Western Diocese

Latest News

Getting Rid of Landmines and Cluster Bombs in Nagorno Karabakh

November 18, 2008 — Nagorno Karabakh, which over the last decade has had some of the world's most dangerous ground to walk on, is turning a corner. After working steadily in the region since 2000, The HALO Trust, an international charity, has cleared more than 26 square kilometres of minefields and 125 square kilometers of battlefields, and destroyed 51,600 landmines, cluster bombs and other unexploded ordnance (UXO). Statistics show just 5 casualties in 2007 and 10 in the first ten months of 2008, markedly down from the 2004 peak of 43.

2008 AACCWD Assembly

November 16, 2008 — The 6th annual assembly of the Association of Armenian Church Choirs-Western Diocese (AACCWD) was held on November 7-9, 2008. The successful event was hosted by St. Gregory Armenian Church of Pasadena. Under the leadership of Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretsian, Mrs. Elise Tashjian, Choir Director and other choir members the event was a huge success.

LSCC Pilgrimage to the Diocese

November 16, 2008 — On Wednesday, November 12, 2008, the Central Council of the Ladies Society of the Western Diocese held the “Pilgrimage Day to the Diocese.” Over 70 women from various parishes of the Western Diocese participated in this unique Pilgrimage. Also, seven clergymen and other church affiliates were present during the pilgrimage.

Primate Attends the Armenian Eyecare Project Event

November 16, 2008 — On November 9, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian attended the Armenian Eyecare Project event in Newport Beach, California. The project’s mission is to eliminate preventable blindness and make eye care accessible to all Armenians. Mr. and Mrs. Nishan and Ruby Ann Derderian were honored during the event. Mr. and Mrs. Nishan and Ruby Ann Derderian are one of the Godfathers couples of the Mother Cathedral of the Western Diocese.

Archpriest Fr. Vartan Kasparian Represents the Primate at National Council of Churches

November 16, 2008 — Archpriest Fr. Vartan Kasparian, Pastor of St. Mary Armenian Church of Yettem, accompanied by Fr. Zaven Markosyan, Pastor of the Armenian Church of Denver, represented the Primate at this year’s Assembly in Denver, Colorado. On November 12, 2008, the annual General Assembly of the National Council of Churches USA and Church World Service convened Tuesday for its three-day annual meeting in the Renaissance Denver Hotel in Denver.

Guest Clergy to Celebrate the Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory, Pasadena

November 16, 2008 — • Sunday, November 16, 2008: Archpriest Fr. Mampre Kouzouian. • Sunday, November 23, 2008: His Eminence Archbishop Barkev Mardirosian, Primate of Artsakh.

APN/Western Diocese, Ararat-Eskijian Museum and Ararat Home Valley Guild honor Armenian Veterans

November 16, 2008 — In recognition of the selfless heroism of Armenian men and women who have served with distinction in the United States Armed Forces, “A Historic Tribute to Veterans” was held on Sunday, November 9, 2008, at 2 p.m., in the Ararat Home’s Sheen (Goevkalayjian) Chapel, Mission Hills, CA. The event was planned, organized, and presented by the Armenian Professionals Network (APN), in collaboration with the Ararat-Eskijian Museum and the Ararat Home of Los Angeles Valley Guild, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.

WD Youth Director Visits Ventura County Parish

November 16, 2008 — On November 7, 2008, Fr. Avedis Abovian, WD Youth Director, visited the Armenian Church of Ventura County and met with the Parish ACYO members. Parish Priest Fr. Hovel Ohanyan introduced the visiting clergy from the Diocese and encouraged the youth to discuss their issues with the Diocesan Youth Director.

Sixth Annual Saint Finbar Harvest Ball Was Held at Western Diocese

November 16, 2008 — As a gesture of Christian fellowship between the Armenian and Roman Catholic Churches, the sixth annual Saint Finbar Harvest Ball was held on November 7, 2008, at the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Banquet Hall of the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Diocesan Complex in Burbank, California. Monsignor Marc Trudeau, Priest Secretary to His Eminence Cardinal Roger Mahony Archbishop of the Los Angeles Archdiocese, and Burbank City Councilmember Anja Reinke were recognized with the “Harvest of Faith” award that they received in recognition of their outstanding role in the community.

Primate Visits Area Armenia Schools

November 16, 2008 — Throughout the month of October the Primate visited the Hovsepian School in Pasadena, and the Arshag Dickranian School in Hollywood. During November he visisted Merdinian School, AGBU High School in Pasadena, AGBU Manoogian –Demirdjian School in Canoga Park and Sahag Mesrob School in Altadena. The Primate was accompanied by Fr. Avadis Abovian, Youth Director for the Western Diocese.

Church Representatives Visit Western Diocese

November 16, 2008 — On November 3, 2008, Rev. Dr. Gwynne Guibord, Chief Officer of Ecumenical and Interreligious Concerns for the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, met with the Primate at the Diocese. Fr. John Bakas of the Greek Orthodox Church also visited His Eminence at the Diocesan Headquarters on the same day.

Meet Her Excellency Hranush Hakobyan, Minister of Diaspora

November 14, 2008 — Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America Invites You to: An Event honoring Her Excellency Hranush Hakobyan, Minister of Diaspora - Republic of Armenia On November 19, 2008 At 7:30 PM

ST. PETER ARMENIAN CHURCH IN VAN NUYS CELEBRATES ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY WITH A LAVISH BANQUET

November 13, 2008 — On Saturday, November 8, 2008, St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church of Van Nuys, California celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a lavish Banquet at the AGBU Manoogian Demirjian School Nazarian Hall in Canoga Park. The event was held under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, and was organized by St. Peter Church 50th Anniversary Celebration Committee.

CYMA 5 Year Reunion a Huge Success

November 13, 2008 — The CYMA Executive Committee is proud to announce the completion of the CYMA 5 year reunion. On Saturday, November 8, 40 CYMA Participants came together for a reunion of all five CYMA missions taking place from 2004-2008.

5TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BALL OF THE WESTERN DIOCESETO BE HELD DECEMBER 6TH - UPDATED

November 11, 2008 — Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, the 5th Amnual Christmas Ball of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America will be held on December 6, 2008 at the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Hall, Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Diocesan Complex at 3325 North Glenoaks Boulevard in Burbank. The festivities will begin with a Gala Reception at 7:00 p.m., followed by dinner and dancing at 8:00 p.m.

Vartkes Kourouyan: A Recipient of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Medal

November 7, 2008 — Mr. Vartkes Kourouyan, the long time principal of TCA Arshag Dickranian School in Hollywood, joined the rank of esteemed recipients of the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Medal – granted by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

Khachadourian Choir Turns 30

November 7, 2008 — Mr. Retik Apamyan, Mr. Armen Asikyan, Dr. Hovannes K. Avedikyan, Dr. Arto Ersan Hatcherian, Avedis Tekolyan, Dn. Onig Balian, Dn. Stepan Gozumian, Mr. Kevork Gulbenkian, Mr. Garbis Hagopyan, Mrs. Nizamian (on behalf of late Mr. Yetvart Nizamyan), Dn. Sarkis Setyan, and Mr. Hrac Setyan received Commendation Certificates from His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, for their wonderful service to the Church as the founding members of the Khachadourian Choir.

Akhtamar Dance Ensemble Performs in Glendale

November 7, 2008 — By the invitation of the Tekeyan Cultural Association and Organization of Istanbul Armenians, more than 40 young members of the Akhtamar Dance Ensemble of St. Thomas of New Jersey traveled to Glendale, California, and performed at the Hall of Glendale High school on November 2, 2008.

Debutante Ball Meeting at Mr. and Mrs. Hampar’s Residence

November 7, 2008 — In the Sunday afternoon, November 2, 2008, Mr. and Mrs. Hampar graciously hosted the Debutante Ball Organizing Committee reception and meeting at their residence.

Vicar General Visits St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church, Pasadena

November 7, 2008 — On Sunday, November 2, 2008, Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, paid a pastoral visit to St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Pasadena and met with the Sunday School Students. The Vicar General offered the sermon upon the conclusion of the celebration of the Divine Liturgy by Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretsian, Parish Priest.