On Wednesday, March 2, 2015, the last Sunrise Service of Lent was conducted in Prelacy Churches. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, presided over the service at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino, in which Ferrahian high school students participated.
Addressing the faithful and the students in particular, His Eminence recalled the message he delivered at the church during the first Sunrise Service, in which he spoke of the Lenten journey as a time of fasting, evaluation of our lives, communication with God through prayer, cleansing of hearts and spirits, and goodwill toward others. At the conclusion of Lent, we must ask ourselves if we were able to achieve this purpose, said the Prelate; if through renewal, spiritual cleansing, and introspection we were able to forgive someone who had wronged us as advises the Lord’s Prayer, if we did good, prayed, extended a helping hand or offered comfort to someone in need, brought happiness to our surroundings, served our church and community, and if we expressed gratitude to God for His blessings and to parents and teachers for their care and support. Let us ponder over these thoughts again and strive implement them in our daily lives, conclude the Prelate.
The traditional luncheon followed at “Dikranian” Hall hosted by the parish Ladies Guild. The program began with the invocation by the Prelate. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Ladies Guild Chairlady Mrs. Nancy Bederian, who thanked luncheon sponsors Mr. and Mrs. Dikran and Houri Berberian and Mrs. Arpineh Esmerian, and the Pastor and Board of Trustees for their support. Guests enjoyed a performance by Soprano Sossy Mardirossian-Avakian, after which parish pastor Rev. Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian conveyed his commendation to the luncheon organizers and participants and invited Ferrahian School Armenian teacher Mrs. Azadouhie Ghazarian to present her lecture dedicated to the Armenian Genocide Centennial. Through slideshow presentations, Mrs. Ghazarian presented the historical facts of the Genocide and the Armenian people’s pursuit of justice.
In his closing message, the Prelate commended Mrs. Ghazarian for her comprehensive, inspiring, and constructive lecture and message. “The legacy bequeathed by our martyrs is an integral part of our being. We must always honor that legacy by adhering to our faith, ethnicity, and identity. On the eve of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and Easter, we believe, that as our Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead and granted us life through His Resurrection, so too did our martyrs, by shedding their blood, bring resurrection to our nation. The over 200 monuments worldwide and more being built attest to the rebirth of the Armenian nation. And after April 23rd, when our martyrs are canonized, we will no longer mourn their deaths, but seek their intercession as they will be among the ranks of our saints” exhorted the Prelate.
