Western Diocese Hosts Women'S Prayer Day

More than 200 women gathered at the St. Leon ( Srbots Ghevontiants) Armenian Cathedral in Burbank, California, on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 to celebrate Women’s Prayer Day and Ladies Society’s Appreciation Day. 

An established tradition, the annual event that is sponsored by the Ladies Society Central Council and is held under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Diocesan Primate.

This year’s theme, Glorifying God, centered on the priestly vestments and their significance in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy.  After the Morning Prayer Service, (Jamerkoutioun), the Rev. Fr. Vazken Movsesian, and the Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, explained and demonstrated to the attendees the order and the spiritual meaning assigned to each vestment and the specific prayer that accompanies it. 

From the Shabig (Alb), which demonstrates the gladness of the spirit with which the priest approaches the Lord’s Table, to the Saghavard (Sacredotal Crown), which symbolizes the royal attribute of Christ the King whom the priest represents and His strength against fighting evil, the two priests were able to eloquently and with much dignity and solemnity, shed light and understanding towards this ancient and continuous Armenian Apostolic Church spiritual traditions.

Ladies Society Central Council Chairlady Gladys Saroyan thanked His Eminence for his constant support and encouragement towards the Ladies Society Chapters of the Western Diocese and for his valuable assistance in making this year’s gathering successful as well as spiritually educational.

She also urged the ladies in attendance who are not yet members of their parishes’ Ladies Society Chapter to, “join us and share with us the joy and gratitude of being active participants of the Armenian Christian Apostolic family.”

A commemorative group photo was taken after the presentation and a Lenten luncheon of homemade and traditional Armenian dishes was provided by the Ladies Society Central Council.  Mr. Mihran Toumajan, Western Regional Director of the Armenian Assembly of America, spoke about the historic passing of the Armenian Resolution in both the House of Representative and in the Senate last year and discussed matters related to the upcoming census.  

Talented violinist Narek Arakelyan delighted the audience with his beautiful rendition of many musical favorites.