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March 8, 2013
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.westernprelacy.org
EPISCOPAL DIVINE LITURGY ON THE NAME DAY OF
FORTY MARTYRS CHURCH IN ORANGE COUNTY
Saturday, March 9, 2013 is the Feast of the Forty Martyrs, which is
also the name day of Forty Martyrs Church in Orange County.
On this occasion, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
will celebrate Divine Liturgy, conduct the blessing of madagh, and deliver
the sermon at Forty Martyrs Church.
PRELATE PRESENTS MANAS BOUJIKIAN WITH
PONTIFICAL ENCYCLICAL
On Thursday, March 7, 2013, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, welcomed to the Prelacy long-time community activist and benefactor
Mr. Manas Boujikian, who was accompanied by Asbarez Newspaper Editor Mr. Apo
Boghikian. During the visit the Prelate presented Mr. Boujikian with the
Pontifical Encyclical of H.H. Catholicos Aram I honoring him with the
"Knight of Cilicia" medal as appreciation and commendation for his many
years of dedicated service to the Armenian cause and community.
Mr. Boujikian was awarded the medal in May of 2012 during a
reception in his honor hosted by the Armenian National Committee Western
Region and Asbarez Newspaper.
On this occasion the Prelate once again highly commended Mr.
Boujikian for his contribution to the advancement of the Armenian cause and
people through his service in various organizations, and for his financial
support of a number of community institutions and organizations.
PRELACY PARISHES CELEBRATE MID-LENT
In celebration of mid-Lent, or Michink, on Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Prelacy Churches were filled with faithful who had gathered to celebrate
this special occasion with Sunrise Service followed by traditional luncheons
organized by their Parish Ladies Guilds or local ARS chapters.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, celebrated the
halfway point of Lent with the Holy Cross Cathedral parish community of
Montebello. The day began with Sunrise Service held at "Tumanjian" Hall,
given that the Cathedral is undergoing renovation. Parish Pastor Rev. Fr.
Ashod Kambourian and Crescenta Valley Pastor Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian
assisted in the service. Mesrobian School students were in attendance with
their new principal Mr. David Ghoogasian and teachers.
In his address to the students, the Prelate explained the meaning of
Lent as a time of prayer and reflection, and directed questions to the
students which they were able to answer correctly. Speaking to them on why
prayer is important and how to pray meaningfully, he urged the students to
write prayers expressing their love and gratitude to their mothers on the
occasion of the "Year of the Armenian Mother". The Prelate greeted the new
principal, wishing him success in his mission and stressing the importance
of having students regularly attend Church services. The students then
recited a prayer, after which the service continued, concluding with the
confession and the Lord's Prayer.
The traditional mid-Lent luncheon organized annually by the Parish
Ladies Guild followed at "Bagramian" Hall. This year's luncheon was
sponsored by Dr. & Mrs. Haig & Hilda Manjikian and Mrs. Zabel Iknadossian.
The luncheon featured a cultural program of songs presented by Mesrobian
students.
The Prelate delivered the invocation and greeted the guests,
expressing joy and at the participation of Mesrobian School students in the
service and cultural program. His Eminence reflected on the meaning of
Michink, which besides being the halfway point of Lent is a special occasion
for families and friends to come together to celebrate having successfully
endured the first half of Lent, and to encourage and inspire one another to
remain steadfast in the second half of Lent and continue this spiritual
journey with reinforced strength and commitment. The Prelate noted that
Michink is also an invitation for self-examination and introspection, a good
time to examine our lives and consciences to see how faithfully we have
followed through on the promises we made at the start of the season, and to
correct ourselves and make a renewed commitment to our Lenten promises if
our actions have fallen short thus far.
The luncheon concluded with the Prelate's message and benediction.
The Prelate blessed and commended the organizers for keeping this beautiful
tradition alive, and the students, luncheon hosts, and guests for their
participation and support. His Eminence thanked and commended the sponsors
for their continued support, namely respected community leader and
benefactor Mr. George Tumanjian, who was a surprise guest, and members of
his family who have inherited his benevolent spirit, and announced that the
Tumanjian family was sponsoring the expenses of the Cathedral renovation.
PRELACY HOSTS 8TH ANNUAL ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES SUNDAY SCHOOLS BIBLE
ADVENTURE DAY
On Saturday, March 2, 2013, the 8th annual Oriental Orthodox
Churches Sunday School Bible Adventure Day was held at St. Garabed Armenian
Church in Hollywood, under the auspices of the Council of Oriental Orthodox
Bishops, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, H.E. Archbishop Mor
Clemis Eugene Kaplan, and H.G. Bishop Serapion, and hosted by the Western
Prelacy. Clergy members from the three Churches also participated.
One hundred and fifty students, ages nine to fourteen, from twelve
Churches participated in the event, which began at 10:00 a.m. with Divine
Liturgy conducted according to the rites of the Armenian Apostolic Church
and celebrated by the Prelate. Accompanied by the singing of the
"Hrashapar" hymn, the Prelates entered the Church and ascended the altar.
During the Liturgy, two students from the Coptic and Syrian Orthodox
Churches read the daily Bible readings. The students also participated in
the singing of hymns in their respective languages, and received Holy
Communion from the Prelates. At the conclusion of the service, the Prelates
conveyed their messages on the following topics; Great Lent, what unites the
Oriental Orthodox Churches and our future in today's world in relation to
current world events in the Middle East.
Our Prelate began his message by greeting the Prelates, clergy,
teachers, and students, stating, "It is spiritually fulfilling to see so
many of our Sunday School students participate in this wonderful event every
year where you join your Armenian, Coptic, and Syriac brothers and sisters
in the celebration of Divine Liturgy in unity and harmony, and enjoy this
fellowship based on common faith, beliefs, and values." His Eminence also
thanked and commended the Oriental Orthodox Churches Sunday School Committee
Chair Mrs. Patricia Allaf and the members and volunteers for their hard work
and dedication in organizing this important event every year for the past
eight years. Speaking on what unites the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the
Prelate highlighted that "Although there are three distinct churches
represented here, we are, in effect, members of one family, the Oriental
Orthodox family, with shared faith, beliefs, and values. The Oriental
Orthodox Churches are of the most ancient in the Christian world, each
tracing its origins to the apostles in the first century, and we have some
of the richest and most beautiful traditions. But the strongest unifying
factor that makes us one family is that we are all children of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ. We are one in Jesus Christ and united in Him through
our faith and belief. And today, as children of God and of the Oriental
Orthodox Church, you have gathered here in praise and worship to celebrate
our mutual Christian faith and to grow in knowledge of the Word of God which
will strengthen you spiritually and mentally."
The second portion of the Prelate's message centered on the
importance of following God's Word, for which he cited James 4:8, "Draw near
to God and He will draw near to you". "Studying the Bible and learning
about the miracles, parables, and commandments of Christ will not only teach
you how to live a Christian faith, it will draw you closer to God. Lent
offers a uniquely special opportunity to draw closer to God and to grow in
our relationship with Him; to deepen our commitment to Him and to the
Christian way of life through prayer and repentance". The heart of Lent is
for us to ''grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). This is achieved through prayer and through the
study of God's Word. Thus, Lent is a time for more frequent prayer, for
more personal communication and communion with God; to drawing nearer to Him
by speaking with Him from the depths of our hearts and souls." His Eminence
concluded by wishing that the Lenten journey is a meaningful one for each
and every students, and that they will welcome the good news of the Glorious
Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday renewed in mind,
body, and spirit.
Students were then invited for lunch, after which the second portion
of the day began. Students were assigned to groups according to age, and at
different testing stations created posters on one of the miracles of Christ,
were quizzed on the miracles of our Lord, and created and performed a skit
on a miracle of their choice. When a group was not at a station, they had
the opportunity for a question and answer session with priests inside the
Church. Winning teams from each age division received trophies, and all
students received an award ribbon, group photo, and a religious icon for
their participation. Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian awarded trophies to the
students who were in the top three teams. The gathering concluded with the
Lord's Prayer.
From: Baghdasarian
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.westernprelacy.org
EPISCOPAL DIVINE LITURGY ON THE NAME DAY OF
FORTY MARTYRS CHURCH IN ORANGE COUNTY
Saturday, March 9, 2013 is the Feast of the Forty Martyrs, which is
also the name day of Forty Martyrs Church in Orange County.
On this occasion, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
will celebrate Divine Liturgy, conduct the blessing of madagh, and deliver
the sermon at Forty Martyrs Church.
PRELATE PRESENTS MANAS BOUJIKIAN WITH
PONTIFICAL ENCYCLICAL
On Thursday, March 7, 2013, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, welcomed to the Prelacy long-time community activist and benefactor
Mr. Manas Boujikian, who was accompanied by Asbarez Newspaper Editor Mr. Apo
Boghikian. During the visit the Prelate presented Mr. Boujikian with the
Pontifical Encyclical of H.H. Catholicos Aram I honoring him with the
"Knight of Cilicia" medal as appreciation and commendation for his many
years of dedicated service to the Armenian cause and community.
Mr. Boujikian was awarded the medal in May of 2012 during a
reception in his honor hosted by the Armenian National Committee Western
Region and Asbarez Newspaper.
On this occasion the Prelate once again highly commended Mr.
Boujikian for his contribution to the advancement of the Armenian cause and
people through his service in various organizations, and for his financial
support of a number of community institutions and organizations.
PRELACY PARISHES CELEBRATE MID-LENT
In celebration of mid-Lent, or Michink, on Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Prelacy Churches were filled with faithful who had gathered to celebrate
this special occasion with Sunrise Service followed by traditional luncheons
organized by their Parish Ladies Guilds or local ARS chapters.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, celebrated the
halfway point of Lent with the Holy Cross Cathedral parish community of
Montebello. The day began with Sunrise Service held at "Tumanjian" Hall,
given that the Cathedral is undergoing renovation. Parish Pastor Rev. Fr.
Ashod Kambourian and Crescenta Valley Pastor Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian
assisted in the service. Mesrobian School students were in attendance with
their new principal Mr. David Ghoogasian and teachers.
In his address to the students, the Prelate explained the meaning of
Lent as a time of prayer and reflection, and directed questions to the
students which they were able to answer correctly. Speaking to them on why
prayer is important and how to pray meaningfully, he urged the students to
write prayers expressing their love and gratitude to their mothers on the
occasion of the "Year of the Armenian Mother". The Prelate greeted the new
principal, wishing him success in his mission and stressing the importance
of having students regularly attend Church services. The students then
recited a prayer, after which the service continued, concluding with the
confession and the Lord's Prayer.
The traditional mid-Lent luncheon organized annually by the Parish
Ladies Guild followed at "Bagramian" Hall. This year's luncheon was
sponsored by Dr. & Mrs. Haig & Hilda Manjikian and Mrs. Zabel Iknadossian.
The luncheon featured a cultural program of songs presented by Mesrobian
students.
The Prelate delivered the invocation and greeted the guests,
expressing joy and at the participation of Mesrobian School students in the
service and cultural program. His Eminence reflected on the meaning of
Michink, which besides being the halfway point of Lent is a special occasion
for families and friends to come together to celebrate having successfully
endured the first half of Lent, and to encourage and inspire one another to
remain steadfast in the second half of Lent and continue this spiritual
journey with reinforced strength and commitment. The Prelate noted that
Michink is also an invitation for self-examination and introspection, a good
time to examine our lives and consciences to see how faithfully we have
followed through on the promises we made at the start of the season, and to
correct ourselves and make a renewed commitment to our Lenten promises if
our actions have fallen short thus far.
The luncheon concluded with the Prelate's message and benediction.
The Prelate blessed and commended the organizers for keeping this beautiful
tradition alive, and the students, luncheon hosts, and guests for their
participation and support. His Eminence thanked and commended the sponsors
for their continued support, namely respected community leader and
benefactor Mr. George Tumanjian, who was a surprise guest, and members of
his family who have inherited his benevolent spirit, and announced that the
Tumanjian family was sponsoring the expenses of the Cathedral renovation.
PRELACY HOSTS 8TH ANNUAL ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES SUNDAY SCHOOLS BIBLE
ADVENTURE DAY
On Saturday, March 2, 2013, the 8th annual Oriental Orthodox
Churches Sunday School Bible Adventure Day was held at St. Garabed Armenian
Church in Hollywood, under the auspices of the Council of Oriental Orthodox
Bishops, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, H.E. Archbishop Mor
Clemis Eugene Kaplan, and H.G. Bishop Serapion, and hosted by the Western
Prelacy. Clergy members from the three Churches also participated.
One hundred and fifty students, ages nine to fourteen, from twelve
Churches participated in the event, which began at 10:00 a.m. with Divine
Liturgy conducted according to the rites of the Armenian Apostolic Church
and celebrated by the Prelate. Accompanied by the singing of the
"Hrashapar" hymn, the Prelates entered the Church and ascended the altar.
During the Liturgy, two students from the Coptic and Syrian Orthodox
Churches read the daily Bible readings. The students also participated in
the singing of hymns in their respective languages, and received Holy
Communion from the Prelates. At the conclusion of the service, the Prelates
conveyed their messages on the following topics; Great Lent, what unites the
Oriental Orthodox Churches and our future in today's world in relation to
current world events in the Middle East.
Our Prelate began his message by greeting the Prelates, clergy,
teachers, and students, stating, "It is spiritually fulfilling to see so
many of our Sunday School students participate in this wonderful event every
year where you join your Armenian, Coptic, and Syriac brothers and sisters
in the celebration of Divine Liturgy in unity and harmony, and enjoy this
fellowship based on common faith, beliefs, and values." His Eminence also
thanked and commended the Oriental Orthodox Churches Sunday School Committee
Chair Mrs. Patricia Allaf and the members and volunteers for their hard work
and dedication in organizing this important event every year for the past
eight years. Speaking on what unites the Oriental Orthodox Churches, the
Prelate highlighted that "Although there are three distinct churches
represented here, we are, in effect, members of one family, the Oriental
Orthodox family, with shared faith, beliefs, and values. The Oriental
Orthodox Churches are of the most ancient in the Christian world, each
tracing its origins to the apostles in the first century, and we have some
of the richest and most beautiful traditions. But the strongest unifying
factor that makes us one family is that we are all children of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ. We are one in Jesus Christ and united in Him through
our faith and belief. And today, as children of God and of the Oriental
Orthodox Church, you have gathered here in praise and worship to celebrate
our mutual Christian faith and to grow in knowledge of the Word of God which
will strengthen you spiritually and mentally."
The second portion of the Prelate's message centered on the
importance of following God's Word, for which he cited James 4:8, "Draw near
to God and He will draw near to you". "Studying the Bible and learning
about the miracles, parables, and commandments of Christ will not only teach
you how to live a Christian faith, it will draw you closer to God. Lent
offers a uniquely special opportunity to draw closer to God and to grow in
our relationship with Him; to deepen our commitment to Him and to the
Christian way of life through prayer and repentance". The heart of Lent is
for us to ''grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). This is achieved through prayer and through the
study of God's Word. Thus, Lent is a time for more frequent prayer, for
more personal communication and communion with God; to drawing nearer to Him
by speaking with Him from the depths of our hearts and souls." His Eminence
concluded by wishing that the Lenten journey is a meaningful one for each
and every students, and that they will welcome the good news of the Glorious
Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday renewed in mind,
body, and spirit.
Students were then invited for lunch, after which the second portion
of the day began. Students were assigned to groups according to age, and at
different testing stations created posters on one of the miracles of Christ,
were quizzed on the miracles of our Lord, and created and performed a skit
on a miracle of their choice. When a group was not at a station, they had
the opportunity for a question and answer session with priests inside the
Church. Winning teams from each age division received trophies, and all
students received an award ribbon, group photo, and a religious icon for
their participation. Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian awarded trophies to the
students who were in the top three teams. The gathering concluded with the
Lord's Prayer.
From: Baghdasarian