FAITHFUL GATHER FOR SILENT PRAYER WORKSHOP AT CATHEDRAL

On Saturday, December 7, St. Illuminator’s Cathedral in New York hosted a “Silent or Centering Prayer” workshop under the auspices of the Eastern Prelacy. 

The program began with a service in the church, followed by a moment of silent reflection. Participants then moved to the John Pashalian Hall, where His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan, Prelate, delivered the opening remarks, expressing his deep satisfaction with this gathering—the first of its kind in the United States—aimed at developing the spiritual lives of participants through experiential and practical prayer methods for building a closer relationship with God. 

The Prelate commended Dn. Garo Nokhoudian, who traveled from Montreal to lead the workshop based on his personal experience with Centering Prayer at Sourp Hagop Church, and Mr. Raffi Ardhaldjian from California, who provided material support to the seminar. Gratitude was also extended to Rev. Fr. Mesrob Lakissian, Pastor of St. Illuminator’s Cathedral, for offering the church space, and to Rev. Fr. Vahan Kouyoumdjian of Holy Cross Church, Troy, for his active role on the organizing committee. 

Following the introductory session, participants introduced themselves and shared their expectations for attending this spiritually enriching workshop. Dn. Garo then led the workshop, structured into four segments: “Prayer as Relationship,” “The Method of Centering Prayer,” “Managing Thoughts,” and “Deepening Our Relationship with God.” Each session concluded with a Q&A session. 

After learning this Christian silent prayer method, participants practiced it in two 20-minute intervals, observing how the method could positively counter the noise of the world. 

The program concluded with closing remarks from Fr. Vahan. Attendees departed spiritually uplifted, expressing gratitude and committing to incorporate the prayer method into their daily lives. 

By the directive of the Prelate, a Centering Prayer group will soon be established in the New York-New Jersey area. Beginning in January 2025, the group will hold weekly meetings to support participants in integrating this prayer practice into their daily routines.