The 2013 World Day of Prayer service took place at Holy Trinity Armenian Church on Friday, March 1. The participating churches from the area were, St. John the Divine Anglican, St. Stephen’s Presbyterian, St. Ninian Anglican and Salvation Army Cedarbrea.
World Day of Prayer is a worldwide movement of Christian women of many traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year on the first Friday of March. This annual event takes place in 170 countries and regions in the world, and across Canada, 2000 communities observe it. The offerings received on this day support project grants to benefit needy women and children around the world.
This year’s prayer service was prepared by the women of France with the theme, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me”. It was Holy Trinity’s turn to host this event which was enjoyed and appreciated by more than 75 attendees.
Many displays about France and French culture, and artwork decorated the church, the lobby and the reception hall.
The 15 participants from the 5 churches entered the church in a procession. Virginia Misakyan made an impressive opening speech: welcoming, informing and thanking our guests and everyone who took part in the event. Alexia Citak gave the background on France and commented on the colourful artwork that was painted by artist, Anne-Lise Hammann Jeanot for this occasion. Our participants included Sossi Barounian, Hripsime Simonian and Arine Kemkemian.
We were delighted and grateful that Dr. Karen Hamilton, General Secretary of the Canadian Council of Churches, had accepted Fr. Zareh’s invitation to be our guest speaker. Nora Baltayan introduced Dr. Karen Hamilton who delivered an inspirational message.
The service was enriched by the members of the church choir who had to learn number of French and English hymns under the direction of Shahe Altounian.
Fr. Zareh Zargarian concluded the service with his closing remarks and benediction.
Following the service, refreshments and pastries were enjoyed by everyone in Maral Ishkanian Hall. Members of the committee as well as others had prepared the delicious food.
The organizing committee members consisted of Ingrid Yanekian, Sossi Barounian, Hripsime Simonian, Virginia Misakyan and Nora Baltayan, who worked hard and with great enthusiasm for the success of the event.
The committee would like extend its gratitude to the following individuals for their help, donations, expertise, innovations, participation and support:
Members of Women’s Guild executive, members of the choir, Ani Sarvarian, Ara Ter Harutunian, Deacon Nurhan Ipek, Alexia Citak, Arine Kemkemian, Zarmine Zabunian, Seta Sahakian, Yercanik Kuyumcuyan, Ani Migirdicyan, Lida Kirtavit and Kandia.
Their contributions were invaluable and much appreciated. The 2013 World Day of Prayer was a great success, thanks to the efforts of everyone involved. (by Nora Baltayan)
