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.

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