Western Diocese

Latest News

Primate Consecrates Icons of the St. Leon Cathedral

On September 1, 2010 at 7:00 p.m., the Primate consecrated the icons of the St. Leon Cathedral. He was assisted by the Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, and Rev. Frs. Khajag Shahbazyan and Avedis Abovian.

2010-2011 School Year Begins at AGBU Manoogian – Demirjian School

As the religious Pastor of the AGBU Manoogian – Demirjian School, Archpriest Fr. Shnork Demirjian represented the Primate during the school-year opening ceremony on September 1.

School Year Resumes at AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian High School

On September 1, Fr. Avedis Abovian, Diocesan Youth Director, represented the Primate at the 2010-2011 school-year opening ceremony of the AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian School. Fr. Avedis offered the opening and closing prayers and extended the Primate’s blessings and sincere wishes to the students and the faculty.

School Year Resumes at TCA Arshag Dickranian School

We are pleased to inform the faithful that the 2010-2011 school year will mark the 30th anniversary of the TCA Arshag Dickranian School.

Consecration and Pontifical Divine Liturgy to be Broadcast Online

The Western Diocese is happy to announce that the Consecration of the Cathedral of the Western Diocese performed by His Holiness Karekin II on September 11, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. will be broadcast on the Internet for the faithful of the Western Diocese and around the world. There are also plans to broadcast the Pontifical Divine Liturgy which will be held on September 12 at 10:30 a.m.

Primate Consecrates St. Nishan Chapel

It is with great joy that we inform the entire faithful of the Western Diocese that on August 29, 2010, the Primate consecrated the St. Nishan Chapel inside the St. Leon Cathedral of the Western Diocese.

Primate Endorses "Family of Shadows" by Garin Hovannisian

The Diocese is pleased to announce to the faithful the release of "Family of Shadows", a new book by the young Armenian-American author Garin Hovannisian.

Pontiff to Preside Over “Armenian Heritage Park” Groundbreaking Ceremony

It is with great joy that we inform the Parish Priests, Parish Council Chairs, members of the Ladies Society, Diocesan Delegates, all auxiliary bodies of the Western Diocese and the entire faithful that on September 9, 2010 at 2:00 p.m., His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, will preside over the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the Armenian Heritage Park in Boston, Massachusetts. He will be accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) and other high-ranking clergymen.

Prominent Artist Donates Works to Diocesan Museum

The Diocese is honored to announce the generous gift given by prominent artist Jenik Cook, of her some her most highly valued art works to the Diocesan Museum, which will open in Fall 2010.

Christian Youth Mission to Armenian Releases Video Slideshow

The Western Diocese would like to call the attention of the faithful to a video slideshow released by a participant of the 2010 Christian Youth Mission to Armenia Program.

LACRL Meeting

On August 18, 2010, Bishop Jon Bruno hosted the Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders (LACRL) meeting at the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.

Clergy Conference Held at Diocesan Headquarters

In continuing the tradition, on August 17, 2010, the Primate presided over the Clergy Conference at the Headquarters Western Diocese.

Announcing "Prayer Corner" of the Diocesan Website

It is often that the faithful of the Western Diocese contact the Diocesan Headquarters requesting that prayer requests be sent for their loved ones who are suffering from illness or hardship.

Fresno Welcomes Sister City Delegation from Etchmiadzin, Armenia by Allan Yeghia Jendian

The City of Fresno welcomed a Sister City Delegation from Etchmiadzin, Armenia in an official setting at the Fresno City Hall on Monday, August 16 during a press conference. The Armenian delegation was headed by Etchmiadzin Mayor Karen Grigoryan and included Deputy-Mayor Vazrik Grigoryan, and Councilmember Dr. Samvel Franklyan. The Mayor’s wife Hripsime and their son Manvel accompanied the delegation.

Primate Welcomes Archbishop Eugene Kaplan

On August 24, 2010, the Primate welcomed Archbishop Eugene Kaplan, Patriarchal Vicar of the Syriac Orthodox Church of the Western United States. Archbishop Kaplan was accompanied by the Very Rev. Fr. A. Shara.

Diocesan Summer Camp Releases Viral Video on Youtube

The Diocese congratulates the Diocesan Camp Program on not just the successful completion of its 2010 program, but also on the release its wildly popular YouTube video, entitled "'Hey, Soul Sister' @ Hye Camp Week 4 (2010)". This video features every camper, staff member, and clergyman who attended the fourth week of Summer Camp.

Primate Welcomes Senior Advisor to LA Mayor, Rev. Leonard Jackson

On August 24, the Primate also welcomed Senior Advisor to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Rev. Leonard Jackson to the Western Diocese. They discussed matters pertaining to the Mayor’s visitation to the consecration of the St. Leon Cathedral on September 11, 2010.

Primate Offers Remarks on Fasting and Peace at Shura Council Ramadan Dinner

Upon the invitation of the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian delivered remarks on the topic of "Fasting and Making Peace" at the 10th Annual Interfaith Ramadan Dinner, held in Anaheim on August 22.

Junior Godfathers Initiative

The Junior Godfather Initiative provides a wonderful opportunity for the youth to be involved and participate in the Cathedral project. The official blessing of the Junior Godfathers of the Cathedral will be held on Sunday, May 1, 2011 during the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. To participate in the program please visit the Junior Godfathers Events page on the Diocesan website, print and fill out the application form and send it to the Western Diocese (Attention: Alice Chakrian)

Blessing of the Hagop Terpanjian Cross-Stone and the Terpanjian Plaza

On August 14, 2010, on the day of the Blessing and Dedication of the St. Leon, Cathedral, the Primate presided over a memorable ceremony. The blessing of the cross-stone in memory of Hagop Terpanjian was held amidst the jubilant voices of the Khachadourian Choir, the presence of the Godfathers and the Benefactors of the Cathedral, the donors of the Cathedral doors and the benefactors of the cross-stone, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald and Patricia Turpanjian. Other distinguished guests included the Mayor of Burbank Mrs. Anja Reinke and Los Angeles County Supervisor Mr. Michael Antonovich who was accompanied by his wife.