The Diocese
Posted: 03/30/2017
The serene Serra Retreat Center, home of the Franciscan Friars in the picturesque hills of Malibu, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, was the scene of yet another noteworthy spiritual experience for the 111 believers who attended the Western Diocese Religious Educational Retreat, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.
Father Servpe Alanjian was the Spiritual Adviser of the Retreat Committee, Chaired by Mrs. Lena Simonian. She was assisted by Mrs. Meline Agaganian, Mrs. Alice Skenderian, Mrs. Linda Stepanian and Mrs. Lucy Tashjian.
The selected theme was: "The Potter and the Clay". Isaiah 64:8
"Yet, O Lord, You are our Father. We are the clay, You are the Potter; we are all the work of your hand".
The substance packed retreat commenced with the Divine Liturgy at 10:30 am on Monday morning in the glass chapel of the Serra Retreat Center. The Celebrant and Homilist was Fr. Krikor Zakarian from Rancho Mirage, who paved the way with the Gospel of John 1:1-5. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God". Fr. Serovpe Alanjian served at the alter, Fr. Haroutioun Tachejian conducted and Mrs. Margaret Lulejian accompanied on the organ while the retreaters sang the Sharagans with wholehearted inspiration.
At the gathering after lunch break, Fr. Alanjian opened the meeting by welcoming everyone, followed by Chairlady Lena Simonian, who also expressed her words of welcome and appreciation.
Bilingual lectures, relating to the theme were spread out throughout the day-and-a-half duration and were divided into four segments.
"God the Founder": Fr. Krikor Zakarian (English) – Fr. Avedis Abovian (Armenian)
"God as Redeemer and Forgiver": Fr. Sarkis Petoyan (English) - Fr. Vazken Movsesian (Armenian)
"God as my Transformer": Mr. Hayk Madoyan (English) - Fr. Haroutioun Tachejian (Armenian)
"How will God use me in His Glory?": Fr. Arshag Khatchadourian (English) - Mashdots Jobanian (Armenian)
At sunset, prior to supper, the same evening, a candlelit Procession of the Cross started at 5 pm with the utmost reverence with the singing of sacred Sharagans. However, after dinner a more relaxed atmosphere prevailed and attendees were asked to decorate clay pots, symbolizing the theme. The judge for the clay pot with the most artistic and meaningful design was non other than the Honorable Adrian Krikorian, who presented a gift to the winner on behalf of the committee.
The next hour was joyful singing time! Fr. Haroutioun Tachejian surprised the retreaters by bringing a sing-along tape of popular songs with words for everyone's enjoyment and led the singing both in Armenian and French.
The final entertainment of the evening was the showing of the Christian movie "The War Room".
The glorious Tuesday morning started with breakfast, followed by Arevakal (Sunrise Service) at 9:00 am. The Homilist was Fr. Haroutioun Tachejian. After a short break the last lecture of the series was presented bilingually in separate areas.
During the final hour, which was designated for reflections and comments, retreaters spoke about their experiences of blessings and expressed their profound gratitude. Some were elated with the opportunity for the immense spiritually nourishment. Chairlady Simonian thanked her committee members, specifically mentioned Fr. Serovpe for his guidance.
The final remarks came from Father Serovpe, prior to the Benediction.
"During the next week, when you go home and digest all the "nourishment" that you received at this inspiring retreat, take time to meditate and look at yourselves in the mirror to see what has indeed changed in you".
