March 23, 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: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
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ON THE NAME DAY OF FORTY MARTYRS CHURCH
LET US RID OUR HEARTS AND SOULS OF IMPURITIES AND BESEECH GOD TO GRANT US
HIS DIVINE LIGHT
On Sunday, March 17, 2007, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, conducted Holy Mass and delivered the sermon at Forty
Martyrs Church in Orange County on the occasion of the Feast of the Forty
Martyrs and the name-day of the church.
Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian and Rev. Hrant Yeretsian, Pastor
of Forty Martyrs Church, assisted at the altar.
During his sermon, the Prelate emphasized the necessity of
prayer in our individual and community lives in the renewal and
strengthening of our faith and our communication with God. The Prelate also
urged the parishioners to rid their hearts and minds of all impurities and
to allow the light of God in their hearts and the mercy of God in their
souls so as to be able to stand before God and humbly offer their prayers.
In speaking of the Forty Martyrs of Sebastia, who demonstrated
their deep faith in Our Lord Jesus Christ with their martyrdom, the Prelate
stressed that we must follow in their example and renew our vows of faith,
purify our hearts and souls with prayer, and serve our community reinforced
with the faith of our forefathers.
During requiem service, a special prayer was offered for the
soul of Mother Hripsime Sassounian on the seventh day following her passing.
The Prelate highlighted her devotion and service to the Armenian Church and
nation and her humanitarian mission that spanned from Lebanon to Turkey.
Following church services, the Prelate and procession headed to
"Gugasian" Hall where the madaghorhnek took place. The parishioners then
collectively sang "Giligia" and "Mer Hayrenik".
During the reception that was organized by the church Ladies
Association, Rev. Hrant Yeretsian expressed his sincere thanks and gratitude
to the Prelate as well as to all the church servants. Executive Council
Chair Dr. Garo Agopian also delivered a word of praise. In his closing
remarks, the Prelate commended the efforts of all the devoted servants of
the church including the Pastor, Board of Trustees, Ladies Association, and
sponsors.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
