Evening Service in Celebration of the Feast of the Holy Translators

On Saturday, October 13, 2012, the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrated what is regarded as one of its greatest feasts, the Feast of the Holy Translators. The feast celebrates the invention of the Armenian alphabet, the life of St. Mesrob Mashdots, Catholicos Sahak, and King Vramshabouh, and the culture and national benefits brought about by the work of the host of translators.

The eve of the Feast was celebrated on the evening of Friday, October 12, with a spiritually moving service held at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino, presided over by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and with the participation of Clergy members.

The Prelate began his sermon with the following prayer; “O Lord, through the Holy Translators divine knowledge and spiritual wisdom was spread throughout the Armenian Church, through which our nation was enlightened by knowing You and Your Word”. “Tonight we observe the memory of our translator forefathers. This Feast is not only a religious feast, it is a national feast; a feast of identity and faith. Our translator forefathers established our national identity and formed the legacy for our future. By translating the Holy Bible, they brought the Word of God to our hearts and souls”. His Eminence then reflected on the opening of the new academic year at the Seminary of the Catholicosate of Cilicia. He stated that students will soon return to the Seminary to convene the 83rd school year. “For years it was a tradition within our Prelacy to celebrate the invaluable mission of the Seminary with a banquet held after evening services on the Feast of the Holy Translators. Last year, we had the distinct privilege and honor to celebrate the 82nd anniversary of the Seminary with the blessed presence of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, and our community lent their great support for the mission of the Seminary”.

Continuing his message on the legacy of our translator forefathers, the Prelate referred to them as “the faithful students of God’s Word and commandments”. Through their works and actions, they lived God’s Word and commandments, stated the Prelate. “St. Mesrob Mashdots, Catholicos Sahak, and King Vramshabouh were not only students, they became our greatest teachers so that we too could learn from them and live in their example. Today they remain our heroes of faith. They renewed and revolutionized the lives of the Armenian people and nation and brought us closer to God. God and the prophets spoke to our hearts and souls in our own Armenian language. Tonight is an opportunity for us to renew our pledge to remain the faithful students of God’s Word and commandments. This feast is an opportunity for parents also to renew their pledge to remain instructors of good for our youth. Whenever to set out to change, let us change for the positive; for the benefit of our Church and communities, and for the glory of God”. The Prelate concluded his message with a prayer asking for the Lord to have mercy on us. To cleanse and purify us, mind and soul, as we serve for the splendor of our faith, church, and most of all as we serve for His glory.

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