On Wednesday, February 17, 2016, the annual Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary Great Lent Luncheon was held at “Karapetian” Hall of St. Garabed Church in Hollywood. Sunrise Service preceded the luncheon, presided by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian and with the participation of H.E. Archbishop Shahan Sarkissian, Prelate of Aleppo, parish pastor Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian, deacons, and Rose and Alex Pilibos School students.
The Prelate conveyed his blessings and message at the conclusion of the service. His Eminence spoke of the meaning of Lent as a special time of introspection and renewal, physical and spiritual, as we prepare to welcome the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Prelate highly commended Pilibos School ninth grade students, who beautifully sang two hymns during the service, and invited the Prelate of Aleppo to convey his remarks.
Archbishop Sarkissian began by thanking the Prelate and commending the students. His Eminence focused his message on the importance of prayer. Reflecting on the Sunrise Service as the embodiment of praise directed to Christ and worship of the True Light, he urged the faithful to pray incessantly to draw near to the Light of Christ. Archbishop Sarkissian also encouraged the faithful to pray for the people of Syria, so that they continue to remain firm in their faith despite untold hardships.
Guests then gathered for the Great Lent luncheon, which brought together members of the Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary, parishes’ Ladies Guilds, and ARS members. Ladies Auxiliary Vice-Chair Vartoug Avedikian welcomed the guests. The Prelate conveyed his blessings and well wishes to all. Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian spoke on Great Lent and the purpose of fasting, and concluded by calling on all to generously contribute to the forthcoming SARF Telethon.
The luncheon featured recitations, dances, and songs performed by Pilibos School students.
In conclusion, Archbishop Sarkissian briefed the guests on the current situation in Syria, thanked the Western Prelacy family and community for their generous support, and urged all to continue to lend a helping hand to our brothers and sisters in Syria.
