The first Sunday after Easter is designated New Sunday, the commemoration of our Lord Jesus Christ’s second appearance to the disciples eight days after His Resurrection. Traditionally on this day, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, celebrates Divine Liturgy at the North Hollywood, and a special prayer is offered in Prelacy Churches for the members and patients of the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry (ABMDR). Thus, on Sunday, April 12, 2015, the Prelate celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at the North Hollywood parish, assisted at the altar by Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian. ABMDR President Dr. Frieda Jordan and members attended the service.
The Prelate greeted the parish community and delivered his sermon on the message of New Sunday. Last week we celebrated the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, a feast of triumph and renewal for Christian faithful, said the Prelate. When Christ first appeared to the disciples after His Resurrection, Thomas was absent and therefore in doubt. And so, eight days after the Resurrection, Jesus again appeared to the disciples and showed His wounds to Thomas who then professed, “My Lord and my God.” Thus, His Eminence urged the faithful to put aside any and all doubt and, renewed and strengthened in spirit, boldly profess our faith in the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Prelate also reflected on the historic Mass celebrated that same day by His Holiness Pope Francis in commemoration of the Armenian Genocide and its significance in paying tribute to our martyrs and acknowledging our just cause. In conclusion, the Prelate blessed and commended the dedicated members of the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry and invited the faithful to join in prayer for the health and well-being of the organization’s members and patients.
Dr. Frieda Jordan addressed the congregation to provide further information about the organization’s life-saving mission in Armenia, Artsakh, and the Diaspora.
The service came to a close with Cilicia and the Armenian national anthem.
