On Wednesday, February 25, 2015, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, presided over Lent Sunrise Service at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale, and later over the Western Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary annual Lenten lunch.
The Sunrise Service commenced with the Lord’s Prayer and continued with psalms and hymns. Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian, Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian, and St. Mary’s Church pastors Rev. Fr. Vazken Atmajian, Rev. Fr. Gomidas Torossian, and Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian participated in the service.
Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian delivered the meditation, in which he spoke to the faithful about the true meaning of Lent, stating that Lent is not about restricting the body of certain foods, rather feeding and nourishing the soul. Lent prepares us to stand before God with strengthened spirits, just as Moses fasted before he ascended Mt. Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments, and Lent strengthens our spirit so that we can resist temptation, as Jesus resisted when He was tested in the desert following His fast, said Fr. Boghos.
The clergy then recited the renunciation against evil, followed by the profession of faith to the tenets of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the confession and dismissal, and “Lord have mercy”, in which the faithful joined. The spiritually stirring service concluded with the Lord’s Prayer.
The Lenten lunch followed at Impressions Banquet Hall in Glendale with the participation of 250 Prelacy sponsors and friends. The program began with welcoming remarks delivered by Ladies Auxiliary member Mrs. Alvard Barseghian. The Prelate commended the members of the Ladies Auxiliary for their hard work and also thanked the guests for their support, and after the blessing of tables invited Fr. Boghos Tinkjian to speak to the guests about Great Lent.
Fr. Boghos spoke about the meaning and message behind each Sunday of Great Lent which inspire us toward a spiritually fulfilling Lenten journey.
Guests also enjoyed a cultural program of songs, dances, and recitations presented by Chamlian School students.
Encouraged by the festive atmosphere, donations were made throughout the joyous and memorable afternoon.
