Western Diocese

Latest News

This is Narek Movsesyan

This is Narek Movesyan. He is three years old. In December 2009, he and his mother Anahid traveled to the United States of America to receive treatment for his cancer at the City of Hope in Duarte, California.

Primate's Lenten Message - The Hour of Decision

The fourth Sunday of the Lenten Journey offers us the special time to evaluate the course of our life. According to our church tradition, we are offered the parable of the unjust steward, which mirrors in its broader scope, our relationship with God. Often, we fail in our responsibilities to live a life with God, and in applying the messages of Christ, our Lord, in our everyday life. However, we are challenged to set a new beginning as we make the firm decision to change the course of our life.

CEC Event – St. John Garabed, San Diego

On February 27, 2010, on the occasion of the Great Lent, the Christian Education Council of the Western Diocese presented a Lenten Workshop entitled “Seasoned With Grace” at St. John Garabed Armenian Church in San Diego.

Western Diocese Will Participate in “Ascending Voice II”

On March 3, 2010, the Primate welcomed Mr. Darryl Tippens, Provost of Pepperdine University and Mr. Levon Gougasian, Professor at Pepperdine University to the Western Diocese.

Jean Barsam Hosts Reception for Wives of Godfathers and Benefactors

On March 3, 2010, Mrs. Jean Barsam hosted a reception for the wives of the Godfathers and Benefactors of the Cathedral.

Primate Visits Alfred and Marguerite Hovsepian School

On March 2, 2010, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, visited the Alfred and Marguerite Hovsepian School in Pasadena. He was accompanied by Rev. Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan, Pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Pasadena, and Dn. Adis Badrosian. Mr. Shahe Mangrian, Director of the School, warmly welcomed the Primate and his company.

Primate’s Pastoral Visit to Armenian Church of the Desert, Rancho Mirage

On March 2, 2010, the Primate joined by Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan paid a pastoral visit to the Armenian Church of the Desert in Rancho Mirage, California. The Primate presided over the Annual Parish Assembly during which the construction efforts of the Parish were discussed.

Primate Attends Memorial Concert Dedicated to Famous Musician Khachatur Avetisyan

On February 28, 2010, the Primate attended a musical concert dedicated to world-famous Armenian composer Khachatur Avetisyan.

Primate's Pastoral Visit to Armenian Church in Riverside

On February 28, 2010, the Primate made a pastoral visit to the Armenian Church in Riverside where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon.

Primate Presides Over Northern California Regional Meeting

On February 27, 2010, the Primate presided over the Northern California Regional Meeting at St. Andrew Armenian Church in Cupertino, Santa Clara Valley. The participants included Parish Priests, members of the Parish Councils, Diocesan Delegates of the Northern California Region.

Primate Presides over Lenten Evening Service at Armenian Church in La Verne

On February 25, 2010, with the participation of Rev. Archpriest Fr. Nareg Matarian, Parish Priest, the Deacons and the Choir, the Primate presided over the Lenten Evening Service at the Armenian Church in La Verne. The Primate delivered his message and called upon the Parish Council, Ladies Society and the faithful to support Fr. Nareg and work collectively to carry out the mission of the Parish.

Armenian Church of La Canada Visits Ararat Home, Mission Hills

On February 27, 2010, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Hovsep Hagopian, Parish Priest, the Ladies Society, the Sunday and Saturday School teachers and students, Dn. Varazdat Barseghian of the Armenian Church of La Canada visited Ararat Home in Mission Hills, California.

Rev. Archpriest Fr. Arshag Khatchadourian Attends Judge Dickran Tavrizian Fellowship Inaugural Reception

Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County (NLS-LA) created the Dickran Tevrizian (DT) Fellowship Program to honor Judge Dickran Tevrizian’s long standing commitment to the Armenian community. Judge Tevrizian has dedicated his career to public service serving on the state and federal bench for over 30 years.

If Turks had not Denied the Genocide, CBS wouldn’t have Aired this Show

Were it not for the Turkish government’s constant denials and distortions, the Armenian Genocide could have become a forgotten episode in world history.

Praying for Forgiveness

The third Sunday of the Lenten Journey is entitled in the Armenian Church as the “Sunday of the Prodigal Son”. The lesson of the day deepens in our spirituality many important thoughts such as confessing our wrongdoings and flaws, but above all, praying for kindness and forgiveness.

39TH Annual Debutante Ball Huge Success By: Lily Ring Balian

Exceeding all expectations, the reviews are in that the 39th Annual Debutante Ball held on February 14, 2010 at the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire Hotel was a huge success. This traditional event is presented by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Western Diocese under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate. An audience of approximately 300 families and friends joined in celebrating the presentation of ten lovely young women of Armenian descent in a picturesque ceremony that will forever remain as a cherished and treasured memory.

Upcoming Schedule

On February 27, the Primate will preside over the meeting of the Regional Meeting of Parish Priests, Diocesan Delegates and Diocesan Councils of Northern California.

Primate Presides Over Annual Parish Assembly, Burbank Cathedral Parish

On February 23, 2010, the Primate presided over the Annual Parish Assembly of the Burbank Cathedral Parish. The meeting was chaired by Mrs. Araxie Boyamian.

Dickranian School Students Visit Western Diocese

On February 23, 2010, the graduating students from the TCA Arshag Dickranian School led by Principal Mr. Vartkes Kourouyan, visited the Western Diocese. They were welcomed by Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian, Youth Director. The students also toured the construction site of the Diocesan Cathedral.

ACYO CALENDAR (March - November 2010)

March 19th-21st: Junior Retreat Location: Hye Camp, Dunlap