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Primate's Message - on Second Sunday of the Great Lent

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  • Primate's Message - on Second Sunday of the Great Lent

    Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
    3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
    Burbank, Ca 91504
    Tel: 818-558-7474
    Fax: 818-558-6333
    Web: http://www.armenianchurchwd.com/



    Western Diocese e-Newsletter

    Dear Reader


    The second Sunday of the Great Lenten Period which is namely known as
    the Sunday of the Expulsion can be entitled "Engagement in God's Work
    / Partnering with God". I have purposely chosen these titles with the
    thought that humanity needs a Return to God. Furthermore, by building
    churches, being involved in humanitarian projects and in many
    God-pleasing projects, we exemplify engagement in God's work. By
    taking on these glorious tasks, we are responding to God's call. In
    other words, God is seeking to enter the hearts of individuals but
    above all, He is showing His love and care for mankind.

    The Sunday of the Expulsion is remembered in our Church with a
    specific reference to the first Adam who was expelled from Paradise
    due to his sinful life. However, during the course of the same day, we
    are reminded by the prayers of our Fathers and Gospel readings that
    God is compassionate. Additionally, we are given the chance to be
    reinstated in our adoption as sons and daughters of the Almighty God
    through confession and repentance.

    On the first Sunday of the Great Lenten period, we focused our
    thoughts on surrendering into the Hands of God. On this second Sunday,
    we wanted to focus on partnering in God's work. The Sundays of the
    Great Lenten period are the steps which head our lives toward
    God. Each Sunday has a specific theme with specific Gospel
    readings. As we participate in all of the religious services and
    traditions established by our Fathers, we then are able to cultivate
    our minds and souls to live a Christ-like life. In other words, the
    entire period, is a time of spiritual preparation which leads us to
    the Victorious Resurrection of Christ, our Lord.

    In our concluding remarks, I would like to share with you brief a
    thought by Bill Peatman which gives us a clear understanding of what
    it means to be engaged in God's work.

    "God appears to be looking for partners who will share in the saving
    work of the Gospel. God's invitation is available to us all - not
    based on merit or performance. God accepts us. What's in question is
    whether we will accept Jesus' invitation to join him".

    Archbishop Hovnan Derderian
    Primate
    February 21, 2010


    The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North
    America, providing spiritual guidance and leadership to the
    Armenian Apostolic community, is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit,
    tax-exempt organization comprised of more than 50 churches
    in 16 western states. It was established in 1898 as the
    Diocese of the Armenian Church encompassing the entire
    United States and Canada. In 1927 the Western Diocese was
    formed to exclusivly serve the western United States.

    3325 North Glenoaks Blvd. Burbank, CA 91504
    Tel: (818) 558-7474 Fax: (818) 558-6333
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Website: www.armenianchurchwd.com
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