November 22, 2013
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: info@westernprelacy.org
Website:
Dear Faithful,
Thanksgiving is upon us and soon we will celebrate the Glorious Birth and
Theophany of our Lord Jesus Christ. During this blessed season, let us
reflect on the good in our lives and express our gratitude to our Lord for
His abundant love, mercy, and blessings. Let us remember also the less
fortunate and share our gifts with them to make the season a joyous one for
all.
Thanksgiving Day is all the more special for the Armenian people as our
community rallies to lend a helping hand to our brethren in Armenia,
Artsakh, and Syria, through the annual Armenia Fund Telethon, a much-beloved
tradition. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, has issued a
directive to all Prelacy Churches and Schools to encourage their
parishioners, parents, and students to bring their participation to the
Telethon.
The Prelate calls on our community to once again contribute to this
worthwhile cause, which this year will benefit construction of the
Vardenis-Martakert Highway, a vital pathway linking Armenia and Artsakh and
which will be mutually beneficial for both countries and their citizens. In
addition, a portion of the proceeds raised in the Western United States will
benefit the Syrian people. Please open your hearts this season and give a
hand to those in need. Your donation will make a difference in the lives of
our people and our nation.
***
PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER DIVINE LITURGY AT
ST. MARY’S CHURCH IN GLENDALE
On Sunday, November 24, 2013, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, will preside over Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St.
Mary’s Church in Glendale.
PRELATE VISITS COLORADO PARISH COMMUNITY ON THEIR
30TH ANNIVERSARY
On November 16 and 17, 2013, the Armenian Apostolic Church of
Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region celebrated a joyous occasion, the
30th anniversary of its organization, with Divine Liturgy celebrated by H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian and community gatherings.
By the invitation of the Board of Trustees, the Prelate, accompanied
by Rev. Fr. Vazken Atmajian and Deacon Shahe Jierian arrived in Denver on
Saturday and was greeted at the airport by Board of Trustees Chair Mr. Vahe
Berejiklian.
In the evening, a reception in honor of His Eminence was held at the
home of Kaloust and Arous Christianian. It was a memorable evening for the
parish community as they enjoyed the presence and encouraging words of the
Prelate. Given that we are approaching the Christmas season, His Eminence
conducted the traditional blessing of the home service and also blessed the
guests in attendance, through which he extended his blessings to the
community. A surprise performance of song and music was presented by the
Christianian grandchildren.
On Sunday morning, the community gathered at St. Gabriel the
Archangel Episcopal Church for Divine Liturgy. Fr. Vazken and Deacon Shahe
assisted at the altar. The Church Rector, Fr. Chris Ditzenberger, attended
the service.
To start his sermon, the Prelate first greeted the Church Rector and
commended the Board of Trustees, the members, volunteers, and visiting
clergy who work together to keep the parish community active. He stated
that “though you are far from us physically, know that you are always in our
hearts and thoughts, and it is our wish to see this parish grow, become more
organized, and be the best that it can be with a strong and active group of
parishioners and regular services to draw the community closer to one
another.” Given that the day was the eve of Advent, the fifty day period
until the Birth and Theophany of our Lord, the Prelate reflected on the true
meaning of Advent as a spiritual journey, a time of prayer and reformation
of our hearts and spiritual preparation to welcome Christ’s coming. Turning
to the day’s Gospel reading from Luke 9:44-50, His Eminence spoke on the
message of humility and service imparted to us by the reading. The Almighty
humbled Himself and submitted to death on the Cross out of His great love
for us, said the Prelate, and He calls us to humble ourselves and join Him
in service for others. As children of God and of one family, we are called
to respect and love and encourage each other, to love each other in the same
way that He loves us, humbly and sacrificially.
As the eve of Advent also signals the approach of Thanksgiving and
the Christmas season, the Prelate stressed that this time of year is a time
of love and joy, but also of charity, a time to remember the less fortunate.
“As Armenians, we have an added responsibility to help our less fortunate
brothers and sisters in Armenia, Artsakh, and in Syria,” said His Eminence,
calling on the faithful to lend a helping hand and make the Christmas season
a joyous one for as many people as possible by contributing to the upcoming
Armenia Fund Telethon, which this year will benefit construction of the
Vardenis-Martakert highway and with ten percent of the proceeds raised in
the Western United States allocated to the Syrian-Armenian community.
Speaking on Thanksgiving, the Prelate reminded the faithful to
always give thanks to God for all our blessings, stating that our lives may
not be perfect, but we all have countless reasons to be thankful for. Let
us express our gratitude to God not just with words but with actions, by
sharing our blessings with others and spreading the love and mercy of Christ
through charity, concluded the Prelate.
Following the collective confession, the parishioners approached the
altar to receive Holy Communion from the Prelate. The service concluded
with the requiem service, after which guests took a group photo with His
Eminence.
Guests were then invited to a luncheon hosted by the Board of
Trustees.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees and parishioners, Mr. Berejiklian
conveyed gratitude to the Prelate for his and the Prelacy’s thirty years of
support to the community. The Prelate commended the Board of Trustees and
Ladies Guild for their dedicated service, and expressed joy that in
conjunction with the Board of Trustees and with the purpose of further
organizing the parish, Divine Liturgy would from now on be celebrated on a
monthly basis. His Eminence also praised the choir for their beautiful
singing of the Liturgy, led by Mrs. Anoush Peterson and accompanied by Mrs.
Lilian Krikorian on the organ, and presented a memento to Church Rector, Fr.
Chris Ditzenberger, in thanks and appreciation for his support. The Prelate
also presented mementos to all in attendance.
The 30th anniversary cake, prepared by a member of the community,
was cut and served, and the luncheon came to a close with the Cilician and
Armenian national anthems and the benediction by the Prelate. Guests
departed renewed and invigorated in spirit, having lived a memorable and
joyous weekend.
PRELATE TO ATTEND ARMENIA FUND ANNUAL GALA
AND TELETHON
On Sunday, November 24, the Armenia Fund annual gala will take place
at the Glendale Hilton, with guests of honor His Excellence Bako Sahakyan,
President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic and H.E. Archbishop Barkev
Martirosyan, Primate of Arstakh.
The Prelate will attend and convey his blessings. Executive Council
members will also be in attendance.
On Thursday, November 28, Thanksgiving Day, Armenia Fund 16th
international Telethon will air from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. PST. Proceeds
from this year’s Telethon will benefit construction of the
Vardenis-Martakert Highway. Ten percent of donations raised in the Western
Untied States will be allocated to the Syrian-Armenian community.
The Prelate will participate in the Telethon with a prayer and will
also deliver his message on this occasion. We appeal to our faithful to
once again lend their support to this important cause.
PRELATE TO ATTEND CASPS CONCERT
The Committee for Armenian Students in Public Schools (CASPS) has
organized a special program of music and poetry dedicated to Komitas,
“Father of Modern Armenian Music”, performed by the Lark Musical Society.
The event, benefitting Armenian students in public schools, will be
held on Sunday, November 24, at 3:00 p.m. at the Colburn School of
Performing Arts in downtown Los Angeles.
The Prelate will attend and convey his blessings. Executive Council
Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian and member Dr. Dikran Babikian will also be in
attendance.
PRELATE TO ATTEND LEBANESE INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
Friday, November 22nd, is the 70th anniversary of the Independence
of the Republic of Lebanon.
On this occasion, the Consulate General of Lebanon in Los Angeles
has organized a reception to be held on Saturday, November 23rd, at the
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, hosted by Consul General the Honorable Johnny
Ibrahim and his wife.
The Prelate will attend and convey the congratulations and well
wishes of our Prelacy and the Armenian community to the Lebanese community.
Executive Council members will also attend.
MESROBIAN SCHOOL HONORS TEACHER NEIL DODD
On Friday, November 15, the Mesrobian School family gathered at
“Bagramian” Hall of Holy Cross Cathedral in Montebello for a special
reception honoring long-time teacher Mr. Neil Dodd for his 40 years of
service.
On this occasion, the Prelate had issued a Letter of Blessing and
Commendation to Mr. Dodd. Holy Cross Cathedral Dean Very Rev. Fr. Muron
Aznikian attended and read and presented the Prelate’s letter.
In his message, His Eminence saluted Mr. Dodd’s over four decades of
devoted service to Armenian students and his fundamental contributions to
the life of Mesrobian School. He praised Mr. Dodd as a great teacher who
not only provided top-notch instruction to over a thousand students, but has
and continues to go above and beyond the call of duty, becoming a father
figure, mentor, role model, supporter, and friends. The Prelate commended
Principal Mr. David Ghoogasian, Holy Cross Cathedral Board of Trustees,
School Board, organizing committee, the administration, faculty, staff,
students, parents, alumni, and auxiliary committees of Armenian Mesrobian
School for their efforts in organizing this event worthily honoring and
celebrating Mr. Neil Dodd for his invaluable service in educating,
instructing, and shaping the minds, hearts, and souls of our youth.
From: Baghdasarian