On Sunday, August 14, 2016, the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God was celebrated in all Prelacy Churches with Divine Liturgy and the blessing of grapes. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, celebrated Divine Liturgy, delivered the sermon, and conducted the blessing of grapes and madagh at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale. Thousands of faithful attended the celebration, including Executive Council member Mr. Garo Eshgian. His Eminence was assisted at the altar by parish pastors Archpriest Fr. Vazken Atmajian, Rev. Fr. Gomidas Torossian, Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian, and deacons.
The Prelate began his sermon by highlighting the unique and special place the Holy Mother of God holds in the Armenian Apostolic Church and among many Christian churches. His Eminence exalted the earthly life of the Virgin Mary as one characterized by virtuousness, obedience, humility, and purity. “The Holy Mother of God gave herself fully to the will of God. She remained faithfully by the side of her Son and our Lord Jesus Christ even as others experienced doubt. She suffered the unimaginable pain of losing a child. Yet through it all, she never wavered in her faith. She became blessed among women, the mother of the Church, and a powerful and loving intercessor for us all,” stated the Prelate, as he prayed for the intercession of the Holy Mother of God for our homelands of Armenia and Artsakh and for the Armenian nation worldwide, especially our communities in the Middle East experiencing great hardships.
At the conclusion of Divine Liturgy, the Prelate congratulated the parish on its name day and commended the pastors and all the devoted servants, wishing them continued fruitful service for the glory of God and the advancement of our church and nation. The blessing of grapes and madagh followed.
