Each year in the days preceding the Prelacy Representatives Assembly, clergy members gather to review the endeavors of the Religious Council in the previous term and draft suggestions and plans to present to the Assembly.
This year’s conference was held on Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino presided over by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate.
The day began with morning service at the church. The Prelate offered the day’s spiritual meditation on 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 and 4:19-21 which convey the message of being faithful servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God, to refrain from judging others for the Lord is the only judge who will bring everything to light, and to not be boastful because “each one’s praise will come from God”. Thus, humble and dedicated service should be our source of pride and joy.
The conference convened with prayer at the “Yeghia Sarafian” Hall. In his opening remarks the Prelate stressed the importance of working together to provide for the spiritual needs of our people and fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to us to the best of our abilities to keep the Armenian Apostolic Church strong and flourishing.
The election of the divan followed, with Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian elected Chair and Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian Secretary.
Fr. Muron reported on the consecration of St. Garabed Church of Las Vegas by the Prelate over the past weekend and the enthusiasm it aroused for the entire Prelacy family.
Among the items on the agenda was the Homenetmen St. Mesrob Mashdots scouting program established by the Prelacy, for which a new handbook is being prepared. Fr. Muron and Deacon Khatchig Shannakian reported on this project.
Fr. Muron gave a presentation on the responsibilities and obligations of Armenian mothers today. The Religious Council annual report was reviewed, from which stemmed additions and suggestions to be presented at the Representatives Assembly.
Also discussed were commemorative events organized on the 98th anniversary of the Genocide, including the recent event at the California State Capitol where the Prelate, accompanied by Rev. Fr. Vahan Gosdanian, delivered the invocation, and upcoming events by the cities of Los Angeles and Glendale and our community.
Religious delegates to the Representatives Assembly were elected, and the conference came to a close at 5:00 p.m. with the Prelate’s concluding remarks, benediction, and “Disciples of Christ” hymn.