On Friday, February 13, 2015, the feast of the Presentation of our Lord to the Temple was commemorated in Prelacy churches with a special service comprising the blessing of children, the blessing of the four corners of the world, and the traditional lighting of the bonfire. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, conducted the service and delivered his message at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale. Participating in the service was Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian, the pastors of St. Mary’s Church, as well as Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian and Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian. Executive Council Chair Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian was among the faithful in attendance alongside St. Mary’s Church Board of Trustees members. As per tradition, Homenetmen Regional Executive members and scouts also participated.
The ceremony began with evening service, which was followed by the eve of the feast service; as the choir sang the hymn recounting the presentation of our Lord to the Temple and the words of Simeon the elder announcing that he had seen the Lord, the Prelate circled the church in a procession blessing the faithful. The Blessing of the Fields (Antasdan) service was then conducted, blessing the four corners of the world, after which the Prelate delivered his sermon. “Today we echo the sentiment of Simeon, praising our Lord Who was revealed to mankind as our Light and Life. With the same faith by which Simeon carried the baby Jesus in his arms, we must embrace Jesus in our hearts. The feast of the Presentation of our Lord is an invitation to see the Light of Christ, to walk in His Light and to spread His light to others,” said His Eminence.
The Prelate then brought forth a candle from the altar as faithful approached to light their own candles and receive the Light of Christ. In the meantime, in the example of the presentation of our Lord to the Temple, parents presented their children to the priests for blessing at the altar. At the conclusion of the service, the Prelate was escorted in a procession to the courtyard where faithful were awaiting the lighting of the bonfire. The service, which included the singing of patriotic and traditional songs, came to a close with the Armenian national anthem, the Pontifical anthem, and Cilicia.
The Prelate, clergy, parish members, Homenetmen Regional Executive representatives and scouts then gathered at “Armenak Der Bedrossian” Hall for the traditional dinner held each year on this feast day commemoration. The dinner began with the invocation by His Eminence. To become more closely acquainted with one another, Rev. Fr. Vazken Atmajian introduced the clergy and special guests, while the scouts introduced themselves. Remarks were delivered by Mr. Arto Kazarians on behalf of Homenetmen Regional Executive, Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian on behalf of the Executive Council, and Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian. The Prelate delivered the closing message. His Eminence welcomed the participation of the scouts in this annual tradition, commended their discipline, and wished them continued growth and successes. His Eminence took the opportunity to announce that new booklets will be published for the St. Mesrob Mashdots emblem program so that the scouts can become better familiarized with our church tenets and traditions. The Prelate presented the scouts and guests with Genocide centennial mementos, and the evening came to a close with the benediction and “Harach Nahadag” anthem.
