In celebration of the feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, on Tuesday, August 15, 2017, special services were held for the residents and faculty of Ararat Home in Mission, conducted by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and clergy members.
The celebration began at the Nursing Facility with a prayer service and blessing of grapes. The Prelate conveyed his blessings and well wishes to all, after which he explained the meaning of the grape blessing ceremony. His Eminence prayed for the intercession of the Holy Mother of God and urged all to live with utmost hope, faith, and love in her ideal example. Remarks were delivered by former Board Chair Mr. Robert Taylor and COO Mr. Derik Ghoogasian, both of whom thanked the Prelate and clergy for bringing joy to the residents with their visits and services.
Next, Divine Liturgy was held at the Sheen Memorial Chapel, presided by the Prelate and celebrated by Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, who also delivered the sermon. Fr. Torkom’s sermon focused on three points, the important presence and role of the Holy Mother of God in the life of the Armenian Church, the symbolism of grapes in the Armenian Church, and lessons learned from the life of the Holy Mother of God, in particular her staunch faith. The blessing of grapes ceremony followed.
The visit concluded with a luncheon hosted by the administration, during which Board Chair Mr. Michael Surmeian thanked the clergy for their regular visits and care.
The Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God was also celebrated at Ararat Convalescent Hospital in Eagle Rock on Thursday, August 10, with prayer and the blessing of grapes.