12 April 2011

Armenian Cross Stones Consecrated - April 2011

On Sunday, April 3, 2011, the Primate presided over the church service at the St. Leon Armenian Cathedral in Burbank. Rev. Fr. Zareh Mansuryan celebrated the Divine Liturgy. Archpriest Fr. Sipan Mekhsian, Cathedral Pastor Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan and Youth Director Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian participated in the service.

In his spiritual message, the Primate reflected on the parable of the Unjust Judge and stressed the importance of constant prayer through which we strengthen our relationship with God... 
Following the service, the clergy led the Primate in a procession to the southeast wall of the St. Leon Armenian Cathedral where the Primate, with the participation of the Choir, dedicated and consecrated the crosses carved on the wall. In his message to the faithful, the Primate reflected on the power and the importance of the Holy Cross in the life of an Armenian Christian. He extended his blessings to the donors who were treated to a reception at the Hampar Reception Room. The Primate's signed Certificates of Blessing and Commendation were gifted to the donors during the reception.  

[An "Image Gallery" is at Armenian Western Diocese news web site listed above.]

05 April 2011

Depictions of the Cross before 10th Century


"Christian art seldom shows Christ suffering on the cross before the Tenth Century... A cross without Christ was, however, acceptable..."

Charles Freeman
(from cutline on illustration page of photo of crucifixion detail of 5th Century door of Santa Sabina in Rome)
A New History of Early Christianity
Yale University Press - 2009