Divine Liturgy and Clergy Conference in Celebration of Sts. Ghevontiants

On Tuesday, February 26, 2019, the feast of Sts. Ghevontiants, which is a celebration of Armenian clergy, was commemorated with Divine Liturgy and the annual clergy conference, which this year was held at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale.

H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, presided over Divine Liturgy and the ensuing conference. Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian, Parish Pastor of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Crescent Valley. Clergy members participated in the service. In his sermon, Fr. Ghevont recounted the battle of Avarayr, highlighting the piety and valor of the Ghevontiants saints as well as the vital role of our clergy in the history of our nation.

The clergy conference convened in the afternoon with a prayer in memory of all departed clergy who served within the Northern American Prelacies. The Prelate delivered the spiritual meditation. Citing from 2 Timothy 2:3-7, in which the Apostle Paul refers to Timothy as “a good soldier of Jesus Christ,” His Eminence urged the clergy to fulfill their mission with the discipline and courage of a soldier, with faithfulness and obedience, and with the same conviction, initiative, and spirit of sacrifice as the Ghevontiants saints. The Prelate also underscored the importance of renewal in the life of clergymen, and as the feast of Ghevontiants is a celebration of clergy, congratulated and conveyed his best wishes for success to all.

The election of the officers followed, with Very Rev. Fr. Barouyr Shernezian elected Chairman and Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian Secretary.

Next, participants held a discussion on His Holiness Catholicos Aram I’s “Year of the Armenia Media” message and heard a talk by Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian on the role of Armenian clergy in the mission of the Armenian media and in our cultural life. Fr. Karekin gave a brief overview of the dawn of the Armenian media, noting that the media is also a means of transmitting our faith to the people. The media is an important medium in bridging the Church with the people, and in the modern digital age especially the media can be greatly beneficial for the Church’s mission, said Fr. Karekin. A question and answer session followed, during which participants shared thoughts and ideas on organizing events in celebration of the media and our culture.

A Religious Council meeting followed, which included a discussion on the endeavors of clergymen as well as upcoming feasts and events. In conclusion, the Prelate once again urged all to always serve with zeal and constantly renewing faith.

The conference closed with the singing of the hymn “Disciples of Christ” and “Cilicia.”

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