Following the catastrophic explosion in Beirut on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 which devastated the port and large portions of the city, by the ordinance of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, on Sunday, August 9, “Der Voghormya” prayers were offered in Prelacy Churches beseeching God to grant healing to the thousands of wounded and peace and stability for Lebanon and its people. During requiem service, prayers were offered for the souls of the hundreds who lost their lives in the blast.
The Prelate presided over Divine Liturgy and delivered his message at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino.
His Eminence noted that the day marked the eve of the fast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, a beloved feast which invites us to seek the intercession of the Holy Mother of God to present our requests to her Son and our Lord Jesus Christ. He added that the upcoming week of fasting invites us to cleanse our spirits, to place our trust in the Lord and heed His will for our lives, to pray for an end to the pandemic, to pray especially for Lebanon and its people, and in particular for the Armenian community of Lebanon, to remain firm in their faith and not lose hope, knowing that we are by their side and ready to assist by any means.
The Prelate next spoke on the day’s Gospel reading from Mark 2:1-12, the miracle of Jesus healing a paralytic, which, he stated, reassures us that our faith and prayers, the solidarity, support, and compassion we express to our fellow man can indeed better their lives of those in need. He recounted the episode of the paralytic who was carried to Jesus by four friends for healing, highlighting the faith of the men, their resolute will, and their absolute trust that Jesus would be able to heal their friend if only they could reach Him.
“Lebanon and its people are in a paralyzed state. More than ever, the world is in need of people to carry the bed of those in need and lead them to healing. Immediately after the blast, expressions of solidarity were heard from around the world and the people of Beirut poured out into the streets to help one another. Following the appeal of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I for pan-Armenian support to rebuild the Armenian community of Lebanon, our community jumped into action. Immediately after the blast we prayed for the Lord to spare Lebanon from further crises and restore the country to peace and stability, to grant patience and strength to the people, hasten the recovery of the wounded, and grant rest to the deceased. Today, we will pray again,” stated the Prelate.
His Eminence reminded that the Pan Armenian Council of the Western United States has already launched a fundraising campaign called HyeAid Lebanon, and once again urged the faithful to contribute their gracious donations to our people and religious and national institutions in crisis. “Like the men carrying the paralytic’s bed, through our compassion, support, love, and trust in God’s will, we too will witness a miracle. Lebanon will rise again as it has in the past and as our people have, as long as there is an end to the corruption and the voice of the people is heard. To Lebanon and its people, trust in the Lord and stay strong in faith and hope; we are with you to help better your lives,” concluded the Prelate.
