Western Diocese

On January 28, 2007 the Western Diocese held their second annual Stewardship dinner which honored the American Armenian International College Board of Trustees who made a substantial donation to the Diocesan Stewardship Program in 2006.  The Trustees honored were Mr. Jack Jandegian, Chairman, Mr. Edmond Azadian, Late Mr. Vartkes Barsam, Late Mr. John Ketchoyan, and Dr. Simon Simonian.  The attendance to this prestigious annual event was by invitation only to the Stewards of the Diocese and their families.

The evening opened with the ceremony to bless the Benefactor and Life Stewards plaques in the Galleria.  His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, together with the Diocesan Clergy, and the faithful attendees presided and performed the blessing.

Following the ceremony, the guests entered the Kalaydjian Hall and were treated to a sumptuous dinner and a cultural program.  The cultural program featured the St. John Garabed--Hollywood Children’s Dance Group.  The dance program was choreographed by Mr. and Mrs. Levon and Tamara Kasoyan.  Ms. Salpi Mailyan songs were enjoyed by all and the audience participated in singing Cilicia together with Ms. Mailyan.

Dr. Arto Haddadian was the Emcee of the dinner.  Following the dinner, Dr. Haddadian invited Dr. Vahram Biricik, Chairman of the Stewardship Committee, to make a special multimedia presentation.  Dr. Biricik, introduced the Stewardship Committee Members who were present, Messrs. Nick Lambajian, Arto Haddadian, Raffi Kendirjian, Sooren Manoogian, Derik Ghookasian, and Greg Tcherkoyan, Ara Kassabian and thanked every Steward for their participation in this most noble program of the Diocese – to educate and prepare the next generation of Clergy.  Dr. Biricik described why this program is of vital importance to the future health of the Diocese, how much it will cost, and specifically tied the Stewardship Program to the Great Commission given by Christ.  He also indicated that, the first fruits of this effort will be realized in 2008 with the graduation and ordination of our first two Clergy.

The Diocesan Clergy Candidates then took the center stage and in a brief manner each indicated their experiences and their calling to the priesthood to serve Christ and His Church.

Dr. Simon Simonian spoke on behalf of the Board of Directors of the American Armenian International College.  He indicated that the College was incorporated in 1976 and was the first Armenian College in the United States.  The College served the Armenian Community well and at its peak had an enrollment of 200 students.  Many prominent Armenian philanthropists, including Mr. Manoogian and Mr. Dadian, contributed significant resources to ensure the success of the College.  Unfortunately, the College could not continue its operations and was closed in 1993.  Staying true to their commitment to education, the Board of Directors has unanimously decided to contribute to the Western Diocese Stewardship Program to bring their financial assistance to educating young clergy.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian thanked the American Armenian International College’s Board of Directors for their contribution.  He also thanked each and every Steward for without their generosity the program’s success could not be assured.  He also thanked Dr. Vahram Biricik and the Stewardship Committee for their dedication and work.  His Eminence also thanked Very Rev. Dajad Yardemian for providing guidance to the Clergy candidates.  His Eminence presented hand painted Armenian miniature paintings depicting biblical scenes to the Board Members—Mr. Jack Jandegian, Mrs. Jean Barsam, Mrs. Rose Ketchoyan, and Dr. Simon Simonian and also to Dr. Vahram Biricik.

His Eminence Abp. Derderian’s benediction closed the Stewardship Dinner.