The Diocese
Posted: 03/22/2018
Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate and the spiritual guidance of Fr. Serovpe Alanjian, 120 Retreaters attended the March 19-20, 2018 Annual Great Lent Retreat at the picturesque Franciscan Serra Retreat Center in Malibu.
After the opening Divine Liturgy by Celebrant/Homilist Fr. Khajag Shahbazian, assisted by Fr. Yeremia, Fr. Krikor, Fr. Serovpe, and Fr. Arshag on the organ with Fr. Haroutioun conducting the choir, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian addressed the faithful commending them and encouraging them to remain steadfast in their faith.
CLICK HERE OR ON PHOTO ALBUM BELOW TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS
After lunch the speakers were: Mr. Mashdots Jobanian (Armenian) and Mr. Chris Atamian (English) "THE SHIELD OF FAITH" of things unseen. In a personal testimony, Mr. Atamian, (psychologist/chiropractor) touched on his own near death experience at age 35 and his recovery from a hopeless paralysis, against all odds, through the revelation of a glowing Light.
The next speakers were: Fr. Avedis Abovian (Armenian) and Fr. Krikor Zakarian (English). "THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT", the Word of God. Eph. 6:17. They explained the Biblical meaning of the "Double Edged Sword" (Heb. 4:12)) "withstanding the evil onslaught of Satan, our enemy".
The third pair of speakers were: Fr. Haroutioun Tachejian (Armenian) "GOSPEL OF PEACE" and Mrs. Manifa Hovsepian, (B.S., Corrective Exercise Specialist in English) "THE HELMET OF SALVATION", the battle of the head; protecting and renewing the mind. She demonstrated her point with an authentic Roman warrior's helmet and showed some basic physical movements.
The candle-lit solemn procession of the Stations of the Cross ensued with the singing of sharagans and prayers, followed by free time, small prayer groups or discussion on meditation led by Fr. Krikor Zakarain. In a most patient and spiritually informative way Fr. Krikor led believers, step by step, into focusing on a prayer or a word and staying in the present moment in meditation and quest for answers.
After supper the attendees were led into a light hearted singing session by Father Haroutioun and ended the day by watching the movie, "Miracles from Heaven."
At daybreak the following morning, the retreaters celebrated an open air Arevakal Sunrise Service during which Fr. Arshag Katchadourian gave a brief explanation of Arevakal and the efforts of Parajnagerdazi (7th Century); Otznetzi (8th Centuary) and St. Nerses Shnorhali who were instrumental in the historical significance of the Arevakal Service as a solution and a transition from the Arevorti Movement.
The final speakers were: Fr. Vazken Movsesian (English) "GOSPEL OF PEACE" and Bartev Gulumian (Armenian) "THE HELMET OF SALVATION".
At the conclusion, Fr. Serovpe thanked the attendees; the Committee Members, Chaired by Lena Simonian, Meline Agagianian, Alice Skenderian, Linda Stepanian, and Lucy Tashjian; and invited Fr. Vazken and Fr. Arshag for prayer and benediction.
Smiles and tears filled the hall while retreaters lingered during departure. Many hugged and thanked the committee members as they described their experiences of relating to the suffering of others and acknowledged a deep sense of peace, comfort and transformation by learning about the “Shield and Armor of God”.
