By the ordinance of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, on Sunday, February 9, 2014, the Pontifical message of His Holiness Aram I proclaiming 2014 the “Year of the Elder” was read in Prelacy Churches.
The Prelate presided over Divine Liturgy at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino, where he read the Pontiff’s message.
His Eminence thanked God for his safe return from Lebanon earlier in the week after participating in meetings of the Central Religious, Executive, and Canonization Committees at the Catholicosate in Antelias. He noted that strong emphasis was given to the situation of the Armenian community in Syria and all participants reaffirmed their support to alleviating the plight of our brothers and sisters in Syria.
The Prelate expressed joy for being with the Holy Martyrs parish family on the first Sunday after his return and greeted the parishioners in attendance, among them members of the local chapter of the Armenian American Council on Aging, and Ferrahian School 5th grade students.
His Eminence then read the Pontifical message, which focused on the elderly in the Bible, in the life of our Church, and honoring and caring for our elderly. His Holiness notes that in both the Old and New Testaments, the elderly had important roles in the scope of the divine revelation, that they were considered to be synonymous with prudence, wisdom, experience, and objectivity, and were therefore entrusted with leadership roles. His Holiness also notes the important place Church Fathers gave to the elderly in their writings, including the special role of the elderly in Christian witness and administering church affairs. Thus, our Pontiff calls on us all to protect, respect, listen to, and care for our elderly.
Reiterating the value of our elders in our history and society, the Prelate affirmed that the Prelacy and its parishes will appropriately celebrate our older generation throughout the year, just as it did last year for the Year of the Armenian Mother.
(“Year of the Elder” Pontifical Message)
