On Saturday September 21, 2019, under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, Sunday school teacher’s seminar took place at the Western Prelacy, where clergy and over 25 directors and teachers from various Prelacy church Sunday schools were in attendance.
A vesper service was conducted at the Prelacy “Sts. Drtad and Ashkhen” Chapel, also the hymn “Vork Zartaretsin” was sung in commemoration of the Holy Translators. Thereafter, the attendees were invited to the “Dikran and Zarouhi Der Ghazarian” hall, where the seminar commenced by the singing of the Sunday school anthem.
Mr. Hagop Tchaghatsbanian, Co-Chair, gave a short spiritual reflection by referencing Matthew 10:42, “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose his reward.” After co-chair Raffi Torossian greeted the attendees, the reflections were followed by each Sunday School Director presenting their schools yearly goals.
The seminar continued with the first speaker, Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, who reflected on the theme of the seminar; “Jesus the good Shepherd.” He spoke on the various trials that the youth faces today, including the reasons in which they are strayed away from their faith. He emphasized that religious education and the Bible should be the sources of morality, and cited the Book of Proverbs, “The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.” (Prov. 12:6.
After the lunch break, the second guest speaker, Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian reflected on the Holy Translators and their roles in building the Armenian identity. He focused on the necessity of keeping the Armenian language strong within the youth.
Following Fr. Bedourian’s presentation, a short video clip regarding Jesus as the good Sheppard was shown to the attendees, which was followed by a workshop.
In conclusion of the seminar, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian was invited to give the closing remarks. H.E. congratulated the directors and teachers of the Sunday schools for their efforts. Emphasizing on the tribulations which we all face, he invited all to renew their faith, dedication and service.
His Eminence also spoke about the traditions which we inherited from the Holy Translators and invited all to not only be proud of the achievements of the Translators, but also to exemplify them in our daily lives.
The seminar concluded by the benediction of the Prelate and singing of “Cilicia.” Each Sunday school director received a gift for their schools and the attendees received a plaque with the Lord’s Prayer and prayer cards.
