On Monday, January 6, 2020, the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ was celebrated in Prelacy Churches with Divine Liturgy and the blessing of water symbolizing the baptism of Jesus. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, celebrated Divine Liturgy, delivered his Christmas message, and conducted the blessing of water ceremony at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale. Among the hundreds of faithful in attendance were Consul General of Lebanon Bachir Sarkis, Executive Council Chair Garo Eshgian and Secretary Elizabeth Boyajian.
The Prelate began his message by greeting all and praying for God’s blessings, for love and peace, to brighten the lives of all. He welcomed and thanked the Consul General for joining in the celebration, wished him a healthy, joyous, and prosperous New Year and great success in his new mission. His Eminence stated that love and peace is at the heart of Christmas and was at the center of Christ’s message during His earthly ministry, adding that these virtues are sadly lacking in many places around the world today, in the Middle East especially, and praying for God’s love and peace to rule in the heart of man and bring about a better world for all and, in particular, peace for Lebanon.
His Eminence began his sermon by stating that the good tidings of Christ’s Birth once again resonate through our celebrations, inviting us all to glorify God in the highest, to strive for peace, and for love and goodwill among man. “Today, we celebrate God’s love; love that was manifested through the Birth of His Son Who came to grant redemption and salvation to all of mankind. Christ can be born within us today, if He finds in our hearts the peace and humility of the manger, and a spirit of praise, love and goodwill. The shepherds and magi became witnesses to the glory of God and joyfully accepted the baby Jesus into their hearts as their King, recognizing that He was sent to give His life as our Savior. Today, this celebration of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord invites us to become His disciples and follow the path to salvation, to recognized that He is among us in our daily lives as our light and our hope, as our Savior. It invites us to strengthen our faith and grow in love and goodness.”
The Prelate concluded by wishing for love, peace, harmony, goodwill toward man, humility, justice, and selflessness to be the guiding forces of our lives, peace, prosperity, and harmony for Armenia and Artsakh, and faith, hope, and love for our families.
The blessing of water was conducted at the conclusion of Divine Liturgy, with Vahan Gadimian serving as Godfather of the Cross.
MEMORIAL DAY
On Tuesday, January 7, Memorial day, the Prelate and clergy members gathered at Forest Lawn cemetery in Hollywood Hills and Glendale for requiem service in memory of all departed loved ones, which was followed by the Blessing of the Four Corners of the World (Antasdan) service.