By the ordinance of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, on Sunday, January 21, 2018, the “Year of Independence” Pontifical Encyclical of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I dedicated to the centennial of the first Republic of Armenia was read in all Prelacy Churches. The Prelate presided over Divine Liturgy at Forty Martyrs Church in Orange County where he read the Pontifical Encyclical. Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian. Among the faithful in attendance were parish delegates, board members, representatives of sister organizations, Sunday School students and teachers.
As the choir sang the hymn “Oorakh Ler” the Pontifical Encyclical was carried to the altar where it was read by the Prelate. In the Encyclical, His Holiness stresses, “May 28 is a precise and meaningful turning point in Armenian history, when the Armenian people, with faith and determination re-established its own sovereign country to live free on its ancestral land in accordance to the collective will of the people. Independence is a sacred value and the people are the establishers and defenders. Therefore, Armenian independence must remain above all ideological and political approaches and differences. The first Armenian Republic established after the Genocide and under international turmoil has deep meaning for Pan-Armenians. It is necessary therefore to evaluate and celebrate the 100th anniversary of this historical event on this platform. Therefore, let us correctly read “the signs of the time” and not distance ourselves from the soil of our fatherland, and remain faithful to the independence of our fatherland, to the sacred posterity left by our old and new heroes who established independence with their blood, and strengthen Armenia’s military, economy, and international diplomatic ties. The strengthening of Armenia and Artsakh and the strengthening of independence are the foundation of our national demand and our guarantee of our nation’s bright future.”
The Prelate highlighted the key points of the Pontifical Encyclical, urging all to heed the message of His Holiness, to renew their allegiance to our nation, and serve for the prosperity of our homeland in the spirit of the generation which secured our first independence.
A reception hosted by the parish Ladies Guild followed at “Gugasian” Hall of the Harut Barsamian Armenian Center.