Some 70 women from 16 parishes took part in the first-ever Women’s Guild Retreat, on Saturday, October 31 at St. Nersess Seminary in Armonk, NY.
Diocesan Primate Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan led the event with a reflection on the retreat theme, “Sisters in Christ,” reminding the Guild members they are part of a family in Christ. “Your challenges are my challenges; your joy is my joy,” he said.
The seminary’s Dn. Yervant Kutchukian explored the intergenerational relationship between Mary and Elizabeth as related in Luke’s Gospel. He asked the members to reflect on their own cross-age friendships within their parish guilds.
Seminary dean Fr. Mardiros Chevian continued to explore the figure of St. Mary, describing her as protector, intercessor, and mother welcoming the faithful home. He challenged the members to bring the Mother-of-God more concretely into their lives.
The day concluded with a service consecrating a new icon of the crucifixion. Participants left with a renewed sense of sisterhood and friendship.