In celebration of the Feast of the Holy Translators, on the evening of Friday, October 9, 2015, a special service was held at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino presided over by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and with the participation of Prelacy clergy members. The Prelate delivered his message on this occasion.
Given that it was the first service to be held in the church following a three-week renovation, the Prelate congratulated the parish family on the successful completion of the project. His Eminence wished for the renewal of the church to bring about renewal of spirits as well, and for the community to gather around the church and serve in the example of our faith forefathers for the glory of God and for the splendor of our nation.
The Prelate began his message by thanking God for the opportunity to collectively honor our Holy Translators and renew our commitment to faithfully serve our church and nation inspired by the legacy of our forefathers. His Eminence noted that this Feast is a time of renewal for clergy as well, and reflected on the joint clergy conference they had just returned from at the Eastern Prelacy. Through soulful prayer services, meditations, fellowship, and dialogue, clergy members of the three North American Prelacies renewed their commitment to the legacy of our martyrs and beseeched their intercession and guidance in their service.
The Prelate exalted the Holy Translators as the embodiment of sacrificial service, as they fully devoted their lives for the enlightenment of our people. Due to their diligent work and use of their God-given talents, we were blessed with our own alphabet, which allowed our people to read and know the Word of God in our native language, said His Eminence, and from that point on, the Armenian people were firmly and deeply rooted in our faith. As the heirs of those great generations, we must take inspiration from their unwavering faith, hard work, and sacrifice, exhorted the Prelate. We must first and foremost be faithful disciples of Christ. We must also inspire the younger generations by familiarizing them with the legacy of our holy forefathers and leading by the example of our own faith and service, stressed His Eminence, and concluded by praying for the intercession of our saints and holy forefathers to direct our path of our service.
