With spiritual joy we announce that on Wednesday, February 13, the first Lenten Meditation or Hesgoom of the 2013 Great Lenten season was performed at St. John Armenian Church. With many faithful in attendance, Fr. Mesrop began the service by explaining that this year's vigils were being called meditations in order to remind us that Lent is a time for meditation, when we can focus our thoughts on God, and strip away unnecessary things. This is healthy, and spiritually rejuvenating. At the conclusion of the service he offered a brief spiritual message comparing Christ's decent into Hell to free the captive souls, with the supplications of the faithful to call Christ to enter into the difficult parts of people's emotional and spiritual lives so that he can grant freedom and peace. WIth the generous help of Mari Gamitian, a lovely lenten potluck was coordinated in the Paul Fellowship Hall following services.

This service consists of the Peace and Rest Prayer Hours of the Armenian Church, and is a powerful component of the Lenten experience. We encourage all faithful join us for this moving prayer service. After the services a light Lenten meal is served. Attendees can feel welcome to bring their own Lenten friendly foods as well, but this isn't required.