On Sunday, April 1st, 2018, the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ with its message of hope and renewal was joyfully celebrated in Prelacy Churches. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, celebrated Easter Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale. Parish Pastors Archpriest Fr. Vazken Atmajian and Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian assisted at the altar.
Prior to delivering the sermon, the Prelate joyfully greeted the faithful and gave thanks to God for granting the opportunity to once again celebrate the glorious Resurrection of Christ with renewed faith and triumphant spirit and congratulate one another with chants of “Christ is risen from the dead.” He wished for the spirit of the Resurrection to lead us all on our faith journey and for the Risen Christ to reside in our hearts and souls.
“God arose, His enemies were scattered and those who hated Him fled.” Jesus had many enemies and opponents throughout His earthly life who attempted to hinder His salvific mission, but through His Resurrection He triumphed over all who sought to extinguish His Light, said the Prelate. Citing from the day’s Gospel reading from Mark 16:1-8, His Eminence emphasized that the fear and awe of the women who found Christ’s empty tomb was alleviated and they were filled with hope, spiritual joy, and strengthened faith when they saw the risen Christ. Along with the disciples they spread the good news of His Resurrection to the world, and centuries later we exchange the same good news with one another with the same joy, hope, and triumphant spirit, he said.
“The Resurrection is the victory of righteousness, truth, goodness, and light over death, sin, evil, and darkness. As faithful servants of Christ, we are invited to partake of His gift of renewal and new life, to overcome and triumph over selfishness, hatred, pride, and a sinful life and be clothed in the virtues of love, respect, and longsuffering,” stressed the Prelate. He concluded by wishing for the triumphant spirit of the Resurrection and the 100th anniversary of the first Republic of Armenia to lead to renewed faith, renewed patriotism, and renewed drive in our collective service to our church, nation, and homeland.