On Wednesday, March 22, 2017, Great Lent Vigil service was conducted at the Armenian Ecclesiastical Brotherhood center in Glendale by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, who was joined by Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Very Rev. Fr. Vache Balekjian, Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian, Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian, and Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian.
The evening began with a prayer in memory of recently departed Brotherhood members. Brotherhood Chairman Mr. Kabakjouzian greeted the clergy and invited a group of youth who presented prayers, psalms, and hymns. Vigil service followed with the participation of Brotherhood members and youth, who recited St. Nerses the Graceful’s “I Confess with Faith.”
Afterward, the Prelate introduced the two new clergymen. Referencing Romans 10:9, “if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved,” His Eminence stated, “indeed tonight we confessed that Christ is our Lord and Savior,” and prayed that we receive salvation according to our faith. He then invited Fr. Torkom to deliver the day’s meditation.
Fr. Torkom spoke about the importance of Great Lent as an opportunity for introspection and self-improvement, stating that we must not only abstain from certain foods but also from thoughts and actions damaging to our minds and souls.
Mr. Kabakjouzian thanked the Prelate and clergy for the uplifting visit, while the Prelate commended the faithful and God-pleasing service of the Brotherhood members.
Following the service the clergy were hosted to an agape dinner, during which remarks and mutual well wishes were exchanged. The Prelate gifted prayer books to all.
