Great Lent began on Monday, February 11 and continues until Saturday, March 30, Easter Eve.
The seven-week period of Lent offers an opportunity for faithful to experience spiritual renewal; to cleanse themselves spiritually and come closer to God through prayer, abstinence or self-denial, and performing good deeds for the less fortunate. It is a time to prepare oneself spiritually to accept the good news of Christ’s Resurrection.
During the Lenten period, the Armenian Church has soulful services of prayer which typically take place on Wednesdays and Fridays.
On Wednesday, February 13, the first Sunrise service was held in Prelacy Churches, with Vigil services to begin on Friday, February 15.
In keeping with tradition, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, presided over the first Sunrise service of Lent at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino, where he delivered his message to the faithful and to the Ferrahian School 9th, 11th, and 12th grade students in attendance. Given that His Holiness Catholicos Aram I has proclaimed 2013 the “Year of the Armenian Mother”, the Prelate spoke to the students about honoring their parents, and also reflected on the role of mothers in the Bible, in our daily lives today, and the modern challenges they face.
Following the service, the Prelate attended the annual Great Lent luncheon organized by the local ARS “Anahid” Chapter at “Dikranian” Hall. The event featured a talk on fasting by Mrs. Anahid Meymarian, and songs by Mrs. Sossy Poladian
The Prelate commended the ARS members for their dedicated service, and speaking on Great Lent urged the guests to “cleanse their bodies through fasting and strengthen their faith through prayer” during Lent.
