On Sunday, April 28, 2019, New Sunday or Second Easter, and on the occasion of the parish’s 10th anniversary of establishment, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, celebrated Divine Liturgy, conducted the blessing of madagh, and delivered the sermon at the Armenian Apostolic Church of North Hollywood. H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, participated in the service, and Rev. Fr. Arsen Kassabian served at the altar.
During the service, the Prelate bestowed the privilege of wearing a stole to four acolytes: Raffi Kassabian, Vicken Kassabian, Sevag Kassabian, and Nareg Vahanian. He congratulated the new stole-bearers and prayed for them to grow and become strengthened in their faith, to be humble and faithful servants of our Church, and to glorify God in all aspects of their lives.
The Prelate then delivered his sermon on the significance of the fifty day period between Easter and Pentecost as a time of renewal and the start of a new life empowered by the appearance of the Risen Christ. He noted that the apostles, who had weakened in their faith having witnessed the crucifixion and burial of Christ, were renewed in faith and hope upon seeing the Risen Christ and hearing His greetings of peace. They were transformed into new beings and became bold witnesses for Christ, preaching about His victory over death and baptizing the people in the name of the Holy Trinity. It was only the apostle Thomas who doubted until He saw the Risen Christ with his own eyes and touched his wounds.
Thus, the Prelate called for renewal of faith and remaining firm and steadfast in our faith journey as “children of the light,” and prayed for all to serve for the glory of God and our Church with enlightened spirits. He concluded by hoping for the parish to have its own church by the will of God.
The blessing of madagh and requiem service was conducted at the conclusion of Divine Liturgy. By the ordinance of the Prelate, on this day requiem prayers were offered in all Churches for the souls of all religious and lay servants of the Prelacy.
A reception followed, during which congratulatory remarks were conveyed.
