Western Diocese

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, by the invitation of His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, departed for New York, on Thursday, October 25, 2007. The Primate rejoined the entourage of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, for the next three days.

AGBU Banquet in Honor of Catholicos

On the evening of Friday, October 26, 2007, AGBU President, Mr. Berge Setrakian presided over the AGBU banquet in honor of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians. The entourage of His Holiness, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the Primate of the Western Diocese, His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, the Primate of the Eastern Diocese, His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, His Grace Bishop Yezras Nersisyan, the Primate of New Nakhijevan and Russia, His Grace Bishop Arshak Khachatryan, Chancellor of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiatzin, Very Reverend Father Hovnan Hakobyan, Staff-bearer of the Catholicos, and Father Ktridj Devedjyan, Head of the English Media Department of the Mother See and Mr. Suren Ter Grigorian, Cameraman of “Shoghagat” TV program.

His Holiness praised AGBU and its priceless contributions to the Church, Armenia and Diaspora and wished them more success in the mission.

Meetings with Sunday and Saturday School Students

On Saturday, October 27, 2007, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, visited the St. Leon Armenian Church of Fair Lawn, New Jersey. About 500 students were present during the Pontifical Visit. The program included performances from the Saturday and Sunday school students.

In the afternoon, His Holiness accompanied by his entourage visited a senior house in Emerson, New Jersey, blessing the residents. Later in the evening, Vehapar met with the central committee members of various youth organizations.

The evening was concluded by a meeting with the Armenian students, especially organized on the occasion of the Third Pontifical Visit.

Holy Liturgy at St. Vartan Cathedral 

On Sunday, October 28, 2007, His Holiness Karekin II Catholicos of All Armenians celebrated Holy Liturgy at the St. Vartan Cathedral located in the Eastern Diocesan Headquarters.

His Eminences Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primates of the Eastern and Western Dioceses of the Armenian Church of North America jointly assisted His Holiness in Celebrating the Holy Liturgy. A large number of faithful were present at this wonderful day.

Banquet 

Sunday, October 28, 2007, The Eastern Diocese in collaboration with AGBU held a banquet reception in honor of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians. The members of Vehapar’s entourage were also in attendance. Honorable Tatoul Markarian, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia and AGBU President, Mr. Berge Setrakian were among the distinguished guests present at the banquet.

The following passage is the speech, in its entirety, offered by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America during the banquet:

 Vehapar Der, Your Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, Your Eminences, Revered Fathers, Rabbi, Your Excellency Ambassador Tatoul Markarian and distinguished guests and Honorable Mr. Berge Setrakian, President of AGBU:

Spiritual rejuvenation, and the transformation of the human soul, is conditioned with historic momentum in the life of the Church Community. In the past few weeks the faithful of the Eastern Diocese have looked at life with the vision of bringing faith home and celebrating our faith, having been blessed with the Pontifical Visit of our beloved Vehapar, the spiritual head of the Armenian Apostolic Church—throughout the world.

Tonight I would first thank Archbishop Barsamian for the kind invitation extended to us, but above all to express our deep gratitude for his most exemplary leadership, passion and dedication for the Eastern Diocese and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. As brothers in Christ, we have always worked closely for the implementation of many new missions in the life of our respective communities. Kajag Srpazan has been a mentor to many who have been inspired to look at life as a God-given mission. Sacrifice and good service for humanity is better understood as we witness the immeasurable joy of his pastoral ministry, his love for his flock, his tireless dedication for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, but above all his immense respect for our beloved Vehapar. Shnorhagaloution Sireli Srpazan. Tser vardzke gadar.

Tonight, we are honoring in our midst the presence of our Pontiff. Sireli Vehapar, Your vision for a brighter and stronger Church has transformed the spiritual lives of your children. Vision is the intuitive and spiritual energy of the human soul. Vehapar Der, with a clear and strong vision you have inspired and led your faithful to new levels of understanding God and their role in the life of the society. It is a historical fact that with your enthronement as the Catholicos of All Armenians a new era has been established, in the life of the Armenian Church, be it in Armenia or Diaspora. The newness of the spiritual life is reflected in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin on almost all levels of the institution: implementation of countless projects from the promotion of the Christian faith in all sections of the society’s life; training of priests and construction of new churches. The same spiritual rebirth applies to our churches around the world, conditioned by your vision which has brought a new sense of unity, prosperity and strength.

Mother Theresa, having looked at life as a divine gift, has made a most challenging statement: “Life is a promise, fulfill it.” Vehapar, certainly you have grasped life as a God-given gift and enriched your vision of a life with three important steps:

• Picturizing your calling,
• Spiritualizing  your passion.
• And actualizing your dreams.

May the Lord be your protector and we promise to be always at your service with unconditional love and pure respect, with a renewed spirit of commitment to serve the Mother See, thus bringing joy to your heart, always with the firm commitment to respond to the challenge Mother Theresa puts forth: “Life is a promise, fulfill it.”

Sireli Vehapar, our love for you is the most precious gift we can ever offer. Asdvadz tzez mish oknagan.