Western Diocese

Burbank – Before a gathering of nearly 150 people at the headquarters of the Western Diocese, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese presided over a ceremony and banquet honoring Greg and Seta Tcherkoyan as Western Diocese Stewards of the Year.  The award is given to those who have assisted greatly in promoting the training and education of young clergy -- the mission of the Western Diocese Stewardship Committee.  Archbishop Derderian founded the Stewardship Committee upon his election as Primate to deal with the growing crisis in the Armenian Church regarding a shortage of priests and priesthood candidates.  Under Archbishop Derderian’s leadership and guidance, the Stewardship Committee has grown steadily since its inception as have the number of priesthood candidates.  Another key to the growth of program was His Eminence’s selection of Dr. Vahram Biricik as Chair of the Committee.  Dr. Biricik has been instrumental in the success of the Stewardship Program.

 

Because of this success, the Committee was able to sponsor the Third Annual Stewardship Dinner, which began at 3:30 with a social hour.  Then, Archbishop Derderian conducted a ceremony blessing Mr. and Mrs. Tcherkoyan for their efforts in furthering the purpose of the Stewardship program.  Afterwards, the attendees were invited to the banquet hall of the Diocese for dinner and the evening program.

 

Arto Haddadian, M.D., Secretary of the Stewardship Committee, served as master of ceremonies. 

 

The Primate, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, presented Mr. and Mrs. Tcherkoyan with the St. Nersess Shnorhali Medal of Honor, bestowed by His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of all Armenians.

 

Following the dinner service, the Stewardship Committee Vice Chairman Derik Ghookasian introduced the clergy candidates.  Two clergy candidates Dcn. Vahe Abovian and Dcn. Kevork Hallajian made their remarks, in Armenian and English, respectively, thanking Archbishop Derderian, the committee members and the guests for their support.

 

Next, Stewardship Committee Chair Dr. Vahram Biricik gave a moving presentation regarding the mission of the committee—educating clergy for present and future generations of Armenian churchgoers—the importance of this mission and how it is derived from the teaching of the Holy Scriptures.  Dr. Biricik also informed the guests as to the specifics of the committee’s activities and information on how to become a steward and support this mission.

 

After Dr. Biricik’s presentation, Chris Yaldezian, longtime friend of the Tcherkoyans, introduced them as Stewards of the Year.  Mr. Greg Tcherkoyan then spoke on behalf of himself and his wife Seta about the importance of the Stewardship Program.  Archbishop Derderian then provided the faithful with his own message and vision for the Stewardship Program.  His Eminence spoke as well about Mr. and Mrs. Tcherkoyan’s significant contributions to the program and presented a special message from the Catholicos of All Armenians, His Holiness Karekin II, honoring the Tcherkoyans and their support of the Stewardship mission.

 

His Eminence then recognized Junior Stewards Anthony and Gabriella Abaci, Aram and Haig Dakessian.  At Archbishop Derderian’s request, Mr. Tcherkoyan presented junior stewards with beautifully painted wooden crosses as a symbol of their support of the stewardship mission.  His Eminence then concluded his remarks and the evening program with a benediction.