Category: 2018

 
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: www.westernprelacy.org
REQUIEM ON THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARTYRDOM OF THE LISBON 5
         marks the 35th anniversary of the martyrdom of the
Lisbon 5, Simon Yahneian, Vatche Daghlian, Sarkis Abrahamian, Ara Kerjelian,
and Setrak Adjemian, who sacrificed their lives to further the Armenian
Cause. 
        By the ordinance of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
on Sunday, July 29, requiem prayers will be offered in all Prelacy Churches
for the souls of the Lisbon 5. The Prelate's tribute message will be read
prior to the service. His Eminence will be at Holy Trinity Church in Fresno.
        We invite our faithful to join us in paying tribute to the five
heroic young men and their ultimate sacrifice for the Armenian Cause. 
        
***
PRELACY YOUTH TO PARTICIPATE IN A SUMMER ACADEMY AT THE CATHOLICOSATE
        Under the leadership of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, a two-week
summer academy will be held at St. Mary Monastery in Bikfaya, Lebanon with
the participation of youth from the Prelacies of the Eastern U.S., Western
U.S., and Canada. Four youth from the Western Prelacy will participate. They
are: Stole-bearers Gary Markarian (Holy Martyrs Church, Encino), Vartan
Baltayan (St. Sarkis Church, Pasadena), Hrag Harboyan (Holy Cross Cathedral,
Montebello), and Menas Arisian (Holy Trinity Church, Fresno). 
        In preparation for their participation in the program, the youth
visited the Prelacy where they met with H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, and H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, both
of whom offered direction and suggestions to the participants and wished
them a productive trip. 
        The intensive course, which runs from July 30 to August 11, 2018,
will introduce participants to the Bible, Armenian Christianity, and the
Armenian Church, as well as inter-faith and ecumenical dialogue.  The youth
will have the opportunity to meet with His Holiness and clergy and visit
religious and national sites. 
***
PRELATE OF AZERBAIJAN, IRAN VISITS THE PRELACY
        On Wednesday, July 25, 2018, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, welcomed to the Prelacy H.G. Bishop Krikor Chiftjian, Prelate of
Azerbaijan, Iran, who is in Los Angeles on a brief visit for the
presentation of his new book.
        The visit afforded the opportunity for the Prelate's to discuss the
endeavors of their respective Prelacies, in particular the recent pilgrimage
to St. Thaddeus Monastery in which six thousand pilgrims participated.
***
PRESENTATION OF BISHOP KRIKOR CHIFTJIAN'S BOOK HELD IN GLENDALE
        On Wednesday, July 25, 2018, the presentation of the first volume of
"Journey through the Footsteps of the Armenian Monuments of Iranian
Azerbaijan" authored by H.G. Bishop Krikor Chiftjian, Prelate of Azerbaijan,
Iran, was held at "Isahak and Janet Kazangian" Hall of the "Krikor and
Mariam Youth Center" in Glendale. The event was organized by Sardarabad
Bookstore under the auspices of five Iranian-Armenian community
organizations. 
        H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, attended and
delivered his message. Among the guests in attendance were H.E. Archbishop
Yeprem Tabakian, H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, and
representatives of community organizations.
        The program began with welcoming remarks by Mr. Ervin Yaghoubian,
MC, who touched on the significance of the event for all and for
Iranian-Armenians especially. Historian Dr. Garo Moumdjian presented the
book, a 530-page volume detailing 95 of the nearly 238 churches which
existed in the region. Dr. Moumdjian focused on the book's significance as
an eyewitness account of ancient historical sites as well as its archival
value in preserving the memory of a few dozen endangered structures. He
spoke also on significant periods in the history of Iranian Azerbaijan, the
decline in the number of clergy conducting such scholarly work, and future
volumes of the book. 
         Bishop Chiftjian thanked the organizers and sponsoring
organizations for their hard work and support, as well as the Prelate and
clergy for their presence. Through a series of slideshows, the author
presented the arduous process of compiling the book, noting the lack of
roads in some areas, regions which have long been devoid of Armenians and
are now occupied by Turks or Kurds, and more. He spoke also on the
liveliness of the Armenian community in Iranian Azerbaijan and its important
position as bordering Armenia.
        The Prelate highly commended Bishop Chiftjian for his diligent
efforts in preparing the volume and for his devoted service within the
Prelacy of Iranian Azerbaijan. He stressed the importance of the book and
wished Bishop Chiftjian continued successes.
        The dedication of the book with wine followed. The author was joined
by the Prelate, Archbishop Tabakian, clergy, his mother, ordination
Godfather Mr. and Mrs. Herair and Kohar Jermakian, Dr. Garo Moumdjian, and
members of community organizations.
        The program concluded with the benediction, after which the author
signed copies of his book while guests enjoyed a reception hosted by the
sponsoring organizations, who also presented mementos to Bishop Chiftjian.
*** 
PRELATE WELCOMES POET JACQUES HAGOPIAN
        On Friday, , H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, welcomed the visit of poet Jacques Hagopian. Given that the day
coincided with the 35th anniversary of the Lisbon 5 martyrdom, the visit
began with a conversation on Mr. Hagopian's poem dedicated to the Lisbon 5
which was published in local papers on the same day. Also discussed were the
poet's vast collection of works and publications, of which the Prelacy has
published more than a dozen.
        The Prelate gifted prayer books and a memento to Mr. Hagopian and
prayed for God to bless him with more healthy years. Mr. Hagopian, praising
the Lord, noted that he will celebrate his 101st birthday in just a few
days. 
***
PRELATE ATTENDS FAREWELL RECEPTION FOR CONSUL ARMELLA SHAKARYAN
        On Thursday, July 26, 2018, a farewell reception was held at the
Consulate General of Armenia for Consul Armella Shakaryan who has completed
her term in Los Angeles and will be returning to Armenia. H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, attended and conveyed his best wishes to
Consul Shakaryan in her future endeavors. Community leaders and
organizational representatives were in attendance. 
        Consul Shakaryan expressed her gratitude for the community's support
and collaboration during her tenure in Los Angeles. Well wishes were
conveyed by former Deputy Consul General Mt. Valery Mkrtoumian, Counsellor
Mr. Razmik Stepanyan, Glendale City Council member Mr. Vartan Gharpetian,
and others. Proclamations were presented on behalf of State Senator Kevin de
Leon and L.A. City Council member Monica Rodriguez. The Prelate commended
Consul Shakaryan's dedicated service, once again wished her great successes
in future missions, and presented a cross as a token of appreciation.  
***
PRELATE VISITS ST. SARKIS CHURCH'S VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
        On Wednesday, July 25, 2018, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, paid a visit to St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena where he met with the
teachers and young participants of the 6th annual Vacation Bible School
organized by the Parish Pastor and Board of Trustees. Fifty children
participated in this year's Vacation Bible School, where they learned Bible
stories, hymns, Psalms, prayers, and engaged in fun and educational
activities. 
        The students presented a beautiful program of songs and hymns. 
        Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan welcomed His Eminence and gave an overview
of this year's program, after which he invited the Prelate to deliver his
message. 
        Referencing one of the songs which the youth had sung, the Prelate
stated that when the Holy Spirit works within us we increase in grace and
live a fulfilled life in God, and we feel the Lord's presence when we open
our hearts and souls to Him. The Prelate urged them to be good and obedient
children and to never forget what they are taught in school. A friendly
dialogue followed, during which the students correctly answered questions
about our church and vessels. In conclusion, the Prelate commended the
Parish Pastor, Board of Trustees, Ladies Guild, and teachers, and addressing
the parents stressed that our youth will remain on the right path throughout
their lives when they are properly educated and instructed in God's Word at
an early age.
        The students gifted a drawing to the Prelate with wishes for many
more fruitful years, while His Eminence presented crosses and prayers. 
         
***

AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Website: www.agbu.org
PRESS RELEASE
Friday, 
Mountaineer Ara Khatchadourian Completes his Cross- Continent Run in Yerevan
Khatchadourian Becomes Goodwill Ambassador to Promote the First Yerevan Marathon
Eleven countries, 500 towns and cities, 4,550 kilometers and an empowering 
message from mountaineer Ara Khatchadourian: peace and inspiration for "young 
people from 5 to 105" to turn their dreams into reality. Khatchadourian himself 
fulfilled yet another dream, as he set out from Marseille on April 7 and 
reached Yerevan 105 days later, having run the equivalent of one marathon every 
day.
He arrived in Armenia via Georgia marking his first stop in the city of Gyumri, 
where he was greeted by provincial and city officials on July 18. Three days 
later, Khatchadourian - accompanied by around two dozen running enthusiasts, 
including members of the Arm Marathon Foundation, TriClub Yerevan and the 
French ambassador - ran the final six kilometers of his incredible journey, 
crossing the finish line in Yerevan. In the meantime, Deputy Minister of 
Diaspora Aramayis Grigoryan, media and a crowd of supporters gathered at 
Republic Square to give Khatchadourian a heartfelt welcome. The emotional 
welcome culminated with a dazzling performance on the traditional dhol by the 
Armenner Drumming Ensemble comprising students of the AGBU Children's Center in 
Nork. 
"Running is not only a physical achievement, but a human achievement. To run 
and cross borders with such universal principles is symbolic. We can be 
inspired by Ara, even if we don't run all the distance he did," French 
Ambassador Jonathan Lacôte said.
For Khatchadourian, this athletic challenge bears a higher meaning-promoting 
peace through sports and not only. "This is a run for peace for the whole 
world. Over the past century alone, 170 million people have died in wars and 
massacres. My grandmother went through the Armenian Genocide. My mom and dad 
experienced the Second World War. I grew up during war in Lebanon. The cycle 
has to stop," Khatchadourian said. "My principle is to transmit values other 
than violence and to tell people that, through work, it is possible to achieve 
goals together. I visit schools and tell students that if they have dreams, 
they can be realized - but it takes work. Without making an effort, it is 
impossible to achieve what you desire."
This achievement has propelled Khatchadourian into a new commitment: the Bridge 
for CSOs project's Goodwill Ambassador for the Arm Marathon Foundation which 
would host the first-ever Yerevan Marathon in October 2018. A capacity-building 
project for Armenian civil society, Bridge for CSOs-funded by the European 
Union and implemented by AGBU Armenia - has this time linked a diaspora sports 
talent to a local non-governmental organization to advance a major undertaking. 
In his new role, Khatchadourian will help promote Yerevan Marathon and continue 
to inspire sports enthusiasts to work together for the common good.
"We intend to bring together not only runners in Armenia, but Armenians all 
over the world. So, it is with great pride that we welcome a man who inspires 
so much with his example to represent us," executive director of the Arm 
Marathon Foundation Sona Nahapetyan said. "We aim to encourage health in 
society, not only through an annual marathon, but also with other running 
events throughout the year, also directing our revenue toward charitable 
projects. Running brings people together - people who have never met, who have 
nothing in common, suddenly unite and run together. Harnessing that kind of 
enthusiasm and inspiration for the sake of some common project creates a 
culture of public service."
Throughout his incredible run, Khatchadourian reached out and inspired many. He 
made visits along the way, including to a French school in Serbia, as well as 
to AGBU Plovdiv and AGBU Sofia communities. "Each country had its own beauty," 
he said. "I was received very well everywhere. In Greece, the soldiers greeted 
me at the border and the next day, they accompanied me until the Turkish 
frontier. I also had an excellent welcome in Gyumri, where a police car came to 
escort me all the way to Vartanants Square."
A consummate athlete driven to push himself to the limits, Lebanon-born Ara 
Khatchadourian moved to France in 1983 and at the age of 40, he began exploring 
mountaineering. His list of successful climbs includes Mt. Ararat, Mont Blanc, 
Kilimanjaro, and Mt. Everest, where he displayed the Armenian flag when he 
reached the summit in 2016. His long-time friend and supporter, Alain 
Boyadjian, of Marseille, made a poignant observation on his admirable past and 
current achievements, "Everest was a vertical climb while this run covered 
almost the same distance horizontally, thereby forming a cross." 
Khatchadourian refers to himself as a citizen of the world. But he does not 
have only himself in mind. "We are all citizens of the world. Being Armenian is 
secondary, being Christian is secondary, being born in Lebanon is secondary, 
living in France is secondary. But above all, in order to say that we are all 
equal, that we are all born on the same soil, we must say to each one of us - 
from wherever we may be - we are citizens of the world," he said. "France 
accepted me, Marseille adopted me, while Yerevan is the motherland. I wanted to 
run from the city of my adoption to the city of my roots."
 
Established in 1906, AGBU (www.agbu.org) is the world's largest non-profit 
Armenian organization. Headquartered in New York City, AGBU preserves and 
promotes the Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural and 
humanitarian programs, annually touching the lives of some 500,000 Armenians 
around the world.
 
For more information about AGBU and its worldwide programs, please visit 
www.agbu.org.