DEACON GARO NOKHOUDIAN LEADS SPIRITUAL WORKSHOP IN PROVIDENCE

On Saturday, November 15, more than 40 faithful parishioners and friends participated in a spiritual workshop on centering prayer organized by the Christian Education Committee of Sts. Vartanantz Church in Providence. Guest speaker Deacon Garo Nokhoudian, from Sourp Hagop Armenian Church in Montreal, was engaging throughout the day as he moved seamlessly through his presentation, answering questions, sharing his experiences, and setting the atmosphere for a time of practicing centering prayer. As he explained, this is a method of prayer that leads to a closer union with God and becomes contemplative prayer as our personal relationship with God grows stronger.

Alternating between Deacon Garo’s presentation and question-and-answer periods and time in the sanctuary provided a welcome balance between learning and applying this method of prayer in our daily lives. Everyone also enjoyed fellowship during a light breakfast and lunch as they shared thoughts and made new friends. The participants were so engaged that the workshop went beyond its scheduled time. There are already requests to have Deacon Garo return for another presentation.