Wednesday, March 26, 2014 was the mid-point of Lent, or Michink. On this occasion, following Sunrise Service in Prelacy Churches, a number of luncheons were held throughout the community. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, presided over Sunrise Service at St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena, and later over the Michink luncheon organized by the ARS Pasadena “Sosse” Chapter.
The theme of the Prelate’s sermon was “Lord, keep us on the path to peace. Guide and lead us and all Your believers, so that we may go toward peace and eternal life.” His Eminence stated the halfway mark of Lent is a time to reflect on what promises of self-awareness, self-examination, and self-improvement we made at the start of Lent and where we are today in that spiritual journey. The Prelate prayed for the Lord to steer us, as individuals and collectively as a nation, to the path of peace and righteousness, and that we may be worthy of receiving eternal life by keeping His commandments, by loving Him fully with all our heart and soul, and by demonstrating goodwill to our fellow man. His Eminence wished that during the second half of Lent we renew and reaffirm our pledge and prepare ourselves to welcome the Glorious Resurrection of Christ with strong faith and clean hearts and souls.
The Prelate concluded his sermon by inviting the faithful to join in “Der Voghormya” prayers for our brothers and sisters in Syria, and especially for Kessab Armenians who face an uncertain future after having to flee their homes following attacks by rebels from the Turkish border.
The ARS “Sosse” Chapter’s Mid-Lent luncheon followed at the Pasadena Armenian Center. The Prelate blessed the tables, delivered his Mid-Lent message, and commended the ARS for their service and contributions to Armenian life. His Eminence also made a special appeal for the guests to lend their support to our compatriots in Syria, and to Kessab Armenians in particular.
On Friday, March 28, the Prelate will preside over Vigil Service at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale. The service begins at 7:00 p.m.