December 5, 2014
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:
REQUIEM ON THE 26TH ANNIVERSARY OF
THE ARMENIA EARTHQUAKE
On Sunday, December 7, 2014 the Armenian nation will commemorate the
26th anniversary of the earthquake in Armenia. By the ordinance of H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, requiem prayers will be offered
in Prelacy Churches on this day for the souls of the victims. His Eminence
will preside over Divine Liturgy at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino, will
deliver the sermon and preside over the requiem service.
***
PRELACY LADIES AUXILIARY
CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON-BOUTIQUE
On Thursday, December 4, 2014, over two hundred guests gathered at
Vertigo Event Venue in Glendale to kick-off the holiday season at the annual
Christmas Luncheon-Boutique organized by the Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary, which
was held under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, and hosted by Mrs. Sylvia Karapetian.
The event began with welcoming remarks by Ladies Auxiliary
Vice-Chair Mrs. Vartoug Avedikian, who further enlivened the already festive
atmosphere with psalms and Christmas songs. On behalf of her fellow
committee members, Mrs. Avedikian wished joy for all during this season and
throughout the years, and invited the Prelate to deliver the invocation.
His Eminence blessed the tables and conveyed his holiday greetings,
wishing for the tidings of peace, love, and humility to reside in the hearts
and souls of all and guide us to live God-pleasing lives. The Prelate
commended the Ladies Auxiliary for their dedicated efforts throughout the
year, thanked the guests for always encouraging this and other events, and
conveyed appreciation to the main sponsor and donors for their continuous
support.
During the luncheon guests enjoyed music by Raffi Kerbabian and
visited booths offering a variety of holiday wares for sale.
***
PRELACY HOSTS ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE MEETING
On the evening of Wednesday, December 3, the Prelacy hosted the
biweekly meeting of the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee – Western U.S
at the “Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian” Hall. The meetings are
alternately hosted by various community organizations.
The meeting convened with a prayer by the Prelate, who also conveyed
his well wishes for productive discussions. Among the items on the agenda
were centennial commemorative events and projects, as well as administrative
matters.
***
PRELATE CONGRATULATES ENTHRONEMENT OF
METROPOLITAN JOSEPH
On Saturday, December 6, the enthronement of Most Reverend Joseph
Zehlaoui as Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of North America will
take place at St. Nicholas Cathedral in New York. Metropolitan Joseph was
elected to head the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America in
July. He previously served as Bishop of Los Angeles and the West for the
past ten years, during which time he and the Prelate forged a strong
friendship and working relationship.
Unable to attend the ceremony, the Prelate sent a congratulatory
letter to Metropolitan Joseph praying for the divine strength and wisdom of
the Lord to guide him in his new mission, and for God’s protection upon the
Antiochian Orthodox faithful especially in the Middle East.
***
PRELATE WELCOMES VISIT OF ALEPPO-ARMENIAN
COMMUNITY MEMBERS
On Wednesday, November 26, 2014, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed the visit of a group of Aleppo-Armenians who
have recently relocated to Los Angeles as a result of the turmoil in Syria.
Executive Council Vice-Chair Dr. Dikran Babikian and Treasurer Mr. Meher Der
Ohanessian participated in the meeting.
The guests reported that they regularly organize social gatherings
in Armenian centers bringing together recent arrivals to relive the good
memories of their life in Syria and also to garner support for their fellow
community members still in Aleppo. They extended an invitation to the
Prelate to attend their upcoming events, which His Eminence appreciated.
The Prelate commended the guests for their proactive initiative,
wished them success in their mission and for the return of peace to Aleppo
and all of Syria. The visit concluded with the presentation of mementos by
the Prelate.