On Saturday, December 2, Fr. Abraham and the Parish Council met at St. Nersess Armenian Seminary for a day-long retreat. The morning began a short Morning Service in the Chapel of the Karekin I Theological Center followed by a Bible Study and Contemplative Prayer session in the dining hall. As lay leaders, the Parish Council members were given the task to contemplate how to encourage former, current and future parishioners to connect with and stay connected with our parish. Two breakout sessions allowed for small group discussions about possible reasons why people were not coming to church followed by potential ways to tackle the issues. While there is no immediate solution to the “Challenge of Connectivity” it was clear from the retreat that all Parish Council members were committed to working together with Fr. Abraham to make Holy Martyrs a welcoming spiritual home!
