Western Prelacy News – 10/09/2009

October 9, 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 PARTICIPATES IN CLOSED DOOR MEETING WITH PRESIDENT SERZH SARGSYAN

On Sunday, October 4th, 2009, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, participated in a closed door meeting between the President of
Armenia His Excellency Serzh Sargsyan and representatives from community
organizations at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
During the meeting, the Prelate voiced the community’s objection to
the protocols, noting that they have caused great concern among Armenians in
Armenia and in the Diaspora for justifiable reasons. The Prelate concluded
with the following:
"Dear Mr. President,
It is our expectation that after hearing the viewpoints and concerns
of the Diaspora and before signing the protocols, you will address the
citizens of Armenia, Artsakh, and the Diaspora, and alleviate our concerns
by assuring us that recognition of the Genocide, our rightful demands, and
the self-determination of Artsakh are non-negotiable issues."

PRELATE CONVEYS HIS BLESSINGS
TO AYF HUNGER STRIKERS

In opposition to the Turkey-Armenia protocols, members of the
Armenian Youth Federation are holding a four-day hunger strike in front of
the Consulate General of Armenia in Glendale.
The hunger strike began at midnight on Monday, October 6th, with a
candle light vigil and will end at midnight on Friday the 9th. Rev. Fr.
Vazken Atmajian was at the site of the hunger strike on Monday night to
convey the Prelate’s blessings to the youth.
On the afternoon of Friday, October 9th, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian visited the hunger strikers to convey his blessings and
encouragement, and presented them with prayers and Armenian crosses. The
collective singing of the Lord’s Prayer and the Armenian National Anthem
also took place.
Accompanying the Prelate were Very Rev. Fathers Muron Aznikian and
Barthev Gulumian, and Rev. Fathers Vazken Atmajian and Ardak Demirjian.

PRELATE TO ATTEND CENTENNIAL BANQUET
OF ASBAREZ DAILY NEWSPAPER

On Sunday, October 11th, 2009, the centennial banquet of Asbarez
Newspaper will take place at "Bagramian" Hall in Montebello with the
participation of former editors, contributors, staff, sponsors and friends.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will attend the
banquet and convey his blessings and well wishes. Very Rev. Fr. Barthev
Gulumian will accompany the Prelate. Executive Council members will also
attend.

WESTERN PRELACY HOSTS MEETING OF THE
COUNCIL OF ORIENTAL ORTHODOX BISHOPS

On the morning of Tuesday, October 6th, 2009, the Council of
Oriental Orthodox Bishops met to discuss and draft future collaborative
endeavors. The meeting took place at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino hosted
by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate.
The day began with a joint prayer led by the Prelate, H.E.
Archbishop Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan, head of the Syriac Church, and H.G.
Bishop Serapion, head of the Coptic Church, in which clergy from each of the
churches also participated.
Joining the Prelate at the meeting were Very Rev. Fathers Muron
Aznikian and Barthev Gulumian, as well pastor of Holy Martyrs Church Rev.
Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian.
Prior to the start of the meeting, the Council had a chance to visit
Ferrahian High School where they met with Principal Mr. John Kossakian, who
gave a brief history of the school.
The official meeting started with the Prelate’s opening prayer,
after which Fr. Muron gave a report on the preparations taking place for the
annual Oriental Orthodox Sunday School gathering which will be taking place
on November 21st at St. Ephraim Syriac Orthodox Cathedral under the auspices
of the Council of Oriental Orthodox Bishops. The future endeavors of the
OOC youth group were also discussed, and an evaluation of the joint Divine
Liturgy which was celebrated on September 24th at St. Mary and St.
Athanasiun Coptic Church took place.
The guests were hosted to lunch following the meeting.

SUNDAY SCHOOL SEMINAR HELD AT THE PRELACY

On Saturday, October 3rd, 2009, the first Sunday School seminar of
the 2009-2010 school year was held at the Prelacy "Dikran and Zarouhie Der
Ghazarian" Hall under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, and organized by the Sunday Schools’ Directorate. Participating in
the conference were Very Rev. Fathers Muron Aznikian and Barthev Gulumian,
pastors of Holy Cross Cathedral Rev. Fathers Nareg Pehlivanian and Ashod
Kambourian, and over 40 directors and teachers.
Following the opening prayer, Chairman Mr. Hagop Tchagaspanian
welcomed the participants and invited Fr. Muron to offer the day’s spiritual
meditation and to present the activities report for the new school year. A
presentation on the Councils of Nicaea, Constantinople, and Ephesus followed
by Rev. Fr. Nareg and Rev. Fr. Ashod, both of whom lauded the mission of our
Sunday Schools and the importance of educating our youth on the foundations
of our Apostolic faith.
Presentations were also given by Mrs. Nevart Madinian, Mr. Raffi
Torossian, and Mrs. Seta Kejejian, focusing on the role of Sunday Schools
and new teaching methods.
Fr. Barthev spoke on how hymns can be used as instructional tools,
explaining that our hymns have not only spiritual but educational value as
well, which teach us about Biblical events, miracles, saints, and morality.
A presentation by Mr. Berdj Djamdjian followed on how teachers can
incorporate computer technology and interactive resources in their
teachings, and a list of websites as well as a CD on Biblical events,
saints, and the life of Christ was distributed to the participants.
The Prelate was then invited to deliver his remarks. The Prelate
commended the organizers and participants, stressing the significance and
usefulness of such seminars, and offered his guidance and encouragement for
all to continue their service, to live a God-pleasing life, to do good and
spread goodness.
The participants also had the opportunity to voice their concerns
and exchange thoughts and ideas based on their individual experiences.
The seminar concluded at 5:00 p.m. with prayer and a group photo.
At 6:00 p.m., the directors and teachers participated in Divine
Liturgy which takes place at the Prelacy "St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen Chapel"
on a monthly basis. Rev. Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian celebrated Divine Liturgy.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

www.westernprelacy.org

Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS