Dear Parishioners & Friends of St. Gregory the Illuminator Parish,
As you know, we have entered the season of Great Lent, a time-honored tradition of the Armenian Apostolic faith. During this period, we test ourselves, examining our faith, our commitment to God, our behavior and our devotion to others. Great Lent is a time to take a step back and to recognize all the good things we have received from God, and to take stock of all the bad things that have crept into our lifestyle.
We do this through fasting, prayer and serving others.
One of the ways we increase our prayer life is by participating in
"Husgoom" or a special vigil service. Our Lord says, "Keep watch, for you do not on what day your Lord is coming." (Matthew 24:42) Recognizing that our entire life as Christians should be one of "keeping watch," now is a great time to take a break from all the worldly cares we tend to turn our attention to and to focus on Jesus Christ, wakefully and enthusiastically awaiting his awesome and glorious second coming!
This year, for our Lenten Bible Study series, we will be talking about the meaning, importance and history of fasting and feasting in the Christian Church, and their significance in our lives today. Bible Study will begin at 6:00 P.M., every Friday evening from February 19 - March 26, 2010.
The vigil "husgoom" service will begin at 7:00 P.M. and last approximately 45 minutes.
We strongly urge all our parishioners to take the opportunity during this Great Lent to turn your minds toward learning and enrichment. It's good for the body and for the soul!
May this period of Great Lent strengthen your faith and bring you into a clearer view of God's Holy Light, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Prayerfully,
Fr. Stephan Baljian
