May 23, 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:
On Monday, May 26, we will join our fellow citizens in honoring the memory
and sacrifice of the brave men and women of the United States armed forces
who gave their lives defending the values this great nation was founded
upon, for our liberty and security. May God grant rest to their souls and
safeguard all the members of our armed forces who continue to serve in the
spirit of their fallen comrades.
On Wednesday, May 28, we will join the Armenian nation in celebrating the
96th anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia, to honor the valor of our
heroes who bravely battled for and secured the independence of our nation,
and to remember our martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice for love of
faith, love of freedom, and love of nation. May God bless all who labored
and labor for the liberation and building of our nation, keep in peace our
beloved homeland, and guide our leaders to serve with honesty and integrity.
***
42ND PRELACY REPRESENTATIVES ASSEMBLY
CONCLUDES SUCCESSFULLY
NEW RELIGIOUS AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS UNANIMOUSLY ELECTED
On the afternoon of Friday, May 16, 2014, the 42nd Prelacy
Representatives Assembly convened at the `Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian’
Hall with the invocation by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
and with the participation of Clergy, Central Executive members, Religious
and Executive Councils, Delegates, Boards of Trustees Chairs and
representatives, principals, directors, and members of the Board of Regents
and CASPS.
The first item on the agenda was the Pontifical message of His
Holiness Aram I, which was read by Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian. His Holiness
wished success to the proceedings, commended the Assembly for giving special
attention to Genocide centennial preparations and Catholicosate-Prelacy
collaboration, commended the efforts of the Prelacy family as a whole to the
religious, educational, cultural, social life of community, and affirmed the
backing of Catholicosate to the Prelacy’s endeavors.
The election of the divan followed; Dr. Garo Agopian and Mr.
Varoujan Der Simonian were elected Assembly Chairmen, and Rev. Fr. Karekin
Bedourian and Mr. Hamo Kasbarian the Secretaries.
Central Executive member Mr. Khajag Dikijian began his address with
a passage from `Taking the Church to the People’ by His Holiness Aram I, in
which the Pontiff speaks of the parish as the core and epicenter of the
church, of the pivotal importance of our parishes in the total life of our
church, and that in order to have a church on the global level, we must have
active Prelacies, and in order to have active Prelacies, we must have
organized and dynamic parishes. Mr. Dikijian stressed that it is the duty
and mission of all to bring new life and new horizons in each individual
parish by renewing our commitment to serve and engaging in community
building, so that by strengthening the individually locally we can
strengthen the collective.
Executive Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian reflected with
gratitude on her four years of service within the Council, thanking the
Prelate for his strong leadership and her colleagues for their
collaboration. She expressed confidence that the mission to grow our
churches and schools, to properly prepare for the Genocide centennial,
pursue our rights, and support our communities in Syria will continue
strongly in the coming term. In conclusion, on behalf of the Council, Mrs.
Boghossian wished success to the Assembly.
On behalf of the Delegates and Board of Trustees of the host parish,
St. Mary’s Church, parish Chair Mr. Garo Eshgian welcomed the delegates and
guests.
The Prelate was then invited to deliver his message, which he began
by first offering gratitude and praise to Almighty God for granting another
year and opportunity to collectively review the activities of the previous
term and set in motion future plans, and conveying thanks to His Holiness
Aram I for his constant paternal care and wisdom which guides our endeavors
and mission. His Eminence spoke of the challenging times we live in,
locally and globally, on the numerous external influences and pressures
facing our youth in particular, and how our Prelacy has overcome challenges,
been able to successfully carry out its mission, and has expanded
significantly by evolving with the times to avoid stagnation yet staying
true to our roots, through renewal and rejuvenation, hard work and team
work. And so, the Prelate emphasized that the Assembly is a wonderful
invitation and opportunity for renewal and revitalization, and for an
earnest recommitment to our duties, to pledge to work together as a family,
guided by what is right and not by what serves our personal interests. His
Eminence commended the outgoing Religious and Executive Councils for the
team spirit they demonstrated in their service, and wished that the new
Councils will work together in the same spirit, with unconditional
dedication, with renewed vigor and resolve, and with faith, unity, and
harmony.
The next item on the agenda was the election of the Resolution and
Vote-Counting Committees; Mr. Haigaz Terterian, Mr. Herair Jermakian, and
Mr. Hagop Tchagaspanian were elected to the Resolution Committee, and Mr.
Sarkis Dervishian, Mr. Levon Arabian, and Mr. Alek Poulatian were elected to
the Vote-Counting Committee.
Subsequently, Board of Trustees Chairs or representatives of each
parish were called to the podium to present the annual report of their
respective parishes.
The first session came to a close with the presentation of the
financial report by Executive Council treasurer Mr. Toros Kejejian, and
Auditing Committee report by Mr. Hagop Krioghlian.
At the start of the second session, the Prelate announced the names
of the individuals who were being honored this year. They were; Ladies
Auxiliary senior member Mrs. Marie Babikian and long-time member Mrs. Hourig
Abdulian, who officially retired from the guild. His Eminence praised the
honorees as exemplary mothers, grandmothers, daughters, and sisters, and
highly commended their nearly thirty years of dedicated and humble service.
The honorees expressed gratitude for the honor. They both
emphasized that they were taught to be active members of their community and
to give without expectation, and hoped that their example inspires our youth
and teaches them the value of hard work and selfless service.
Briefings by the Religious and Executive Councils and the Board of
Regents followed. The Board of Regents report was presented by Co-Chair
Mrs. Maggie Sarkuni. The addendum to the Executive Council report was
presented by member Dr. Dikran Babikian. After a question and answer
session and a lengthy discussion on the annual activities of the Prelate,
Councils, Schools, and committees serving under their auspices, the Assembly
found all endeavors to be “highly commendable”.
The Assembly reconvened on Saturday morning. During the day’s two
sessions, proposals were discussed and offered for the coming term,
including Genocide Centennial preparations and commemorations, among them
the Blessing of Muron in Bikfaya on July 19, 2015, and plans regarding
Christian Education and our Schools.
Executive Council member Mr. Meher Der Ohanessian presented the
budget, which was approved.
A presentation on Genocide Centennial plans and preparations
followed by Mr. John Kossakian, Ferrahian School Principal and Co-Chair of
the United Armenian Council for the Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide
(UACC).
The election of the Religious and Executive Councils was then held.
The Religious Council was unanimously elected as follows:
Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian
Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian
Rev. Fr. Vazken Atmajian
Rev. Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian
Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian
Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan
Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian
The Religious Council was unanimously elected as follows:
Mr. Meher Der Ohanessian (re-elected)
Dr. Navasart Kazazian (re-elected)
Dr. Dikran Babikian (re-elected)
Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian
Mr. Vahrij Pilavjian
Mr. Anranig Kasbarian
Dr. Kaloust Agopian
Deacon Mark Shirin
Mr. Nerses Teshoian
Mrs. Therese Kemanjian
Mrs. Alisa Konanyan, Esq.
The election of the Auditing Committee followed; Mr. Hagop
Krioghlian, Mr. Alek Poulatian, and Mr. Kahren Beniasians were elected.
In its closing remarks, the divan expressed appreciation to the
Assembly for trusting them with the responsibility and thanked the
participants for their valuable input.
In his closing message, the Prelate expressed gratitude to God for
the productive proceedings and wished for the endeavors of the coming term
to be carried out in the same spirit of collaboration, team work, and
harmony. His Eminence saluted the unprecedented presence of three Central
Executive members, Mr. Khajag Dikijian, Mr. Vahe Yacoubian, and Mr. Viken
Kassabian, once again commended the outgoing and incoming Councils, divan,
and staff, and prayed for a fruitful year ahead and for peace in Syria.
The 42nd Assembly concluded with the benediction by the Prelate and
`Cilicia’.
***
WESTERN PRELACY PUBLISHES PRELATE’S
BOOK OF SERMONS AND MESSAGES
On the eve of the 42nd Representatives Assembly on May 16-17, 2014,
the Western Prelacy published a book of sermons and messages authored by the
Prelate, titled `A Collection of Spiritual Reflections’.
The publication of the book was sponsored by the Carolan Family
Foundation and dedicated to the Year of the Elder.
The book is a compilation of English language sermons and messages
by the Prelate from 1997 to the present day. It encompasses Christmas and
Easter messages, April 24 messages, eulogies and tributes, messages on feast
days and special occasions, and remarks addressed to youth, students, and
community organizations.
***
THANKSGIVING PRAYERS ON THE 96TH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE FIRST REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
Wednesday, May 28, 2014 is the 96th anniversary of the first
Republic of Armenia. By the ordinance of the Prelate, on Sunday, May 25,
Thanksgiving Prayers for the Republic and the blessing of the Armenian flag
will take place in Prelacy Churches on this occasion.
Requiem prayers will be offered for the martyrs of Sardarabad,
Gharakilise, Pash Abaran, and all those who gave their lives for our nation.
The Prelate will preside over Divine Liturgy, Thanksgiving service,
and deliver the sermon at St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena.
***
PRELATE WELCOMES AMBASSADOR JOHN HEFFERN
On Sunday, May 18, 2014, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern
paid a courtesy visit to the Prelacy where he had a cordial meeting with the
Prelate. The Ambassador was joined by Mr. Jeffrey Paretchan, Deputy
Director of the Economic Growth Office of USAID/Armenia.
Joining the Prelate were Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian, Archpriest Fr.
Nareg Pehlivanian, and Executive Council members Mr. Vahan Bezdikian, Mr.
Meher Der Ohanessian, and Dr. Dikran Babikian. Central Executive member Mr.
Vahe Yacoubian also participated in the meeting.
The Prelate and honored guest exchanged information on their current
and planned endeavors. Ambassador Heffern spoke of the Embassy’s endeavors,
most notably potential future projects in tourism related to cultural
tourism and preservation. Middle East affairs and Karabakh were also among
the topics discussed.
At the conclusion of the visit, the Prelate presented the Ambassador
with Hrair Hawk Khatcherian’s photo book `Yergir to Yergir’ and a copy of `A
Collection of Spiritual Reflections’, a recent publication of sermons and
messages authored by His Eminence. Ambassador Heffern thanked the Prelate
for the warm welcome on his second visit to the Prelacy.
***
VAROUJAN KOUNDAKJIAN AWARDED
“KNIGHT OF CILICIA” INSIGNIA
By the initiative of Asbarez Daily Armenian Newspaper, on the
evening of Friday, May 16, 2014, a reception was held at Phoenicia
Restaurant in Glendale in celebration of community activist Mr. Varoujan
Koundakjian’s 80th birthday. The event also served as an opportunity to
honor Mr. Koundakjian’s decades-long service within the community.
The Prelate, attended the event and expressed his commendation to
Mr. Koundakjian, with whom he has over 30 years of friendship. His Eminence
extolled Mr. Koundakjian’s kindheartedness and benevolence and conveyed his
best wishes on his 80th birthday. On behalf of His Holiness Aram I, the
Prelate thus awarded Mr. Koundakjian the `Knight of Cilicia’ insignia and
Pontifical Encyclical.
In the Encyclical, His Holiness commended Mr. Koundakijan’s lifetime
of service and dedication to the Armenian Church and people, spanning from
the Western United States to Armenia, his moral and financial support, and
valuable input and contributions to the advancement of our religious,
cultural, and social institutions.
Mr. Koundakjian expressed gratitude to His Holiness for the honor
and thanked the Prelate.
***
OFFICIAL OPENING OF CHAMLIAN SCHOOL
`HACOP AND HILDA BAGHDASSARIAN’ GYM
On Sunday, May 18, 2014, the Prelate presided over the
ribbon-cutting and official opening ceremony of the `Hacop and Hilda
Baghdassarian’ Gym at Vahan and Anoush Chamlian School in Glendale.
In his address, the Prelate commended the support of city officials,
the diligence of Principal Vazken Madenlian and school administration and
Gym Committee members, the support of parents and the Parent-Support
Committee, and the generosity of the sponsors, in particular main benefactor
Mr. and Mrs. Hacop and Hilda Baghdassarian and lobby benefactor Mrs. Jessica
Vartoughian in memory of her husband Vahram, all of whom worked together to
make the dream a reality.
His Eminence highlighted the importance of teamwork and
perseverance, noting that this and many of the projects we undertake come to
fruition with cooperation, collaboration, and commitment. Citing the words
of our Lord Jesus Christ, `For where your treasure is, there your heart will
be also’, the Prelate stated, `Your treasure is your children and our
students, therefore, your hearts and our hearts are always with them, and it
is for this reason, for their benefit, that this gym was built,’.
The blessing of salt and bread was conducted, followed by the
ribbon-cutting.
***
PRELATE CONGRATULATES PASADENA ARMENIAN GRADUATES
On Wednesday, May 21st the 25th annual appreciation night in honor
of Armenian graduates from the Pasadena School District was held at the
Pasadena Armenian Center. The reception is held annually under the auspices
of the Prelate and is organized by the Pastor and Board of Trustees of St.
Sarkis Church.
The Prelate attended and conveyed his message to the graduates,
offering advice and encouragement as they prepare to begin a new chapter in
their lives.
His Eminence assured the graduates that the education and
instruction they have received thus far at home, church, and school has
given them the preparation and foundation to succeed, and reminded them to
always place their trust in the Lord and remain firm in their beliefs and
principles, especially in the face of adversity. The Prelate also urged
them to never forget that as Armenian-Americans they are members of one
family, and that they have a responsibility to contribute to the advancement
of that family, of our churches, schools, communities, and our nation.
***
PRELACY “LOUSAVORICH” CHOIR PARTICIPATES IN
7TH ANNUAL ORTHODOX DAY OF PRAISE
On Saturday, May 17, the seventh 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.
The annual event brings together clergy and faithful of the Oriental
and Eastern Orthodox Churches for fellowship through hymns and praise, among
them the Armenian, Coptic, Syriac, Russian, Serbian, Antiochian, Ukrainian,
Ethiopian, and Romanian Churches,
By the ordinance of the Prelate, the Prelacy “Lousavorich” Choir led
by Rev. Ghevont Kirazian once again participated in this annual event.
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