WD Newsletter
Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, Ca 91504
Tel: 818-558-7474
Fax: 818-558-6333
Web:
On April 20, 2010, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors had
organized a special program dedicated to the 95th Anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide. At 9:00 AM, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan
Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church in
North America delivered his message at the start of the session.
The Primate was introduced by Supervisor Mike D. Antonovich, who
represents the 5th District of Los Angeles County. The Primate was
joined by His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, Vicar General Very
Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Diocesan Council members Mr. Armen
Hampar, Mr. Bob Barsam and Mrs. Lily Ring Balian, Ladies Society
Central Council Chair Mrs. Araxie Boyamian, Diocesan Youth Director
Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian, Western Diocese Executive Director Mr. Harout
Markarian.
We kindly present to you the Primate’s message in its entirety.
Dear Supervisors,
The action taken by the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors to recognize
the Armenian Genocide and honor the memory of the victims of the first
Genocide of the 20th century is a noble and just initiative.
This year, Armenians around the world commemorate the 95th anniversary
of the Armenian Genocide which was perpetrated by the Ottoman Turks
and urge all nations to recognize the Genocide. The act of genocide
perpetrated with premeditation is a vivid crime against humanity. The
past 95 years have been years of victory for the sons and daughters of
the Armenian nation who have continued their struggle in preserving
their faith and culture. However, it is also important to pay homage
to all those nations and countries which have supported the survivors
of the Genocide and have shown their respect to the memory of the
victims.
We are no longer a nation of mourning our losses. On the contrary, we
are celebrating the Resurrection of our nation. In the words of His
Holiness Karekin I, the late Catholicos of All Armenians "Armenians
die but the Armenian spirit lives on. A nation that refuses to die
lives forever" (Karekin I – 1995, 1997). However, the current progress
of our young generation does not and cannot permit us to lessen within
our conscience the obligation to carry on the surviving spirit of the
victims of the Genocide and above all, the recognition of the
Genocide.
We are here today, with dual responsibilities as Armenian Christians
who ought to guard and cherish their God-given gifts and we are also
here as citizens of the United States of America filled with the
spirit of the founding fathers of this great nation to become
exemplary leaders of our communities.
May God bless you and protect you all.
The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, providing
spiritual guidance and leadership to the Armenian Apostolic community,
is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization comprised of more
than 50 churches in 16 western states. It was established in 1898 as
the Diocese of the Armenian Church encompassing the entire United
States and Canada. In 1927 the Western Diocese was formed to
exclusivly serve the western United States.
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd. Burbank, CA 91504
Tel: (818) 558-7474 Fax: (818) 558-6333
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: