By the invitation of Armenian Ecclesiastical Brotherhood Board members, throughout the year H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian visits the Brotherhood center on various occasions to conduct special prayer services. Brotherhood members also visit the Prelacy on occasion to receive the Prelate’s blessings for their endeavors.
On Friday, August 22, 2014, the Prelate paid a visit to the Brotherhood center in Glendale to conduct a special service in celebration of the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God. Joining His Eminence were Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian, Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan, Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian, and Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian.
The program began with the Lord’s Prayer. In his welcoming remarks, Brotherhood Chairman Avo Kabakjouzian spoke of the Brotherhood’s service and especially of the Prelate’s support and encouragement of their mission throughout the years, recalling that seventeen years earlier His Eminence had conducted the opening of their present headquarters.
The cultural program included a medley of religious songs presented by children, recitation of Bible passages by young adults, a solo by young member Andre Garabedian, and a hymn dedicated to the Feast of Assumption sung by Garineh Hagopjanian.
Brother Avo then invited the Prelate and clergy to begin the service.
The service began with the singing of hymns dedicated to the Feast, which was followed by the blessing of grapes. His Eminence then introduced the accompanying clergy and assured the members that the clergy members are ready to pay visits to the Brotherhood center and offer their spiritual services. The Prelate spoke of the characteristics and virtues of the Holy Mother of God, which are memorialized in the Armenian Apostolic Church by our hymn writers, beseeched the intercession of the Virgin Mary, and invited the women present to follow in her example by submitting to the Lord’s will and living a God-pleasing life. In conclusion, the Prelate raised a prayer for peace in the world and especially in the Middle East.
The program concluded with the Cilician anthem.
A reception followed, at the conclusion of which Brother Avo expressed thanks and gratitude to the Prelate and clergy for their care and support, and promised that the Brotherhood and all its members will faithfully continue to advance the traditions and tenets of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
The Prelate once again conveyed his blessings and well wishes, and concluded the evening with a requiem prayer in memory of departed Brotherhood members.
