On Saturday, March 31, 2018, Easter Eve was celebrated in Prelacy Churches with Divine Liturgy and eve of the feast candle-lighting service. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino. Parish Pastor Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian and deacons assisted at the altar.
The Prelate began his sermon with the following words from the Easter introit, “Christ is risen from the dead. He conquered death by death and with His Resurrection He granted life to us. Glory be to Him forever.” His Eminence reflected on the seven week period of Great Lent of introspection, self-examination, and self-correction, as well as on the profound messages of Holy Week, adding that our Lord Jesus Christ concluded His earthly ministry with great suffering, crucifixion, and ultimately death for the sins of mankind, and three days later with His victory over death, He granted mankind the triumphant and hopeful promise of salvation and eternal life.
“Through His Resurrection, our Lord and Savior granted us the gift of life; but it was not just any life, but a new, bright, and triumphant life. Through His Resurrection, mankind was once again reconciled with God and became worthy of His mercy,” stated the Prelate, and stressed that the Resurrection is the promise of eternal life but is also an invitation for renewal and a new life during our time here on this earth. His Eminence concluded by calling for renewal of faith, for the hope offered by Christ to strengthen all, and for Christ to reside in our hearts and His love to guide us.
At the conclusion of Divine Liturgy, eve of the feast lighting of the candles service was held symbolizing the Light of Christ radiating throughout the world. Afterward, faithful received Holy Communion.
