On Friday, January 6, 2017, the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ was celebrated with Divine Liturgy and the blessing of water in Prelacy Churches, with H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, conducting the service at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale. Archpriest Fr. Vazken Atmajian and Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian assisted at the altar. Among the throngs of faithful in attendance was Mr. Razmig Stepanyan, Counsellor of the Consulate General of Armenia.
The Prelate began his message by conveying his New Year and Christmas wishes to the two Pontiffs, the Prelacy family, and faithful. Alluding to the words from the Christmas hymn, His Eminence emphasized that out of His infinite love for mankind, God came to earth wrapped in swaddling clothes as the supreme miracle and gift for mankind, to bring rebirth and renewal for man and the message of humility, faith, hope, and love.
Reflecting on the “Year of Renewal” proclamation of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, the Prelate stressed that the Nativity of our Lord is the greatest occasion for renewal. “Renewal must first begin in our individual lives as we pledge to follow in the faith of our forefathers, to be soldiers of the Prince of Peace, and to spread harmony and goodwill within our homes and in our collective life,” said His Eminence.
The Prelate also prayed for peace in the world, for Armenia and Syria in particular, especially on the occasion of our Pontiff’s visit to Aleppo which brought strength and hope to the community.
At the conclusion of Divine Liturgy the Prelate conducted the blessing of water symbolizing the baptism of Jesus Christ and His Revelation as the Son of God. Armen Setaghayan served as Godfather of the Cross. The Christmas celebration came to a close with the “Great and Marvelous Mystery” hymn.
On the morning of Saturday, January 7, on the occasion of Memorial Day, the Prelate and clergy conducted requiem service and the Blessing of the Four Corners of the World ceremony at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills “Hall of Liberty” and Forest Lawn Glendale “Church of the Recessional.”
