April 2, 2007

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: info@westernprelacy.org <mailto:prelacy@aol.com>
Website: <;

ON PALM SUNDAY
LET US ADHERE TO OUR SPIRITUAL VALUES
DECLARED THE PRELATE

On Sunday, April 1st, the Armenian Church celebrated the
triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, known as Palm Sunday.

On this festive day, the altar curtains are opened after being
closed at the start of Great Lent, and during Mass children walk in a
procession with candles, palms, and olive branches in hand to demonstrate
the welcoming of Jesus into Jerusalem.

H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, who had recently
returned from a clergy meeting at the Catholicosate in Antelias, conducted
Holy Mass and led the procession at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino.

In his sermon, the Prelate reflected on the message of Palm
Sunday and how it relates to our lives today, and reminded the parishioners
that although Jesus was enthusiastically welcomed and greeted in Jerusalem,
He also witnessed the indifference towards spiritual values and worship of
material goods. Thus, the Prelate urged the faithful to adhere to spiritual
values and morality especially in this material age.

At the conclusion of Mass and the procession, the Prelate
presided over the Opening of the Portals ceremony, after which services
concluded with prayer and the collective singing of Giligia. The faithful
then approached the Prelate to receive his blessings and to kiss the cross.