“THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD IS A ROLE MODEL OF UNFADING LOVE, PRAYER AND FORGIVENESS”
Stated the Prelate
On Sunday, August, 17, 2014, the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God was celebrated in all Western Prelacy parishes with Divine Liturgy and the blessing of grapes and madagh. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, celebrated Divine Liturgy and conducted the blessing of grapes and madagh at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale, which observes its name day on this feast. Archpriest Fr. Vazken Atmajian, Rev. Fr. Movses Shannakian and the deacons assisted at the altar. In attendance were Delegates, members of the parish Board of Trustees and representatives from community organizations.
Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian presided over the Divine Liturgy at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino, where he delivered his sermon and blessed the grapes. Also, Vicar General H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan celebrated the Divine Liturgy, delivered his sermon and blessed the grapes at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in San Francisco.
Before delivering his sermon, the Prelate thanked God for this occasion where the faithful have gathered at the church to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of our Mother of God (one of the five main Feasts of the Armenian Apostolic Church,) which is invites us to follow the model of our Holy Mother, and renew our commitment and become closer to the word of God.
In his sermon, His Eminence noted that St. Mary is the embodiment of love, purity, righteousness, and humility, and is regarded as the ideal mother by Armenian mothers. She was a devoted mother and nurturer to the Son of God. For all this, said the Prelate, she was blessed among women, became the role model of motherhood for all.
The Prelate also noted three events in the life of St. Mary, which invite us to ask for her intercession. First, St. Mary was chosen by God, because she was also born through a miracle granted to her parents as a gift from God, her birth was a miracle. Secondly, all throughout her life, she remained faithful to Gods commands, which led her to be called the most blessed amongst women. Lastly, she became the role model of motherhood.
“The Holy Mother of God lived her life with unfading love, prayer and forgiveness. Albeit she witnessed many suffering and the crucifixion of her Son, she remained the pinnacle of patience and the intercessor of all” stressed the Prelate, and invited the faithful to acknowledge the sacrifices, love and devotion of our mothers. His Eminence invited the faithful to pray to God for Him to grant us the virtues of St. Mary, and for her to be an intercessor to all.
The Prelate concluded his sermon by praying for peace upon Armenia, Artsakh and our people, and asking St. Mary to intercess in our daily lives.
At the conclusion of the service, the Prelate conducted the blessing of grapes and madagh, which were then distributed to the faithful to take to their homes and share with their families and loved ones.