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Glendale News Press- CA
Jan 4 2014
Armenian religious leaders celebrate Christmas
Archbishop blesses water to symbolize Jesus' baptism.
January 03, 2014|By Kelly Corrigan
Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center hosted a water blessing
ceremony to celebrate Christmas days before the Jan. 6 date that marks
the Epiphany, or the baptism of Jesus.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirosian, who was accompanied by fellow
religious leaders, said the members of the Armenian Apostolic Church
traditionally celebrate Christmas on Jan. 6.
`At this most joyous time of the year, once again we thank God for
another year, and for the greatest gift of all - the birth of our lord
and savior, Jesus Christ.'
Mardirosian led a ceremony in which he blessed water in a bowl,
symbolizing Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan River.
Following the ceremony, Mardirosian said a prayer to bless the
hospital's staff and patients.
The ceremony has taken place for years at the hospital, but it was the
first time it was held in the main lobby, where dozens of hospital
staff members convened.
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Jack Ivie, president of Glendale Memorial, said the ceremony is
largely for the hospital's employees, many of whom are of Armenian
descent.
Following the blessing, those who attended were welcome to take small
containers of the blessed water for themselves or for patients.
http://articles.glendalenewspress.com/2014-01-03/news/tn-gnp-armenian-religious-leaders-celebrate-christmas-20140103_1_baptism-ceremony-hospital-staff-members
Jan 4 2014
Armenian religious leaders celebrate Christmas
Archbishop blesses water to symbolize Jesus' baptism.
January 03, 2014|By Kelly Corrigan
Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center hosted a water blessing
ceremony to celebrate Christmas days before the Jan. 6 date that marks
the Epiphany, or the baptism of Jesus.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirosian, who was accompanied by fellow
religious leaders, said the members of the Armenian Apostolic Church
traditionally celebrate Christmas on Jan. 6.
`At this most joyous time of the year, once again we thank God for
another year, and for the greatest gift of all - the birth of our lord
and savior, Jesus Christ.'
Mardirosian led a ceremony in which he blessed water in a bowl,
symbolizing Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan River.
Following the ceremony, Mardirosian said a prayer to bless the
hospital's staff and patients.
The ceremony has taken place for years at the hospital, but it was the
first time it was held in the main lobby, where dozens of hospital
staff members convened.
Advertisement
Jack Ivie, president of Glendale Memorial, said the ceremony is
largely for the hospital's employees, many of whom are of Armenian
descent.
Following the blessing, those who attended were welcome to take small
containers of the blessed water for themselves or for patients.
http://articles.glendalenewspress.com/2014-01-03/news/tn-gnp-armenian-religious-leaders-celebrate-christmas-20140103_1_baptism-ceremony-hospital-staff-members