On Thursday, May 25, 2017, the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ was celebrated within the Western Prelacy with Divine Liturgy and a luncheon.
The day began with Divine Liturgy at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale presided by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and with the participation of Prelacy clergy members. Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon, in which he spoke of the feast’s deeper meaning, inviting the faithful to open their spiritual eyes and witness the glory of Christ.
Next, guests headed to Brandview Ballroom for the traditional luncheon organized by the Ladies Auxiliary, which this year was hosted by Prelacy and community benefactor Mrs. Silva Tchakmakjian. Among the guests in attendance were members of the Prelacy Executive Council, the wives of Executive Council members, ARS members, parishes’ Ladies Guilds’ members, sponsors, and friends.
The program began with the invocation by the Prelate, who also conveyed his blessings and well wishes. Ladies Auxiliary member Mrs. Sossy Guekguezian served as the MC, while member Mrs. Vania Babikian spoke about the popular traditions associated with the feast and the duty of all to preserve our centuries-old national traditions as they are a significant part of our national identity. During lunch, guests enjoyed music by Salpi Mayilian and participated in the traditional drawing of lots.
In his message, the Prelate commended the hard work of the Ladies Auxiliary and thanked the host, sponsors, and guests for their ongoing support and gracious donations made on such occasions, which are in themselves expressions of solidarity for the Prelacy’s mission. Next the Prelate spoke on the commemoration of the feast itself, stating that is an invitation for each individual faithful to celebrate the glorification of our Lord and prepare ourselves to celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit, Pentecost, ten days later. At the conclusion of his message, the Prelate presented a plaque to Mrs. Silva Tchakmakjian for her generous donation of $10,000 to host the luncheon, and gladly announced that next year’s hosts are Mrs. Kathy Bedrosian and her daughters Linda Abdulian and Jane Asmar, all of whom had traveled from Fresno to participate in the day’s celebration.
The celebration continued, with the festive atmosphere inspiring guests to make generous donations.
