On Wednesday, April 5, 2017 H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, presided over the last Sunrise Service of Great Lent at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino. He was joined by Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Very Rev. Fr. Vache Balekjian, and parish pastor Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian. Alongside the faithful, Ferrahian School students attended the service. Throughout Great Lent, the Prelate presided over Sunrise and Vigil Services in various parishes.
The Prelate spoke to the faithful about the nearing conclusion of Great Lent as a time to examine whether they have fulfilled the purpose of the weeks of fasting, which is self-assessment, cleansing, and renewal. Addressing the students in particular, the Prelate urged them to take a break from social media and set aside time each day to pray, and strengthen themselves spiritually. His Eminence offered the same advice to all the faithful, inviting them to prepare themselves in heart and soul to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and become renewed by His triumph over death and the promise of eternal life. The Prelate also highlighted the importance of restoring and reviving family values, such as cultivating love and respect between parents and children, and at the approach of the 102nd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, urged all to take part in commemorations and ceremonies to honor the legacy of our holy martyrs.
A luncheon organized by the parish Board of Trustees and Ladies Guild and sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Dikran and Houri Berberian and Mr. and Mrs. Hagop and Zabel Nalbandian followed at “Dikranian” Hall.
The program began with the invocation by the Prelate. Ladies Guild Chair Mrs. Nancy Bederian welcomed the clergy and guests, thanked the sponsors for hosting the luncheon, and affirmed that the day was an opportunity for all to renew their faith and service to our church and nation.
Mr. Hovig Mahserejian gave a presentation on the “Year of Renewal,” with the core of his lecture being that Great Lent and Easter are in themselves the greatest messages of renewal, both physical and spiritual. Referencing the proclamation of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, Mr. Mahserejian stressed the importance of renewal in our individual and collective lives.
Fr. Razmig thanked the Prelate for his continued care and guidance of the parish, and invited His Eminence to address the gathering.
The Prelate began his message by commending the Parish Pastor, Board of Trustees, Ladies Guild, sponsors, and the keynote speaker. Speaking on the day’s topic, His Eminence stated that before renewal comes preservation, preservation of our religious and national heritage. “If we succeed in fostering our national and religious traditions and values in the lives of our youth, then we are on the path to renewal. Thus, let us first comprehend the value of the faith and heritage bequeathed to us, and then let us instill them in our younger generations, preserve and renew them,” stated His Eminence.
The luncheon continued with musical entertainment by singer Antranig Matossian.
