Ambassador Markarian visits the Diocese

Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, Ca 91504
Tel: 818-558-7474
Fax: 818-558-6333
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*His Excellency Ambassador Tatoul Markarian*

VISITS THE DIOCESE

On September 30, 2005 His Excellency Ambassador Tatoul Markarian,
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of
Armenia to the United States of America, paid an official visit of
the Western Diocese to meet with His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan
Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of
North America. The Ambassador was accompanied by the Honorable Gagik
Kirakossian, Consul General.

The Primate honored His Excellency in a reception at the Diocese
sponsored by Mr. Harut Aga-Sarkisian, during which the Primate
officially welcomed His Excellency on behalf of the Diocese, the
Diocesan Council, and clergy. His Eminence expressed his joy in
hosting the Ambassador at the Diocese.

Following, the Primate and the Ambassador met in the Primate’s Suite
whereby they discussed the strong relationship between the Western
Diocese and the Motherland, as well as the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin. Providing aid and assistance to the developing republic
of Armenia, as well as our brothers and sisters in Armenia, are one
of the most important missions of the Western Diocese.

Mr. Tatoul Markarian was appointed Armenian Ambassador to the United
States on March 19, 2005 by President Robert Kocharian. He holds the
diplomatic rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.
Prior to assuming this position, Ambassador Markarian served as
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia since June 2000,
whereby he was the Armenian coordinator for the U.S.-Armenia
Strategic Dialogue as well as the NATO-Armenia Political-Military
Dialogue. In 2002-2003, Ambassador Markarian was Special
Representative of the President of Armenia for Nagorno Karabakh
negotiations.

Previous diplomatic assignments of Ambassador Tatoul Markarian
included a term as Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister-Counselor at
the Armenian Embassy in Washington, DC, as well as service in
Armenia’s legislative and executive branches.

ARMENIA FUND HONORS
AMBASSADORR TATOUL MARKARIAN

On September 30, 2005 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,
Primate of the Western Diocese Armenian Church of North America, was
officially invited to a Pre-Gala Reception and Dinner organized by
Armenia Fund, in honor of His Excellency Tatoul Markarian, Ambassador
of the Republic of Armenia to the United States.

The event was hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Berj and Belet Shabazian in
their residence. His Eminence addressed conveyed his remarks,
congratulating the honoree.**

* *

PRIMATE ATTENDS
AGBU SECOND ANNUAL SOCIETY DINNER

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western
Diocese Armenian Church of North America, attended the Second Annual
Society Dinner of the AGBU on October 1, 2005, held at the Ritz
Carlton in Pasadena and in honor of George Philips, Jr. Esq. The
Dinner was attended by several official and VIP guests, including Mr.
Berge Setrakian, Esq., President of the AGBU. Other VIP guests in
attendance were His Excellency Tatoul Markarian, Ambassador of
Armenia to the U.S., Hon. Gagik Kirakossian, Consul General; Hon.
Eric Garcetti, Councilmember, City of Los Angeles, Hon. Steve Cooley,
District Attorney, Los Angeles; Hon. Bill Bogaard, Mayor of Pasadena;
Hon. Rafi Manoukian, Mayor of Glendale; Hon. Ara Najarian,
Councilmember, Glendale; Hon. Bob Yousefian, Councilmember, Glendale;
Scott Howard, City Attorney, Glendale; Hon. Jeff Vander Borght, Mayor
of Burbank; Paul Krekorian, President of Burbank Unified School
District Board of Education.

Following the opening remarks by Master of Ceremonies Mr. Toros
Yetenekian, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian was invited to
the podium to perform the invocation. `Almighty God, Bless us all who
are gathered here tonight to celebrate the mission of the Armenian
General Benevolent Union,’ said the Primate. `Tonight we ask your
abundant blessings upon the President of this institution, Mr. Berge
Setrakian. We give thanks to God for His visionary and able
leadership and for all the dedicated servants of AGBU, who throughout
the world firmly uphold the love for Armenia and the unreserved
dedication towards the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Tonight we are
truly joyful as we witness the special honor bestowed upon a blessed
servant the Honorable George Philips.’ His Eminence also
congratulated the AGBU SCDC on this historic occasion.

The Keynote address was delivered by the Honorable Eric Garcetti
Councilmember from the City of Los Angeles. Following, Mr. Vahe
Imasdounian, Chair of the AGBU SCDC addressed the attendees and
welcomed them on behalf of the AGBU.

President of AGBU Mr. Berge Setrakian who has arrived in Los Angeles
to attend the Society Dinner congratulated delivered his remarks on
behalf of the AGBU Central Board. The Guest of Honor was introduced
by Dr. Mihran Agbabian, who spoke of Mr. George Phillips’ dedication
to the community at large. Upon being invited to the podium Mr.
Philiips congratulated the AGBU for such a successful evening and
extended his gratitude for the honor bestowed upon him.

George Phillips, Esq., was born in Los Angeles. A Korean War
Veteran, he earned his undergraduate degree in Business
Administration and his Juris Doctorate from UCLA in 1956. Mr. Philips
has been a member of the California State Bar and a Certified Public
Accountant since 1957. In 1957 he was designated `Super Lawyer’ in
Estate planning. He was a founding member of the United Armenian
Congressional Church in Hollywood, and has been instrumental in
assisting the Armenian Missionary Association of America in various
endeavors. He has donated his legal services to numerous Armenian
organizations, bringing his assistance to the Armenian community.

PRIMATE PAYS PASTORAL VISIT
TO ARMENIAN CHURCH OF LA VERNE

On Sunday, October 2, 2005 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,
Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North
America, celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the Sermon at the
Armenian Apostolic Church of La Verne. The Pontifical Encyclical
issued by His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, on
the occasion of the 1600th anniversary of the Creation of the
Alphabet was read during the Liturgy.

His Eminence officiated the ordination of George Papazaian as a
Stole Bearer. In his Sermon the Primate congratulated the newly
ordained and commended the community of La Verne on their dedication
to the Church.

A reception followed the Divine Liturgy during which an anonymous
faithful announced his desire to become a Lifetime Steward of the
Western Diocese, with a donation of $10,000.

COMMUNITY HONORS
JUDGE DICKRAN TEVRIZIAN

On the evening of October 2, 2005 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan
Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of
North America, was officially invited to a Gala Banquet in honor of
Dickran Tevrizian, Senior U.S. District Court Judge. Organized by the
USC Institute of Armenian Studies, the Banquet was held in the Century
Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles.

The evening’s program opened with the remarks of Charles Ghailian,
the Chair of the Steering committee of the USC Institute of Armenian
Studies. Honorable Judge Armand Arabian, Mr. Edward Poski, Mr. John
Bedrossian and Mr. Ronald Tutor each extended their congratulatory
remarks to the honoree, following which the Dean of the USC College
of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Mr. Joseph Aoun, extended his remarks
on behalf of the University.

Several friends of Judge Dickranian were also given the opportunity
to congratulate him on this honor, including: Mr. Cary Agajanian, Mt,
Browne Greene, Mr. Jacques Soiret, Mr. Robert C. Baker, Mr. Robert
Lewis, Mr. Howard Weitzman, Mr. Thomas Girardi, Mr. Raffi Nahabedian,
Mr. Alex Yemenidjian, and Mr. Paul Orfalea.

Recollections of Judge Dickran Tevrizian were conveyed by Mr. Mark
Geragos, Dr. Daniel Tevrizian, Mr. Cameron Kalunian, and Honorable
Stephen Wilson.

Judge Tevrizian was introduced by Governor George Deukmejian, at
which time he extended his gratitude to the USC Institute of Armenian
Studies, as well as the guests, for this prestigious honor.

Prior to the Benediction His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian
congratulated Judge Tevrizian on this auspicious occasion.
`Distinguished and honorable guests,’ began the Primate, `Tonight’s
fellowship celebrates a lifetime of commitment of Judge Dickran
Tevrizian. The Honorable Judge has been a challenging, inspiring, and
charismatic presence in the life of American society with the many
enriching and spiritually uplifting achievements.

Tonight we salute an insightful Judge, whose many years of
relentless service and devotion to American society has truly
improved the lives of many into better individuals, who, inspired by
the able leadership and wisdom of Judge Tevrizian, through this
celebration commit themselves to become exemplary citizens of the
freedom loving homeland of the United States of America. God’s
greatest gift is life itself. Life becomes a true blessing only when
we are able o bring it to the service of humanity. Tonight we give
thanks to the Almighty God for the gift of the life of which is
reflected with excellence through any years of service for Justice
and for the well-being of American society. The Honorable Judge is
also the pride of the Armenian community and the inspiration for the
younger generation. We cherish deep in our hearts this pride God has
bestowed upon us all and renew in our spirituality a new sense of
commitment to respond to Gods call in the service of humanity.

I commend especially the Board members of the USC Institute of
Armenian Studies for organizing tonight’s Gala Banquet in honor of
the Honorable Judge.

Dear Honorable Judge, it is now my distinct pleasure o present to
you the Encyclical of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All
Armenians, in recognition of your public service with utmost
excellence.’

Upon the invitation of the Primate, Rev. Fr. Vazken Movsesian,
Pastor of St. Peter Armenian Church Youth Center in Glendale, and
Chaplain of the USC ASA, read the Encyclical of His Holiness, which
stated, `Respectable Mr. Tevrizian, we are personally familiar with
you and your spirit of service to our nation. We are also aware of
your commendable works, and as the Pontiff of Armenians we are
spiritually overjoyed in being informed of your new accomplishments
and good deeds.

Your contribution to law enforcement in the United States has been
substantial. As a result of long years of noteworthy service and high
ranking positions as a judge you have earned the high commendation of
the American government, have been appointed to high positions, and
thanks to your success you have also elevated the name of our people
in the eyes of the American government. With appreciation we
acknowledge that as an accomplished judge you are recognized within
educational and community organizations as a Professor, whereby you
have brought your assistance to the education and instruction of the
young generation. Your many awards are evidence of your long years of
fruitful service.’

The Primate then presented to Judge Tevrizian the St. Nersess the
Graceful Medal of Honor issued by His Holiness Karekin II, with the
Pontifical Encyclical.

very rev. fr. dajad Dz. V. yardemian

represents the primate at community events

Exhibition Dedicated to 5th Century

Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, represented His
Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese
Armenian Church of North America, during an event entitled `The
Armenian Enlightenment in the 5th Century: an Exhibition’. The
Exhibition was hosted by and held at the Glendale Public Library.
Following introductory remarks by Dr. Nona Manoukian, Dr. Alice
Taylor spoke on the theme of `Mesrob Mashdots and the Preservation of
Armenian Identity.’

Divine Liturgy at St. Peter Armenian Church

On Sunday, October 2, 2005 Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian
celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the Sermon at St. Peter
Armenian Church in Van Nuys. During the Divine Liturgy Fr. Dajad read
the Pontifical Encyclical issued by His Holiness Karekin II,
Catholicos of All Armenians, on the occasion of the 1600th
anniversary of the Creation of the Alphabet.

Event Dedicated to 1600th Anniversary of Armenian Alphabet

A public event celebrating the 1600th anniversary of the Armenian
Alphabet sponsored by Hamazkayin Educational and Cultural Society
Central Executive took place of Sunday October 2, 2005 at the Alex
Theatre in Glendale, during which Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V.
Yardemian, represented His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,
Primate of the Western Diocese Armenian Church of North America.

Keynote addresses were delivered by Prof. Peter Cowe, Chair of the
Armenian Studies Department at UCLA, as well as by Prof. Stephan
Astourian, Chair of the Armenian Studies Department of Berkeley.

OFFICE OF THE WESTERN DIOCESE October 3, 2005

Burbank, California

http://www.armenianchurchwd.com/