On Thursday, May 29, 2014, the Armenian Church celebrated the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each year on Ascension, the Western Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary organizes a luncheon bringing together women from the community to celebrate time-honored traditions associated with the feast, such as the drawing of lots and the singing of songs unique to this occasion.
The festivities began in the morning with Divine Liturgy at St. Mary’s Church presided over by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and celebrated by Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan, who also delivered the sermon.
The luncheon followed at Renaissance Hall in Glendale with over three hundred guests in attendance, among them members of the Executive Council, parishes Ladies Guilds, ARS Regional and local chapters, and sponsors. This year’s luncheon was hosted by Prelacy sponsor Mrs. Nvair Samuelian with a ten thousand dollar donation.
The luncheon began with the invocation by the Prelate. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Mrs. Vartoug Avedikian, who served as the day’s MC, followed by a presentation by Mrs. Sossy Berghoudian on the feast and associated traditions. Guests enjoyed a cultural program by beloved singer Gagik Badalyan, and participated in the drawing of lots and other festivities. Inspired by the cheerful atmosphere, donations were made throughout the luncheon. The greatest surprise came from Prelacy sponsor Mrs. Alice Navasargian, who made a generous donation of twenty-five thousand dollars in commendation and appreciation of the joyful event.
In his remarks, the Prelate commended the dedication of the Ladies Auxiliary in organizing such events celebrating and preserving our unique customs, and conveyed appreciation to the sponsors for their generous support, stating “we owe our successes to the enduring benevolence and support of our sponsors and friends”.
