February 19, 2010
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:
PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER DIVINE LITURGY AT
ST. GARABED CHURCH
Sunday, February 21st, 2010, is the second Sunday of Great Lent, also
known as Sunday of the Expulsion.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will
preside over Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Garabed
Church in Hollywood.
Following Divine Liturgy the Prelate will preside over the
40th day requiem service for Archpriest Fr. Anoushavan Artinian.
LADIES AUXILIARY GREAT LENT LUNCHEON
On Wednesday, February 24th, the Prelate will preside over Sunrise
Service at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale.
The service will be followed by the annual Great Lent
luncheon organized by the Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary under the auspices
of the Prelate. The Prelate will attend the luncheon, which will be
held at the adjoining `Armenak Der Bedrossian’ Hall.
A cultural program will also take place.
PRELATE PRESIDES OVER FIRST SUNRISE SERVICE AT
HOLY MARTYRS CHURCH
PRELATE PRESIDES OVER FIRST SUNRISE SERVICE AT
HOLY MARTYRS CHURCH
On Wednesday, February 17th, the Prelate presided over the first
Sunrise Service of Great Lent at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino, and
delivered his message on Great Lent to the faithful in attendance,
among them students of Ferrahian High School.
Following the service the Prelate presided over the Lent
luncheon organized by the ARS Anahid Chapter at the adjacent
`Dikranian’ Hall, and conveyed his blessings to the guests.
During Lent, Sunrise and Vesper services are offered in
all Prelacy churches. Call your local church or visit the Prelacy
website for a schedule of services.
PRELATE PARTICIPATES IN MEETIN OF THE COUNCIL OF ORIENTAL ORTHODOX
BISHOPS
The Council of Oriental Orthodox Bishops, comprised of the spiritual
leaders of the Coptic, Syriac, and Armenian Orthodox Churches, held
their regular meeting on Tuesday, February 16th, at St. Mary and
St. Athanasius Coptic Orthodox Church in Northridge.
The meeting began with joint prayer conducted by the three
spiritual leaders, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
H.E. Archbishop Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan (Syriac Church), H.G. Bishop
Serapion (Coptic Church), and with the participation of clergy from
the three churches. Very Rev. Fathers Muron Aznikian and Barthev
Gulumian also participated in the meeting.
Items on the agenda included a report on Sunday School and
youth group activities, and the drafting of future joint activities.
WESTERN PRELACY PAREGENTAN CELEBRATION
The eve of Great Lent, or Paregentan, is traditionally is a day of
joyous celebration when festive gatherings and feasts take place
filled with merriment and tradition.
The Prelacy family celebration of Paregentan took place on
Sunday, February 14th, 2010, under the auspices of and with the
presence of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. More than
300 guests attended the celebration, which was organized by the Sunday
Schools’ Directorate and Parent Committee and held at `Armenak Der
Bedrossian’ Hall of St. Mary’s Church in Glendale.
The event began with welcoming remarks by Master of
Ceremonies Mrs. Ani Marabian, followed by the collective singing of
the Lord’s Prayer and the singing of the Sunday School anthem by
Sunday School students. Led by their teachers, the students then
performed a series of songs, recitations, and a presentation dedicated
to Paregentan.
Directorate head Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian offered
remarks on behalf of the committee and invited the Prelate to deliver
his message. The Prelate applauded the efforts of the organizing
committee in organizing this and similar events throughout the year,
as well as the participants for their continuous support of the
Prelacy’s endeavors and undertakings. He commended Fr. Muron,
Chairman Mr. Hagop Tchagaspanian, the parent committee, the Pastors
and Board of Trustees of the host church, as well as those of our all
churches, for their constant support and encouragement of our Sunday
Schools.
The Prelate also spoke on the spiritual meaning of
Paregentan, stressing the importance of keeping God’s image pure and
holy in ourselves and not abusing the freedoms granted to us. Through
the celebration of Paregentan we relive the blissful life of the first
man when he was free and reveled in joy in God’s presence, which
serves as a reminder for us to turn our lives around to that ideal.
The celebration continued with a performance of
traditional and popular songs by Nshan Chaghatsbanian.
DIVINE LITURGY AND LIGHTING OF THE BONFIRE ON THE FEAST OF THE
PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD TO THE TEMPLE
Saturday, February 13th, was the feast of the Presentation of our Lord
to the Temple, or Dyarnentarach.
The feast was celebrated in all our churches, with the
Prelate presiding over services at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale.
In keeping with tradition, Homenetmen scouts, scout
leaders, and Regional Executive members participated in the ceremony,
as well as members of the Prelacy youth groups. Following the
service, the traditional lighting of the bonfire took place in the
courtyard.
The Prelate, clergy, Board of Trustees members, Homenetmen
scouts, and our churches’ youth group members then gathered at
=80=9CArmenak Der Bedrossian’ Hall for a dinner reception together
with the Prelate, hosted by the parish Board of Trustees.
During the reception Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian spoke
on the meaning behind the feast.
In conclusion, the Prelate conveyed his blessings and
message.