The newly formed retreat committee, under the leadership of Fr. Nerses Hayrapetyan, is happy to inform you that we are planning an exciting spiritual retreat, to all parishioners, from Tuesday March 19 at 10:00 a.m. to Wednesday March 20 at 11:00 a.m., 2013 at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center where you can enjoy peaceful and tranquil atmosphere (700 N. Sunnyside Ave., Sierra Madre, CA 91024).

The theme for the retreat is “We believe in God; what it means to experience a fresh explosion of faith?” As children of God, we will update our faith by exploring each of these characteristics of believers:   Being humble, generous, just, attentive to Christ’s voice, loving, pure in heart, sincere, peaceful, zealous for good works, led by the Holy Spirit and abounding in work of the Lord.

Fr. Nerses Hayrapetyan will be heading the retreat along with Arch. Fr. Vartan Kasparian, Arch. Fr. Shnork Demirjian, Arch. Fr. Sarkis Petoyan, Fr. Haroutioun Tachejian, Fr. Hovel Ohanian, Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, Fr. Avedis Abovian, Fr. Krikor Zakaryan, Fr. Mesrob Ash, Haik Madoyan and Mashdots Jobanian. Divine Liturgy will be held on Tuesday morning March 19, where Serpazan Hovnan Derderian will be present.

Some of the lectures will be both in Armenian and English. There will be a sacramental procession of the cross outside with candles, hymns and prayers as the walk of Christ to Calvary (Khatchi Tapor). This year each retreater will have the opportunity to have a personal sharing time with the priests.