DIVINE LITURGY AND BLESSING OF GRAPES AT “ARARAT” HOME ON THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD
In keeping with long-standing tradition, on Wednesday, August 15, 2018, the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God was celebrated at Ararat Home with Divine Liturgy and the Blessing of Grapes conducted by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, accompanied by clergy members.
Next, a special Feast of the Assumption service was conducted and the grapes were blessed at the nursing facility, led by Vicar General H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, and with the participation of clergy members. Special hymns were sung, dedicated to the Mother of God. Also, in attendance were representatives and staff of “Ararat” home.
The Vicar General conveyed his blessings and well wishes to the residents and staff at the facility. He explained the significance of the blessing of grapes and the importance of the Assumption of St. Mary with regards to our faith building.
“Ararat” Home COO Mr. Derik Ghoogasian thanked the Prelate and clergy for their loving care they demonstrated toward Ararat Home and its residents. He also congratulated Bishop Torkom Donoyan on his ordination.
On behalf of the residents at the facility, a speech was read by Mr. Bedros Seferian thanking the Prelate and the clergy for their loving care they demonstrated toward the residents of “Ararat” home. He concluded by saying, “As children of our church, with great meekness we receive the blessings of the Great House of Cilicia.”
Residents received Holy Communion and the service concluded with the collective singing of hymns dedicated to the Mother of God. The visit concluded at the facility with the presentation of prayer cards dedicated to the feast of the Assumption.
Divine Liturgy followed at the Sheen Chapel, celebrated by Holy Cross Cathedral Pastor Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian, who also delivered the sermon. In his sermon, Fr. Kambourian stressed on the virtuous life of the Holy Mother of God and whose apex was the bodily Assumption into heaven. At the conclusion of the Liturgy, a blessing of the grapes service was conducted by the Prelate and the clergy.
The Prelate conveyed his blessings, in which he prayed for the health of the residents, commended the administration and faculty for their dedicated service, and wished them continued successes in their mission.
At the conclusion of the service the Prelate and clergy were hosted to a luncheon by the administration.