November 9, 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 <mailto:prelacy@aol.com>
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DURING HOLY MASS ON THE NAME DAY OF HOLY MARTYRS CHURCH

`LET US FOLLOW THE PATH OF OUR SAINTS AND MARTYRS AND LIVE ACCORDING
TO THE COMMANDMENTS OF OUR LORD’

DECLARED THE PRELATE

On Sunday, November 5, 2006, the Holy Martyrs Church of Encino
celebrated its name day and 43rd anniversary, with a special Holy Mass that
was conducted by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. Very Rev.
Fr. Barthev Gulumian and Rev. Razmig Khatchadourian assisted at the altar.
H.E. Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian also participated in the Mass, along with
the parish deacons, choir, and Sunday School students.
At the start of his sermon, the Prelate gave thanks to God for
granting him the opportunity to celebrate the 43rd anniversary of the
founding of the church with the parish community. Being that Saturday,
November 4, was All Saints Day according to our church calendar, and because
our saints were also martyrs, the name day of Holy Martyrs Church was also
celebrated on this day. He reminded the faithful that the saints were
martyred for their faith, the blood they shed became a testament of their
faith, and it was this unyielding faith that established our church. They
remained resolute in their faith and never strayed from their righteous path
and mission, and it is our duty to follow in their path and to live
according to the principles set forth by our Lord. There are many
difficulties and temptations in life; however, we must remain loyal to the
faith and convictions bequeathed to us by our forefathers so that we may
conquer evil. The Prelate then blessed the memories of all those who
contributed to the founding of Holy Martyrs Church and all the past
servants, then beseeched the Lord to guide the path of the current servants
of the church.
Following Holy Mass, the Prelate headed to Avedissian Hall in a
procession, where he blessed the madagh that was prepared by the parish
Ladies Auxiliary. The Prelate then commended the Ladies Auxiliary and Board
of Trustees, after which the service came to a close with the Prelate’s
`Bahbanich’ prayer and the collective singing of `Giligia’ and `Mer Hayrenik’.