On Thursday, May 30, 2019, the feast of the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ was celebrated with Divine Liturgy and a luncheon.
Divine Liturgy was celebrated at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale presided by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and with the participation of clergy members. Rev. Fr. Arsen Kassabian celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon.
The traditional luncheon organized by the Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary followed at Brandview Ballroom in Glendale. This year’s luncheon hosts were Arsineh Philips and her mother Arousiak Bedrossian, in memory of their father and husband Hovaguim Bedrossian.
The Prelate was joined by H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, and clergy. Among the guests in attendance were members of parishes’ Ladies Guilds, of the ARS Regional and chapters, sponsors, and friends.
The program began with remarks by Vania Babikian, who on behalf of the Ladies Auxiliary welcomed all and spoke about the traditions associated with the feast.
The Prelate and clergy delivered the invocation, after which His Eminence conveyed his message. He began by commending the members of the Ladies Auxiliary for their hard work and efforts in organizing this and various other traditional events throughout the year. He thanked the sponsors and guests for their presence and support and in particular his year’s hosts for their generosity. Next, His Eminence spoke on the Ascension of Christ and its significance for our lives today, stating that the Ascension signaled the end of our Lord’s earthly ministry and His return to heavenly glory, and allowed Christ to prepare a place in heaven for us and set the foundation for His Second Coming.
Ladies Auxiliary Chair Dzovig Zetlian thanked the hosts for sponsoring this year’s luncheon and all the guests all for their continued encouragement of the committee’s events throughout the year which serve to honor and honor our precious traditions and heritage.
Thereafter, the Prelate presented plaques to the hosts in appreciation for graciously undertaking the sponsorship of the luncheon. Mrs. Philips conveyed her remarks expressing thanks for the recognition.
During the luncheon, guests enjoyed a traditional Armenian dance and musical entertainment, participated in the traditional drawing of lots, and expressed their appreciation for the event through donations.
