December 6, 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: [email protected]
Website:
EPISCOPAL DIVINE LITURGY ON THE 47TH ANNIVERSARY OF ST. GREGORY CHURCH IN
SAN FRANCISCO
This weekend, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will
travel to San Francisco to join the parish community in celebrating the 47th
anniversary of the establishment of St. Gregory Church.
On Sunday, December 8, 2013, the Prelate will celebrate Divine
Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Gregory Church. A luncheon in honor of
His Eminence will follow, organized by the Board of Trustees and Ladies
Auxiliary.
On Saturday evening, His Eminence will attend a New Year and
Christmas reception also organized by the Ladies Auxiliary.
REQUIEM ON THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF
THE ARMENIA EARTHQUAKE
Saturday, December 7 is the 25th anniversary of the devastating
earthquake in Armenia. By the ordinance of the Prelate, on Sunday, December
8 requiem prayers will be offered in Prelacy Churches for the souls of the
victims.
By the invitation of Rose and Alex Pilibos School administration, on
Friday, December 6, the Prelate presided over a requiem service which was
held at St. Garabed Church in memory of the earthquake victims. Prior to
the service, students held a commemoration at the school. In the Church,
prior to the requiem service, Archpriest Fr. Hrant Yeretzian reflected on
the tragedy and called on the students to reaffirm their Armenian identity
and pledge to remain faithful to our heritage and values as they remember
their brethren in Armenia.
Addressing the students, the Prelate stated that when the earthquake
struck twenty-five years ago, the world’s attention turned to Armenia as
nations across the globe lent a helping hand in the spirit of Christian
charity, and Armenians were and are grateful for that assistance. That
spirit of charity must remain alive in our hearts and guide our deeds during
this Christmas season and throughout the year, concluded His Eminence.
Last Sunday, December 1st, by the request of the Homenetmen Western
Region Executive, and by the ordinance of the Prelate, requiem prayers were
offered in Prelacy Churches for Homenetmen members.
PRELACY LADIES AUXILIARY HOSTS 2ND ANNUAL
CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON-BOUTIQUE
On Thursday, December 5, the second annual New Year and Christmas
Luncheon-Boutique hosted by the Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary was held under the
auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, at Brandview in
Glendale.
His Eminence attended, accompanied by Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian.
Executive Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian was also in attendance, along
with nearly 200 guests.
The event began with welcoming remarks by Master of Ceremonies and
Ladies Auxiliary member Mrs. Vartoug Avedikian, who noted that the gathering
of women was also in a way the conclusion of the Year of the Armenian Mother
celebrations.
The Prelate greeted the guests and conveyed his well wishes to them,
and through them to the community, on the threshold of the New Year and
Christmas. He commended the Ladies Auxiliary for organizing this and
similar events bringing together community members in an atmosphere filled
with Armenian spirit. Reflecting on the spirit of the season, the Prelate
stated that most of us have likely faced difficulties in our lives during
the past year which we overcame by our faith, and so today, as we prepare to
welcome the New Year and Christmas, we are reminded and invited to stay
strong in our faith and lead our lives led by the spirit of love, hope, and
charity throughout the year.
During lunch guests enjoyed musical entertainment by violinist
Meroujan.
The Master of Ceremonies then announced two surprises. The first
was that Santa Clause and the Winter Fairy, played by Lilia Margaryan, had
arrived and would be performing. Ms. Margaryan presented a beautiful dance
to Arno Babajanian’s “Elegy”, and Santa Clause, who had come from Armenia,
conveyed his Christmas well wishes to the guests and spoke of preserving our
treasured Armenian heritage. Both performance further added to the
merriment already present within the hall.
The second announcement was a surprise performance by singer Arman.
Guests joined in singing and dancing as he sang a few songs.
Throughout the event, inspired by the festive atmosphere donations
were made by the guests.
At the conclusion of the official program, guests visited booths
were vendors had displayed holiday gifts and sweets.
PRELACY EXPRESSES SUPPORT FOR THE TELETHON AT LUNCHEON IN HONOR OF ARTSAKH
PRESIDENT BAKO SAHAKYAN
Each year during Thanksgiving, the President and Primate of Artsakh
visit Los Angeles to participate in the Armenia Fund Telethon. On the
occasion of their annual visit, the Western Prelacy hosts the honored guests
to a luncheon with representatives of Prelacy churches, schools, committees,
and representatives of community organizations.
In keeping with tradition, on Wednesday, November 27, 2013, His
Excellency Bako Sahakyan, President of Artsakh, visited the Prelacy where he
was welcomed by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, clergy,
councils, leaders of community organizations, committee members, and
sponsors. The President’s delegation included Sergey Sarkisov, Consul
General of the Republic of Armenian in Los Angeles, Georgi Petrosyan,
Advisor to the President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Robert Avetisyan,
NKR Permanent Representative in the United States, Antranig Baghdassarian,
Armenia Fund Western Region Chairman, Artak Galstyan, Deputy Consul General
of the Republic of Armenian in Los Angeles, and David Babayan, Chief of the
Information Department of the Staff of the President of the Nagorno Karabakh
Republic.
A welcoming meeting was first held at the “Sulahian” Reception Hall,
after which the President and his entourage were hosted to lunch at the
“Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian” Hall organized by the Prelacy Ladies
Auxiliary.
Guests included Central Executive members, Religious and Executive
Councils, representatives of the ARF Central Committee, Prelacy churches,
schools, and committees, Homenetmen, ARS, Hamazkayin, Board of Regents,
CASPS, Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary, and sponsors.
Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian, who served as the Master of
Ceremonies, welcomed the guests and invited the Prelate for the blessing of
the tables. The Prelate invited the gathering to collectively recite the
Lord’s Prayer. Central Executive Council member Mr. Khajag Dikijian invited
the guests to raise a glass to the President and people of Artsakh.
Photographer Tsolag Hovsepian, who was among the guests in attendance,
presented the President and members of his delegation with copies of his
newly published photo book.
The MC then invited Executive Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian to
deliver his remarks. Mrs. Boghossian greeted the President and honored
guests and took the opportunity to speak proudly about the heroic people of
Artsakh and their leadership, stating that as in previous years, Armenian
people around the world will once again support the Telethon and contribute
to the mission of nation-building. Noting the importance of the
Vardenis-Martakart highway, Mrs. Boghossian stated that its construction is
a national obligation. In conclusion, she thanked and commended the
administration and staff of Armenia Fund and wished success to the President
and to all in their service to our homeland.
After lunch, Armenia Fund Western Region Chair Mr. Antranig
Baghdassarian addressed the gathering. He lauded the leadership and
soldiers of Artsakh for their sacrifices and commitment to the defense of
the country, which he said is carried out with limited resources. Thus, Mr.
Baghdassarian stressed the importance of contributing to the Telethon
because the Vardenis-Martakert highway is crucial from a strategic
standpoint as well.
ARF Central Committee Chair Dr. Viken Hovsepian affirmed that the
guests present and the Armenian community of the Western United States in
general is devoted to the cause of nation-building. He stated that whereas
in the past we spoke of sustaining the Armenian people, today the focus is
on building up our nation and our people, a mission shared by our schools
and organizations who are inspiring our youth to take an active role in the
future of our nation. Dr. Hovsepian noted that few are aware of the
challenges faced by the President and leadership of Artsakh regarding the
defense and rebuilding of the country, and thus, on behalf of the guests in
attendance, he expressed the solidarity of all to the process of rebuilding
of our nation.
The Prelate welcomed the President and delegation with well wishes,
specifically acclaiming the courage, dedication, and humility of the
President. He also conveyed his well wishes to H.E. Archbishop Barkev
Martirosyan, Primate of Artsakh, who could not attend. His Eminence stated
that for many years now, the Thanksgiving holiday has become not only an
occasion to welcome representatives of Artsakh, but also an opportunity to
contribute to the noble mission of nation-building. In this regard, the
Prelate affirmed the support of the guests in attendance, members of the
Prelacy family, announcing that Prelacy churches, schools, and benefactors
would be expressing their support and solidarity to Artskah by contributing
around $100,000 to the Telethon. In conclusion, he wished for a successful
Telethon and for the successful construction of the Vardenis-Martakert
highway, a vital pathway for the development of Artsakh. Given that it was
the new Consul General’s first visit to the Prelacy, the Prelate gifted Mr.
Sergey Sarkisov the Rescued Armenian Treasures from Cilicia book. He then
invited President Bako Sahakyan to deliver his message.
His Excellency began by expressing gratitude for opportunities to
gather with the people on joyous occasions, recently Armenian independence
day, 20th anniversary of the liberation of Shushi, and the 25th anniversary
of the start of the Artsakh liberation movement. The President spoke of the
fruitful collaboration between the homeland and diaspora, which he referred
to as special and exemplary. The President stated during a visit with
Armenian children and youth in Los Angeles, he felt their love and bond with
the Armenian homeland, which demonstrates that generations of youth away
from the homeland are being raised and instructed to serve our nation.
President Sahakyan spoke of the significance of the Vardenis-Martakert
highway, calling it not just a regular path, but a path to the endurance of
the Armenian people. Reflecting on the Artsakh liberation struggle, the
President stressed that we will not be hindered by difficulties and that
nation-building will continue. Lastly, the President stated that ideals
inherited from past generations provide the new generations with powerful
defenses which are stronger and more effective than actual arms, and
concluded with the conviction that no matter where we are geographically, we
all belong to one and the same group, and we must continue our path of
service with love for our homeland.
The Prelate presented President Sahakyan with a glass artwork of a
cross by Canadian-Armenian artist Vatche Arakelian, which the President
announced he would gift to a church to be built in southern Artsakh for
Syrian Armenian refugees.
The Prelate thanked the Ladies Auxiliary for organizing the
luncheon, and the event came to a close with the benediction.
At the Telethon the following day, President Sahakyan presented the
Prelate with a memento.
PRELATE ATTENDS AREV PETROSYAN ART EXHIBIT
IN FRESNO
On Thursday, December 5th, an art exhibition was held at Holy
Trinity Church in Fresno featuring new works by renowned international
artist Arev Petrosyan, who traveled from Armenia for the event.
On Wednesday evening a VIP reception was held at the Church social
hall under the auspices of the Prelate and hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Philip and
Florence Parnagian and Mr. and Mrs. David and Linda Hovannesian.
The Prelate traveled to Fresno on Wednesday to attend the reception.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Mrs. Erin Parnagian-Melkonian,
who introduced the artists and her works and invited her to address the
gathering.
Ms. Petrosyan expressed appreciation for the event, stating that it
had special meaning for her as it bridged the world of Armenian culture and
arts to the oldest Armenian community in the United States. The artist
announced that she would be donating two works to the Church, and one for
the hall next year on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the new
church structure.
Remarks were also delivered by Board of Trustees Chair Mr. Varoujan
Der Simonian and Mr. Philip Parnagian.
The Prelate delivered the concluding message, in which he commended
the artist’s devotion to the arts and also her faith, which is expressed
through her works. His Eminence also commended the organizers for bringing
Armenian culture to this oldest community.
PRELATE PARTICIPATES IN
ANCA-WR ANNUAL BANQUET
On Saturday, November 30, the annual banquet of the Armenian
National Committee of America – Western Region was held at the Dolby Grand
Ballroom in Los Angeles.
The following individuals were honored during the banquet for their
service and support of the Armenian community:
Archbishop Barkev Martirosyan – Khrimian Hayrig Award, Mayor Eric
Garcetti – Man of the Year, Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian – Legislator of the
Year, philanthropist Manas Boujikian – Legacy Award, basketball coach Jerry
Tarkanian – People’s Champion, and activist Ara Soudjian – Vahan Cardashian
Award.
The Prelate delivered the invocation, in which he commended the hard
work and devotion of the ANC-WR board members, staff, and volunteers,
reaffirmed the community’s support to the organization’s mission as the
voice of the Armenian people and a champion of the Armenian cause,
congratulated and commended the honorees for their service, and the public
officials, sponsors, and friends in attendance for their continued support.
The Prelate was the first to receive the Khrimian Hayrig Award at
the 2011 ANCA-WR Banquet. Last year’s recipient was Rev. Joe Matossian.
PRELATE ATTENDS ECCLESIASTICAL BROTHERHOOD’S THANKSGIVING DINNER RECEPTION
On the evening of Wednesday, November 27, the annual Thanksgiving
dinner of the Armenian Ecclesiastical Brotherhood was held at “Karapetian”
Hall of St. Garabed Church in Hollywood.
The Prelate attended and delivered his message. He was accompanied
by St. Garabed Church Pastors Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian and Archpriest
Fr. Hrant Yeretzian, and Crescenta Valley Pastor Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian.
Shake Darakjian, a young member of the Brotherhood, served as the
Master of Ceremonies. Remarks were delivered by members Avo Kabakjouzian
and Hrach Yessaian.
The cultural program featured songs, psalms, and theatrical
performances by the youth, and singer Nshan Tchaghatsbanian.
From: A. Papazian
www.westernprelacy.org