On March 22, 2016, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, presided over Holy Tuesday service at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale and delivered his message to the faithful and Sunday School students in attendance. The service commemorates the Parable of the Ten Maidens, five of whom were wise enough to take with them extra oil for their lamps and were thus present to greet the bridegroom upon his late arrival, while the five foolish missed the opportunity as they had gone to buy more oil. The parable brings the important lesson of being prepared at all times for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, for we do not know the day or hour of His return. The ten maidens were represented by Sunday School students who participated in the service with lamps in hand.
In his message, the Prelate spoke of the symbolism of the lamp and oil, the lamp representing our prayers, fasting, reading of Scriptures, service to our church, all of which are good, but empty without the oil, the grace of the Holy Spirit. As the oil lights the lamp, so too does the Holy Spirit enlighten and illuminate our spirits, said the Prelate. “The grace of the Holy Spirit can only be received through Christ, by dedicating ourselves to Him and welcoming Him to reside in our hearts. Today let us dedicate ourselves to Christ so that we too may be worthy of His grace as were the wise maidens, and in this Year of Service especially, let us commit ourselves to serving for the advancement of our church and nation with love and dedication, in the example of our forefathers.”
