The Diocese
Posted: 03/18/2016
The Western Diocese Christian Education Annual Spiritual Retreat on a hilltop in Malibu was a rare treat for 100 attendees at the Serra Retreat Center. The home of the Franciscan Friars overlooks the shimmering waters of the Pacific Ocean with spectacular views from its grounds, chapel, conference room, and dining room. A warm sea breeze also graced the retreaters enhancing the spiritual experience.
The overnight retreat under the auspices of the Diocesan Primate His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian and headed by Fr. Serovpe Alanjian started at 10:30 am, on March 14, with the Divine Liturgy. The celebrant was Fr. Nerses Hayrapetyan and Homilist, Fr. Kevork Arakelian (Mathew 16:13-17) "Who do you say I am? Simon Peter answered, 'You are the the Messiah, the son of the living God.' Jesus replied, 'Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood but the Father in heaven'."
Father Kevork thus paved the way for the retreaters to meditate on who do they think Jesus is.
The schedule for the rest of the day was as follows:
12:00 noon- 1:15 pm - lunch
1:15 pm - 1:30 pm - "Welcome" by Fr. Serovpe Alanjian, Committee Spiritual Leader, followed by Lena Simonian, Committee Chairlady.
Lucy Tashjian read the Serra Retreat Center word of "Welcome and Information for Guests".
She announced that Alice Skenderian had the master key of locked rooms in case of emergency, referring to her as "the 911 of the retreat"!
1:30 pm- 2:00 pm - Fr. Kevork Arakelian opened the study sessions by introducing the theme: "The Parables of Jesus"
What is a Parable?
He clarified the difference between "metaphor", "simile" and "parable".
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm - The Parable of the sower
Fr. Haroutioun Tachejian (Armenian)
Fr. Krikor Zakarian (English)
2.30 pm - 2:45 pm - Break
2:45 pm - 3:15 pm - The parable of the ten virgins
Mashdots Jobanian (Armenian)
Hayk Madoyan (English)
3:15 pm - 3:45 pm - The parable of the great Supper
Dcn Stepan Hovagimian (Armenian)
Fr. Sarkis Petoyan (English)
3:45 pm - 4:00 - Break
After break during discussion and meditation, it became apparent that there was hunger for the Word of God and His Kingdom, which was the underlying message of all the Parables, as explained by the inspiring lecturers. An outpour of questions ensued. It felt like the Holy Spirit was at work in the conference room. The main request was for a need to learn how to mediate.
As in:
"LORD TEACH US HOW TO PRAY"
The candlelit Procession of the Cross lasted from 5:00 - 6:00 pm., during a glorious afternoon as the rays of the sun started dimming behind the hills and Sharagans filled the air.
Dinner was served at 6:00 pm.
As planned at nightfall, the movie projector was set in the conference room and at 7:15 pm the movie: "90 Minutes in Heaven" started rolling while Linda Stepanian prepared the popcorn with its wafting smell!
However, a most unexpected situation interrupted the intense movie when the city of Malibu experienced a sudden power outage!
Who came to the rescue? Dcn. Stepan Hovagimian, who gently removed his collar and proceeded to entertain the audience with such superb comedic talent that he caught the retreaters by total surprise! Uncontrollable roaring laughter filled the conference room. Release and relaxation saved the day!
Fortunately, soon after that the lights did come back and it was time for a singalong of Armenian folk and patriotic songs led by Fr. Haroutioun Tachejian, thus ending the first day.
The second day, March 15, started with breakfast at 8:00 am followed by a Sunrise Service, (Arevakal) at 9:00 am, under the bright sun overlooking the ocean.
Fr. Vartan Kasparian was the Homilist. He gave a heartfelt message of his life experiences.
9:45 am - 10:15 - The parable of the laborers in the Vineyard
Fr. Avedis Abovian (Armenian)
Fr. Vartan Kasparian (English)
At 11:00 am, before check out time, everyone gathered in the conference room for final reflections of joy and gratitude.
Comments were very rewarding and positive.
The retreat ended with the Benediction of Father Vartan Kasparian.
