On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, St. Leon (Ghevontiants) Armenian Cathedral was host to the spiritually uplifting Women’s Prayer Day organized by the Ladies Society Central Council of the Western Diocese. Held during the sacred season of Great Lent, the gathering bore special significance, inviting participants to deepen their spiritual lives through prayer, reflection, and fellowship. At 10:30 a.m., the ladies assembled in the Cathedral sanctuary for a solemn prayer. During the service, the Cathedral’s Pastor Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan conveyed the heartfelt message of the Diocesan Primate, Hovnan Derderian, who reflected on the meaning of Great Lent as a sacred journey of spiritual purification, encouraging the faithful to walk alongside Christ our Lord with renewed devotion and steadfast faith.
Participating clergy included Archpriest Fr. Hovsep Hagopian, Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian, Rev. Fr. Zaven Markosyan, and Rev. Fr. Nzhdeh Keshishyan, whose presence further enriched the prayerful atmosphere of the morning.
The hymns, readings, and meditative spirit of the service created a space for contemplation and communal strength, reminding all in attendance of the vital role women play in nurturing faith within their families, parishes, and communities.
The Lenten setting heightened the day’s spiritual tone, emphasizing repentance, renewal, and the transformative grace that accompanies sincere prayer.
Following the service, a Lenten luncheon was graciously served in the Hampar Family Room of the Diocese, where fellowship continued in a warm and welcoming setting. The ladies then heard a compelling presentation by Dr. Ani Shahinian, Assistant Professor of Armenian Christian Art and Theology and holder of the Grace and Paul Shahinian Lectureship at St. Nersess Armenian Theological Seminary. Dr. Shahinian, who earned her doctorate in History and Theology from University of Oxford and holds advanced degrees from University of California, Los Angeles and University of California, Santa Barbara, offered profound insights into the meaning and significance of Lenten observances.
Drawing from her scholarly work on Christian martyrdom and Armenian ecclesiastical history, she illuminated the theological depth of the Lenten season. The Women’s Prayer Day thus concluded as it began, with inspiration and grace, leaving participants spiritually enriched and renewed in their commitment to journey faithfully toward the joy of the Resurrection.
