Good Friday Retreat
On Good Friday, our Fr. Nareg Terterian launched the Good Friday retreat for the third consecutive year, an event highly anticipated by congregation members. This year's format differed from previous years; rather than featuring one or two speakers, Der Hayr coordinated five pairs to present passages on the Passion taken from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
The retreat commenced at 3pm, symbolically aligning with the hour of Jesus' crucifixion as described in the Gospels. The five pairs included Mr. Veh Bezdikian and Dr. Annita Nerses presenting “The Agony in the Garden,” Mr. John Megerian and Michael Kaladjian presenting “The Flogging of Jesus,” Mr. Michael Gostanian and Mr. Dickran Kabarajian presenting “The Mocking of Jesus,” Mrs. Seta Megherian and Mrs. Janet Tutuyan presenting “The Carrying of the Cross,” and finally, Fr. Nareg Terterian and Yeretsgin Ani Terterian presenting “The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus.” Deacon Krikor Arabatlian led the musical presentation with St. Nerses Shnorhali’s hymn, “Renewer of the Universe” (“Norokogh Diezerats”).
Collectively, the presenters offered a comprehensive depiction of the Passion of Christ, each focusing on their assigned segment and enhancing their presentations with personal insights. At the conclusion, Fr. Nareg commended all participants for their dedication and encouraged attendees to share feedback for future improvement. The retreat provided valuable enrichment for both attendees and presenters, fostered by insightful questions and thorough preparation.
Such experiences are hoped to further enhance spiritual growth and deepen understanding of the divine salvific act.