Prelacy Clergy Gather in Massachusetts

        For the third year the clergy of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America came together for a retreat. The retreat began Sunday evening, October 17, and continued through Wednesday, October 20. The Retreat followed the popular Linked-In Gathering for Young
Adults. Both events took place at the Holy Virgin Mary Spiritual Vineyard in Charlton, Massachusetts.

       The Retreat was under the direction of Bishop Anoushavan Tanielian, Vicar of the Prelacy. The general topic focused on Holy Week. The services of Holy Week leading up to Easter are beautiful and filled with meaning. Through the years, many of our traditions have been modified or lost.  By coming together and studying the services, readings, and music of this holiest of weeks, the clergy hope to be able to bring their parishioners closer to the traditions of the Armenian Church.

       The days were filled with prayer services, meditations, Bible readings, as well as fellowship. All of the participants led a meditation session based on the Epistles of St. Paul, namely, Ephesians, Galatians, Colossians, and Philippians.

       In the spirit of Christian fellowship, the clergy were invited to share an evening meal at the residence of Archpriest Fr. Aram Stepanian, pastor of St. Asdvadzadzin Church, Whitinsville, Massachusetts.