The dedication of Torkom Postaljian's recent four books, which was sponsored by the Primate and organized by the Armenian American Writers Union with the participation of the AGBU, the Tekayan Cultural Association and the Nor Seroont Cultural Association, took place on March 22nd at the AGBU Boyajian Hall in Pasadena.

It is with immense spiritual joy that we inform our parish priests, parish councils, ladies society chapters, diocesan delegates, affiliated organizations and our faithful that Saturday and Sunday March 21-22 were days of spiritual joy for the Western Diocese and especially for the parish of the Armenian Church of Portland Oregon, when on those days the Diocesan Primate, Abp. Hovnan Derderian, presided over the consecration of their recently purchased sanctuary.

The Primate paid an official pastoral visit to the Armenian Apostolic Church of Arizona.

The 10th anniversary of the Armenian American Chamber of Commerce Business Gala was held on March 20th, at the Hilton Hotel.

Primate presided over the Women Saints Day service at St. John Armenian Church of San Francisco

On behalf of the Primate, the Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian presided of the Women Saints Day Celebration at St. Gregory Fowler

The Primate attended the meeting of the LA religious leaders which was hosted by Cardinal Roger Mahony

The primate presided over the Lenten vigil Service at St. John Garabed, Hollywood.

It is with joy that we inform the faithful that a symposium was organized by the Huffington Ecumenical Institute which was titled “Who do people say I am? True God and True Man: Chalcedon’s Christology in a Modern World.” The focus of the symposium was “Two orthodox Christian hierarchs offer the orthodox response.”

His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian, presided over the service dedicated to the Women Saints at the Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert (Rancho Mirage)

The Primate met in his office with the pastors and the parish council chairpersons of St. Kevork Glendale, The Armenian Church of La Verne, the Armenian Church of La Canada and Crescenta Valley, and the Armenian Church of the Desert.

The Youth Board of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, Western Region will host a symposium of all Armenian youth organizations on Sunday March 29 at the Pacific Community Center in Glendale, Calif., moderated by Glendale City Clerk Ardashes Kassakhian.

A reception was held on March 17, 2009, at the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank, California, in honor of His Excellency Grigor Hovhannissian, the newly appointed Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, accompanied by the Diocesan Clergy, lay leadership and members of the community greeted Armenia’s top diplomat in Los Angeles to the Diocese. Mr. and Mrs. Nishan Blikian most generously sponsored the reception for the newly appointed Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles.

The Regional meeting of the Central California region convened on Saturday, March 14, 2009, at the church hall of St. Paul Armenian Church of Fresno, with the participation of Parish Priests, Diocesan Delegates and members of the Parish Councils from St. Paul Armenian Church of Fresno, St. Marry Armenian Church of Yettem, St. Gregory Armenian Church of Fowler, Sts. Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Church of Reedley and Holy Cross Armenian Church of Turlock.

Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, the second "Sayat-Nova" Ensemble Concert was held at the Glendale High School Auditorium, on March 14, 2009. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, accompanied by Rev. Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian and Yeretsgin Joyce, attended this concert.

On March 14, 2008, Representatives from the Sunday School programs of the Oriental Orthodox Churches convened for a meeting at the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank, California. The Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, representing the Western Diocese, participated in this meeting.

On Friday, March 13, 2009, the Junior members of the ACYO-Southern Region attended the 3rd Annual Junior Retreat in Big Bear. In attendance were St. James, Los Angeles, St. John Garabed, San Diego, St. Mary, Costa Mesa, St. Peter, Van Nuys, St. Gregory, Pasadena, and the Burbank Chapter. The events kicked off around 9pm with a welcome message from Central Council Vice Chairman, Ani Khatchadourian and Central Council Treasurer Raffi Postaldjian, and Deacon Mathew Ash and Central Council Chairman Aleksan Giragosian were also in attendance.

On March 14, 2009, the ‘Symposium on Armenian Genocide Recognition and Beyond,’ organized by the Armenian Genocide United Commemorative Committee – 94th Genocide Anniversary, and with the participation of several renown scholars, was held at the Kouyoumjian Hall of St. Gregory Armenian Catholic Church in Glendale, California.

On Sunday March 15, 2009, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian paid a pastoral visit to the Armenian Church of Santa Barbara and celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon, assisted by Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan.

Mar. 18 Women Saints Day at St. Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Church of Reedley, California; Los Angeles Religious Leaders Council; in the evening, the 6th prayer vigil at St. John Armenian Church, Hollywood Mar. 19 Women Saint Day at the temporary sanctuary of the Western Diocese at the Diocesan Headquarters, Burbank; Anglican Ordination to the Priesthood in Orange County; in the evening, Loyola University event

We are pleased to inform our beloved faithful throughout the Western Diocese that St. John Armenian Church of San Diego has taken a decisive step towards a more promising and successful future through acquisition of 18 acres of additional land in the City of Del Mar, near the City of San Diego. The acquisition of the additional real property by the church will be used to expand and complete the church complex with additional facilities in the near future, adorned with an Armenian ecclesiastical architectural style church. Let us all pray to the Lord that St. John Armenian Church of San Diego may successfully realize this vision and expand her community-outreach programs in the area. The acquisition of the land became possible through a generous donation by Dr. Sam Markarian in the amount of $2,500,000.00.

With the Grace of God, church building activities are in full swing throughout the Diocese and our exemplary clergy, lay leadership and faithful have been enthusiastically pursuing the realization of owning their own house of prayers in several states in the western regions of the United States. The ongoing church construction projects and consecration ceremonies are listed below:

To receive real time updates on news, events and activities from the headquarters of the Armenian Church – the Catholicosate of All Armenians and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, please visit www.twitter.com/holyetchmiadzin and click “follow”.

The Christian Youth Mission to Armenia launched a new version of their website www.cyma-wd.org on Monday, March 16, 2009.

RETREAT INFORMATION TO ALL PARISH PRIESTS, PARISH COUNCILS AND LADIES SOCIETIES Deadline for application is March 20, 2009

As we mentioned before our first annual youth leadership conference is going to be held at St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church in beautiful Pasadena on the weekend of March 27-29. Annual leadership conferences are one of the most important projects that provide ACYO-WD chapters with the tools and abilities to identify the needs and gaps in their community, plan programs and projects, and execute with much higher productivity. These conferences will maximize the efficiency of ACYO’s programs and minimize losses of all kinds.

Ladies Society Central Council is pleased to announce that 2009 observance of W omen Saints Day commemorating "Women Prophets in The Bible"will take place in five different regional locations.

• On March 12, 2009, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, presided over the Pontifical Visit Committee. The Pontifical Visit Committee. His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians will pay a pontifical visit to the Western Diocese on the joyous occasion of consecration of the Cathedral in 2010.

Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretsian, Cathedral Construction Special Assistant to the Primate, representing His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, attended an honorary reception for His Excellency Grigor Hovhannissian, the newly appointed Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles, hosted by the AGBU-Western Region and the Armenian Assembly, on March 12, 2009. The reception was held at AGBU Alex Manoogian Center in Pasadena.

On March 13, 2009, the St. Peter Armenian Church (Van Nuys) Choir, the St. Mel’s Parish Singers & Handbell Choir of St. Mel’s Catholic Church and the Mass Gospel Choir from the Faithful Center Bible Church joined their host the Valley Beth Shalom Congregational Choir in the sanctuary of Valley Beth Shalom for an inspiring and wonderful interfaith event. The event was a wonderful opportunity for various choirs to share their unique musical traditions.

Mar. 13-14 Diocesan Council meeting and Regional meeting at St. Paul, Fresno Mar. 14 ACYO Junior retreat at Big Bear Mar. 15 Primate’s pastoral visit to the Armenian Church of Santa Barbara

On March 10, 2009, His Grace Bishop Serapion, Bishop of Los Angeles Coptic Orthodox Church, visited the Western Diocese and met with His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, following his election as the Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, formed the Council of Oriental Orthodox Churches. The Council was formed to encourage and organize joint church services and other activities among the sister churches in the region and elsewhere.

On March 9, 2009, World Vision Representative, Mr. Jean Bouchebelle, paid a visit to the Western Diocese and met with His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, and briefed him on the charity activities of the World Vision organization throughout the world. The Primate in turn informed Mr. Bouchebelle of the various charity projects undertaken by the Western Diocese, notably providing necessary living expenses for about 1000 orphan children in Armenia.

On March 9, 2009, Tahra Goraya, MA, District Director for California State Senator Carol Liu (District 21), met with His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, at the Diocesan Headquarters, in Burbank, California.

On March 10, 2009, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, accompanied by Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, Burbank Parish Priest, visited the AGBU Manoogian-Demirjian School (Canoga Park), and was greeted by Mr. Hagop Hagopian, School Director, staff and middle-school students at the school amphitheater. His Eminence’s remarks were followed by a Q&A session where students asked interesting questions from the spiritual father and head of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.

On March 10, 2009, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, presided over the WD Ladies Societies Central Council meeting at the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank, California. Mrs. Araxie Boyamian, Chair of the Ladies Societies Central Council, conducted the meeting. The preparations for the upcoming Diocesan Assembly on April 30, 2009, are underway and the details of the activities were discussed during this meeting.

On March 10, 2009, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, presided over the annual St. Gregory (Pasadena) Parish Assembly meeting, chaired by Mr. Avo Markarian, Chair of St. Gregory Parish Council. The Primate offered the invocation and opening remarks. Discussions revolved around financial issues and parish elections. The Parish Assembly then proceeded with the elections and approved the annual budget. The annual Parish Assembly concluded with the closing remarks and benediction offered by the Primate of the Western Diocese.

On March 11, 2009, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, and Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian, WD Youth Director, visited the AGBU High School in Pasadena. The Primate and Fr. Avedis met with the students and responded to their questions during the Q&A session.

Mrs. Silva Katchiguian offered the spiritual message of the evening wherein she stated that “Truth is not a feeling. It is not an idea. It is an acknowledgement of our inner existence with God and in God… Today we are nearly halfway through the Lenten period, gathered together to encourage each other through prayer and food… I personally am inspired by the sacrifices of so many who endure the Lenten period to renew and restore their knowledge of God’s commitment to us… Even our history inspires me and reminds me that our faith stands firm in our commitment to God and ourselves…”

On March 11, 2009, the Primate accompanied by Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian, WD Youth Director, visited St. Gregory Alfred and Marguerite Hovsepian School in Pasadena. The Primate was enthusiastically greeted by school children, teachers and staff members. Mr. Shahe Makrian, School Director, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the Primate for his visit to the school.

On March 12, 2009, the Primate, accompanied by Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian, WD Youth Director, visited the Nareg Education Institution and was greeted by Mrs. Rima Sarian, Director of the Institution. The Nareg Institution will very soon mark its 20th anniversary.

The 46th annual Glendale Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast was held at Glendale Civic Auditorium, on March 12, 2009, beginning at 6:30 AM. Remo Alexandri, Director of the Department of Communications of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, representing His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, attended the 46th annual Glendale Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. The Honorable John Drayman is the current Mayor of the City of Glendale, California.

On March 9, 2009 under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, and the Diocesan Council, the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America hosted a reception in honor of the newly elected board members of the AGBU-Western Region in the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Banquet Hall of the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Diocesan Complex, in Burbank, California.

On March 1, 2009, Berj Zeytuntsian’s “Great Silence” play, organized by AGBU, was performed by “Sisian” Theater Group, at the Star Theatre, in Glendale, California. The play reflected unique aspects of the Armenian Genocide, on the 94th anniversary of the first genocide of the 20th century. In the play, young actors successfully played the roles of renowned Armenian intellectuals of the time during the Armenian Genocide.

It is with utmost regret that we report the passing of Mr. John Yaldezjian. The visitation, officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, was held at St. Peter Armenian Church of Van Nuys, on March 5, 2009, with the participation of Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Sipan Mekhsian, Chancellor, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan, Pastor of St. John Armenian Church, San Francisco, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Zaven Demirjian, deacons and acolytes.

On March 7, 2009, beginning at 1:00 PM, St. Peter Armenian Church of Van Nuys hosted a Christian education workshop, organized by the Christian Education Council of the Western Diocese. The workshop provided training for Sunday School directors, teachers as well as deacons throughout the Diocese. The Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, presided over the workshop. The workshop ended at 2:00 PM.

Our Home – Mer Doon, Inc. held its 2009 Gala Concert and Reception featuring The Santa Barbara Choral Society and Orchestra, conducted by noted Choral Conductor and Artistic Director Jo Anne Wasserman, performing Mozart’s Requiem Mass in D Minor and Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna. This exciting event was held on Sunday, March 2, 2009 at 4:00 p.m., in association with the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America and other philanthropic organizations. The Gala Concert and Reception was hosted by St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church. The concert was held in the church sanctuary, located at 17231 Sherman Way, Van Nuys, followed by a reception in the church hall. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, The Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretsian, WD Cathedral Construction Special Assistant to the Primate, and Rev Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian, attended this wonderful event.

On March 8, 2009, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, accompanied by The Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretsian, WD Cathedral Construction Special Assistant to the Primate, paid a pastoral visit to the Armenian Church of Ventura County, based in the City of Thousand Oaks. The Primate, assisted by The Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretsian and Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan, Parish Priest, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered a sermon on the theme of the day, the story of the Prodigal Son.

On March 8, 2009, various Armenian Dance Troupes presented their joint program at the Glendale High School Auditorium, in Glendale, California. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian; accompanied by The Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General and Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretsian, WD Cathedral Construction Special Assistant to the Primate, attended this festive event.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, an Alumnus (1981-83) of St. Stephan’s House of Oxford, was admitted to Honorary Fellowship to St. Stephan’s House of Oxford, during the Edward King Day-2009 Pontifical Mass, on March 3, 2009. On March 5, 2009, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, met with Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, at Lambeth Palace, and conveyed to the chief bishop and principal leader of the Church of England the warm greetings of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. A warm discussion ensued and the high-ranking Church leaders reflected on various issues.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian was unable to personally attend due to a meeting of the Spiritual Council in Armenia. His congratulatory message to Rabbi Schulweis was included in the program booklet, wherein he stated: “Rabbi Schulweis is a motivator and community builder, and not just of his own community. He brings all communities together; he serves all humanity, and that is clearly perceived by all.” Archbishop Derderian also appeared in a video shown during the formal program, expressing his thanks and gratitude to Rabbi Schulweis for his leadership, inspiration and friendship.

The Western Diocese has been privileged to work closely with Woodbury University and have developed a “good neighbor” relationship. Archbishop Derderian reports that we are grateful to Woodbury University for their generosity in continuing to offer their parking facilities during the construction of the Cathedral. Tickets for the event are $$250.00 and can be obtained by contacting Lily Balian (310) 472-2454, a member of the Gala Steering Committee.

Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, the “Sayat-Nova” Ensemble Concert was held at the Glendale High School Auditorium, on February 22, 2009. The Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, represented the Primate at the event.

Mr. Hayk Madoyan, Diocesan Official and a graduate of the Yerevan State University with Master of Arts in theology, was the keynote speaker for the event. He spoke extensively about the traditions pertinent to “BAREGENDAN” and the Great Lent in the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church.

On February 23, 2009, a reception in honor of His Excellency John Oghasabian, State Minister of Lebanon, was held at the Brandview Collection in Glendale, California. His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian and Rev. Archpriest Fr. Manoog Markarian, representing His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, attended this event. Consul Generals of the Republic of Armenia and Lebanon were also present during this reception.

A commemorative event on the occasion of St. Vartan Day, organized by the Defense Council of Western Armenia, was held on February 23, 2009. Rev. Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian was the keynote speaker for the evening. In his address, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian reflected on the long and tumultuous history of Armenia in the last two millennia.

Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, the first annual pilgrimage of the Ladies Societies Central Council of the Western Diocese took place at St. John Armenian Church, San Diego, on February 26, 2009. The day long pilgrimage consisted of various segments including prayer sessions, bible readings, workshops, etc.

The 10 anniversary of the Generation Next-Mentorship Program of AGBU was celebrated during an event held at the AGBU Center in Pasadena, on February 27, 2009. Representing the Primate, Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, Burbank Parish Priest, offered the invocation for the evening.

On March 1, 2009, following the Divine Liturgy in the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin, a solemn Repose of Souls service was offered in memory of the victims who lost their lives on March 1, 2008 in Yerevan. His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, presided during the service with the participation of the members of Brotherhood of Holy Etchmiadzin.

The St. Nersess Mini-Conference, organized by the ACYO-Western Diocese and Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian, WD Youth Director. This event was held from February 27 to March 1, 2009, at La Casa de Maria, in Santa Barbara, California. The weekend-long program included discussions, Bible studies, movies, and worship sessions. The Program was led by Rev. Fr. Stepanos Doudoukjian, St. Nersess Youth and Vocations Director.

On February 28, 2009, the Anahit Fund event was held at the Taglyan Cultural Center of St. John Armenian Church of Hollywood. Rev. Archpriest Fr. Manoog Markarian, Parish Priest, conveyed the message of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, to the participants of the event.

On February 25, 2009, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian; accompanied by Dn. Dr. Varouj Altebarmakian from the Western Diocese who is also a member of the Supreme Spiritual Council, paid an official visit to the U.S. Embassy in Armenia and met with the Honorable Marie L. Yovanovitch, U.S. Ambassador in Armenia. The discussions revolved around prospects of cooperation between the embassy and the Diocese in the future. Mr. Daniel M. Renna from the Political-Economic Office of the U.S. Embassy in Armenia was also present during this meeting.

On March 1, 2009, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, assisted by Rev. Fr. Serop Azaryan, Parish Priest, and Deacons, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at the Armenian Church of Las Vegas. During the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, Mr. and Mrs. Haig and Nora Atamian, Mr. and Mrs. Fredrick and Olga Gregorian, and Mrs. Yevkine Sarafian received certificates of Blessings and Commendation from the Primate of the Western Diocese, in appreciation of their dedicated service rendered to the Armenian Church of Las Vegas, Nevada.

On February 28, 2009, the Armenian Apostolic Church of Ventura County held its Second Annual Dinner-Dance and Banquet to benefit the Church's Building Fund. The event was attended by a sold out crowd of over 200.