Western Diocese

A pilgrimage like none other to the Holy See of Etchmiadzin will take place this year for devotees to witness the blessing of the Holy Muron September 28, 2008.

Organized by the Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of North America, the pilgrimage will begin from Los Angles on September 18, 2008 and continue for duration of two weeks through October 2, 2008.  Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, devotees will experience a Renewal of Faith in Armenia as they visit churches and historic sites with guided explanations giving true meaning to the birth of Christianity among the Armenians and an understanding of the perseverance of their faith.

Highlights of the trip will include Blessing of the Holy Chrism, private audience with his Holiness Karekin II and a tour of the Etchmiadzin museum, celebrations of the 17^th Anniversary of Independence of Armenia, historic churches and monasteries, Karabagh excursion, vesper service, and a Faith Renewal seminar.

"This is not just a visit of the homeland.  This is a pilgrimage in the true sense of the word." said Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.  "Devotees will experience first hand the spirituality enriching doctrine of our Christian faith.  They will come back from this renewed and more connected to their mission of life."

The two week itinerary includes an intensive schedule with explanations of ancient manuscripts in the Madenataran, Independence Day celebrations at Sardarabat, tour of Gyumri and a view of Ani ruins, vesper service at the Kathogike Cathedral in Talin, and a Faith Renewal Seminar at the Vasgenian Seminary in Sevan.  Presentation will include history of the Armenian Church, biblical background and application of the Muron in the Armenian Church and the significance of the Muron Blessing and the implications of saving faith in our Christian living.

Dr. Vahram Biricik, chairman of the organizing committee said, "The pilgrimage will not be one where people just visit various sites.  There will be meaning attached to each day highlighted by the places we have chosen to visit, the vesper service, the seminar, and the shared witnessing of the Blessing of the Holy Chrism."  Other sites include Khor Virap, Noravank, Karabagh, Aragats mountain, Sahgmosavan village, Ashtarak, Haghbad, Sanahin, to name a few.

"We want to make this a more personalized trip, "continued Dr. Biricik.  "Therefore, place is limited.  I recommend booking the trip as early as possible so you don’t get left out."

For further information and reservations, email renewalfaith2008@gmail.com or call the Diocesan Office at (818) 558-7474