.

The procession entered the church with the singing of "Hrashapar"
as youngsters carried candles and recited a psalm.

In his sermon, the Prelate first gave glory and thanks to Almighty
God for looking over the parish community and keeping them away from
harm. God is love and we are the result of that love, therefore we
must have that same love and bond toward God and toward each other,
said the Prelate. "Let us build the Altar of light and brighten our
spiritual lives," invited the Prelate and concluded by asking the Lord
to accept our prayers, to keep our families prosperous, to enlighten
the Armenian Church, and to keep us all in His mercy and love.

Following Mass and the offering of Holy Communion, the parishioners
sang "Giligia" and "Mer Hayrenik" along with the clergy.

After church services, the parishioners headed to the church hall
where the Ladies Auxiliary had organized a reception.

Among the guests were Nazareth Dishoian, Chair of the Forty Martyrs
Board of Trustees, and Leo Donian, Chair of the Colorado parish Board
of Trustees, who delivered remarks and made donations on behalf
of their parishes. Various donations were also made throughout
the reception. Following welcoming remarks by parish Chairlady Ani
Barmaksyan, Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian made remarks in which he
congratulated the Prelate on the occasion of Father’s Day, reminding
the faithful that on this very day thirty years ago, the Prelate
vowed to devote his life to serving the Armenian church and people.

On this occasion, Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian, Vartkes Dishoian,
and Suren Hazarian sang songs for the Prelate and for all fathers.

In his concluding remarks, the Prelate commended the enthusiasm
of the parish community, offered them guidance and encouraged them
to be active in the parish and to work together to brighten their
parish and community. The reception concluded with the "Bahbanich"
prayer by the Prelate.
From: Baghdasarian