Western Diocese

The Armenian Apostolic Church of Riverside held a banquet on July 22, 2007, under the auspices of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Diocese and the 3rd Anniversary of establishing the Riverside Parish.

            In his opening remarks, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese congratulated the Parish Pastor, Rev. Dr. Fr. Stépanos Dingilian along with the Parish Council and the Riverside community for their hard dedicated work to develop the Church into such a vibrant Parish. His Eminence gathered the nearly 20 youngsters who were present, and after blessing them, he congratulated their parents and the Parish for embracing the children to be part of such a meaningful occasion. The Primate stated to the 150 attendees that having so many youth at the banquet and witnessing their good behavior, reinforces the importance of strengthening the Armenian family and the need to be vigilant in instilling the Christian Faith in them.

            Certificates of appreciation were presented for persons and families who were voted by the Parish for being instrumental in helping the Parish grow during 2006. His Eminence bestowed the High Spirit Award and Medal upon Yeretzgin Mariam Dingilian, who was selected by the Parish as the “Faithful of the Year,” for her role in inspiring the parents to bring their children to Church and teaching the young people to take part in the Church services. The Primate stated that a Pastor succeeds when his wife, his Yeretzgin, whole-heartedly joins in his calling to serve God, and by raising children with Christian values, they serve God as a family and not merely as individuals.

            The Primate also appreciated and blessed others who were selected by the Parish. Those appreciated included, the Manasyan family as the Family of the Year, Elizabeth Antoyan as the Senior of the Year, Richard Bown as the Humble Servant of God of the Year, and Ashot Zadikyan as the person who has Given of his life to Defend the Christian Faith and Armenian Way of Life. Also appreciated with their respective organizations were Parish Council Chairperson Zaghkan Boniekerian, Ladies Society Chairperson Yeran Chaparian, and Family Educational Committee Co-Chairs Kevork and Aida Sultanyan.

            Directing his comments to nearly 40 young professionals who were present, His Eminence blessed and passed onto them pictures of Armenian churches, and encouraged these professionals to display them prominently in their homes so they are reminded of the spiritual strength of the Armenian Church and people.

            In addition to these events, Rev. Dr. Fr. Stepanos presented a brief history of the Western Diocese in general, and the Riverside Parish in particular. Deacon Vahe Charkhoutian, Chairman of the Whittier Parish presented Yeretgzin Mariam with a cross he had made to symbolize the sacredness of the effort to be a Yeretzgin. Karo Ohanian, played a music piece he wrote especially for this occasion and dedicated it to Yeretzgin Mariam entitled “Through the Years,” to accentuate that service in the Church is a lifelong commitment. His Eminence appreciated the Parish’s efforts to welcome the various expressions of glorifying God and of strengthening the Church.

            The faithful had an opportunity to meet the Primate and receive his blessings. In his closing remarks, His Eminence wished the Armenian Apostolic Church of Riverside sustained growth and continued success by the grace of God and guidance of the Pastor Rev. Dr. Fr. Stépanos Dingilian, in instilling faith, hope, and love in the hearts of the entire community, and especially of the younger generation.