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Joint Oriental Orthodox Sunday School Bible Competition

On Saturday, May 13 the Armenian, Syriac, and Coptic Orthodox Churches gathered their Sunday School students for a Bible Competition, which was held at St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Glendale, CA. The event was for students ages 11-15 and it focused on the history of the three Oriental Orthodox churches and the first ten chapters of the Gospel of Matthew.

This event was under the guidance and supervision of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, His Grace Bishop Serapion of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles, H.E. Archbishop Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan of the Syriac Orthodox Western Diocese, and H.E. Hovnan Derderian Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church. The event hosted many clergy members from the various representing churches, one hundred forty students, and several Sunday School directors, teachers, and parents.

The day’s events began with a prayer service in each of the respective languages, followed by a welcoming message from V. Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, Mr. Jack Chaghatzbanian, superintendent of St. Mary’s Armenian Sunday School, and Mrs. Patricia Allaf, director of St. Ephraim Syriac Sunday School. In order to promote fellowship and unity, the Bible competition began with sixteen teams, each containing an equal number of students from the Armenian, Coptic, and Syriac Orthodox Churches. It was wonderful to see the excitement and unity among the students, and in the final round the Orthodox Commanders emerged as the victorious team. We must remember that all students are winners in the eyes of our Lord, for learning His word is the greatest gift.

The respective Primates addressed the students and encouraged them to continue learning about our Christian Orthodox faith. The Primates then awarded the winning team with trophies and presented all the participating students with religious medals.

H.E. Moushegh Mardirossian graciously presented all the students a St. Mary’s Armenian Church religious pin for their hard work and dedication. The event concluded in Resurrection prayers in Armenian, Coptic, and Syriac in which all the celebrants, faithful students and teachers sang together. It was a truly motivating way to end the joyous occasion, praising the Lord Jesus Christ whose presence we greatly felt.

We pray and ask the Lord Jesus Christ for His benediction and we may in the future continue to share His love and care He bestows upon us. With God’s grace and will we hope to see everyone at the Oriental Orthodox Sunday School Spiritual Gathering which will be held on Saturday, October 28 at Archangel Michael Coptic Church. 

Posted by Fr. Moses Samaan

April 9, 2009