Western Diocese

The annual Christmas celebration of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church has become a beautiful annual tradition, a joyous opportunity for the active and involved members of the Western Diocese, clergy, and distinguished friends  of the Armenian Community in the realm of public service, to gather and enjoy the beginning of the holiday season . The 4^th annual Christmas celebration banquet was of a different significance. It was also the 50^th birthday of our Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.

The 4^th annual Christmas Celebration Banquet was held on December 1, 2007 at the Taglyan Cultural Center in Hollywood, CA. Diocesan Council members, Mr. Joseph Kanimian, Esq., and Mrs. Lily Ring Balian made the opening remarks. Mr. Kanimian introduced the official guests in attendance and thanked all the donors for their support of all Diocesan functions.

Mrs. Lily Balian, Mistress of Ceremonies, introduced the Honorable Eric Garcetti, President of Los Angeles City Council. Benefactor Armen Hampar and benefactor Nishan Derderian, were introduced by their sons, Mr. Stephan Hampar and Mark Derderian. These three individuals were honored during the event for their service to the Community. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, in a letter sent to the faithful on the merry occasion of the 4^th Christmas celebration, stated: “This year we are delighted to honor individuals, whose leadership and engagement in the life of our community has been exceptional. The Honorable Eric Garcetti, President of the Los Angeles City Council, distinguished benefactors of the Armenian Church Mr. & Mrs. Nishan Derderian are being honored for their vision and dedication in support of the community, truly is the reflection of God’s will. Excellence defines the most inspiring characteristic of their God-given life. ‘We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit’ (Aristotle). Dear and Honorable Eric Garcetti, Mr. & Mrs. Armen Hampar, Mr. & Mrs. Nishan Derderian, we extend to you our gratitude for your most exemplary leadership and dedication. May the Lord bless you and reward you for your services.”

His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, in a congratulatory letter on the 50^th birthday of the Primate praised His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian’s sacred work in building churches, revitalizing our communities and spreading  the Word of our Lord through many publications. His Holiness further praised the Primate’s unconditional dedication to Holy Etchmiadzin and motherland Armenia, wishing him a long and happy life.

Honorable Eric Garcetti thanked the Primate and the Organizing Committee for honoring him, congratulating the Primate on the occasion of his 50^th birthday and expressing his gratitude for the Primate’s leadership and dedication to the issues related to the community at large. Later on, His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, the former Primate of the Western Diocese, praised Eric Garcetti, kindly remembering Garcetti’s father who was also a distinguished public servant in the City of Los Angeles. His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian congratulated the Primate on his 50^th birthday.

Messrs Armen Hampar and Nishan Derderian, two of the most prolific and generous contributors to the Western Diocese and several other Armenian non-profit organizations, thanked the committee and the Primate for bestowing upon them the ‘Philanthropist of the Year’ Awards.Â

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian expressed his gratitude to the honorees for their love and dedication to the Armenian Church and the Los Angeles Armenian community. Mr. Kanimian and the Primate presented the honorees special recognition art works, lauding their accomplishments.

His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, flew straight from Armenia to Los Angeles, in order to participate in these joyous events. His Eminence in his enthusiastic speech expressed his deep love and respect for the Primate of the Western Diocese, wishing him good health and long years of success in his crucial  role as the leader of the Western Diocese.

Honorable Armen Liloyan, Consul General of the Republic of Armenia was also present during the Christmas Gala and made a brief appreciative statement on the joyous occasion.

Dn. Dr. Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Chairman of the Western Diocesan Council, made a toast in honor of our Primate. The Primate in his short remarks expressed his gratitude to the present guests and all those who spoke kindly of him, promising to stay healthy and serve the Church and the Community with all his strength for many long years .Â

The last half of the  evening proceeded with joyful musical performances and dancing. Santa Claus also made an early and surprise visit to the 2007 Christmas Gala.

The Chairman of the Celebration Committee, Joseph Kanimian, Esq., on behalf of the committee, presented the Primae with a special plaque and a beautiful “banage,” prepared and donated by Saro and Raffi Marukian brothers.