On Sunday, January 10, 2016, the North Hollywood parish celebrated the 7th anniversary of its establishment with Divine Liturgy celebrated by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, who also delivered the sermon and conducted the blessing of madagh on this occasion. Parish Priest Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian and deacons assisted at the altar.
The Prelate’s sermon was on the day’s Gospel reading from Luke 1:39-56, in which we read of the exchange between Mary and Elizabeth, and Elizabeth’s exhortation of “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb,” upon hearing the voice of the Holy Mother of God. His Eminence highlighted the virtues of Mary, her obedience and humility, for she was chosen to be the Mother of God. Throughout the earthly life of Jesus Christ, she remained a nurturing and devoted mother to our Lord, said the Prelate, and urged for all Armenian mothers and women to take inspiration from the ideal example of Mary by faithfully adhering to God’s commandments for He so loved the world that He sent His only-begotten Son to grant us the hope of eternal life.
The Prelate also drew attention to the cross containing the relics of our holy martyrs, noting that the reliquary will permanently be displayed in all our churches so that the spirit and legacy of our martyrs remains alive within our communities.
Following the requiem service the Prelate conducted the blessing of madagh in memory of parishioners’ loved ones. The service came to a close with the benediction and “Cilicia.”