Western Diocese

On Sunday, July 22, 2007, Rev. Hovel Ohanian celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at the Armenian Church of Burbank (Diocesan Headquarters).  His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, presided over the church services and a special Requiem Service for the soul of noted musician Vartan Manoogian, the brother of His Beatitude Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, Patriarch of Jerusalem, who had passed away in Spain.  The Requiem Service was requested by the brother of the deceased, Khatchig Manoogian, his wife Sylva and son Ara.

In his message the Primate comforted the family, expressed his condolences and prayed for the soul of the deceased.  On this sad occasion, the Primate had previously sent a letter of condolence to Patriarch Torkom Manoogian.