On Wednesday, April 18, 2012, on the eve of the 40th Representatives Assembly, Prelacy clergy gathered at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale for the annual clergy conference in preparation for the two-day Assembly which will convene on Friday, April 20. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, presided over the conference.
The day began with Morning Services, after which the Prelate delivered his message to the clergy members. The spiritual meditation was on 1 Peter 3:8-12, which defined our duty to one another as children of Christ to treat each other with compassion, courtesy, and a tender heart. The Prelate also spoke on the imperative of sacrifice and devotion in the spiritual service of clergy members, and the importance of mutual understanding and commonality in collaborative efforts with individuals and committees serving under the umbrella of our churches.
Clergy members then headed to the “Armenak Der Bedrossian” hall for the conference. The conference then convened with opening remarks by the Prelate, who reiterated the importance of unified efforts to overcome challenges and meet the needs of our faithful.
The election of the officers followed. Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian served as the conference Chair, and Archpriest Fr. Hrant Yeretzian as the Secretary.
With the approval of the agenda, the Prelate presented retired priests Archpriest Fathers Nareg Shrikian and Mesrob Tashjian, as well as priesthood candidate Deacon Khatchig Shannakian, who had been invited to lecture on “Assisted Reproductive Technology”. Deacon Khatchig gave an overview of the different reproductive technology currently available, and the position of Christian Churches and different faiths on this matter. The lecture was followed by a discussion and exchange of thoughts, as well as a question and answer session. The Prelate commended Deacon Khatchig’s preparation and presentation of the subject and discussed the approach of the Armenian Church on this matter.
The conference resumed after a lunch break.
Clergy members examined the annual Religious Council report and discussed suggestions and comments to present at the Representatives Assembly. Also analyzed were suggestions from previous clergy conferences with regards to the expansion and growth of the Prelacy spiritual mission.
With regards to upcoming events, arrangements were made for Divine Liturgy and prayers on the Feasts of Ascension, Pentecost, and for the Republic of Armenia on May 28.
Also discussed was Armenian Genocide 97th anniversary commemorations, including joint Divine Liturgy, L.A. County Board of Supervisors, California State Legislature, and Los Angeles City Council, and community events, in which the Prelate and representatives are participating.
The last item on the agenda was the election of delegates to the Representatives Assembly.
The conference concluded with the Prelate’s benediction and the “Ashagerdk Krisdosi” (Disciples of Christ) hymn and Cilician anthem.
