Clergy Conference on the Eve of the 42nd Representatives Assembly

 

In preparation for the 42nd Representatives Assembly, on Wednesday, May 14, 2014, the annual Prelacy Clergy Conference was held at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, presided over the conference, which serves to review the endeavors of the Religious Council in the previous term, draft proposals to present to the Assembly, and discuss the activities of the coming term. H.E. Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian participated in conference.

The day began with morning service and a spiritual meditation by the Prelate on Acts 5:1-11.  Speaking of the deceit of Ananias and Sapphira which led to their deaths, His Eminence emphasized that being dishonest with the Holy Spirit and being preoccupied with securing glory and riches for one’s self defy the tenets of Christianity.  And so, the Prelate called on the clergy members to always be exemplary shepherds in their ministry, and to steer clear of any and all wrongdoing which would be detrimental to their mission and calling.

The service concluded with the Lord’s Prayer.

The clergy conference then commenced with the Prelate’s welcoming remarks.  Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian was elected Chair of the divan and Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian Secretary.  The remainder of the first session focused on the review of the Religious Council annual report, which was approved unanimously.

After lunch, the second session commenced with a lecture by Mr. Varoujan Der Simonian, Board of Trustees Chair of Holy Trinity Church of Fresno, who presented a new Sunday School program prepared by Yeretsgin Sirarpi Ayvazian titled “Youth Bible Curriculum”.  The Prelate commended the program, which will facilitate the instruction of Sunday School students, and thanked Mr. Der Simonian for his presentation.

Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian presented a lecture on the nature of the covenant between God and man, speaking on the connotation of covenants in and outside of the Bible and on the different types of covenants, such as God-man, with the Holy Spirit, man-man, individual and collective.  The Prelate and clergy commended Fr. Boghos on his presentation, and a discussion of the topic followed.

The last presentation was by Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian, who conveyed information on the “Christian Lebanese Foundation in the World” and its mission. Fr. Karekin had been appointed by the Prelate as the representative to this organization.  His Eminence offered direction this matter.

The final session included administrative matters, reports by pastors, upcoming services, election of clergy delegates, and proposals to present to the Representatives Assembly.

In conclusion, the Prelate offered the clergy guiding points for a fruitful ministry.

The conference came to a close with the benediction, “Disciples of Christ” hymn, and “Cilicia”.

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