Western Diocese

On June 28th, during the "Together We Progress" Celebration, His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian addressed the many hundered faithful in attendance. In his speech he thanked many of those how made the day possible, as well as shared his vision for the upcoming years with regard to the Diocesan Cathedral.

Also, following his remarks, representatives from the Los Angeles City Council, and Burbank City Council spoke about their impression of the day's events, and the progress of the Diocesan Cathedral construction.

The following is the transcript from the Primate's remarks:

Distinguished guests and beloved faithful, This is a God-given day in our Diocesan life as we all witness the progress of the Cathedral construction - the dream of the founders of the Western Diocese. The Initial call addressed to us all was "Together We Build." Today we proudly declare "Together We Progress" as we celebrate the completion of the first phase of the construction, with the official opening of the overbuild and the installation of the Central Dome of the Cathedral. At this point, I would like to extend my special appreciation to all dignitaries for their presence including The Honorable Gary Bric, Mayor of Burbank, Burbank City Council Members David Gordon, Jess Talamantes, and Dave Golonski, Los Angeles City Council Members Wendy Gruel and Dennis Zine, Glendale City Council Members Laura Friedman, Ara Najarian and David Weaver and Glendale City Council Clerk Ardashes Katsakhian.

This Mother Cathedral will be the unifying spiritual strength for all Armenians across the Western Diocese. With the building of this monumental edifice we will leave our progeny a legacy which will be a constant reminder of the faith of their forefathers and the source of all divine gifts.

It is my distinct honor to thank all those who have put their heart and soul in this most God-pleasing project. I must begin with the former Primate of the Western Diocese, His Eminence Abp. Vatche Hovsepian, who had the vision to take the difficult initial steps to establish the Diocesan Complex for the benefit of our faithful.

Tonight I would like to extend my special gratitude to Mrs. Eleanor Dikranian, a devout lady, whose passionate dedication to the Armenian Church and community at large has touched the hearts of many. Outstanding benefactors of the Western Diocese, herself and her late husband Mr. Arshag Dikranian, have greatly supported the Diocese and many related projects. On your behalf I would like to thank her today for being the donor of the Central Dome which inspires us all and draws us all nearer to God.

We were all delighted today as we all witnessed the consecration of the cross of the central dome donated by Mrs. Sonia Tutelian of Fresno, who is with us today. Again, we extend to her our heartfelt gratitude for her support.

On this historic day we also celebrate the completion of the overbuild, the parking structure located behind the Diocese. This monumental project could not have been realized without the wisdom and the support of Mr. Khoree Salmassian, who has donated his services as structural engineer. This Diocese and the building committee would like to honor him with a special plaque which will be installed at the appropriate site in appreciation of his relentless dedication.

Tonight I would like to extend special gratitude to the members of the Cathedral Building Committee and its subcommittees, namely the construction committee, the fundraising committee, and the committee which organized today's wonderful event.

These various committees have been ably led by not only a benefactor, but also a dedicated and loyal servant of the Diocese, Mr. Armen Hampar, chairperson of the Cathedral Building Committee.

The Building Construction Committee, chaired by Mr. Bob Simonian has done a remarkable job in the past few years in planning and advising on the various phases of the construction project. Additionally, a task of this nature demands great resources, especially money, and we thank God for the service of the Cathedral Fundraising Committee, chaired by Mr. Antranik Zoryan a long serving and talented benefactor of this Diocese.

Today's organizing committee, chaired by Dr. Harout Yeghsezian, is also deserving of our deep gratitude for their dedicated work in realizing today's celebration.

We are delighted that this construction project is being realized by the Sinanian Firm. It is noteworthy that this firm has proved to work with the utmost professionalism and competence in the process and progress of the construction on all levels. We thank Mr. Sinanian for this able leadership and also thank him for sponsoring today's event.

My dear faithful, this project certainly is a costly undertaking, however the arrow is off the bow, and we can only move forward with more determination and focus. The completion of the Cathedral is the ultimate priority for our faithful today, and participation in the actual realization and completion of the cathedral is of the utmost importance. To give for the Church, the house of God, is certainly an act of prayer. It is not important how much you give, what is more important is how you give from your heart. All gifts are equal in the eyes of God. God does not weigh the gifts we present at his altar, but only weighs the purity of our hearts. Therefore, let us give in many ways, and I urge you to meet with representatives, members of our fundraising committee to learn more about our extensive programs to contribute your share to this god-pleasing effort.

Many historic days are ahead of us, and the ultimate day of celebration will be the weekend of September 11 and 12, 2010, when the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, His Holiness Karekin II Catholicos of All Armenians, will be present for the consecration of the Mother Cathedral. Therefore, the coming months are important for us all to spread the good news about the construction of the Mother Cathedral, and invite others to become shareholders and participants in the divine edifice which will be the foundation and stronghold of our Diocese on the blessed soul of the United States of America; The manifestation of the Mother Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin in the heart of the Great State of California.

Our celebration becomes true when we give from our hearts, our celebration becomes true when we inspire others to give from their hearts; finally our celebration becomes complete when our community takes ownership of the Cathedral.