Category: News

There’s a reason I’m alive – I just don’t know what it is
By Uri Ash
Ha’aretz
May 27 2004
Hayk Panoyan – a Christian, Armenian, Israeli citizen, and Arabic
speaker, who worked as a waiter at the Maxim restaurant in Haifa –
cannot forgive himself for only being wounded in last year’s bombing
there, while his friends were killed. And he doesn’t understand why
the Palestinians insisted on declaring his friends martyrs.
Several days after the bombing of the Maxim restaurant in Haifa, Hayk
Panoyan’s mother sat by his bed at Rambam Hospital in Haifa. “A woman
came up to my mother and said to her `See, now you have a taste of what
we’re experiencing,'” he says, the pain and insult still discernible
in his voice. “And that same day, at the hospital, there was a guy
from some village who sang joyful Palestinian songs celebrating the
bombing and my mother jumped up at him and gave him a beating.”
Panoyan, who worked as a waiter at the restaurant, was hit by three
pieces of shrapnel from the deadly bomb set off by the terrorist
Hanadi Jaradat on October 4, 2003. The image of his friends sprawled
lifeless on the floor does not leave his mind. Panoyan’s mother is
a Christian Arab from Nazareth and his father is Armenian, the son
of refugees from the Turkish massacre of Armenians. Hayk grew up on
Zionism Avenue in Haifa. “I’m a Christian, Armenian, Israeli citizen,
Arabic speaker,” he explains, listing the parts of his identity in
order of their importance to him. He says that he is often labeled
as an Arab, though he sees himself as Armenian. “In this country,
anyone who is not a Jew is considered an Arab. People don’t know what
an Armenian is and whatever they don’t know they call an Arab. It
never bothered me to be `Arab.’ Why should it bother me if I’m very
proud of my religion and nationality?”
There have been 16 “Arab citizens killed in terror attacks” during
the three and a half years of intifada, according to a list compiled
by the Mossawa Advocacy Center for Arab Citizens in Israel. These
casualties include Druze soldiers from the Galilee and Carmel
Mountains; Christian Arabs from the Galilee, Haifa and Jerusalem;
and Muslim Arabs from Taibeh, Turan and Jisr al-Zarqa. Many dozens,
like Panoyan, have been injured. In at least one instance, the bombing
at the Meron Junction in August 2002, there were Arab citizens of
Israel involved on both sides: Maysoon Amin Hassan, a Druze student
from Sajour, and Roni Kamal Ghanem, a Druze soldier from Maghar, were
killed in an attack planned and executed by Ibrahim and Yassin Bakri,
two Muslim Arabs from Ba’ana, a village in the Galilee.
Serving food to the terrorist
Hayk Panoyan is 37, married to Sausan and the father of Armen, 13,
Paul, 9, and Lara, 3. He is an accountant by profession and since July
has been working for the Tiran shipping company. After many years of
frequenting the Maxim restaurant, he also began to work there as a
waiter on Saturdays during the summer. “You need a lot of money to
make ends meet with a mortgage and three children,” he explains.
On the morning of the bombing, his wife asked him to stay at home. He
had gone to sleep late and she suggested that he rest in bed. But
he insisted on going to the restaurant, where he met his friends and
fellow waiters Hanna Francis, Sharbal Matar and George Matar. Hanna
talked about his upcoming trip to Australia to bring his fiancee from
there; Sharbal, who was planning to travel to a wedding in the United
States, promised to bring a DVD player; George recalled that he had
forgotten to bring invitations for his friends to the wedding of his
daughter, scheduled to take place four days later. “What a day it was,
with all these beautiful tidings,” Panoyan says sadly. All three were
killed in the attack.
The restaurant was still half empty and Panoyan sat with Osama Najar,
a childhood friend who worked as a cook at Maxim and helped arrange
this additional job for him. Najar was also killed.
“Suddenly I hear a voice penetrating my head, a strong voice that
you cannot ignore. Like it takes control over you. It says to me,
`Get up and go to the kitchen and bring dishes.’ But I’m sitting there,
without any work to do. My section at the restaurant is empty, so why
get up to bring plates? It was maybe three or four meters from where
we were sitting to the place where the plates were piled. I got up.
You can’t resist a voice like that. I walk over and bring plates. I
stand by the entrance to the kitchen and am about to walk back and
look at my friends who were standing there, a meter or two away from
me. And then there was an enormous boom. I don’t know what supreme
power told me to get up. I told this to my wife and our priest.
Everyone says, `It’s a signal from God, who didn’t want you to die.’
“Because of all the smoke and fire there, I couldn’t see a thing.
After a moment or two there was quiet, and then you start to hear
screams and people crying and shouting. I’m standing with my hand on
my belly and see George, Hanna, Sharbal on the floor. And I scream
`Tony [Matar, the owner of the restaurant], Tony, help me!’ And then
I realized that my hands were full of blood and my stomach hurt
and blood was flowing from it. Tony quickly pulled me out via the
kitchen. He says I lost consciousness on the stairs. I only remember
that after I was operated on and woke up, I called for my wife and
immediately asked her about Hanna, because he was the closest and
Osama, who was a friend since we were children. And she told me,
`I don’t know, but I heard that they’re at Rothschild hospital.’ The
next day, there was a male nurse who came to take care of me and said,
`Did you know that Hanna was my friend?’ I asked him, `What do you
mean that he was your friend?’ and he replied: `What? You don’t know
that he was killed?’ That was a very difficult moment. Why was he
the one to have to tell me?”
The police investigation found that Panoyan served a meat dish to the
table of the terrorist and Mohammed Mahajneh, the one who drove her.
“When I approached the table, she was sitting facing the sea and I
didn’t get a good look at her,” he recalls. “Usually, when a couple
like this comes in, especially when you see that they are from a
village, we don’t look at them much and we give them quick service
because they are very touchy if someone looks at their woman. They
looked like a couple, a man and a woman. She was looking at him and
they were talking. There was nothing to arouse suspicion, but if I
had looked into her face, I’m sure I would have noticed that something
was amiss and would have done something. Yes, I definitely would have
risked my life to do so.”
The fact that he was so close to the terrorist contributes to his
feelings of guilt that he survived while all of his friends died.
“I’m very angry at myself for not being able to do anything,”
he says. “Because if I had seen her [the terrorist] I would have
identified her. And I feel a little guilty about this, seeing your
friends killed this way and doing nothing about it.”
The brother of Osama Najar, Husam, is also a childhood friend of
Panoyan and lives in the same building. At first, Panoyan says, “it was
very difficult. Until Husam told me, `Stop it. Every time you see me in
the elevator or on the stairs you’ll start to cry?’ It’s very hard for
me to look them in the eyes and very hard to see the mothers of Osama,
Hanna and Mtanes [Karkabi, also killed in the bombing], who was in our
school and whose parent’s home is about 15 meters away from my parents’
home. How can I look them in the eyes when I know exactly what they are
thinking – `Why is he alive and my son isn’t?’ I feel ashamed that
I wasn’t able to help them, because if I had looked her in the eyes,
I’m sure I would have identified her. Maybe I would have died or maybe
not. Perhaps I would have had courage or wisdom and done something.”
The nightmare never ends
In Fassouta in the upper Galilee, the village where the murdered
Hanna Francis and Sharbal Matar lived, many of the residents
define themselves as Christian Palestinian Arabs and find it hard to
comprehend how Muslim Palestinians could hurt Christian Palestinians.
In the case of Hayk Panoyan, who never felt Palestinian, the anger over
the attack by Hanadi Jaradat also makes him feel less of an “Israeli
Arab” (a label he has become accustomed to) and more Armenian. “She
simply came to kill and didn’t care about anything,” he says. “She
heard Arabic being spoken in the restaurant and saw that there were
children. If they claim that this is war and they are resisting
the Israeli occupation, then why don’t they fight against soldiers
instead of coming to kill children? Let’s see one of these `heroes’
enter an army base and start shooting. Why doesn’t this group of
`heroes’ shoot at soldiers? Why do they need to send a girl to blow
herself up next to children?
“I don’t know if I can say that we are part of their nation, but
I’m sure that they claim we are the same nation because they put
the names of Hanna and Osama and Sharbal on their list of martyrs
[shaheeds]. So how can you come and kill your own people? I’m not
part of their nation, but they say that the Arabs in Israel and the
Palestinians are one nation. So how can you compel someone to become
a shaheed? You murder me and then tell me that I’m a shaheed? I’ve
never seen myself as one of them. I live in the state here and am a
citizen of the country. I don’t do army service, but I’ve always been
loyal to this country and this is what I’ll teach my children. I’m
not a Palestinian. I’m also not an Arab.”
After he was operated on and the shrapnel removed, Hayk Panoyan
remained hospitalized for another two weeks before being sent home.
But friends and acquaintances, at home and in the street, continue to
ask him about the event, making it hard for him to distance himself
from the moments of horror. The nightmare does not end. “I still
suffer from pains and problems in my stomach and I can sleep at night
only by taking a sleeping pill,” he says. “I’m not able to fall asleep
because my mind keeps going over what happened. It’s like wallpaper in
my head. My wife says that I get up and shout and speak all the time
during the night with Hanna and with Osama. I ask them how they are
and if they have something to tell me. Even as I sit here speaking
with you, I see them. It keeps me from moving on in life with my
family, with my children and wife. And it affects my work. It’s very
difficult for me to concentrate and I’m always forgetting things. I
want to erase these images, but it’s very difficult.”
The physical and emotional difficulties have adversely affected his
relations with his children in particular. “I don’t play with them,” he
says. “I don’t take them to McDonald’s because I’m afraid and I don’t
even ride buses. I don’t play soccer or basketball with them because
I can’t jump and it’s very hard for me to pick up my daughter. The
children always are asking to see the wound – they’re very curious
about this. I always listen and explain to them. They would often
come and put their hands on the wound to calm me, `It’ll be okay,
father. Don’t worry, we’ll help you.’
“On one hand, this gave me enormous energy and strength. On the other
hand, a child of 9 or 12 identifies with his father and makes a great
effort not to ask for the things he used to request? I would sell
everything to change this situation. I want to get past this. I pray
everyday that I’ll get past this. I’m being treated by a psychiatrist,
who helps me and gives me pills. I want to only think about and
remember their beautiful images and don’t want to remember all of
that murder. What, will this continue to haunt me for the rest of my
life? After all, I have a small daughter and a wife. But this is like
superglue and I don’t have any acetone to detach it.”
The main decorations in the Panoyan’s home, which has a view of all
of Haifa from Stella Maris, are several icons of Jesus hung on the
walls, including one of Mary with the baby Jesus. “Our strong faith
certainly helps us, without our being aware of this.” He sees evidence
of this “in the fact that I recovered, that the family helps us, that
God gave my wife the strength to sleep in the hospital for 15 days,
that He gave the children patience to understand us and to absorb
this terrible thing, that all of our friends call and inquire, that
they support us and don’t abandon us.
“God put me to a test. When He spoke to me in the restaurant, He
wanted something from me. He didn’t keep me alive without any reason.
There’s a reason that I’m alive and I don’t know what it is – until
He speaks with me again. I don’t think that I’m any better than Hanna
or Mtanes or Osama. Why did He ask me to get up and for them to stay?”
His wife suggests an answer: “He surely didn’t want your children to
be left without a father.” But Hayk responds, “He also didn’t want
George’s children to be left without a father.”

ATTEMPT UPON LIFE OF “ARMENIA-LADA” HEAD
A1 Plus | 20:46:02 | 26-05-2004 | Social |
“Hayotc Ashkharh” Daily informs, at May 25 night an attempt was made
upon life of Rafael Shahmuradyan, businessman, Chair of “Armenia-Lada”
Company.
A burst from a driving “Niva” car was fired at “Nissan-Patrol”
of Shahmuradyan who was driving. Those attacking hided themselves,
Rafael Shahmuradyan is in hospital with severe injuries.
“Armenia-Lada” Company is a huge importer of Russian cars into
Armenia. At the same time “Karkomauto” Company headed by Shahmuradyan
is “Peugeot” and “Nissan” dealer in Armenia.

6 SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTING POLITICAL PRISONERS
A1 Plus | 13:48:54 | 26-05-2004 | Politics |
6 social organizations and “Republic” Party partook in the picket near
General Office of Prosecutor supporting Vagharshak Harutyunyan today.
According to Eleonora Manandyan, picket organizer and Chair of “New
Armenia” social organization, members of People’s Party of Armenia
take part in the picket from time to time, too.
Miss Manandyan couldn’t say whether the members of National Unity
Party took part in the picket since she didn’t know them.
Today is the 10th day of the picket for political prisoners. 5533
citizens have signed for release of them.
Tomorrow’s picket will be held supporting Lavrenti Kirakosyan. He is
the man whose wife had a miscarriage because of his arrest.
Eleonora Manandyan said it had been planned to hold the picket on
Monday for Aramazd Zaqaryan, member of “Republic” Party political
board but Office of Prosecutor passed ahead and released Aramazd.

“NEW TIMES” SET A DEADLINE TO AUTHORITIES
A1 Plus | 18:23:29 | 26-05-2004 | Politics |
“New Times” Party has today held a youth meeting. The ways to save
Armenia from the destructive future were represented.
In fact , the suggestions party has made today were addressed to
Robert Kocharyan. According to Party Chair Aram Karapetyan, he must
conduct reforms in Armenia.
Mr. Karapetyan expresses discontent that while dealing with Authorities
many of pro-governmental political figures pursue the policy “Don’t
touch me or else I will become Opposition”.
According to “New Times” strategy, if Robert Kocharyan doesn’t
accept the Party suggestions, “New Times” members will take
measures. Authorities were set 3 months to accept and apply the
suggestions.
“The actions will start in the morning and end in the evening. We
aren’t a third power, we are in Opposition”, Aram Karapetyan announces.
What will Authorities do?
“New Times” Party demands to dissolve coalition Government and
Parliament, and to hold special elections. There is nothing said in
the suggestions about distrust to President. Party also demands to
prevent corruption, bureaucracy.
“To establish a State Council affiliated with the Armenian President,
in which former and present Presidents, representatives of both
parliamentary and extraparliamentary influential powers and Diaspora
prevailing lobbyist structures must enroll”, another plank says.

ARAMAZD ZAQARYAN WON’T CHANGE HIS MANNER OF ACTIVITY
A1 Plus | 20:56:56 | 26-05-2004 | Politics |
Aramazd Zaqaryan, member of “Republic” Party political board, was
just released. But he says he won’t stop fighting for restoration of
the constitutional order in Armenia.
Zaqaryan intends to fight in the legal field, too, for illegalities he
suffered. He is going to appeal to Court for his arrest and unlawful
imprisonment for more than a month.
The issue to reconsider the preventive punishment was discussed in
both Review and Appeal Courts. Aramazd Zaqaryan is going to appeal
to the European Court of Human Rights.

Dancer turns wine importer
By SUSAN HOUSTON, Staff Writer
The News & Observer (Raleigh)
newsobserver.com
Wednesday, May 26, 2004 7:43AM EDT
When Edgar Vardanian finally hangs up his ballet slippers as a
dancer for Carolina Ballet, he has a second career all lined up:
wine importer.
And one of the first wines to be offered in the Triangle by his Ararat
Import Export company will be pomegranate wine from Vardanian’s native
Armenia. Pomegranate wine should be available in early June at Whole
Foods in Raleigh, with other locations to be announced later.
“It’s delicious. It’s very popular in Armenia and in Russia, but
because of the Soviet Union, nothing could leave the Soviet Union. Now
Armenia is separate, it can export the wine,” Vardanian said.
The wine is made from the pomegranate, a fruit grown throughout Asia
and the Mediterranean. About the size of an orange, the pomegranate
has a thin, reddish skin and hundreds of tiny seeds surrounded by
bright red pulp.
In Armenia, this pulp is pressed to extract the juice and a
light-colored red wine is made from it, Vardanian said. Pomegranate
wine has been imported to America before, but “now only goes to
California, because there are so many Armenians living there.”
Vardanian and his business partners — fellow dancer Vlad Bourakov
of Charlotte and importer Arnie Slutsky of Raleigh — are working
with two Armenian wineries to produce a wine that Ararat calls simply
“Pomegranate: Semi Sweet Red Wine.” Its colorful cubist-style label
was created by Vardanian’s uncle, an artist.
Vardanian hopes the novelty of wine made from pomegranates as well as
its health benefits (it is higher in cancer-fighting antioxidants than
red wine from grapes) will attract mainstream American wine drinkers.
Scott Brown, wine buyer for Whole Foods Market in Raleigh, is sold.
“We’ve all tasted and all really liked it,” said Brown, who
recommended serving pomegranate wine chilled. “It’s fairly sweet,
but not as sweet as Zinfandel or Riesling. It’s really refreshing,
a good white wine alternative.”
The wine will retail for about $9 a bottle.
Food editor Susan Houston can be reached at 812-4109 or
[email protected].

CURRENT AUTHORITIES SHOULD LEARN LESSONS FROM PAST
A1 Plus | 14:53:17 | 27-05-2004 | Politics |
On Thursday, Christian-Democratic Union leader Khosrov Harutyunyan,
speaking at a The First Republic Lessons discussion held in National
Press Club said, in his opinion, either in 1918 or in 1990 Armenian
people had psychologically been unready for independence.
Had people trusted their leaders they would be ready for independence,
Harutyunyan said. In his words, lack of confidence is visible now just
as it was in 1918: Armenians are badly in need of just and healthy
environment for living.
“We have inherited one harmful phenomenon from 1918: we rely on other
nations. It has destructive impact on internal political situation”,
Harutyunyan said. “Our authorities are seeking bosses instead of
partners”, he added.
Chair of Armenian Arians Union Armen Avetissyan, expressing his
opinion, said a single-party system brought the First Armenian Republic
to regress. Today, despite multi-party system, a dictatorship is in
fact created in the republic.

PLASTIC BOTTLE IMPRISONED FOR 1,6 YEARS
A1 Plus | 20:06:47 | 26-05-2004 | Social |
The First Instance Court of Center and Nork-Marash Communes brought
in a verdict to sentence Edgar Araqelyan, who hit a plastic bottle
on the head of a policeman during April 12 rally, to 1,6 year-long
imprisonment.
During the trial Edgar’s Advocate Tadevos Alexanyan made a
speech. According to him, the preliminary investigation group intended
to aggravate purposely the accusation whereas Edgar’s behavior could
be labeled nothing more than hooliganism. “The defendant resorted to
this after policemen had done violence to people”.
Mr. Alexanyan assures before hitting a policeman, Edgar was brutally
beaten by policemen. Then he had informed General Office of Prosecutor
in written about it but didn’t get answer.
“Preliminary investigation bodies try to prove that Edgar was present
to stir up anti-constitutional actions. But he was there as fate
willed”.
At the end the defendant was granted the right of final plea. “I
regret what I have done and ask to commute”, he said.
Judge asked whether Edgar would again hit if the bottle were glassy. “I
saw the bottle wasn’t glassy and was sure the hit wouldn’t threaten
life of the policeman”, Edgar said.
Those present for the trial were sure the verdict was a political
order.

PRESS OFFICE
ARMENIAN CHURCH OF NORTH AMERICA WESTERN DIOCESE
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91504
Tel: (818) 558-7474
Fax: (818) 558-6333
E-mail; [email protected]
Webiste:
MR. AND MRS. WALTER AND LAUREL KARABIAN
DONATE VALUABLE ARTIFACTS
TO THE WESTERN DIOCESE
We are pleased to announce to the faithful of the Western Diocese that
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Karabian have donated the following precious
manuscripts and miniature artifacts to the newly established Diocesan
Museum.
– Four Miniatures from a Gospel Book (Possibly Crimea, 17th
Century)
On paper , matted and framed: The Presentation in the Temple; the
Raising of Lazarus; the Transfiguration; St. Luke in his study writing
the Gospel.
– Four Gospels, in Armenian, Written by the Scribe Georg
(Istanbul, 1376)
Decorated manuscript on paper, 271 leaves.
– Psalter, in Armenian (Armenia, ca. 1453)
Manuscript on vellum, illustrated with 8 ornamental headpieces; 196
folios; contains fragments of the Gospel of St. John.
– Four Gospels, in Armenian, Written by the Scribe Boghos
(Isfahan, 1647)
Illuminated manuscript on paper, 298 folios; includes full-page
miniatures, decorative initials, and marginal ornaments.
– Four Gospels, in Armenian, Written by the Scribe Mkrtich
(Armenia, 17th century)
Manuscript on paper, illustrated with full- and three-quarter-page
miniatures; 297 folios; the Gospels are preceded by the Eusebian Canons
and Prefaces.
– Four Gospels, in Armenian (Armenia, 16th century)
Manuscript on paper, illustrated with full-page ornamental headpieces,
decorative initials and marginal ornaments; 220 folios; leather binding
executed in 1743.
We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude
to Mr. and Mrs. Karabian for their generous donation of the precious
items to the newly established Diocesan Museum.
DIVAN OF THE DIOCESE
May 24, 2004
Burbank, California
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

PRESS OFFICE
ARMENIAN CHURCH OF NORTH AMERICA WESTERN DIOCESE
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91504
Tel: (818) 558-7474
Fax: (818) 558-6333
E-mail; [email protected]
Webiste:
News from the Diocese
The Following are the activities of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan
Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of
North America, during the months of March – May, 2004.
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, had
intimate meetings with several delegates, in order to further his
involvement with various facets of the community.
* His Eminence met with Mariam Mihranian, Chairlady of Armenia Fund,
on March 11, 2004 at the Western Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank,
where she presented to the Primate her vision for the future of
Armenia Fund.
* On March 12, 2004 Archbishop Derderian held an official meeting
with Ms. Armine Hovannisian, founder of Orran and Junior Achievement
of Armenia. It was decided at the meeting that Orran and JAA will
become the partners of CYMA.
* His Eminence paid an official visit to Bishop Bruno, the Primate
of the Episcopalian Church on March 15, 2004.
* On March 18, 2004 the Primate held an official meeting with
Sheriff Lee Baca at the Diocesan Headquarters, to discuss the formation
of a committee to address issues related to community life and the
youth. The two leaders met for a second time on April 16, 2004.
* Also on March 18, 2004 Archbishop Hovnan Derderian met with
Father John Bakas of the Greek Orthodox Church.
* On March 19, 2004 His Eminence was officially visited by Very
Reverend Father Mesrob Sulahian, Administrator of the Mekhitarist
School in Venice. After being closely acquainted with the Diocese,
Fr. Mesrob left the meeting with warm embraces and the best
impressions.
* Also on March 19, 2004 the Primate met with the Armenian Academy
of Los Angeles, whose mission is to establish a high school in the
Los Angeles area that will open in September 2005. The meeting ended
with mutual interest in cooperation.
* Rev. Fr. Baruyr Avetisyan and Rev. Fr. Khoren Kirakosyan
visited the Western Diocese from April 26, 2004 to May 26, 2004. They
represented the Mother See in the 77th Diocesan Assembly.
Several events were hosted at the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Complex
of the Diocese in Burbank, under the auspices and presidency of His
Eminence Archbishop Derderian.
* His Eminence hosted a gathering for fifty students of the Alfred
and Marguerite Hovsepian School at the Diocesan Headquarters on March
10, 2004, where the students had the opportunity to personally meet
the Primate in a warm and informal setting.
* On March 18, 2004 Archbishop Derderian met with the students
of the Merdinian Armenian School at the Western Diocesan Complex,
where he addressed the students and personally greeted them.
* His Eminence and the Ladies’ Auxiliary hosted a reception for
the Debutantes and Escorts of the 2004 Debutante Ball at the Arshag
and Eleanor Dickranian Complex on March 21, 2004.
* On March 22, 2004 the Primate hosted the students of the St.
Sahag-Mesrob Armenian School at the Diocesan Complex, for an intimate
discussion of current issues.
* A conference entitled “Armenian Women Facing Contemporary Trends”
organized by the AGBU Hye Geen was held at the Diocesan Headquarters
on March 27, 2004 under the auspices of Archbishop Derderian.
* To bring to a close the Vigil Services that were held regularly
during Lent in all churches of the Diocese, a Collective Lenten Vigil
Service was held at the Diocesan Headquarters on April 2, 2004 under
the Presidency of His Eminence.
* Kemal Yalcin, author of the new book “My Heart Rejoices with
You”, spoke at a gathering in the Kalaydjian Hall of the Dickranian
Complex on April 4, 2004, organized by the Tekeyan Cultural Committee
and under the Auspices of the Primate.
* On Friday evening, April 23, 2004, in commemoration of the
Armenian Genocide, Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Yardemian celebrated Divine
Liturgy and performed a Requiem Service in the Kalaydjian Hall of
the Diocesan Complex under the presidency of the Primate and with
the participation of the Diocesan Clergy and the Diocesan United Choir.
* On May 5, 2004 a welcoming reception was held in the Kalaydjian
Hall in honor of Very rev. Father Dajad Yerdemian, who became a
member of the Armenian Apostolic Church on February 19. The evening
also included a cultural program.
* Dr. Gerard L. Libaridian, author of the newly published book
“Modern Armenia: People, Nation and State” spoke at the Diocese on
May 6, 2004. He presented his book and discussed Armenian politics
from the mid-nineteenth century to the present.
* On May 12, 2004 over 100 faithful and clergy gathered in
the Kalaydjian Hall to honor the 50 years of dedicated service of
Mother Hripsime Sassounian, who currently serves the Kalfayan Home
in Constantinople.
His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian took part and presided over
the following conferences and meetings.
* On March 13, 2004 His Eminence presided over several meetings at
the Diocesan Headquarters, including the Building Committee Meeting,
the Diocesan Council Meeting, Clergy Stipend Meeting, and the meeting
of the Christian Education Council.
* Archbishop Derderian presided over the Diocesan Clergy meeting on
March 16, 2004, which is held at regular intervals to discuss issues
relating to the needs of the Clergy.
* The Primate attended the Religious Leaders’ Meeting on March 17,
2004 held with the participation of leaders from various religious
denominations.
* On March 19, 2004 the Primate participated in the Diocesan Ladies’
Auxiliary meeting to discuss past and current projects. Among many
other items, the meeting discussed the upcoming Diocesan Ladies’
Assembly.
* Upon the invitation of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch
and Catholicos of all Armenians, His Eminence Archbishop Derderian
participated in the meeting of the Supreme Council in the Mother See
of Holy Etchmiadzin, on April 1 – 2, 2004.
* On the weekend of April 30 – May 1, 2004 His Eminence presided
over the 77th Diocesan Assembly which took place at St. John-Garabed
Armenian Apostolic Church in San Diego, with the participation of over
250 clergy and delegates from the Western Diocese. Each committee and
organization that functions within the Diocese presented its report
and discussed pertinent issues.
Consistent with his mission to maintain direct contact with the
Diocese, the Primate paid several visits to various parishes and
schools throughout the Diocese.
* On March 10, 2004 the Primate presided over a Lenten Vigil
Service at St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church in East Los Angeles.
During his visit His Eminence also met with the Parish Council.
* On March 11, 2004 Archbishop Hovnan Derderian presided over
a Lenten Vigil Service at the Armenian Church of La Verne, with an
overwhelming presence by the youth.
* Archbishop Hovnan Derderian celebrated Divine Liturgy and
delivered the Sermon at St. James Armenian Apostolic Church in Los
Angeles on March 13, 2004.
* The Primate officiated over a Lenten Vigil Service on March 17,
2004 at St. James Armenian Apostolic Church in Los Angeles, and also
presided over the meeting of the Parish Council.
* On March 18, 2004 His Eminence presided over a Lenten Vigil
Service at St. John-Garabed Armenian Church in Hollywood, accompanied
by His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian and His Eminence Archbishop
Sebouh Chouljian, Primate of Gougark, Armenia. Archbishop Derderian
also met with the Parish Council.
* The Primate conducted a Lenten Vigil Service at the Armenian
Church of La Crescenta in Tujunga on March 19, 2004, during which the
Primate also officiated over the ordination of Deacons. A reception
and cultural program followed.
* On March 21, 2004 His Eminence celebrated Divine Liturgy,
delivered the Sermon and officiated over the ordination of six
Deacons and Sub Deacons at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church in
Costa Mesa. A reception followed in honor of the elevation of Father
Moushegh Tashjian to the title of Archpriest.
* The Primate visited Central California on Wednesday and Thursday,
March 24 – 25, 2004 where he presided over a Lenten Vigil Service at
St. Gregory Armenian Church in Fowler on Wednesday, and on Thursday,
paid a visit to Bakersfield, after a meeting with the Clergy of the
Fresno Area.
* Archbishop Hovnan Derderian officiated over a Lenten Vigil
Service at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church in Costa Mesa on March
25, 2004, where he also officiated the ordination of 10 Stole-Bearers
and 34 Acolytes.
* On March 26, 2004 the Primate officiated over a Lenten Vigil
Service at the Burbank Parish held at the Diocesan Headquarters, with
the participation of Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Yardemian, Very Rev. Fr. Asbed
Balian, and other Clergy from the Los Angeles Area.
* On the evening of April 12, 2004 Archbishop Hovnan Derderian
paid a pastoral visit to the newly established parish of Palmdale,
accompanied by Pastor in Charge Archpriest Fr. Nareg Matarian.
* On April 25, 2004 the Primate celebrated Divine Liturgy and
delivered the Sermon at St. Gregory Armenian Church in Pasadena.
Following the Liturgy, His Eminence blessed the four cornerstones of
the new Church. A reception followed in the hall.
* On May 2, 2004 His Eminence celebrated Divine Liturgy and
delivered the Sermon at St. John Armenian Apostolic Church in San
Diego.
* Archbishop Hovnan Derderian was the Keynote speaker at a Mothers’
Day luncheon at St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church in Van Nuys,
in honor of Mother of the Year Mrs. Marguerite Zavian, on May 12, 2004.
* On May 20, 2004, the feast of Ascension, the Primate officiated
over a ceremony at the Armenian Church of Crescenta valley,
Tujunga. Present also were Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Yardemian, Very
Rev. Fr. Asbed Balian and other clergy.
* On May 21, 2004 Archbishop Derderian paid a Pastoral visit to
St. Andrew Armenian Apostolic Church in San Jose to preside over a
program by the Friday Armenian School.
The Primate was invited to and attended several events and ceremonies
throughout his Diocese.
* On March 8, 2004 is Eminence paid his first official visit to
the center of the Organization of Istanbul Armenians, where he was
greeted by the Executive Board of the Organization, as well all
Auxiliary Bodies, in a cordial Reception.
* His Eminence visited the Claremont School of Theology on March
11, 2004 accompanied by Attorney Joseph Ganimian. The Primate was
greeted by President Philip Emerson and Vice President Jack Fitzmier.
* On the evening of March 13, 2004 His Eminence attended the 24th
Anniversary Celebration Banquet of the Sts. Sahag-Mesrob Armenian
Christian School, held in the Banquet Hall of the Ararat Home,
marking the first attendance of the Primate to an event by the school.
* On March 14, 2004 Archbishop Derderian was the keynote speaker at
the 10th Anniversary Banquet of New DAY, New Direction for Armenian
Youth. The Primate addressed the guests with a message entitled
“The Stewards of God’s Light”.
* His Eminence was invited to the Mayor’s Breakfast meeting on
March 18, 2004 with the attendance of several community leaders from
the Los Angeles Area.
* The Primate presided over the funeral service and read the
eulogy of renowned Armenian singer Arpine Pehlivanian on March 20,
2004. In his address to the attendees he centered on her faith,
humility and vision for the Arts.
* Also on March 20, 2004 His Eminence attended the Annual Banquet
of the TCA Arshag Dickranian School.
* On March 24, 2004 the Primate spoke to the student body of the
Milken Community High School, after a meeting with Rabi Eli Herscher
and Head of the school Rennie R. Wrubel, Ed.D.
* On April 6, 2004 Archbishop Derderian, accompanied by Archbishop
Vatche Hovsepian and Very Rev. Fr. Asbed Balian, participated in
the inauguration of the Honorable Bob Yousefian as Mayor of the City
of Glendale.
* The Primate paid a visit to the Homenetmen Cupertino Chapter on
the night of April 10, 2004, where he was greeted by Chairman of the
Chapter, Dr. Yenikomoushian.
* On April 13, 2004 the Primate paid a second visit to the Claremont
School of Theology, accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Yardemian
and several Deacons of the Western Diocese, who are candidates for
the Priesthood.
* His Eminence visited the Friendly Adult Center in Tujunga on
April 14, 2004, accompanied by Fr. Hovsep Hagopian, where he greeted
and addressed the residents.
* In the evening of April 14, 2004 the Archbishop Derderian
addressed the students of the University of California San Diego in a
stimulating discussion of “The Armenian Church in the Context of the
Post Former Soviet Era”. The event was organized by Heritage Western
Armenian and the ASA.
* On April 16, 2004 the Primate presided over a commemoration
ceremony of the Armenian Genocide. The event was organized by the
Armenian Society of Los Angeles.
* On April 18 – 19, 2004 His Eminence Archbishop Derderian
participated in the 2004 National Conference in Washington, DC,
organized by the National Assembly and in cooperation with the AGBU
and the Eastern and Western Dioceses of the Armenian Church of North
America.
* On April 22, 2004 the Primate attended the April 24th
commemoration service of the TCA Arshag Dickranian School.
* Also on April 22, His Eminence and various Diocesan clergy
participated in a joint Liturgical Service at the St. George Coptic
Church, in Pomona.
* The Primate attended a Genocide Commemoration event organized by
the ADL Hye Tad Committee, where he addressed the faithful on April
23, 2004.
* His Eminence, with the participation of the Diocesan clergy
presided over a Requiem Service at the Armenian Memorial Monument in
Montebello, on April 24, 2004.
* Also on April 24, the Primate attended an April 24th Commemoration
Ceremony and candle-light vigil co-sponsored by the City of Glendale.
* On April 26, 2004 Archbishop Derderian conducted the opening
prayer at a Genocide Commemoration ceremony in the State Assembly,
in Sacramento, California.
* His Eminence attended a program at the Center of the Armenian
Ecclesiastical Brotherhood May 17, 2004 accompanied by Very Rev. Fr.
Dajad Yardemian, and other clergy of the Diocese. The program was
followed by a reception in the hall.
* On May 19, 2004 the Primate gave a presentation at the UCLA
Center for Religious studies on the topic, “Reflections on the Armenian
Church and a Vision for Renewal”.
Several noteworthy donations have been made within the community.
* Since the inception of the United Armenia Fund, the Western
Diocese has participated in its projects and missions, for the benefit
of the Motherland. This year the Western Diocese has transferred
$11,000 to the United Armenia Fund.
* Mr. and Mrs. Nshan and Ruby Derderian have graciously donated
$100,000 to the Western Diocese, making them one of the Godfathers
of the Diocesan Cathedral.
* St. James Armenian Apostolic Church and Mr. and Mrs. Martin and
Bertha Yacoobian have each donated $15,000 to the Diocesan Summer Camp,
towards its renovation project.
* Mr. John Stephens has made a pledge to donate $20,000 to the
Western Diocese, to be allocated towards the training of candidates
for the Order of Priesthood.
His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian officiated over the following
ceremonies during Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter.
* On Palm Sunday, April 4, 2004 His Eminence celebrated Divine
Liturgy and delivered the Sermon at St. John Armenian Apostolic Church
in San Francisco. On the occasion of the church’s 80th Anniversary,
a banquet followed in the church hall.
* On the evening of Holy Wednesday, April 7, 2004 His Eminence
presided over a Youth Worship Service at the St. Peter Armenian
Church Youth Ministries Center in Glendale. The service was written
and directed towards the youth.
* On the morning of Holy Thursday, April 8, 2004 the Primate
celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the Sermon at St. Paul Armenian
Apostolic Church in Fresno. A luncheon followed the Liturgy in the
Church Hall.
* In the afternoon of Holy Thursday Archbishop Hovnan Derderian
presided over the Washing of the Feet at St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic
Church in Fowler.
* His Eminence presided over the “Khavaroom” Ceremony Thursday
night at St. Paul Armenian Apostolic Church in Fresno.
* The Primate officiated the Order of Crucifixion at Sts.
Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church in Reedley on Good Friday,
April 9, 2004.
* On Friday evening, April 9, 2004 the Burial Service took place
at St. Mary Armenian Apostolic Church in Yettem, presided by His
Eminence Archbishop Derderian.
* On Holy Saturday, April 10, 2004 Archbishop Derderian attended a
joyous gathering with the children of the Saturday and Sunday Schools
and Scouts of St. Andrew Armenian Church in Cupertino, where breakfast
was served during which the Primate participated in an egg-cracking
contest with the children.
* In the afternoon of April 10, 2004 the Primate celebrated Easter
Eve Divine Liturgy and delivered the Sermon at St. Mary Armenian
Apostolic Church in Yettem.
* On Easter Sunday, April 11, 2004 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan
Derderian celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the Sermon at
St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church in Van Nuys, with a congregation
that filled the church to full capacity.
* On Monday, April 11, 2004, His Eminence, accompanied by several
clergy of the Los Angeles area, presided over an Easter House
Blessing and Holy Communion Ceremony at the Ararat Home for the Aged
in Mission Hills.
In the afternoon of April 11 the Primate officiated over a requiem
service at the Forest Lawn Mortuaries, for the memory of departed
souls. His Eminence was accompanied by several Clergy of the Diocese.
In the upcoming week, the Primate will participate in the following
activities.
* The Primate will pay a Pastoral visit to Carmel on May 22, 2004,
where he will celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver the Sermon. A
reception will follow the Liturgy.
* On May 23, 2004 His Eminence will pay a Pastoral visit to
Oakland, where he will celebrate Divine Liturgy and officiate over
the ordination of Acolytes and Sub-Deacons. A reception will follow
in the church hall.
* On the weekend of May 27 – 29 His Eminence will preside over
the Annual ACYO Sports’ Weekend in Fresno.
* On May 30, 2004 the Primate will pay a Pastoral visit to St.
Mary Armenian Church in Yettem, for a Centennial Celebration.
DIVAN OF THE DIOCESE
May 22, 2004
Burbank, CA