January 30, 2015
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 AND MADAGH BLESSING
ON THE FEAST OF ST. SARKIS
On Saturday, January 31st, the Armenian Apostolic Church will
commemorate the Feast of St. Sarkis, his son Mardiros and their fourteen
soldiers who were martyred for their Christian faith. The feast of St.
Sarkis is the name day of St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena.
On this occasion, on Sunday, February 1, 2015, H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will celebrate Divine Liturgy, deliver the
sermon, and conduct the blessing of madagh at St. Sarkis Church.
Requiem prayers will be offered for the souls of the first parish
pastor Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Antreassian and late Board of Trustees,
Delegates, Ladies Guild members, parish and community members.
A luncheon will follow at “Andon Andonian” Hall organized by the
parish Ladies Guild.
Also on this occasion, evening service will be held on Saturday,
January 31st, at 7:00 p.m.
***
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS ATTEND
ANNUAL SEMINAR AT THE PRELACY
By the invitation of the Western Prelacy Sunday School Board, on
Saturday, January 24, 2015, over fifty Sunday School teachers, accompanied
by their local pastors, gathered at the Prelacy for a day-long seminar
presided by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate.
The day began with Sunrise Service at the “St. Dertad and St.
Ashkhen” Chapel, after which participants gathered at the “Dikran and
Zarouhie Der Ghazarian” Hall where the seminar was held. Board Co-Chair Mr.
Raffi Torossian, who ran the day’s proceedings, invited Co-Chair Mr. Hagop
Tchagaspanian to convey the welcoming remarks. Noting that this year
coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and the 85th
anniversary of Sunday Schools, Mr. Tchagaspanian stated that we will
continue to survive as a nation by instructing generation after generation
with our Christian faith and Armenian identity.
The day’s spiritual meditation was delivered by Rev. Fr. Boghos
Tinkjian on Matthew 14:22-34 of Jesus walking on the sea.
After the lunch break, Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian presented a
lecture on the First Ecumenical Council of Constantinople and its importance
to the Armenian apostolic Church creed. He explained that the Ecumenical
Council of Constantinople is one of three Councils accepted by the Armenian
Apostolic Church and is where the divinity of the Holy Spirit was adopted.
In the second part of his talk, Fr. Karekin spoke of the mission and calling
of Sunday Schools and Sunday School teachers, stating that the Armenian
Apostolic Church is a national church, and so, the Sunday School is a
national institution. Thus, Sunday School teachers must serve with the
mindset that they are giving back to their nation through their service.
Deacon Khatchig Shannakian was then invited for his presentation on
the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing online resources within the
Sunday School curriculum. He spoke of useful resources found on the internet
but also warned of those that defy the tenets of our Church.
The last lecture was presented by Ms. Zepure Ohanessian, who spoke
about the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord to the Temple and also on
the importance of properly instructing our youth through the right sources.
Mr. Torossian then invited the Prelate to deliver his talk on the
canonization of Armenian Genocide martyrs which will take place in Armenia
on April 23, 2015 to coincide with the centennial anniversary. The Prelate
is a member of the Canonization Committee. In November, the Bishops Synod,
in which His Eminence participated, adopted the canonization rite and
procedure. His Eminence explained what it means to be a saint, stating that
saints were ordinary people like us, but they lived for God and died for
their faith. The Genocide martyrs will collectively be classified as saints,
because given the option to renounce their faith and live, they chose
instead to die as Christians and Armenians. The Prelate reported that
alongside the collective canonization of our 1.5 million martyrs, there will
also be the canonization of groups and individuals. There last saint was
canonized in the 15th century. In conclusion, the Prelate commended the
dedication of the Sunday School teachers to their mission and encouraged
them to continue to serve and teach with faith, devotion, and brotherly love
and cooperation.
The Prelate delivered the benediction, and the seminar came to a
close with Cilicia and the Sunday School anthem. Participants received
mementos prior to their departure.
***
TUFENKIAN SCHOOL CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY
– EXPANSION PLANS ANNOUNCED AT GALA BANQUET
On Friday, January 23, 2015, St. Mary’s Church Richard Tufenkian
School celebrated its 40th anniversary with a gala banquet held at Taglyan
Hall in Hollywood. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, attended
and delivered his message on the momentous occasion. He was accompanied by
Rev. Fr. Vazken Atmajian. Board of Regents Co-Chair Mrs. Maggie Sarkuni was
among the guests in attendance.
His Eminence greeted and congratulated the administration, School
Board, benefactors, teachers, students, and sponsors and wished them
continued successes in their mission. The Prelate commended the vision and
initiative of the founders who set out to establish the School four decades
earlier, and the steady growth the School has enjoyed since, thanks to the
collective support and encouragement of sponsors and community members, and
especially of benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Ralph and Savey Tufenkian.
The Prelate then made a major announcement, stating that after
consultations with the Executive Council and Board of Regents, the School
was in the process of acquiring a new property which would enable it to
accommodate a greater number of students. The announcement drew enthusiastic
applause and cheers from all, which continued as the Prelate announced a new
pledge of $100,000 by Ralph and Savey Tufenkian toward this project. The
Prelate commended all those who contributed to the realization of this
latest endeavor and all those who faithfully continue the mission of the
founding generation, stating that this latest achievement is yet another
message to Turkey that the Armenian people survived, were reborn, and
continue to thrive. He acknowledged in particular the exemplary service of
Director Arsineh Aghazarian, who has been fulfilling her duties with utmost
dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment for the last 23 years. In conclusion,
the Prelate conveyed his blessings to the benefactors, who were honored by
the School, for their beautiful gift memorializing their beloved son Richard
and for their latest generosity, and blessed the sponsors and supporters for
their encouragement.
***
COMMITTEE FOR ARMENIAN STUDENTS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS CELEBRATES 20TH
ANNIVERSARY
On Sunday, January 25, 2015, the Committee for Armenian Students in
Public Schools (CASPS) celebrated twenty years of service to the community
with a luncheon held at Anoush Restaurant in Glendale presided over by H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. Rev. Fr. Vazken Atmajian
accompanied His Eminence. Executive Council member Dr. Kaloust Agopian and
Prelacy liaison with CASPS Dr. Hagop Der Megerdichian were among the guests
in attendance.
The luncheon began with welcoming remarks and introductions by
Master of Ceremonies Alex Kalognomos. Rev. Fr. Vazken Atmajian delivered the
invocation and blessed the tables. During lunch, guests enjoyed a video
presentation chronicling the Committee’s work over the past two decades and
a student performance.
The Prelate was then invited to deliver his congratulatory remarks
and message to the Board members, volunteers, educators, parents, and
students present. His Eminence began his message by lauding the Committee’s
two decades of dedicated service, then, citing a quote by Franklin D.
Roosevelt, “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can
build our youth for the future,” stated that is the very reason CASPS came
to be and why they continue to work tirelessly year after year. The Prelate
stressed that the physical, mental, and emotional development and wellbeing
of our youth is of utmost priority, for as the Proverb states, “Train up a
child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from
it.”
His Eminence noted that serving under the auspices of the Prelacy,
CASPS has the full support and assistance of the Prelacy, however, the moral
and financial support of the community is also vital. Thus, on the occasion
of the 20th anniversary, he urged the guests to pledge their continued
support, because “investing in CASPS means investing in our future, our
youth. You are doing your part in the development of our youth into healthy
and productive members of society and of the Armenian nation, and there is
no greater reward than contributing to the successful future of our
collective life.”
Noting that the majority of Armenian students attend public schools,
the Prelate highly commended the members of CASPS who dedicate their time
and resources to meeting this need. He commended in particular two of the
members who have worked incessantly since the inception of CASPS,
co-founders and co-chairs Mrs. Medea Kalognomos and Mr. Rouben Gourjian, who
were invited to the podium to be presented with plaques by the Committee in
recognition of their devoted service. The honorees conveyed their
appreciation and remarks, after which Mr. Gourjian delivered the Committee’s
address.
***
COMMENCEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION ON THE
PASADENA ARMENIAN GENOCIDE MEMORIAL
On Sunday, January 25, 2015, the commencement of construction on the
Pasadena Genocide Memorial was celebrated with a ceremony held at the city’s
Memorial Park with the participation of clergy from the Armenian Apostolic,
Catholic, and Evangelical Churches, City Council members, and
representatives of community organizations. The ground blessing of the
Memorial was conducted in April of 2014; construction is already underway
and is scheduled to be completed in April.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, led the ceremony. He
was accompanied by Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan.
The ceremony began with welcoming remarks by Board Co-Chair Mr.
Robert Kalunian, who introduced the guests and dignitaries. Board member Mr.
Levon Filian thanked all who were present and announced that the unveiling
ceremony is scheduled for April 18, 2015. He then introduced the clergy.
Prayers and blessings were delivered by the religious leaders. In
his invocation, the Prelate gave thanks for the occasion, which he referred
to as a monumental day not only for the local community but for Armenians
around the world. “One hundred years after Turkey set out to annihilate the
Armenian people, not only have we not forgotten, but we have intensified our
efforts to have our voices heard, through living reminders such as this
memorial and similar ones being constructed in communities across the globe,
the latest one to be built in Las Vegas later this year”. In conclusion, the
Prelate commended the dedicated work of all those involved in the project
and prayed for the smooth progression and successful completion of the
Memorial.
***
PRELATE CONGRATULATES NEWLY ELECTED
HOMENETMEN REGIONAL EXECUTIVE
On Tuesday, January 27, 2015, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, welcomed to the Prelacy the newly elected members of the Homenetmen
Regional Executive, headed by Chairman Manuel Marselian. Joining them were
Homenetmen Central Executive members Mr. Vicken Tavitian and Mr. Hagop
Tufenkjian.
The Prelate first congratulated the members on their election and
wished them a successful tenure. The discussion centered on the
collaborative efforts of the Prelacy and Homenetmen, among them the
participation of scouts in the annual commemoration of the Feast of the
Presentation of our Lord (Dyarnentarach), the Mesrob Mashdots emblem
program, and requiem service offered for Homenetmen members annually in
November throughout Prelacy Churches. The guests informed and invited the
Prelate that the closing ceremony of the Kaham games and the opening
ceremony of the 40th Navasartian Games are scheduled for March 15, and the
Victory Ball and Navasartian closing ceremony on July 4th and 5th.
The Prelate wished them success in all their upcoming endeavors and
the visit came to a close with the presentation of mementos.
***
ARMENIA FUND EXECUTIVES VISIT THE PRELACY
On Tuesday, January 27, 2015, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate welcomed the visit of Armenia Fund Western Region Chairman Mr.
Antranig Baghdassarian and Executive Director Mr. Sarkis Kotanjian. The
guests reported on the organization’s most recent endeavors, upcoming
projects and expansion plans.
The Prelate commended the executives for their dedicated service and
wished them continued successes in their future undertakings.
***
HAMAZKAYIN ANI DANCE COMPANY MEMBERS
VISIT THE PRELACY
On Tuesday, January 27, 2015, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, welcomed to the Prelacy Hamazkayin Ani Dance Company members who
had come to personally convey their thanks to His Eminence for his
attendance at their 40th anniversary performance in December and for
awarding the directors the Pontifical “St. Mesrob Mashdots” medal on behalf
of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia. The
guests, artistic directors Yeghia Hasholian and Suzy Barseghian-Tarpinian,
and committee members Nevart Chalian and Seta Konialian-Frounjian, also
asked the Prelate to convey their gratitude to His Holiness for the honor.
The Prelate once again commended and congratulated the members for
their dedication to promoting our cultural heritage, and commended also
their recent performance at the ARF 124th anniversary celebration, wishing
them continued successes in future performances.
At the conclusion of their visit, the guests presented His Eminence
with a plaque in appreciation for his ongoing support.
***
BENEFIT CONCERT FOR SYRIAN ARMENIAN RELIEF FUND
In collaboration with the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund (SARF), on
Sunday, January 25, a benefit concert organized by Global Arts International
was held at the Auditorium of Pasadena City College featuring renowned
artists from Armenia performing traditional, popular, and patriotic songs
and dances. Prior to the start of the program, the audience rose for a
moment of silence in memory of the Avetisyan family who were slain in their
home in Gyumri. The program began with the Lord’s Prayer. Rev. Fr. Boghos
Tinkjian represented the Prelate and delivered the opening prayer.
In his address, SARF Chairman Mr. John Titizian thanked the guests
for their support and encouragement, noting that as with previous
fundraisers, the proceeds of the concert would be fully allocated to our
brethren in Syria struggling through the endless strife.
***
LARK CONCERT DEDICATED TO THE GENOCIDE CENTENNIAL
In commemoration of the centennial of the Armenian Genocide, on
Saturday, January 24, a musical program was held at the Ambassador
Auditorium in Pasadena with the participation of the LARK Musical Society.
The event was organized by the Armenian Genocide Centennial Committee of the
Armenian Evangelical Union of North America and the Armenian Missionary
Association of America. Titled “Our Light, Our Hope”, the program
commemorated the losses of the Armenian people and at the same time
celebrated the rebirth and renewal of our nation through faith and courage.
The Prelate attended, accompanied by Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan.
Executive Council member Dr. Dikran Babikian and Mr. Meher Der Ohanessian
were also in attendance.
***
CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE MEMORIAL PRAYER FOR THE UNBORN
In commemoration of the anniversary of the Roe V. Wade Supreme Court
Decision, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles holds a special event each January
at the Cathedral of our Lady of Angeles in memory of every life lost to
abortion that day in Los Angeles County. By the invitation of H.E.
Archbishop Jose Gomez, clergy and faithful from various churches and
denominations participate in the commemoration, which this year was held on
Saturday, January 24th.
Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian and Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian represented
the Prelate.
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