Blessing of Grapes at Glendale Adventist Hospital


On Wednesday, August 12, 2015, the blessing of grapes ceremony was held at Adventist Hospital in Glendale on the occasion of the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God. The tradition of the blessing of grapes at the hospital began over twenty years ago by the initiative of St. Mary’s Church in Glendale in conjunction with the administration of Glendale Adventist Hospital.

The ceremony was held at the hospital Chapel, conducted by Very Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian, who was assisted by Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian. Ms. Ramella Markarian, Vice-President of Business Development, delivered the welcoming remarks, in which she conveyed her appreciation for the continued tradition. The invocation was delivered by Chaplain Al Garcilazo.

Very Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian conveyed his message, after which he conducted the grape blessing ceremony. Fr. Boghos greeted the administration, doctors, nurses, and staff in attendance, and on behalf of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, thanked them for the high-quality care they provide to their patients. He spoke of the meaning behind the ceremony, the grapes symbolizing the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ which was shed for our redemption and salvation, and the offering of the first fruits of the harvest season through which we seek the intercession of the Virgin Mary for the remission of sin. The program closed with the benediction by the Chaplain. Clergy then visited patient rooms to offer prayers for healing and to distribute blessed grapes.

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