Western Diocese of the Armenian Church

The Feast of Ascension (Hampartsoum) celebrations took place on Thursday May 17, 2012, at St. John Garabed Armenian Church in Hollywood. With the participation of Diocesan clergy of the greater Los Angeles Area, the celebration of the Divine Liturgy commenced at 10:30 a.m. Presided over by Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazian, Pastor of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral.

The deacons of the host parish assisted Fr. Khajag at the holy altar. Rev. Fr. Vazken Movsessian delivered the message of the day from the Gospel according to Matthew (28:19). “Therefore go and make disciple of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit”.

Following the service, the Primate led a procession of diocesan clergy, deacons and hundreds of faithful to the beautifully decorated Taglyan Hall which was filled to full capacity for the 7^th Annual Hampartzum Celebration Luncheon.

In Armenian, Araxie Boyamian delivered her welcoming remarks. She noted the significance of the gathering for, “it brought friends, families, Diocesan Chapters and clergy together to honor and celebrate in a festive joyous, atmosphere the religious and traditional aspect of the Armenian identity.”  

Mrs. Boyamian also acknowledged the presence and thanked the members of the Ladies Societies for their love, care and selfless dedication throughout the years. Members of Ladies Societies from St. Leon Armenian Cathedral, St. John Garabed (Hollywood), St. Gregory the Illuminator (Pasadena), St. Peter (Van Nuys), St. James (Los Angeles), Armenian Church of La Canada and Crescenta Valley, St. Apkar (Arizona), and guests from San Diego as well as La Verne.

In English, Lisa Kopooshian Truisi introduced Hermine Janoyan, the founding member of the “Hampartzum Celebration Committee “who served as the emcee.

Hermine Janoyan thanked the guests for their presence and invited the event donors, supporters, and “Hampartzum committee members” on stage to receive a handmade flower headpiece donated by St. John Garabed Ladies Society church members.

The event donors were Ajemian Ani, Aprahamian Sybille, Aghavni Hedershah, Keshkerian Srpouhi, Ketchoyan Rose, Poladian Sona, Semerjian Takouhi, Taglyan Armenouhi, Tavitian Arshagouhi, Arabian Nancy, Balikian Nora, Dunaians Flora, Geraldine Chuchian, Tatoulian Gayane, Kassarjian Kathy,Jean Barsam, Kalaydjian SIma, Elise Tashjian, Arpy Barsam, Aida Sethian, Lean Stepanian, Anahit Bedigjanian, Arpy Hovsepian, Araxie Boyamian, Alice Chakrian, Jermin Demiral, Hermine Janoyan, Lisa Truisi, Elizabeth Maronyan, and Suzie Grigorians.

A cultural program followed the luncheon and included an dance performances by Hagop Toumanyan and Lilit Hayrapetian and the Arshag Dickranian School Dance Group. During the afternoon the guests were entertained by Kevork Chekmeyan who delighted the audience with his melodious music of Armenian folk songs.

The highlight of the event was the Vijag drawing donated by Ani Ajemian. The guests enjoyed the fortune telling, passages were read by committee members; Alice Chakrian, Belet Shahbazian, Diyana Danielian and Elizabeth Maronyan.

In his closing remarks His Eminence delivered an inspirational spiritual message wherein he noted, ‘The true meaning of the Feast of Ascension is religious. The feast is aimed to strengthen the Christian faith in our daily lives. Armenian traditions instill in our hearts the will, discipline and commitment to follow and adhere to the message of Christ, our Lord “.

His Eminence expressed sincere thanks and gratitude to Drs. Petros and Karine Taglyan for their generosity in hosting the luncheon and to Hermine Janoyan Chair of “Hampartzum Commttee” for her passionate work and dedication in organizing the successful luncheon. In recognition of her years of committed service, the Primate presented Mrs. Janoyan an “Armen Atanyan,” an art book containing the works of famous painter Armen Atanyan.

The event concluded with the Primate’s closing prayer.