On Tuesday, March 27, 2012, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Diocesan Primate welcomed Paul Schulz, CEO of American Red Cross Los Angeles Region (ARCLAR), to the Diocesan Headquarters. Accompanying Mr. Schulz were ARCLAR Faith Based Coordinator Osas Otasowie and Marketing and Volunteer Services Director Nikki Davis. Joseph Kanimian, Esq., Board Member of the ARCLAR and Chair of the Planned Giving Committee also participated in the meeting.

On March 24 at 7 p.m. the Krikor and Aved Kurkcuoglu Hall in Winnetka was the venue for “Reflections of Bolis,” a unique cultural event organized by the OIA (Organization of Istanbul Armenians.) Close to two hundred people attended the event including such dignitaries as His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America and His Excellency Grigor Hovhannisian, Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles.

On March 28, 2012, a luncheon honoring the officials of the City of Glendale was held at the Hampar Reception Room of the Western Diocese. Organized by the Protocol Committee, the luncheon was aimed at solidifying the bond of partnership between the Western Diocese and the City of Glendale.

Close to 200 classical music aficionados attended the benefit concert on March 25, 2012 at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral in Burbank. The concert, featuring violinist Samvel Chilingirian, pianist Lucy Nargizyan and celloist Garik Terzian was organized by the Stewardship Committee of the Western Diocese. The cost of the event was underwritten by Diocesan Benefactor Mrs. Jean Barsam to whom this concert is dedicated in memory of her husband the late Vartkes Barsam. All proceeds from ticket sales benefited the Western Diocese Stewardship Program.

From March 23-24, 2012, Jr. ACYO members from the three regions gathered at the campgrounds in Dunlap, California for their annual Junior Retreat. Led by Diocesan Youth Director Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian and Dn. Matthew Ash, close to 25 Jr. ACYO members took part in the memorable retreat. The group enjoyed beautiful scenery and fellowship.

Over 300 hundred of the faithful of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church in Pasadena gathered at the church sanctuary to mark the 65th anniversary of the parish on Sunday, March 25, 2012. The day’s festivities commenced with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.

The Annual Ladies Society Central Council’s two-day annual retreat was held on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at the scenic Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California. Over 40 women from various organizations within the Diocesan framework took part in the spiritually enriching event.

More than 200 supporters of Paros “Lighthouse” Charitable Foundation USA raised an impressive $25,000 at a fundraising event on March 11, 2012 at Zov’s Bistro in Tustin, CA. The event benefited Paros “Lighthouse” Foundation’s vital work assisting victims of domestic violence and other critical outreach services in Armenia. Guests enjoyed delicious appetizers and great wines, all underwritten by Zov’s Bistro. Highlighting the event was renowned attorney Mark Geragos, Esq. as the guest speaker.

On March 18, 2012, California State Assemblymember Mrs. Kristin Olson and her three children attended Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Church for a Lent Service. Parish Council Chairman Deacon Daniel Aydenian presented to Mrs. Olson an Armenian carved cross on behalf of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.

It is well known fact that the City of Los Angeles is a metropolis of religious institutions on the world stage. Located within the boundaries of the Greater Los Angeles Area, the Western Diocese actively participates in the ecumenical dialogue and takes part in inter-faith events. Since 2003, due to the active involvement of the Primate, the ecumenical and inter-faith relations have been strengthened.

A luncheon was held on March 22, 2012 at the Hampar Family Reception Room of the Western Diocese honoring the public officials in the City of Burbank. At the invitation of the Government Relations and Protocol Committee, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, hosted the event to welcome and visit with the dedicated public officials serving the City of Burbank. The officials included Mayor Jess Talamantes; City Council members Gary Bric, Emily Gabel-Luddy, David Gordon; Police Chief Scott LaChasse, Assistant Fire Chief Tom Lenehan, City Attorney Amy Albano, and other Department Heads of the City of Burbank.

“As Christ was crucified, He then realized the ultimate sacrifice…He took upon Himself all the human sufferings…Without this aspect of Christ’s taking upon Himself the human sufferings we would not be able to relate to Him…”(Archbishop Yeghishe Derderian (1910–1990) Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem)

23-24 – Junior ACYO Retreat 25 – Name Day of St. Gregory the Illuminator, Pasadena – Celebrant and Homilist Afternoon: Elixir Piano Trio Concert - St. Leon Armenian Cathedral -– Organized by Stewardship Committee

On March 18, 2012, the “Sunday of the Judge,” Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Diocesan Primate, presided over the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral in Burbank, California. The celebrant was the Cathedral’s Pastor Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan.

On Sunday, March 25, 2012, St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Pasadena will celebrate the 65th anniversary of establishment of the parish. On the auspicious occasion, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian will pay a pastoral visit to St. Gregory where he will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the day’s homily.

On March 14 at 7:00 p.m., Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian presided over the Median Day of Lent Vigil at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral in Burbank. Participating clergy included His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, the Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Archpriest Fr. Sipan Mekhsian, Rev. Fr. Zareh Mansuryan and Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan.

With the participation of guest Bishop Armash Nalbandian and Diocesan clergy of the Greater Los Angeles Area, on March 14, 2012, the Primate presided over the Sunrise Service to commemorate the Median Day of Lent (Mitchink) at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral in Burbank.

It’s that time of the year again and Hye Camp is almost here! Attending camp as a camper is an experience that stays with you for a lifetime. Take a moment to learn more about life as a camper by exploring the links to the left. If you have never been to camp, you and your family can attend the annual Family Day to see our facility and experience a sample of activities available at camp.

Following a long battle of irreversible illness, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III, head of the Coptic Orthodox Church passed away in Cairo, Egypt on March 17, 2012. He was 88.

17 – Best Practices Seminar – Diocesan Headquarters 18 – St. Leon Armenian Cathedral Prayer for the sick – (Nurses Association) (with the participation of Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry Board members)

The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America proudly announces the Ordination and Consecration of Dn. Matthew Ash to the Sacred Order of the Priesthood on April 29, 2012. Since returning from Holy Etchmiadzin in January, Dn. Ash had been appointed by the Primate as Pastor of St. John Armenian Apostolic Church in San Francisco.

The Elixir Trio, Samvel Chilingarian, Lucy Nargizyan, and Garik Terzian, will perform March 25, at 4:00 p.m. at the St. Leon Cathedral in Burbank. The Trio has won the Most Distinguished Musician Award in 2005 IBLA International Competition. They are known for their unique and exciting interpretations.

The Christian Youth Mission for Armenia (CYMA) and the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia have teamed up to address one of Armenia’s most serious social issues, poverty housing. Together they will help reduce poverty housing in Armenia by building and renovating safe, secure and simple homes for needy families in the rural areas of Armenia. In summer 2012, the youth participating in the CYMA program will spend three days working shoulder to shoulder with the members of a homeless family, building, bonding and breaking bread.

Following the service, His Grace Bishop Armash Nalbandian presided over the 90th anniversary celebration of Cilician (Guiligian) Armenian High School. Held at the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Banquet Hall of the Diocesan Complex, the banquet was held under the auspicese of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, and was organized by the Guiligian Benevolent Foundation.

On March 11, 2012, a group of Armenian veterans met with His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian at the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank. In his welcoming remarks, the Primate thanked the veterans for their invaluable service to Armenia and extended to the military personnel his pastoral blessings. The meeting concluded with memorable photo at the Turpanjian Plaza of the Western Diocese.

Hundreds of faithful had gathered at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral on Sunday, March 11, for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. At the invitation of Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Diocesan Primate, the day’s celebrant and homilist was Bishop Armash Nalbandian, Primate of the Diocese of Damascus, Syria.

The fifth Sunday of the Great Lent is known as the Sunday of the Judge (Luke 18:1-8). The message of this parable is that we must persevere and pursue righteousness and justice relentlessly with the confidence that perseverance (especially in prayer) will be rewarded.

Each human being is a shareholder in the Divine Nature through the spirit and the body…When our spirit is weakened, it becomes the pray for the physical body. However, when we discipline our bodies, the soul becomes the dominant…God does not embrace the weak souls and the weak bodies” (Archbishop Yeghishe Derderian (1910–1990) Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem)

9 – Vigil – Armenian Church of La Canada and Crescenta Valley 10 – Diocesan Headquarters 11 – St. Leon Armenian Cathedral

On March 4, 2012, Pacific Community Center in Glendale was the venue for a unique event organized by Davidian and Mariamian Educational Foundation. A fashion show highlighting traditional Armenian folk costumes of various cities of Western Armenia including Van, Aintab, Sasoon, Erzerum, Alashkerd, Mush and Kharpert attracted a large community crowd.

On March 8, 2012, the graduating class of Arshag Dickranian School accompanied by Principal Vartkes Kourouyan paid a two-hour-long visit to the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank. The students were greeted by the Diocesan Youth Director Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian who led them to St. Leon Armenian Cathedral to meet with the Primate.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Charlotte & Elise Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School. To commemorate its Pearl Anniversary, the School Board hosted a special banquet on Sunday, March 4 at the George Deukmejian Grand Ballroom at Ararat Home of Los Angeles.

In continuing a tradition of paying pastoral visits to local Armenian schools, on March 7, 2012, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, accompanied by Diocesan Priesthood Candidate Hovnan Vardanyan, visited AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School in Canoga Park.

We are happy to inform that at the invitation of Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Diocesan Primate, on Sunday, March 11, 2012, His Grace Bishop Armash Nalbandian, Primate of the Diocese of Damascus, Syria, will the guest celebrant and homilist at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral in Burbank, California.

In efforts to educate and enrich the spirituality of the Diocesan faithful, the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America continues to host weekly series of (seminars/lectures) explaining the meaning and significance of the Great Lent.

The Faith and Order Commission held its monthly meeting on February 24, 2012 in Pasadena, California. Hayk Madoyan serves as the Primate’s representative to the Faith and Order Commission, an integral assembly branch of the World Council of Churches.

On February 29, 2012, local Governing Board members of the international Pan-Armenian Church Youth Organization (ACYO) met at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The Pan-ACYO has been organized under the auspices of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America presided over the meeting.

On Sunday, February 26, 2012, on the solemn occasion of the 24th anniversary of the Sumgait Massacres in Baku, Azerbaijan, a Requiem Service (Hokehankist) was held for the souls of the Armenians who fell victim to the brutal massacre in Sumgait in February 1988.

On March 17, 2012, beginning at 8:00 a.m., the Diocesan Council of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church is hosting its second annual Best Practices Seminar for our church leadership. This year, the seminar will take place all day at the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank.

At 10:00 a.m. on February 25, 2012, Parish Priests, Parish Council Chairs and executive body members of parish auxiliary organizations of Southern California gathered at the Hampar Family Room of the Western Diocese for dialogue with the Primate and the reverend clergy of the Western Diocese in an open forum-style venue.

The 42nd year of the International Women's World Day of Prayer was celebrated on March 2, 2012 (traditionally first Friday of March every year) at St. Leon Cathedral of the Western Diocese in Burbank.

Under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the Supreme Spiritual Council convened in the Mother See of Holy Etchmidzin on February 28. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Diocesan Primate and Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese co-chaired the three day-long meeting.

Armenia is a land of rich history, beautiful mountainous scenery, and a fascinating cultural heritage. It is also a land of great need, and one of its most challenging social issues is poverty housing. The Fuller Center for Housing Armenia (FCHA) invites Armenians and non-Armenians from the United States to embark on a volunteer vacation and join its mission to help eliminate poverty housing in Armenia.

On February 24, 2012, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian attended the 13th Annual Armenian American Chamber of Commerce (AACC) Gala Banquet which was held at the Hilton Hotel in Glendale, California.

Despite the gloomy weather, the air was filled with excitement and spirits ran high for the Second Annual Junior Godfathers Day on February 26, 2012. Last year, hundreds of faithful witnessed the grandiose ceremony of the unveiling of the Junior Godfathers Pomegranate Tree. Due to the unyielding efforts of the Junior Godfathers Committee under the steadfast leadership of Chair Alice Chakrian, the number of Junior Godfathers of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral continues to grow.

On February 23, 2012, Diocesan Youth Director Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian, accompanied by leaders of various religious denominations, visited the youth at East Los Angeles Juvenile Hall. The Youth Director met with the head chaplain of the juvenile hall and was briefed on the status of the young detainees. The religious representatives also met with the troubled youth and offered them spiritual guidance and care.

“The human person is the battleground for spiritual and physical encounters. On one hand, as human beings, we love our physical body while on the other hand, we equally love our soul and pursue the noble aspiration to free our soul from evil. Therefore, humanity’s mission is to harmonize these two encounters in such a unique way that they can co-exist in harmony.” (Archbishop Yeghishe Derderian (1910–1990) Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem)