On Thursday, May 16, 2019, on the eve of Western Prelacy 47th Representative Assembly, the annual clergy conference was held at the Prelacy presided by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and with the participation of clergy members.
The day began at the “St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen” Chapel with a prayer service followed by the spiritual meditation by the Prelate. The inspiration for the meditation was Matthew 5:13-16 where Jesus tells His disciples that believers are “salt of the earth and light of the world” and Romans 10:17 where the Apostle Paul asserts that “…faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” His Eminence exhorted the clergy to be salt and light in their pastoral service and a positive and bright presence in their surroundings, to remember that as preachers they must remain adherents and disciples of Biblical teaching and dutifully carry out their main responsibility of planting seeds of faith in the people and drawing them to Christ.
The conference convened at “Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian” Hall with opening remarks by the Prelate, who greeted the clergy and wished for fruitful proceedings. The election of the tivan followed, with Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian elected as Chairman and Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian as Secretary. The Religious Council report to be presented at the Representative Assembly was reviewed and ratified.
During lunch, two special occasions were celebrated; Very Rev. Fr. Barouyr Shernezian earning a Master’s Degree in Theology and Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian’s birthday.
The second session convened after lunch. The Prelate presented an overview of matters discussed during the Catholicosate Central Executive Religious Council meeting which mainly relate to the reorganizing of rituals. A discussion led by Fr. Muron followed, during which participants exchanged ideas and offered suggestions which will be further analyzed and implemented.
The remainder of the session included the presentation of reports by parish pastors, planning of forthcoming feasts, election of religious delegates to the Representative Assembly, drafting of suggestions to present to the Representative Assembly, and other general matters.
The conference concluded with the Prelate’s closing message, benediction, and the hymn “Disciples of Christ.”
