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Consecration of a Sacred Painting at Forty Martyrs Church in Orange County

By February 4, 2020June 17th, 2024No Comments

On Sunday, February 2, 2020, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, presided over Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at Forty Martyrs Church in Orange County. During the service the Prelate consecrated a painting of The Last Supper, which was sponsored by the Tchulluian Family. Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian.

The consecration ceremony took place prior to the sermon. As the choir sang the hymn “Oorakh Ler,” the Prelate ascended the altar in a procession and began the service, which encompassed psalms, prayers, and hymns, after which he consecrated the top and sides of the painting with Holy Chrism.

Afterward, the Prelate delivered his sermon. As the day marked the eve of the Fast of the Catechumens, he first gave a brief overview of the fast, which is unique to the Armenian Church and was initiated by St. Gregory the Illuminator upon his release from Khor Virab to facilitate the evangelization of the Armenian people. Next His Eminence expounded on the day’s Gospel reading from John 6:15-21 which tells the miracle of Jesus walking on the sea. He stated that everyone faces storms in their lives and stressed that Jesus Christ is not security against life’s storms, however, He is the only security in our storms. Thus, he urged the faithful to not be afraid, become overwhelmed or disheartened during difficult times, rather to turn to God and strengthen their faith and trust in Him, for He is always by our side as He was with the disciples in the open sea during the storm.

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