Throughout the year, the Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary organizes a number of educational and cultural events celebrating our rich heritage and traditions. Among these is the annual Great Lent Luncheon, which this year was held on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate.
The day began with Lenten Sunrise Service at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale, presided over by the Prelate. Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian delivered the day’s message.
The luncheon followed at First Congregational Church of Glendale. Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian accompanied the Prelate. Among the guests were Executive Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian, ARS Regional Executive Chair Mrs. Lena Bozoyan, and Board of Regents Co-Chair Mrs. Maggie Sarkuni.
The official program began with welcoming remarks by Ladies Auxiliary Secretary Mrs. Vartoug Avedikian, who also served as the event Master of Ceremonies. Mrs. Avedikian noted that this traditional event is also an opportunity to reflect on the profound message of faith, hope, and love that the Lenten season invites us to. She then invited the Prelate to bless the tables and convey his message.
The Prelate emphasized that the period of Great Lent preceding Easter is an invitation for continuous contemplation and self-evaluation for each individual Christian, a time to renew and revitalize our faith and spirits. Reminding the guests that H.H. Catholicos Aram I has dedicated this year to Armenian Mothers, His Eminence noted that it is fitting that the day’s keynote speaker is a mother as well as an esteemed educator. The Prelate concluded his message by commending the members of the Ladies Auxiliary for their continued and committed service.
The event’s keynote speaker was Mrs. Sona Badalian, long-time educator, ARS member, and St. Sarkis Church Ladies Guild and choir member. Mrs. Badalian noted that Lent is an invitation for prayer, introspection, purification, renewal, service and good deeds. She concluded her message by reflecting on the Pontifical Message of the “Year of the Armenian Mother”, and highlighting the advice and suggestions of His Holiness to Armenian mothers, grandmothers, and women in general on this occasion.
The luncheon also featured a cultural program on songs, recitations, and dance performed by Rose and Alex Pilibos School students, as well as a song by Pilibos School teacher Mrs. Tamar Seraydarian.
