The Diocese
Posted: 10/23/2020
The newly formed Deacons' Council organized its first pilgrimage on Sunday, October 18, to Yettem's St. Mary Armenian Church. His Eminence Abp. Hovnan led this unique pilgrimage with the participation of several deacons from the different parishes in our Diocese.
The Divine Liturgy was celebrated outdoors under a newly constructed arbor adjacent to the St. Mary sanctuary. The deacons all participated in the service either at the altar or with the choir.
During his sermon, Abp. Hovnan spoke about the looming threats of the war in Artsakh. He emphasized the importance of the deacon in the spiritual life of the church. In speaking about the Deacons' Council and the role of the deacon to serve the Church, he took it a step further by telling congregants that, "You are all deacons" by the fact, you have all been called to serve.
Fr. Vazken Movsesian, the director of the Deacons' Council, was asked to speak about this unique mission within the Western Diocese. He presented a short history of the Council and thanked the Fr. Mashdots Keshishian, the Parish Priest and Myron Sheklian, the Parish Council Chairman, for their hospitality in hosting the pilgrimage. He went on to talk about the role of the deacon in the spiritual war that is waged in Armenia and in our lives daily.
A prayer of dedication written by Dn. Gevork Gevorkian was read by all the deacons who were present and then they received the blessing of the Archbishop. A copy of the "Deacons' Chant" the newsletter of the Council with the prayer on its cover is available at this link
http://www.epostle.net/files/Deacons_Chant_Nwsl_2.pdf
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Fr. Mashdots shared his and the parish's appreciation to the Primate. This now is the third pilgrimage of the year organized by the Primate and led by Fr. Vazken. In the midst of the pandemic and all the turmoil that has risen, the St. Mary Armenian Church in Yettem is a safe haven and a place for spiritual renewal by our people. Appreciation is extended to the priest, parish council and all the members of the St. Mary Church.
