Western Diocese

The 6^th annual assembly of the Association of Armenian Church Choirs-Western Diocese (AACCWD) was held on November 7-9, 2008.  The successful event was hosted by St. Gregory Armenian Church of Pasadena.  Under the leadership of Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretsian, Mrs. Elise Tashjian, Choir Director and other choir members the event was a huge success.

For the first time the assembly was a three day event beginning Friday evening with a tribute to the 140^th anniversary of the birth of Gomidas Vartabed.  Mrs. Elise Tashjian gave an informative presentation of Gomidas Vartabed's life and timeless works.  Archpriest Fr. Nareg Matarian together with a group of deacon's sang a number of sharagans written by Gomidas Vartabed.  A performance by Sarkis Bougoushian Quartet concluded the evening.  Refreshments were served following a most inspirational program.

Saturday began with breakfast and registration of delegates and guests.  Archbishop Hovan Derderian presided over the meeting, chaired by Dn. Allan Jendian of St. Paul, Fresno and Dn. Mihran Toumajan of St. Gregory, Pasdena, Recording Secretary, and members of the Central Council.  Eleven parishes were represented with eight parish Priests, thirty-seven delegates and 11 guests. During the meeting many helpful suggestions were made as to how the association can better serve the parishes.  New plans will be put into action under the guidance of the Primate.  We look forward to regional meetings which are slated for the upcoming year.  It was a great honor to have Maestro Khoren Mekanejian, Musical Director of the Eastern Diocese, who was invited to conduct a deacon's training session as well as rehearsal for Sunday's Badarak with choir members present.  Dr. Ron Sinanian, accomplished organist, from St. Peter, Van Nuys, conducted the organists training.  We were treated to a wonderful lunch as well.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, celebrated the Divine Liturgy assisted by Archpriest Fr. Arshag Khatadourian and other participating clergy and deacons.  Under the direction of Maestro Khoren Mekanejian, the resounding voices of choir members from five parishes sang the scared sharagans and moved the congregants greatly.  Srpazan presented Maestro Khoren and Dr. Sinanian with gifts and expressed his appreciation for their talents and dedication to the Armenian Church.  The wonderful three day event ended with a lunch and warm fellowship.    

The 2009 Assembly will be hosted by St. Mary Church Armenian Church of Costa Mesa, on November 7^th, and in 2010 the host Church will be St. Gregory Armenian Church of Fowler.