MONTEBELLO-The Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church hosted its annual traditional Christmas dinner on Monday–January 6 in Montebellos Bagramian Hall–with more than 650 people in attendance.
Following a formal procession into the hall by Prelate Moushegh Mardirossian and members of the clergy representing the various prelacy churches in the Southland–Master of Ceremonies–Rev. Vicken Vassilian of Holy Martyrs Church in Encino asked the eldest guest at each table to dip the relic in red wine and pass it to the others on the table.
The benediction was said by Arch. Smpad Lapajian.
The evenings cultural program included a performance of traditional Christmas carols by the St. Mary’s Church Choir– poetry recitation by Meline Kelenjian and solo performances by Ara Ghazarian–Anoush Ghazarian and Rima Garabedian.
Prelate Mardirossian read a special New Year’s and Christmas message sent by His Holiness Aram I of the Holy See of Cilicia–then on behalf of the Prelacys Executive and Religious Councils and the Ladies Auxiliary–welcomed the gathering and praised benefactors John and Astghig Bedrossian–Walter and Clara Kerian and Richard and Tina Carolan for their continued generosity–especially for their recent donations to the Prelacy during the holiday season.
In his Christmas message–the Prelate said that the holiday’s are the time to make good on promises by taking steps to incorporate them in our daily lives.