Western Prelacy: Oriental Orthodox Churches Joint Divine Liturgy

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: [email protected]
Website: <; Oriental Orthodox Churches Joint Divine Liturgy On the morning of Thursday, May 11, 2006, a joint Divine Liturgy took place at the Western Diocese under the auspices of and with the participation of the Prelates of the Oriental Orthodox Churches, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, H.G. Bishop Serapion of the Coptic Church, and H.E. Archbishop Mor Eugene Kaplan of the Syriac Orthodox Church. Serving at the altar were Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian and Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian. Participating in the Liturgy were clergy members from each church. With the singing of `Hrashapar' the four Prelates approached the altar. It was touching to see the Prelate's greeting each other during the moment of the `kiss of peace'. Later on, during Holy Communion, clergy members formed four rows to receive Holy Communion from the Prelates. Following Mass, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian welcomed the Prelates and clergy members on this `historic day'. He then invited the Prelates individually to deliver their remarks. Prior to each Prelate's remarks, clergy members of that respective church sang a hymn. The Prelates expressed thanks and gratitude for the special day and express the necessity of such gatherings to become more familiarized with each other and be enriched from each other. They also recognized the four religious leaders of each church, H.H. Aram I, H.H. Karekin II, Pope Shnouda III, and Patriarch Zacha. Following the Prelate's remarks, Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Yardemian delivered the message of the day. After the remarks, a group picture was taken followed by lunch. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian then presented all those in attendance with copies of Garo Bedrossian's `Feasts and Traditions of the Armenian Church' and `Sundays of Great Lent' books. The Prelates also had closed meetings to discuss the possibility of similar events in the future. The gathering then concluded in the same warm atmosphere in which it began.