November 9, 2006
PRESS RELEASE
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: prelacy@aol.com
Website: <; DURING HOLY MASS ON THE NAME DAY OF HOLY MARTYRS CHURCH `LET US FOLLOW THE PATH OF OUR SAINTS AND MARTYRS AND LIVE ACCORDING TO THE COMMANDMENTS OF OUR LORD' DECLARED THE PRELATE On Sunday, November 5, 2006, the Holy Martyrs Church of Encino celebrated its name day and 43rd anniversary, with a special Holy Mass that was conducted by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian and Rev. Razmig Khatchadourian assisted at the altar. H.E. Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian also participated in the Mass, along with the parish deacons, choir, and Sunday School students. At the start of his sermon, the Prelate gave thanks to God for granting him the opportunity to celebrate the 43rd anniversary of the founding of the church with the parish community. Being that Saturday, November 4, was All Saints Day according to our church calendar, and because our saints were also martyrs, the name day of Holy Martyrs Church was also celebrated on this day. He reminded the faithful that the saints were martyred for their faith, the blood they shed became a testament of their faith, and it was this unyielding faith that established our church. They remained resolute in their faith and never strayed from their righteous path and mission, and it is our duty to follow in their path and to live according to the principles set forth by our Lord. There are many difficulties and temptations in life; however, we must remain loyal to the faith and convictions bequeathed to us by our forefathers so that we may conquer evil. The Prelate then blessed the memories of all those who contributed to the founding of Holy Martyrs Church and all the past servants, then beseeched the Lord to guide the path of the current servants of the church. Following Holy Mass, the Prelate headed to Avedissian Hall in a procession, where he blessed the madagh that was prepared by the parish Ladies Auxiliary. The Prelate then commended the Ladies Auxiliary and Board of Trustees, after which the service came to a close with the Prelate's `Bahbanich' prayer and the collective singing of `Giligia' and `Mer Hayrenik'.