ENCINO — Each year, the Armenian Relief Society of Western USA honors and cherishes the memory of departed members and benefactors through special requiem services, which are held on the last Sunday in February throughout Prelacy Armenian Apostolic Churches with coordinated efforts by His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian. Following annual tradition, this year’s services were held on Sunday, February 28, 2016. Members from 26 ARS chapters across the region attended church services in their local communities to pay their respects.
During church services, clergy highlighted the significance of ARS programs and services as well as the dedication and commitment of its members. Attention was brought to the fact that His Holiness Catholicos Aram I of the Holy See of Cilicia declared 2016 as the Year of Service, which is directly in line with the mission of the ARS, focusing on serving humanitarian needs especially for the Armenian people.
Following services, each chapter held receptions, while offering madagh to community members in memory of their loved ones.
After the service held at the Holy Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church in Encino, ARS Regional Executive Chairperson Rebecca Berberian expressed, “In addition to honoring the memory of our departed ARS members, this occasion serves to value and cherish the legacy they have left behind and further motivates us to continue their work to realize the mission and goals of the ARS.”
The ARS Regional Executive extends its deepest condolences to all the region’s chapter executives, members and families for the loss of their members and loved ones.
The Armenian Relief Society of Western USA, established in 1984 and with regional headquarters in Glendale, CA, has 26 chapters and more than 1,200 members in four western states. The ARS operates a Social Services Division and Child, Youth, and Family Guidance Center, and funds numerous youth programs, scholarships, and relief efforts. For additional information, visit www.arswestusa.org or call (818) 500-1343.
Source: Asbarez
Link: ARS Honors the Memory of Departed Members