On Sunday, May 22, 2016, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, presided over Divine Liturgy at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino and delivered his first sermon following his re-election to a sixth term as Prelate. H.E. Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian participated in the service.
Prior to inviting the Prelate to deliver the sermon, Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian announced the news of the Prelate’s re-election during the 44th Representatives Assembly held over the weekend, during which new Religious and Executive Councils were also elected.
The Prelate first thanked God for the opportunity to serve the Western Prelacy for a sixth term. He thanked also the parish pastor for his congratulations and greeted Archbishop Tabakian and the congregation. After briefly reflecting on the Assembly’s proceedings the prior two days, the Prelate delivered his sermon on the day’s Gospel reading from Luke 4:25-30.
During the requiem service, prayers were offered for Archbishop Gorun Babian on the first anniversary of his passing. His Eminence paid tribute to the life and service of the late Archbishop as an educator, scholar, and Prelatem and expressed condolences to his family.
At the conclusion of the service, the Prelate was led in a procession to “Yeghia Sarafian” Hall where the Pastor, Board of Trustees, and Ladies Guild had organized a reception in honor of his re-election. Congratulatory remarks were delivered by the parish pastor and Board of Trustees Chair, Mr. Levon Arabian. The Prelate once again thanked the parish family for their well wishes. The cutting of the cake followed, and the reception closed with Cilicia and the Pontifical anthem.
The Prelate thereafter presided over the Sunday School year-end program at “Avedissian” Hall, delivered his message and presented diplomas to the graduates.