October 6, 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: [email protected]
Website:
PROF. HANS FEULNER LECTURES ON THE ARMENIAN DIVINE LITURGY HOLY
COMMUNION IS THE SYMBOL OF OUR UNITY WITH GOD CONCLUDED THE PRELATE
A lecture on the Armenia Divine Liturgy took place on Wednesday,
October 4, at 7:30 p.m., at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale, under the
auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate.
The event was organized by the Western Prelacy Christian Education
Department and featured Prof. Dr. Hans-Juergen Feulner from the
University of Vienna, Austria.
Welcoming remarks were made by Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian who gave
a historical background on the rites of the Armenian Church, stressing
that the Armenian Divine Liturgy is a gem that has inspired and
captured the attention of Armenian as well as non-Armenian scholars.
He then introduced Prof. Feulner, describing him as a close friend of
the Armenian people and a professor who has thoroughly researched the
Armenian Divine Liturgy and written his graduate thesis on the subject.
In his lecture, Prof. Feulner spoke of how the Armenian Divine Liturgy
is a beautiful expression of the Armenian language and culture, and
a testament to the Armenian Christian faith. He also spoke on the
influences of the rites of various churches on the Armenian Divine
Liturgy throughout the years, stressing that regardless of these
influences, the rites of the Armenian Church have remained distinctive.
In his closing remarks, the Prelate highly commended Prof. Feulner and
his deep affection towards the Armenian people and specifically the
rites of the Armenian Church. He also commended the Prelacy Christian
Education Department for organizing their second event dedicated to
the Armenian Divine Liturgy, the first being a book presentation for
"The Innocent Convict, Badarak" by Jacques Hagopian. The Prelate
described this event as a spiritual enlightenment, an opportunity
for the faithful to reflect on the Divine Liturgy, through which we
become united with God and with each other.
The program concluded with the "Bahbanich" prayer and the collective
singing of "Hayr Mer", following which the guests enjoyed a reception.