“The Morgenthau Story” tells the story of Ambassador Henry Morgenthau’s commitment to helping humanity. From 1913 to 1916, he served as U.S. Ambassador in Constantinople. In 1923, during the aftermath of the genocide and expulsion of Armenians, Greeks, and Assyrians, he helped save thousands of lives successfully leading the Refugee Relief Committee in Greece.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, has always been supportive of those passionate members of the Armenian community who are willing to serve the community at-large by engaging in public service.

The Office of the Western Diocese is pleased to announce that the construction of St. Apkar Armenian Church of Arizona under the spiritual leadership of Rev. Fr. Zacharia Saribekyan and devoted lay leadership of the parish has entered a new phase. The beautiful dome was installed just a few days ago and the construction of the church is progressing successfully according to schedule. Let us all pray for the speedy completion of this beautiful church in Arizona.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, will be departing Los Angeles for Saint Petersburg, Russia, on January 29, 2009. The Primate will preside over a series of Pan-ACYO Central Council meetings during his three-day trip to Russia. The meetings are hosted by His Grace Bishop Ezras Nersessian, Primate of the Diocese of Russia.

Upon the invitation of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, the members of the Parent-Teacher Organization of the AGBU Manoogian-Demirjian School visited the Diocese, on January 20, 2009, and met with the Primate. The meeting rendered an opportunity to the PTO members to brief the spiritual father of the community of the details of their activities and programs. The meeting concluded with a tour of the Diocesan facilities and the Cathedral construction site, led by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.

Glendale Unified School District Board-member candidate for the upcoming elections, in Glendale, California, Eric Sahagian, was received by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, at the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank, California, on January 20, 2009.

On January 21, 2009, The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church hosted the latest meeting of the Los Angeles Religious Leaders Council, which was held at the Armen and Gloria Hampar Primate’s Reception Room of the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Diocesan Complex in Burbank, California. The council strives for greater harmony and understanding amongst various religious groups in the community.

On January 22, 2009, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, and His Grace Bishop Bagrat Galsdanian, Primate of the Diocese of Canada, met with His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, at the Headquarters of the Eastern Diocese in New York.

The extraordinary event was highlighted by the presence of Hollywood celebrities and famous professionals such as Mark Geragos, Esq., who served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. The event was held in a spirit of Christian tenderness and non-judgmental sentiments, so that everyone could come and extend a helping hand to the needy children in Armenia. This wonderful program was the result of tireless efforts of the Executive Board of the ECF, led by the ECF Chair, Mrs. Gayane Arakelian-Tatoulian.

Starting at 8:30 AM, on Saturday, January 24, 2009, the members of the Cathedral Building Committee attended a meeting at the Diocesan Headquarters, presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, and chaired by Mr. Armen Hampar, Chair of the CBC. Several issues pertaining to the ongoing construction of the Cathedral were discussed during this meeting.

On Saturday, January 24, 2009, The Armenian Professionals Network meeting was held at the Diocesan Headquarters chaired by Mr. Vahe Ashjian, Chair of the APN, and with the participation of Mrs. Aida Tatiossian, who has recently joined the APN-Executive Committee.

Upon the invitation of His Eminence, Cardinal Roger Mahony, Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, and two Diocesan deacons, representing His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, attended the Annual Respect Life Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, on Saturday, January 24, 2009, starting at 6:00 PM.

On Sunday, January 25, 2009, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, presided over the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at the temporary sanctuary of the Western Diocese. The celebrant priest was Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian, who serves as the Youth Director of the Western Diocese. Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, and Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, Burbank Parish Priest, also participated in the church service.

Upon the initiative of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, a special requiem service for the repose of the soul of slain-journalist Hrant Dink on the first anniversary of his martyrdom for the cause of freedom of speech as well as promoting untainted mutual-understanding among the Turks and Armenians was held at the Diocesan Headquarters, on Sunday, January 24, 2009.

In his sermon, the Primate expressed his joy in the joint efforts of the Parish Priest, the Parish Council and the Sunday School volunteers that has revitalized the small but vibrant Parish in Santa Clarita, California. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian praised Rev. Fr. Nerses Hayrapetyan for his dedicated service at the Armenian Church of Santa Clarita. A reception was held following the church service.

On January 24, 2009, Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, accompanied by Diocesan deacons, attended a commemorative event for slain journalist Hrant Dink at the Genocide Memorial Monument in Montebello, California.

At 4:00 PM, on January 24, 2009, Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, accompanied by Diocesan deacons, attended an event at Pasadena Christian Church and joined in prayers with fellow Christians from other denominations for the Christian unity in the Church on the occasion of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Celebration.

The Primate in his remarks also lauded the fact that the Armenian General Benevolent Union has been instrumental in preserving and promoting the Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian programs, throughout the world. After the devastating 1988 earthquake in Armenia and the successful liberation of Artsakh, the AGBU contributed significantly to the reconstruction efforts in the motherland.

On the joyous occasion of the first year of the completion of the construction of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church of Pasadena, Mr. and Mrs. George and Flora Dunaians will be hosting a fundraising event at their residence, on February 8, 2008, to honor the godfathers and benefactors of the church. The proceeds will be used for the repayment of the loans acquired by the church for the construction project.

On the occasion of the New Year and Christmas, the local leadership of the Hunchakian Social Democratic Organization paid an official visit to His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, at the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank, California, on January 14, 2009.

The details of the upcoming annual Grand Gala Night to Benefit the Children of Armenia, scheduled for January 23, 2009, at the Universal Hilton Hotel in Universal City, California, were considered and discussed during this meeting. Hollywood celebrities and guests from CNN will attend this fundraising event.

Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, Chairs of the Ladies Societies of various parishes of the Western Diocese gathered for a meeting at the Diocesan Headquarters on Saturday, January 17, 2008, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

On March 1, 2009, the Life Stewards of the Western Diocese will be honored during a special event. After the celebration of the Divine Liturgy by the Primate at St. John Armenian Church of Hollywood, a special requiem service for the repose of the souls of the diseased parents of the Life Stewards of the Western Diocese will be conducted by His Eminence. A reception will be held at the Taglyan Cultural Center following the church service.

On January 15, 2009, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, presided over the Ventura County Parish Council meeting and discussed issues pertaining to the life of the Parish with the parish leadership. Discussions revolved around implementation of more vigorous and effective outreach programs for the Armenian community in the area as well as strategies to strengthen and expand the parish. Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan is the Pastor of the Armenian Church of Ventura County.

On the occasion of the New Year and Christmas, the local leadership of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Organization paid an official visit to His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, at the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank, California, on January 16, 2009. Joseph Kanimian, Esq., Chair of the Diocesan Council, also participated in this meeting.

Rev. Archpriest Fr. Nareg Matarian, Parish Priest, and Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian, Assistant Parish Priest, also participated in this meeting. The remarkably young 11-member Parish Council, consists of 8 members in their early twenties. However, there are three experienced veteran Parish Council members from St. Sarkis Armenian Church of East Los Angeles who will guide the otherwise young Parish Council in their mission in North Hollywood.

The Diocesan Council meeting on Saturday, January 17, 2009, held at the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank, California, was presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, and chaired by Joseph Kanimian, Esq., Chair of the Diocesan Council. Among the agenda items discussed were the upcoming Diocesan Assembly and the ongoing construction of the Cathedral.

On Saturday, January 17, 2009, the Diocesan Camp Board convened for a meeting at the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank, California. During the meeting, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian praised the members of the Diocesan Camp Board for their wonderful and dedicated service to the Church.

The Patriarchate of Jerusalem continues to celebrate the New Year and Christmas according to the Julian calendar. Continuing the beautiful tradition that began more than ten years ago by the local alumni of “Holy Translator” School of Jerusalem here in Los Angeles, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, assisted and accompanied by several clergy, celebrated the Eve of Nativity and Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ according to the Julian Calendar, on January 17, 2008, at 11:00 PM, in St. John Armenian Church of Hollywood.

The sermon delivered by the Primate centered on the miracle of ‘turning water to wine’ by Jesus Christ during a wedding at Cana in Galilee. Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretsian, Parish Priest, asked the Primate to verify the election of the new members of the Parish Council and the inauguration of the newly elected body. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, therefore, presided over the inauguration ceremonies for the newly elected Parish Council, Ladies Society, Men’s Forum, and AGBU Regional Central Council – Chaired by Mr. Berj Shahbazian.

On January 18, 2009, upon the conclusion of the church service, the faithful gathered at the entrance of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church of Pasadena to witness the consecration of a magnificent cross-stone – donated by Mr. Vazken Kahvejian, installed firmly on a pedestal, in commemoration of the Armenian resistance in Urfa during the Armenian Genocide, by the Primate of the Western Diocese. A reception was held following the ceremony in the church hall.

On January 18, 2009, Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, representing His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, attended the 70th anniversary event of Tigran Mansurian, organized by Lark Musical Society, at Zipper Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles.

Jan. 22 Meeting of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians with the three North American Primates (Eastern Diocese, Western Diocese and the Diocese of Canada) at the Headquarters of the Eastern Diocese in New York

On January 9, 2009, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, received the representatives of the Armenian Ecclesiastical Brotherhood at his office in the Diocesan Headquarters. AEB representatives wished His Eminence a Happy New Year and Merry Christmas, and briefed the Primate on various aspects of their respective organization’s activities in the community.

On January 9, 2009, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, accompanied by Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian, WD Youth Director, attended a wonderful event, organized by Sahag-Mesrob Christian School, held at the First Church of the Nazarene. The program included recitation of poems and performances of Armenian songs.

On Saturday, January 10, 2009, Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, participated in the Christian Education Council meeting, chaired by Zarouhi Der Mugrdechian, which was held at the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank, California.

The Armenian Revolutionary Federation marked its 118th anniversary at the Glendale High School auditorium, on January 11, 2009. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, and Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretsian participated in this event.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America has made several new appointments in the Western Diocese. The new appointments are listed below:

His Grace Bishop Joseph who oversees the Diocese of Los Angeles and the West, part of the Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese in America, paid a cordial visit to His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, on January 9, 2009, at the Diocesan Headquarters, in Burbank, California. The Diocese of Los Angeles is led by His Grace Bishop Joseph and includes more than 30 churches and missions in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah.

On Saturday, January 10, 2009, the Cathedral Building Committee held its periodical meeting at the Diocesan Headquarters, co-chaired by Armen Hampar, Chair of the committee, and Robert Simonian, Construction Chair of CBC. Various aspects of the ongoing construction project were considered and discussed during this meeting.

Close to 20 ACYO members brought their participation to this meeting, during which future programs were considered and discussed by the participants. Fr. Avedis praised the participants for their enthusiasm and willingness, and provided them with the necessary guidance for their service in the Church.

Members of the Diocesan Summer Camp Committee gathered at the Diocesan Headquarters, on Saturday, January 10, 2008, to discuss the future plans and various issues pertaining to the Summer Camp Program of the Western Diocese. The meeting yielded a constructive dialogue among the members of the committee.

Rev. Fr. Zaven Yazijyan, who currently studies at St. Thomas Catholic University in Minnesota, visited the Western Diocese during the Christmas Season, and celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at the temporary sanctuary of the Western Diocese, on Sunday, January 11, 2009.

On January 13, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, assisted by clergy from throughout the Diocese officiated over the funeral service for Rev. Archpriest Fr. Mesrob Sarafian, Pastor of St. Vartan Armenian Church of Oakland. The interment followed the church service. The Last Unction Rite for the deceased priest began at 10:30 AM, at St. Vartan Armenian Church of Oakland, California. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, performed the Last Unction Rite for Rev. Archpriest Fr. Mesrob Sarafian, assisted by Diocesan clergy, and with participation of guest-clergy from the region. Requiem services for the repose of the soul of Rev. Archpriest Fr. Mesrob Sarafian are scheduled to be held on Sunday, January 18, 2009, throughout the Diocese.

On the occasion of the feast day of St. Ghevont the Priest and Companions the first Diocesan Clergy Assembly in 2009 is scheduled to take place on February 17, 2009, at St. Gregory the Illuminator of Pasadena. The one-day gathering of clergy that takes place periodically throughout the year is a well established tradition in the Western Diocese. The assembly provides a unique opportunity for the Diocesan Clergy to discuss the issues pertaining to Christian education and reinforcement of spirituality in various Armenian communities throughout the Diocese, which spans the western United States, including Alaska and Hawaii.

On January 1, 2009, the New Year Day celebration of the Divine Liturgy and deliverance of the sermon by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, was held at St. Peter Armenian Church, Youth Center, Glendale. At the conclusion, the Primate invited a group of volunteers to step forward to the holy alter to receive the blessings of the head of the Western Diocese and officially begin their mission as the Diocesan Disciples of Christ in the area.

Established in 1927 by His Holiness Kevork V, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of North America spans the Western United States, including Hawaii and Alaska. With the faithful of the Western Diocese constantly growing, and establishing new communities, the Diocese is ever expanding its parishes, and the scope of its various missions. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian is the eighth and current Primate of the Western Diocese, headquartered in Burbank, California.

ORGANIZED BY THE LADIES SOCIETY CENTRAL COUNCIL SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2009 FROM 10:00 A.M. TO 2:00 P.M. WESTERN DIOCESE OF THE ARMENIAN CHURCH OF NORTH AMERICA 3325 NORTH GLENOAKS BLVD. BURBANK, CA 91504 TEL: 818-558-7474

Special requiem service for the souls of deceased Stewarts and their parents On Sunday, March 1, 2009

On the miraculous occasion of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, assisted by Rev. Archpriest Fr. Arshen Aivazian, Parish Priest, and deacons, celebrated the Divine Liturgy, delivered the sermon and performed the Blessing of Water at St. Paul Armenian Church of Fresno, on Sunday, January 11, 2008.

On December 28, 2008, the Armenian Apostolic Church of Ventura County (AACVC) hosted a Christmas Celebration and Banquet at the St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Thousand Oaks, CA. The event was attended by nearly 120 of the Parish’s faithful and featured a festive catered luncheon, a Christmas program provided by the Sunday School students, and even a visit from Santa Claus.

On the miraculous occasion of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Paul Armenian Church of Fresno, on Sunday, January 11, 2008.

On December 28, 2008, on the occasion of Name Day of St. Peter Armenian Church of Van Nuys, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at the church, assisted by Rev. Archpriest Fr. Shnork Demirjian, Parish Priest, and deacons. Rev. Archpriest Fr. Zaven Demirjian also brought his participation to the service.

The Morgenthau Story tells the story of Ambassador Henry Morgenthau’s commitment to helping humanity. From 1913 to 1916, he served as U.S. Ambassador in Constantinople, and with the beginning of the Armenian Genocide in the spring of 1915 he appealed without success to the Ottoman leaders to stop the killings. In 1923, during the aftermath of the genocide and expulsion of Armenians, Greeks, and Assyrians, he helped save thousands of lives by successfully leading the Refugee Relief Committee in Greece.

We were profoundly saddened to learn of the passing of Rev. Archpriest Fr. Mesrob Sarafian, Pastor of St. Vartan Armenian Church of Oakland. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, and the entire Western Diocese wish to convey our deepest condolences to St. Vartan Parishioners, especially the family members of Fr. Mesrob. In our prayers let us beseech the Lord to welcome into His Kingdom of eternal peace and joy this tireless servant of His, and to grant consolation and comfort to all those who mourn Fr. Mersrob’s passing.

On January 8, 2009, on the occasion of the Armenian Christmas, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, accompanied by a group of Diocesan clergy and deacons, paid a cordial Christmas visit to the Consulate General of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles. The Diocesan delegation headed by the Primate was warmly received by Armen Liloyan, Consul General of the Republic of Armenia.

On January 2-4, 2009, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, accompanied by Diocesan clergy made surprise visits to several families and businesses in the area. The surprise visits of the Primate to the houses and businesses of our faithful included singing of hymns and blessing rites which were performed with the assistance of the Diocesan clergy and active members who volunteered to participate in this program.

On the first Sunday of the year, January 4, 2009, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, assisted by Very Rev. Frs. Baret Dz. V. Yeretsian and Gegham Dz. V. Zakarian, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon. In his sermon, the Primate stressed the importance of service in the Church.

On January 4, 2009, upon the conclusion of the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory, Pasadena, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, accompanied by Diocesan clergy and deacons, paid a pastoral visit to the Armenian Church of Santa Clarita and conducted the Blessing of Water and delivered the sermon.

On January 5, 2009, the Primate, accompanied by several clergy from the Diocese, visited Friendly Center in Tujunga, California, and presided over the Blessing of Water conducted at the center for the elderly.

In the evening of June 5, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, assisted by Rev. Archpriest Fr. Manoog Markarian, Parish Priest, Very Rev. Fr. Zaven Yazejyan and deacons, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. John Armenian Church of Hollywood.

On January 6, 2009, Rev. Fr. Tavit Zelveyan, Pastor of Ararat Home, Mission Hills, and Archive Director of the Western Diocese, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and Rev. Archpriest Fr. Sipan Mekhsian, Chancellor of the Western Diocese, delivered the sermon for the residents of the center. Dn. Stepan Hovagimian also participated in the service.

On January 7, 2008, Rev. Fr. Tavit Zelveyan, Pastor of Ararat Home, Eagle Rock, and Archive Director of the Western Diocese, performed the Blessing of Water, and Rev. Archpriest Fr. Hovsop Hogopian delivered the sermon for the residents of the center.

Ladies Societies Chairs meeting on Saturday January 17, 2009 at the Western Diocese Burbank

Christmas Celebrations at the Armenian Church of La Verne began on January 4, 2008, when Rev. Fr. Diran Avagyan, the newly appointed Parish Priest, assisted by deacons, with the participation of the enthusiastic parish faithful, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and conducted the Blessing of the Water ceremony. The Khorhour Metz caroling took place on Christmas Eve, Jan. 5th.

On Monday evening, January 5, 2009, faithful in Burbank, California, gathered in the temporary sanctuary of the Western Diocese at the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Hall of the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Diocesan Complex to participate in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the Eve of Nativity and Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

“As we wholeheartedly attain the Christian Faith in our daily lives, we become co-creators with the Almighty God” - Archbishop Hovnan Derderian On Tuesday, January 6, 2009, the Diocesan Complex in Burbank, California, became the gathering ground for many faithful to walk into the temporary sanctuary of the Western Diocese to celebrate the day of Nativity and Theophany of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with their Primate. It was with great joy that they lovingly gazed at the formidable and looming frames of the rising Cathedral within the grounds of the Diocese. The Cathedral, by the Grace of God, is expected to be completed and consecrated in early 2010.

In the evening of January 6, 2008, starting at 6:00 PM, upon the initiative of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, a Christmas Reception, organized by the Ladies Auxiliary Committee, was held at the Diocesan Headquarters. The reception was open to the public and free of charge. Due to construction on the grounds of the Diocese, free valet parking was provided for the faithful. Several guest-clergy; local and state dignitaries; and community leaders, as well as hundreds of faithful participated in this festive event and celebrated their common faith by rejoicing in the Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

"Armenian Christmas," as it is popularly called, is a culmination of celebrations of events related to Christ's Incarnation. Theophany or Epiphany (or Astvadz-a-haytnootyoon in Armenian) means "revelation of God," which is the central theme of the Christmas Season in the Armenian Church. During the "Armenian Christmas" season, the major events that are celebrated are the Nativity of Christ in Bethlehem and His Baptism in the River Jordan. The day of this major feast in the Armenian Church is January 6th.