December 26, 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:
PONTIFICAL ENCYCLICAL ON THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE TO
BE READ THIS SUNDAY
On Sunday, December 28, 2014, the Pontifical Encyclical of His
Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia, on the occasion of
the Genocide Centennial will be read at the St. Gregory the Illuminator
Mother Cathedral in Antelias and throughout all Churches of Holy See
Prelacies worldwide.
We invite our faithful to attend Divine Liturgy at their local
Churches this Sunday and to hear our Pontiff’s message on this somber
occasion.
***
PRELATE TO CELEBRATE DIVINE LITURGY
AT THE CRESCENTA VALLEY PARISH
– COMMEMORATION OF ST. STEPHEN THE PROTOMARTYR
On Thursday, December 25, 2014, the Armenian Apostolic Church
observed the Feast of St. Stephen the Proto-Martyr and first deacon, which
is also a celebration of deacons.
By the ordinance of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
on Sunday, December 28, Prelacy Churches will commemorate the legacy of St.
Stephen and commend the service of deacons.
The Prelate will celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at
the Crescenta Valley parish.
***
NEW YEAR’S DAY PRAYER SERVICE
On Thursday, January 1, 2015, morning prayer services will be held
in Prelacy Churches to offer our faithful the opportunity to begin the New
Year with prayer in God’s house. On this joyous occasion, we wish our
faithful a New Year filled with the blessings of health, happiness, and
peace.
***
ST. SARKIS CHURCH YOUTH GROUP MEMBERS SPREAD CHRISTMAS CHEER TO ARARAT HOME
RESIDENTS
In honor of the “Year of the Elder”, on Tuesday, December 23, 2014,
youth group members from St. Sarkis Church of Pasadena visited Ararat Home
in Eagle Rock to convey New Year well wishes and spread Christmas cheer to
the elderly residents. The members were accompanied by Parish Pastor Rev.
Fr. Boghos Baltayan, Executive Council member Mrs. Therese Kemanjian, Board
of Trustees member Mr. Hovig Ohanian, Ladies Guild Chair Mrs. Maro
Moujoukian and member Mrs. Taline Panossian.
Led by Fr. Boghos, members of the youth group first visited nursing
facility patients in their rooms where they had a friendly exchange with the
elders, prayed with them, and gave them prayer cards and pamphlets. The
visit continued at the hall, where the youth presented a wonderful Christmas
themed program which brought great joy to the residents. The program began
with prayer by Fr. Boghos, who also reflected on the Pontiff’s “Year of the
Elder” message and conveyed his wishes for health to the residents. The
youth presentations consisted of Christmas hymns, religious songs, psalms,
recitations, national songs, and musical performances on the violin and
piano. The youth concluded their program with a traditional Armenian group
dance. Three members of the group addressed the gathering, wishing a happy
New Year to the elders. The residents in turn wished the youth good health
and long life, and thanked the St. Sarkis Church family for their
thoughtfulness. The visit concluded with the benediction by Fr. Boghos.
***
HOLY MARTYRS CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL
CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY
On Sunday, December 21, 2014, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, presided over the annual New Year and Christmas program of Holy
Martyrs Church Sunday School, which was held at Avedissian” Hall following
Divine Liturgy. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of
the Sunday School. Thus, on this occasion, Sunday School alumni from the
past decades were specially invited to be in attendance. Also in attendance
were Holy Martyrs Church Delegates, Board of Trustees and Ladies Guild
members, representatives of sister organizations, parents, and Sunday School
supporters and friends.
The program began with the Armenian and Sunday School anthems
presented by the students. The invocation was delivered by Parish Pastor
Rev. Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian. Master of Ceremonies Miss Zabel Karaghossian
welcomed the guests and invited the students, grade by grade, to present
their programs, which included Christmas hymns and recitations, a production
title “John the Baptist and the Baptism of Jesus”, and a presentation of the
life of Gomidas Vartabed. The student program concluded with two group
songs.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Greg Martayan congratulated and
thanked the Sunday School Director and teachers for their devoted service
especially within the last 18 years, and wished them success in their future
endeavors.
Sunday School Director Mrs. Seta Kejejian was then invited to
deliver her message. Mrs. Kejejian first expressed gratitude to the Prelate
for his presence and for his special care to Sunday Schools and thanked the
parents and guests for their moral and financial support. The director
reflected on the 50 year history of the Sunday School and greeted alumni who
had gathered for the occasion. Addressing the four new graduates, Mrs.
Kejejian wished that they remain faithful to the Sunday School oath
throughout their lives by serving our church and nation, and in conclusion
wished everyone a happy New Year and a Merry Christmas.
The presentation of diplomas followed, after which the Prelate
delivered his message. His Eminence commended the efforts of the program
organizers, the performances of the students, and the support of the parents
and guests. Highlighting the importance of Sunday Schools in imparting
valuable lessons to our youth from a young age, the Prelate congratulated
the 50th anniversary of Holy Martyrs Sunday School and wished them continued
successes for years to come. In conclusion, His Eminence wished all a happy
New Year and Merry Christmas filled with love, joy, and harmony
The Parent Support Committee then presented a gift to the Director
in appreciation for her 18 years of service, and Christmas gifts to the
teachers. A luncheon hosted by the Board of Trustees followed.