Altar Servers Lenten Retreat and Visit to the Western Diocese

On March 6-8, Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean, and Dn. Timothy Aznavourian, seminarian, traveled to St. Peter Armenian Church in Van Nuys, CA, and visited the diocesan headquarters and St. Leon Armenian Cathedral in Burbank, CA. This was Dn. Timothy’s first time visiting the Western Diocese.

On Friday evening, Fr. Mardiros and Dn. Timothy participated in the Lenten Service at St. Peter with Fr. Shnork Demirjian, pastor and alumnus of St. Nersess. 

The next morning, Fr. Mardiros and Fr. Shnork conducted a one-day Lenten Retreat entitled, “Do This in Remembrance of Me: The altar servers sacred role in the Badarak”,  for altar servers and deacons from five parishes. They were assisted by Dn. Timothy.

Fr. Mardiros led the first session of the retreat which asked participants to speak about their personal spiritual experiences serving at the altar. Dn.Timothy led the second session to explore the Biblical and Patristic understanding of the diaconate within the Armenian Church. After lunch, Fr. Mardiros led the last session, encouraging the altar servers to make a commitment to expanding their service to the Church, whatever that might be. The retreat concluded with an Evening Service in the beautiful and newly renovated sanctuary of St. Peter Armenian Church.

On Sunday, Fr. Mardiros served as the guest celebrant and preacher at St. Peter’s. Following the Divine Liturgy, he gave a presentation on St. Nersess Seminary, its history, purpose and future.

Attendance and participation were impressive. Particularly inspiring was the genuine commitment of the youth toward their faith and the Church.