August 28, 2009
PRESS RELEASE
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER DIVINE LITURGY AT
ST. GARABED CHURCH IN HOLLYWOOD
On Sunday, August 30th, 2009, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, will preside over Divine Liturgy at St. Garabed Church in
Hollywood.
On Sunday, September 6th, the Eve of the Fast of the Exaltation of
the Holy Cross, the Prelate will preside over Divine Liturgy at St. Mary’s
Church in Glendale.
SUNDAY SCHOOL SEMINAR TO BE HELD AT THE PRELACY
On Sunday, September 6th, registration for our Sunday Schools
begins, which will start the new school year on September 13th.
In preparation for the school year, by the initiative of H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, the Sunday Schools Central
Directorate has organized a one-day seminar for Sunday School directors and
teachers to take place on Saturday, September 5th, at the Prelacy "Dikran
and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian" Hall.
At 6:00 p.m., Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at the "St. Dertad
and St. Ashkhen" Chapel. The community is invited to participate in the
Liturgy, which will be celebrated by Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian.
PRELATE PRESIDES OVER BACK TO SCHOOL CEREMONY OF
KROUZIAN-ZEKARIAN-VASBOURAGAN SCHOOL
On Thursday, September 3rd, 2009, Prelacy Schools will commence the
2009-2010 academic year with opening ceremonies and prayer led by H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and clergy members.
On Wednesday, August 26th, the Prelate departed for San Francisco to
preside over the opening ceremony of Krouzian-Zekarian-Vasbouragan School,
which commenced the new school year on Thursday, August 27th.
At the opening ceremony, the Prelate was accompanied by Very Rev.
Fr. Vaghinag Meloian and Rev. Fr. Avedis Torossian, and St. Gregory Church
Board of Trustees Chair Mr. Varant Kasbarian.
During the ceremony parents and students had the opportunity to
become acquainted with the new principal Mrs. Grace Andonian and the new
director of the pre-school Mrs. Roubina Kasparian.
The Prelate welcomed the administration and students back to school
and conveyed his blessings and well wishes for a successful school year.
Remarks were also offered by Mr. Jirair Sarkissian on behalf of the School
Board.
The students also received Holy Communion, after which the Prelate
visited classrooms and introduced the students to Fr. Vaghinag who will be
their new religion instructor.
PRELATE TO ATTEND RECEPTION ORGANIZED BY HAMAZKAYIN REGIONAL EXECUTIVE
On the evening of Friday, August 28th, 2009, a reception organized
by the Hamazkayin Regional Executive will take place at the residence of Mr.
and Mrs. Sarkis Berberian.
The reception is being held to honor the tenure of previous
principal of Pilibos School Dr. Viken Yacoubian, and to welcome new
principal Mr. Nazo Apanian.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, accompanied by
Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian, will attend the reception and convey his
blessings and well wishes.
PRESENTATION OF ARCHPRIEST FR. KHOREN HABESHIAN’S BOOK KEER GYANKI AT THE
PRELACY HALL
On the evening of Thursday, August 27th, 2009, the presentation of
Archpriest Fr. Khoren Habeshian’s new book Keer Gyanki took place at the
Prelacy "Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian" Hall.
The event was held under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, and was organized by the Mousa Dagh Compatriotic
Union.
The Master of Ceremonies was Prof. Vahram Shemmassian
The book was presented by Mr. Sarkis Mahserejian, who noted that the
book is not only a compilation of the author’s thoughts and reflections, but
also covers issues that have affected mankind in the past and which are
still of concern today.
Excerpts from the book were read by Deacon Sevag Kendirjian, and
members of the Element band performed a number of songs.
The author was then invited to offer his remarks. Fr. Khoren first
and foremost conveyed his thanks to the Prelate and to the organizing
committee for putting together the event. He then reflected on the
inspiration for writing the book and shared a few of his thoughts with the
audience.
In his remarks, the Prelate reflected on the introspective nature of
the book, and on specific segments of the book concerning freedom, faith,
and issues of special concern to Armenians. The Prelate concluded by
conveying his blessings and well-wishes to the author.
THE FLAG OF THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA FLIES HIGH ABOVE THE "ARMENIA" SHIP
On Monday, August 24th, 2009, hundreds of community members gathered
at San Pedro port to welcome the arrival of the "Armenia" Ship, which is
currently on a journey around the world. One of the most memorable moments
was when the leader of the crew Zori Balayan was handed the flag of the
Catholicosate of Cilicia which now waves high above the ship.
The "Armenia" Ship docked in San Pedro at 5:30 p.m. where the crew
was greeted by Consul General of Armenia the Honorable Grigor Hovhannisyan,
clergy members, representatives of community organizations, and Homenetmen
scouts. Representing H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, was
Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian who was accompanied by Rev. Fr. Hrant Yeretzian
and Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian.
Speaking on behalf of the Prelate and the Western Prelacy, Very Rev.
Fr. Muron Aznikian exalted the mission of the Holy See of Cilicia and noted
that with its flag waving above the ship, the Catholicosate of Cilicia was
now a fixture not just on the "Armenia" Ship but in its worldwide mission.
He concluded by wishing the crew a safe journey as they make their way to
their final stop in Beirut.
An artistic program consisting of Armenian songs and dances also
took place, as well as reception.
Around the time of the ship’s arrival, Mr. Zori Balayan visited the
Western Prelacy where he met with the Prelate, who presented him with a
memento. On the evening of Friday, August 28th, the Prelate, accompanied by
Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian, will attend a reception organized by the
Regional Executive of the Armenian Relief Society in honor of the crew.