On Sunday, April 20, 2014, Prelacy Churches were bustling as parishioners gathered to collectively celebrate the Feast of the Glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, celebrated Easter Divine Liturgy at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale and delivered his Easter message to the thousands of faithful in attendance. His Eminence was assisted at the altar by the parish pastors and deacons.
Prior to his sermon the Prelate first gave thanks to God for granting another year to collectively celebrate Easter. On behalf of the Prelacy family, His Eminence conveyed Easter congratulations to the leadership of Armenia, wishing that they are guided in their duties by the triumph, truth and righteousness of the Resurrection, and to our two Pontiffs, His Holiness Karekin II and His Holiness Aram I, wishing them good health and continued successes in their service to our church and nation. The Prelate also congratulated and blessed the St. Mary’s Church parish family.
Echoing the words of the Easter hymn, “Today the angels descended from heaven, and proclaimed the good tidings to mankind, that the crucified Christ was Resurrected, and granted resurrection to all”, the Prelate asserted that Easter is a day of triumph and elation, a day of awakening and affirmation of our faith, of new life and enlightenment. With a victorious spirit we delight in the defeat of evil and death by the Resurrection of Christ, and we are strengthened in faith and granted hope in our despair, as were His disciples. Those against Christ believed that His ministry would come to an end with His death. Hovever, on the contrary, new life was granted by His Resurrection, for mankind and for the Armenian people, who were able to overcome tremendous challenges throughout history reinforced by the spirit of the Resurrection. Even in Syria where our brethren are living in exceedingly difficult circumstances, the Armenian community today celebrates Easter; inspired by their staunch faith, today we reaffirm our pledge to continue to lend our utmost support, stated the Prelate.
Reinforced with renewed faith and new hopes, let us proclaim “Christ is Risen from the dead, Blessed is the Resurrection of Christ”, concluded the Prelate.
Faithful received Holy Communion at the end of the joyous service, and the celebration came to a close with glorious Easter hymns.