May 24, 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:
THANKSGIVING PRAYERS ON THE 95TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST REPUBLIC OF
ARMENIA
Tuesday, May 28, 2013 is the 95th anniversary of the first Republic
of Armenia. By the ordinance of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, on Sunday, May 26, Thanksgiving Prayers for the republic will be
offered in all Prelacy Churches on this occasion.
The Prelate will preside over Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church in
Pasadena, where he will also preside over the Thanksgiving Prayers and
deliver the sermon.
PRELACY REPUBLISHES GARO BEDROSIAN’S
“FEASTS AND TRADITIONS OF THE ARMENIAN CHURCH”
The Western Prelacy has republished the Armenian version of Garo
Bedrosian’s popular book “Feasts and Traditions of the Armenian Church”.
The book was originally published twenty years ago and had since
sold out. The republication is an enhanced version of the original,
featuring new and revised content and illustrations. It opens with the
prologue by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and includes
letters of commendation addressed to the author.
“Feasts and Traditions of the Armenian Church” is a highly
informative and interesting compilation of the history and popular
traditions associated with the feasts of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
The book is available at the Prelacy bookstore for $20. The English
version of the original book is also available. The English translation of
this new republished version is in the works.
Contact the Prelacy at 818-248-7737 ext. 101 or
[email protected] to purchase a copy.
CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF CATHOLICOI
ZAREH I AND KHOREN I
The year 2013 marks two important anniversaries for the Holy See of
Cilicia, as we remember two of our beloved Pontiffs of blessed memory, H.H.
Catholicos Zareh I and H.H. Catholicos Khoren I on the 50th and 30th
respective anniversaries of their passing. The life and legacy of our two
Pontiffs, and their great contributions to the Armenian Apostolic Church,
was honored earlier this year with requiem services and memorial events held
at the Catholicosate of Cilicia and its Prelacies, including the Western
Prelacy.
On the evening of Tuesday, May 21, 2013, a standing room only crowd
gathered at the “Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian” Hall for a memorial
event paying tribute to Catholicos Zareh I “the wondrous” (eskancheli)
Payaslian, and Catholicos Khoren I “the builder” (shinarar) Paroyan.
The event was held under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, organized by the Religious Council and Prelacy
Cultural-Educational Committee, and hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Vicken and Dzovig
Der Ghazarian, niece of Catholicos Zareh I. Two Seminary alumni, Deacon
Mark Shirin and Mr. Garo Bedrosian, were invited to speak on the life and
legacy of the two Catholicoi. The event also featured a cultural program of
songs presented by Vahakn Hovents and Anahit Nersisyan, both accompanied on
the piano by Prof. Levon Aprahamian.
The program officially began with the “Lord’s Prayer” and a requiem
prayer, led by the Prelate with the participation of clergy members. Rev.
Fr. Ardak Demirjian welcomed the guests on behalf of the organizing
committees and invited the Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Kevork Bedikian, to
begin the program.
Mr. Bedikian reflected on his own personal memories of both
Catholicoi and invited the evening’s first speaker, Deacon Mark Shirin, who
spoke about Catholicos Zareh I.
Deacon Mark presented the biography of Catholicos Zareh I, from his
days as a young student to his election as Prelate of Aleppo and later as
Pontiff. As Prelate of Aleppo, highlighted Deacon Mark, Zareh I, through
his hard work and efforts, succeeded in including Armenian language and
religion classes on school curriculums, and was instrumental in the
establishment of Karen Jeppe college. After the passing of Catholicos
Karekin Hovsepiants in 1952, due to internal and external conflicts four
years elapsed until the election of Catholicos Zareh I in 1956. Catholicos
Zareh I would reign in a difficult political climate, but in his short
seven-year tenure he was able to overcome challenges and obstacles and
achieved great successes for the Holy See of Cilicia. During his short
reign, the service of the Catholicosate was extended to various communities
in the Diaspora, among them Iran, Greece, and the United States, communities
that had been in desperate need of spiritual care for many years. Special
attention and care was given to the Seminary and its young students. The
relations of the Catholicosate with other churches and states of the Middle
East were strengthened and in 1962, the Catholicosate of Cilicia became a
full member of the World Council of Churches and sent an observer to the
Vatican Council II. Catholicos Zareh I was mindful and deeply concerned
with the needs as well as challenges of the Armenian people, and dedicated
his life to serving for the progress of our church and nation with unmatched
devotion, humility, and enthusiasm until his untimely passing in 1963 at the
age of 48.
Educator and author Mr. Garo Bedrosian was then invited to reflect
on the life of Catholicos Khoren I who succeeded Catholicos Zareh I in 1963.
Under the pontificate of Catholicos Khoren I, the Catholicosate went through
an era of achievements in various domains. Mr. Bedrosian highlighted a
number of these achievements; a new and modernized official residence for
the Pontiff was built, the Catholicosate library was expanded and new books
added, the printing house was expanded and modernized, a housing unit for
Bishops was built and the area for Brotherhood members renovated, private
residences were built in Fanar as well as the Armenian Home for the Aged to
care for the elderly, scholarship funds were established, publications were
expanded, Pontifical visits began, relations were strengthened between the
two Holy Sees, the pursuit of the Armenian Cause and our national rights
were strengthened, and the “St. Mesrob Mashdots”, “St. Nerses the Gracious”
, “Prince of Cilicia”, and “Knight of Cilicia” medals were instituted.
Overall, through his great efforts, the Catholicosate achieved financial
stability and the terrain of was expanded with new constructions to meet the
growing needs of the Catholicosate and its faithful. Due to declining
health, in 1977 Catholicos Khoren I wished to have a Coadjutor to assist
him. Archbishop Karekin II Sarkissian, Prelate of the Eastern United States
was elected Coadjutor-Catholicos. However Khoren I continued to closely
monitor and supervise the activities of the Catholicosate of Cilicia until
his passing in 1983. With his signature warm smile always illuminating his
face, Catholicos Khoren I was a man of action and earned the fitting moniker
“builder” for his vast works, concluded Mr. Bedrosian.
The program concluded with the Prelate’s message.
The Prelate welcomed the guests and relatives of Catholicos Zareh I
for their presence, thanking Mr. and Mrs. Vicken and Dzovig Der Ghazarian
especially for their participation in memorializing the life of their uncle,
Catholicos Zareh I, through their sponsorship of the event. He thanked the
organizers and program participants for their contribution to this moving
tribute. The Prelate began his message by echoing the words of H.H.
Catholicos Aram I, describing the two Catholicoi as truly loyal servants of
the Holy See of Cilicia who served with deep faithfulness and selfless
devotion, and left an inerasable mark in the history of the Holy See of
Cilicia as models of spiritual leadership. The Prelate paid homage to the
legacy and memory of our beloved Pontiffs by reciting his own composition
utilizing the first letters of their names to start each sentence. He
eulogized Catholicos Zareh I as being adorned with virtues, virtuous in
character, our “wondrous” Pontiff, blessed missionary of Christ,
extraordinary in faith and being. His Eminence eulogized Catholicos Khoren
I as wise in thought, our “builder” Pontiff, strong and dynamic in his
entire being, with a presence that was captivating. In conclusion, the
Prelate urged clergy and lay servants of the Prelacy to serve faithfully and
with devotion in the ideal example set forth by our two most beloved
Pontiffs.
The beautiful and moving tribute came to a close with the Prelate’s
benediction and the Cilician anthem.
Guests then enjoyed a reception organized by the Prelacy Ladies
Auxiliary.
CONSECRATION OF SACRED PAINTINGS AND UNVEILING OF “THE SURVIVING MOTHER”
MONUMENT AT ST. GARABED CHURCH OF LAS VEGAS
On Sunday, May 19, 2013, the Las Vegas parish community celebrated
another joyous and momentous occasion as H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, visited the St. Garabed Church family to celebrate
Divine Liturgy, consecrate sacred painting, and preside over the unveiling
of “The Surviving Mother” monument. Parish Pastor Archpriest Fr. Avedis
Torossian, Deacon Mark Shirin, sub-deacon Bob Bezdikian, and stole-bearer
Vazken Mouradian, assisted on the altar.
During the service, Fr. Avedis brought forth the traditional
dove-shaped vessel, from which the Prelate poured the Holy Chrism and
consecrated the sacred paintings.
The Prelate’s sermon centered on the message of Pentecost, which
calls us into unity and binds us together as one people to serve, empowered
by the Holy Spirit. The Prelate noted that on that first Pentecost, with
the descent of the Holy Spirit a new creation came into being, the Church
was born. “Today, as we celebrate the birth of the Church, we celebrate
again the new birth of this community which received new life with the
consecration of St. Garabed Church just a month ago.” The Feast of
Pentecost, stated His Eminence, is an invitation to consider our own
participation in the mission of oru Church. “Today is a fitting opportunity
to renew our commitment to live as active members of the body of Christ and
of the Armenian Apostolic Church family, using our individual gifts to
collectively build up our church and nation”.
“This community is a testament that all things are possible when we
work together for good with trust in our Lord and guided by the Holy Spirit.
The kinship and fellowship in this parish community is evident and evidenced
by the progress of this Church in a short period of time. Today we complete
the final phase of the rebirth of this community with the consecration of
the sacred paintings and the unveiling of “The Surviving Mother” monument.
With these ceremonies, St. Garabed Church officially enters a new chapter, a
new journey and mission. As you embark on this new path and look ahead to
future successes, today, on this Feast of Pentecost, may this parish family
renew its commitment to working together with love and harmony, reinforced
in faith and service by the power of the Holy Spirit,” concluded the
Prelate.
After the service the Prelate and procession headed to the courtyard
for the unveiling and blessing of “The Surviving Mother” monument that was
erected in memory of Armenian mothers who survived the Armenian Genocide and
created our new generation in America and around the world. Monument
sponsors Mr. & Mrs. Gary & Doris Deratzou were among the faithful in
attendance. The ceremony concluded with the Cilician and Armenian anthems,
after which young students of “Armenian Dancers of Las Vegas” performed
three dances in the courtyard.
A luncheon organized by the ARS “Shoushi” Chapter followed at
“Koujakian” Hall. Chairlady Mrs. Lila Darakjian welcomed the guests and
gave a brief overview of the Chapter’s activities, among them the local
Saturday School which has been serving the region for over two decades.
The day’s festivities came to a close with the benediction and
blessings of the Prelate.
PRELACY “LOUSAVORICH” CHOIR PARTICIPATES IN
6TH ANNUAL ORTHODOX DAY OF PRAISE
On Saturday, May 18, the sixth annual Orthodox Day of Praise was
held at St. Peter and St. Paul Coptic Orthodox Church in Santa Monica, with
the participation of members from the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox
Churches.
The annual event unites the Orthodox congregation using the language
of hymns and praise. Among the Churches represented are the Armenian,
Coptic, Syriac, Russian, Serbian, Antiochian, Ukrainian, Ethiopian,
Romanian, and others.
By the ordinance of the Prelate, the Prelacy “Lousavorich” Choir
once again participated in this annual event, led by Rev. Ghevont Kirazian.
The day began at 8:00 a.m. with the celebration of Divine Liturgy,
followed by a meet and greet and brunch. The program of hymns and praises
began at noon. The “Lousavorich” Choir presented three hymns, and joined in
the group song, which this year was a hymn from the Ethiopian Orthodox
Church. Note that last year’s group song was an Armenian hymn.
PRELATE CONGRATULATES MAYOR-ELECT ERIC GARCETTI
Following the results of the Los Angeles municipal elections, on
Wednesday, May 22nd, the Prelate sent congratulatory letters to Los Angeles
Mayor-Elect Eric Garcetti, City Attorney-Elect Mike Feuer, City
Controller-Elect Ron Galperin, and City Council Members-Elect Mitch
O’Farrell and Gil Cedillo.
The Prelate congratulated the newly elected officials on behalf of
the Prelacy Councils and faithful, and wished them success in their new
duties.
In his letter to Mayor-Elect Garcetti, the Prelate stated, “We
appreciate especially your unwavering support of the Armenian-American
community and your sincere concern and commitment to the welfare of all your
constituents. We are confident that the City of Los Angeles will thrive
under your strong and principled leadership.”
PRELATE CONGRATULATES ARMENIAN GRADUATES OF THE PASADENA SCHOOL DISTRICT
On Wednesday, May 22, the 24th annual appreciation night in honor of
Armenian graduates from the Pasadena School District was held at the
Pasadena Armenian Center. The reception is organized annually by the Pastor
and Board of Trustees of St. Sarkis Church.
In attendance were St. Sarkis Church Pastor, Board of Trustees,
Delegates and Ladies Auxiliary members, representatives from the ARF
“Lernavayr” Gomideh and local sister organizations, Pasadena Chief of Police
and Sheriff Department representatives, Pasadena Unified School District
Superintendent and members, principals, educators, and parents.
The Prelate congratulated the students on the hard work that led
them to this stage in their lives and wished them success in the next phase
of their life’s journey. His Eminence reminded the students that they are
all members of one family, the Armenian Church and nation, and urged them to
give back to the community by contributing to the advancement of our cause
and nation. In conclusion, the Prelate prayed for the Lord’s blessings,
protection, and guidance to be with them as they begin this new chapter.
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