On the evening of Maundy Thursday, April 17, 2014, the solemn Vigil service commemorating the betrayal, arrest, trial, and persecution of our Lord Jesus Christ was held in Prelacy Churches.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, presided over the emotionally and spiritually moving service at St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena. The service began with twelve candles being lit on the altar, representing Christ and His disciples, and one black candle signifying Judas. The candles were extinguished throughout the evening as seven Gospel passages were read, from the betrayal of Jesus by Judas, to His arrest, denial by Peter, trial, and suffering. In the end, one candle remained lit, symbolizing our Lord Jesus Christ as the one and only light of our lives.
In the darkness of the church, illuminated by the sole candle, the Prelate delivered his message on the soul-stirring service recalling the supreme sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, and called on the faithful to reflect on and comprehend the immensity of His sacrifice for the repentance of our sins, and thus to obey His commandments and His will and love and faithfulness.
