Reclaim: Lost And Found In The Armenian Church

It’s no wonder that the organizers of the RECLAIM conference have picked March 10-12 to be the date of the unprecedented event at the Diocesan Complex. The Armenian Church refers to this particular weekend – the second weekend of Lent – as The Weekend of “The Prodigal Son.” It is a time to find the things that are so endearing to us, and to reclaim them.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian has allocated the entire expanse of the Western Diocese headquarters, from meeting rooms, to conference rooms, to the main sanctuary itself, to serve as the venue for this gathering of people. What is referred to as a “Youth Rally” has unfolded into a “Faith Rally” where participants can come and explore, learn, exchange ideas and grow in the Christ-centeredness of the Armenian Church. From priests, to church administrators, to judges, to singers, entertainers, artists, to children of strong faith, presentations are being prepared that will talk to young and old about the importance of living faith in a changing world.

A team of the volunteers have been working diligently for several months to insure everything is in order for these three days. Archbishop Derderian is personally visiting schools and groups to extend a warm and heartfelt invitation to this event.

According to Fr. Vazken Movsesian, “The Weekend of the Prodigal Son is so appropriate for this particular gathering. The Armenian Church prescribes a set of readings that Sunday, from the Gospel of St. Luke (15) where Jesus talks about loss and recovery. From the parable of the lost sheep to expressions in the Prodigal Son, Christ challenges to find our path back home. We named this conference "Reclaim” for in fact, we have all lost a part of our selves and something so dear to us that demands reclaiming.”

The invitation is extended for all to come and reclaim the Armenian Church.  Names of speakers and presentation topics are on the adjoining electronic flyer.

“We’re targeting young professionals for whom matters of the soul and spirit are essential. We want to present the Armenian Church as a viable source for spiritual nourishment,” says Fr. Vazken.  “All conference events – classes, meditations, service-project, worship services, morning hike, art projects provide the necessary spiritual tools to move from the secular to the sacred; to find comfort, strength and courage to live the Christian life.” The three-day format for this conference will offer time for instruction, expression, introspection, artistic exploration and fellowship. International participation is welcome.

These three-days are not to be missed. The nominal cost of $125/person covers all materials, events and meals for the three days. Thanks to the generosity of donors and the Diocesan parishes, many scholarships are available. The organizing committee has made it clear that NO ONE will be refused because of inability to pay. Registration is a must at www.Embracing-Faith.com. (Click on the “Scholarship” button for secure and confidential financial assistance.)

RECLAIM: Embracing Our Faith in a Changing World. March 10-12, 2017 at the Western Diocese Cathedral Complex, 3325 N. Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank, CA 91504.

More at: www.Embracing-Faith.com or write to: info@embracing-faith.com