Primate Presides Over Median Day Of Lent (Mitchink) Celebrations In Diocesan Parishes

Mijink, according to Archbishop Malachia Ormanian, is the 24th day or the fourth Wednesday of the period of Great Lent. The day symbolizes the passing of the first half of the Great Lent. Since that day church hymns written by Stegh are sung during the Peace Service held in the evenings on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Throughout the year, the Diocesan Primate pays a number of visitations to Diocesan Parishes to offer pastoral guidance, to encourage and to pray alongside the faithful.

On March 26, the Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian travelled to Rancho Mirage where he presided over the Mitchink celebration at St. Garabed Armenian Church of the Desert. On the following day, His Eminence presided over the Mitchink celebration at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral organized by the Monthly Luncheon Subcommittee.

On March 28, the Primate travelled to Costa Mesa to take part in the Mitchink celebration at St. Mary Armenian Church of Costa Mesa. The celebration was observed with a vigil service presided by the Primate.  During the service, the Primate granted the degree of Acolyte (Tbir) to 5 altar servers and degree of Stole-Bearer (Ouraragir) to 6 Acolytes who were escorted by Pastor Archpriest Fr. Moushegh Tashjian.  The new Parish Council members were installed as well by the Primate.  Following the uplifting services, a delicious Mitchink dinner, prepared by the beloved Ladies Society, was served to a large number of participants.

The Mitchink at the Holy Apostles Armenian Church of Crescenta Valley was held on March 29^th and was presided over by the Diocesan Primate.