Arch. Mardirossian, Southern California Prelacy churches offer prayers for ABMDR patients
Los Angeles, April 13, 2016 — In keeping with a beloved annual tradition begun several years ago, Arch. Moushegh Mardirossian offered special prayers for patients and members of the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry (ABMDR) on Sunday, April 10, known as Green Sunday or Sunday of the World Church. The prayer service was held in Prelacy churches across Southern California, including St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena, where Arch. Mardirossian presided over the Divine Liturgy and conveyed his blessings and commendation to ABMDR.
“We highly commend the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry for its humanitarian and God-pleasing mission, which is faithfully carried out by its dedicated members under the leadership of President Dr. Frieda Jordan,” the Prelate said during his sermon. “The message of Green Sunday is a message of spiritual renewal and rebirth, which we are able to attain when we love our Lord Jesus Christ and welcome Him into our hearts. And as we love Him, we are to love one another. The work of the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry, rooted in giving of oneself, is a beautiful manifestation of God’s love.”
Subsequently Arch. Mardirossian invited Dr. Frieda Jordan to address the congregants. “Your Eminence, I would like to express our profound gratitude for your continued support of ABMDR’s life-saving mission, and for giving me the honor of speaking about our work.” Dr. Jordan said.
“I would also like to mention that the Prelacy’s Prayer Day this year has extraordinary significance for all of us, as we mourn the loss of soldiers who sacrificed their lives while bravely defending Artsakh’s borders during the Azeri attack on our homeland earlier this month,” Dr. Jordan continued. “The selflessness of our soldiers, whether serving in Armenia or Artsakh, has been demonstrated by not only their courage on the battlefield, but their spirit of volunteerism. Indeed, the Armenian armed forces, as well as first respondents and police officers, constitute a high percentage of the registered bone marrow donors of ABMDR. As such, these dedicated men and women have already helped save lives through our organization, and will continue to do so in the future, setting a wonderful example for our nation as a whole.”
Following the church service, congregants had the opportunity to learn more about the activities of ABMDR, as volunteers and Board members were on hand to answer questions and pass out information.
Dr. Frieda Jordan addressing the congregants, next to Arch. Moushegh Mardirossian.
Arch. Moushegh Mardirossian with ABMDR Board members Carmen Lukassian, Dr. Frieda Jordan, and Dr. Vergine Madelian.
Dr. Vergine Madelian, Carmen Lukassian, and Dr. Frieda Jordan were on hand to answer questions and pass out ABMDR’s latest Newsletter.
Photos courtesy of the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry.