Western Diocese

On May 1, 2008, the 56^th Ladies Society Central Council Assembly convened at 9:00 AM in the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Complex of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America in Burbank, California. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, presided over the meeting. Mrs. Silva Katchiguian, Chair of the Ladies Society Central Committee, chaired the meeting.

The Primate offered the opening prayer for the 56^th LSCC Assembly. The following message from His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, was read in both Armenian and English:

 Letter of Commendation and Blessing of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, to Ladies’ Central Council of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America

From the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, we extend to you our pontifical greetings and blessings to you the dedicated members of the Ladies’ Central Council of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.

It is our pleasure to reflect upon the reports indicating your exemplary service to the Church. Be vigilant in your faith; spread the word of God and be faithful to the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church. Support and assist the servants of the Church to lead the flock of the Lord that they are entrusted with. Brighten the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church through your participation.

Dear faithful, we have very fond memories of you and your dedicated service to the Church which we came to witness during our Third Pontifical Visit to the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.  Through your dedication and service, you’ve become the source of hope and spiritual nourishment for the faithful in the Church. You have combined your dedicated service to the Church with charity work in Armenia for the benefit of the orphan children in the country.

We raise our prayers to the Lord to bless you and protect you and keep you enthusiastic and zealous in the service of the Church. We thank you very much for serving the Church and the Western Diocese so passionately.

May the Lord grant you and your families long life, exceeding success and radiating happiness.

There were several speakers from the Ladies’ Central Council, the Diocesan Council as well as clergy who addressed the audience, reflecting the positive and encouraging message of His Holiness to the 56^th LSCC Assembly.

Chair Silva Katchiguian in her remarks stated that the LSCC was preparing to pay homage to the senior members of the Ladies’ Societies throughout the Diocese, particularly those who had served more than 25 years, with special honorary certificates. Mrs. Katchiguian expressed the hope that the Ladies’ Societies throughout the Diocese would seriously consider the matter and would present their potential candidates to the LSCC for an honorary certificate.

Mrs. Cindy Norian, Chair of the Ladies Auxiliary stated that the 37^th Debutante Ball had generated $50,000 and that the entire amount would be donated to the Western Diocese. All proceeds from the feast of Ascension that was taking place the very same day would be donated to the Stewardship Program of the Diocese. Miss Tamar Karakashian briefed the audience about the upcoming Summer Camp Program.

The meeting also included discussion over the proposed amendments to the By-Laws of the Ladies’ Society. The proposed amendments were approved by the 56^th LSCC Assembly.