Following the Lenten Vespers that took place on Friday, March 8th, His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian commenced on the Lenten Sunday Divine Liturgy in St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church on March 10, 2013.
The Divine Liturgy was offered by Rev. Father Serop Azarian the pastor. In addition to the presence of Srbazan Hayr, the Rev. Fr. Parsegh Vanlian, Assistant to the pastor and the Rev. Fr. Myron Sarkisian were present in through the sacrament. Assisting at the Holy Altar were Deacons Ara Siroonian, Van Vanes and Manuel Akcambazian.
At the end of the Liturgy, the Sunrise service of the Armenian Church took place and all followed the sacred prayers and hymns that were distributed to them by Der Hayr. The Sunrise service of Arevakal is one of the most beautiful and spiritually uplifting services in the Armenian Orthodox Church and the clergy rotated in the censing blessing of the church.
The Lenten sermon was delivered by Srbazan Hayr, in which he brought the undying memory of the saints of the Armenian Orthodox Church who wrote the bright pages in the writing of sacred hymns and prayers, the scripting of the holy orders in the Sunrise Service and the story of the Unjust Judge and the woman whose relentless appeals to him finally makes him listen to her plea. He reminded us to follow the example to pray and to understand one another, to uplift the life of prayer and sacrifice with which we could stand in the front of the judgment seat of the Holy Triune God. Srbazan Hayr gave his loving benedictions and blessed the congregation.
The Annual Parish Assembly took place beneath the Church in Alexanian Hall. After the confirmation of a quorum, Mr. Vahagn Asatryan was voted as the Chairman of the day and Mrs Silva Kelechian and Ms. Kohar Palvetsian were confirmed as the secretaries of the day in Armenian and English respectfully.
The voting of the officers of the church took place before the other items of the agenda based on the request of the present members. The elected members to the Parish Council this year were Vahagn Asatryan, Kohar Palvetsian, Mesrob Der Manouelian, and John Gakhokitze. The other 5 members who are still serving have another year to complete their terms.
For the Auditing committee Ara Siroonian and Arpi Citak retained their positions. Greg Donikian was elected as the 3rd member. The Nominating Committee are Ara Siroonian and Silca Kelechian. Kohar Palvetsian and Varsenig Papazian were added to the committee.
The church delegates that have a year term are Arminak Arteen and Karnig Capadishli. Agnes Boghosian was elected as the 3rd delegate. The Chairman is yet to be confirmed as the 4th delegate.
The pastoral, delegation, parish council and financial reports was presented and questions and answers ensued.
