Prayer And Healing Service As Part Of A Pilgrimage To The Desert

Members of Fr. Vazken Movsesian's Bible Study group made a pilgrimage to the St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church in Rancho Mirage on July 12, 2018. Calling it "Pilgrimage to the Jewel of the Desert" underscored the very special and unique place this gem holds in the heart of the community.

The pilgrims were greeted by Rev. Fr. Krikor Zakaryan, parish priest of St. Garabed. Together the pilgrims went on a journey which included prayer, meditation and a healing service. Fr. Krikor focused on the importance of faith and the miracle of how faith becomes greater by the power of God. He pulled from Scripture the parable of Christ multiplying the fish and bread and challenged the pilgrims to witness to the miracles around them.

A healing service took place with the recitation of the Armenian Church's Orthodox confession of Faith. Following absolution the prayers and hymns of the Night Hour were chanted. Fr. Krikor shared a blessing from the Holy City of Jerusalem, from the tree of olives where the Passion of our Lord took place. He gave each pilgrim this blessing to take with them as a testament to the power of faith in healing our wounds.

A delicious lunch was prepared and served by the St. Garabed Ladies Society. Fr. Vazken thanked the gracious hosts for a spiritually uplifting morning. This one-day pilgrimage was the first of many to come.