Armenian Apostolic Church Of Crescenta Valley Ladies Society Holds Women'S Retreat

The Ladies Society of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Crescenta Valley held a Women's Retreat on Saturday, February 27, 2016 in the church premises where close to 55 ladies including church members as well as neighboring house residents came together for an afternoon of solitude and contemplation.

The program began with a prayer by the Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian, Parish Priest of Armenian Apostolic Church of Crescenta Valley and was followed by a welcoming speech by Lena Simonian, Chair of the Ladies Society. Mrs. Simonian emphasized the important role of women in the life of the Armenian Church. From leadership positions in the church to lay ministries, from study and prayer groups to organizing food festivals, from raising funds to planning events, the Ladies Society has always been the backbone and the propelling force of the Armenian Church. She also encouraged ladies to join the ladies Society in order to further those sacred missions.

A Lenten luncheon was prepared by the Ladies Society members. After introducing themselves and their mission, some participants expressed interest in joining the Ladies Society of the parish.

The program continued in the sanctuary with Mr. Mashdots Jobanian, the Director of the Religious Education Department of the Western Diocese, whose main topic was “Legendary women of the Bible, Champions of Faith." In his lecture, he emphasized the fact that these women were used by God to lay the groundwork for God’s redemptive work in the world. Furthermore, they broke the mold and served God in unexpected ways. He also noted that it is essential to seek inspiration to serve God in our daily lives.

The next speaker was Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian with the topic of “Different types of Grace in the church”. Father Abovian explained the meaning of the church and the role of the parishioners in the overall prosperity of the Church. He emphasized the fact that each person is created in God’s image and that each of us needs to utilize the graces bestowed upon us by to realize the mission of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

The program concluded with hymns and prayer. The ladies received ample spiritual nourishment and expressed the desire to hold such retreats and fellowships more often.