Western Diocese News

Upcoming Schedule (July 28 - August 8, 2010)

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

July 28, 2010 - Primate will welcome Chaplain Bruce Nelson, Head of the Glendale Adventist Chaplain Department

July 28 (Afternoon) - Pastoral Visit to Armenian Church of the Desert, Rancho Mirage

August 1 - Primate will celebrate the Divine Liturgy, deliver the sermon, and present the "Archbishop's Award" to Dn. Nurhan Donikian and Dn, Vartan Berberian.

August 2 - Primate will travel to the Armenian Summer Camp in Dunlap, California (Week 3)

August 8 - Primate will celebrate the Divine Liturgy, deliver the sermon, ordain Acolytes and present the "Archbishop's Award" to Dr. Raffi Safarian.

Primate Consecrates Cross Stone and Presides Over the Blessing and Dedication of Boat House

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

On July 26, 2010, the Primate, accompanied by Rev. Fr. Nerses Hayrapetyan visited the Armenian Summer Camp in Dunlap, California.

With the participation of Diocesan clergy, the Primate consecrated the cross stone (khatchkar) which was generously donated by Dn. Dr. and Mrs. Sarkis and Talin Mesrobian. He then presided over the blessing and dedication ceremony of the Boat House and delivered an inspirational message to the youth. We are pleased to inform that with a $40,000 donation, the Triple X Fraternity - Sequoia Chapter became the benefactors of the Boat House. Moreover, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Melkonian became the donors of the walkway which was in memory of their father, Souren Melkonian.

Vicar General Represents Primate for ABMDR 10th Anniversary Event

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

The Glendale Hilton Hotel was the venue for the 10^th Anniversary Celebration of the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry (ABMDR). The event was held on July 25, 2010.

Mrs. Frieda Jordan, President of the organization, reflected on the 10 years of existence of the ABMDR and thanked the numerous donors who selflessly contributed to the organization. The Vicar General represented the Primate during the event. He congratulated Dr. Jordan and conveyed to her the Primate's sincere wishes.

Vicar General Represents Primate at the Armenian Catholic Church

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

On July 25, 2010, Bishop Manuel Batakian, Eparch of the Armenian Catholic Eparchy of the United States celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory Armenian Catholic Church. The Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, represented the Primate during the service. He was accompanied by Archpriest Fr. Sipan Mekhsian, Chancellor.

During the service, Bishop Manuel Batakian formally appointed Fr. Krikor Shahinian and Fr. Armenag Bedrosian as pastor and assistant pastor, respectively. He reflected on their pastoral mission and duties. He congratulated them and wished them success in their newly assigned pastoral duties.

The Vicar General extended the Primate's sincere wishes to Bishop Manuel Batakian and congratulated the newly appointed pastor and assistant pastor.

Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian Represents Primate during Last Unction Rite and Burial Service of Late Archbishop Sumbat Lapajian

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

The Last Unction Rite of the late Archbishop Sumbat Lapajian was held at Holy Cross Church in Montebello on July 26, 2010. His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian represented the Primate. He was accompanied by the Very Rev. Fr. Kegham Dz. V. Zakarian, the Very Rev. Fr. Baret Yeretzian, and Archpriest Frs. Arshag Khatchadourian, Nareg Matarian, Shnork Demirjian and Zaven Demirjian.

Having obtained a special permission, the late Archbishop was laid to rest at the church complex. A memorial luncheon (hokejash) was served after the service.

Primate Participates in “Home Service” of Late Archbishop Sumbat Lapajian

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

The "Home Service" of the late Archbishop Sumbat Lapajian was held at Holy Cross Church in Montebello on July 25, 2010. The Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, and Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian participated in the service.

Primate Celebrates Divine Liturgy and Delivers Sermon at Armenian Church in Ventura County

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

On Sunday, July 25, 2010, the Primate celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at the Armenian Church in Ventura County. Dn. Hovnan Vardanyan accompanied the Primate and served at the holy altar. A reception followed the service. The Primate also met with Parish Council Chair Greg Shmavonian and the members of the Parish Council. The Primate gave the Parish Council guided directions and commended their dedicated service.

Cathedral to be Consecrated on September 11 by Pontiff

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

It is with great spiritual joy that we inform the Diocesan faithful that the consecration of the Cathedral of the Western Diocese will take place on September 11, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. It will be presided over by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

10 Month-Long Bible Study Sessions Conclude

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

We are pleased to inform that the Christian Educational Department of the Western Diocese under the direction of Mashdots Jobanian has concluded the 10 month-long Bible Study classes. These classes began in October 2009 and concluded on July 21, 2010.

Every Monday morning from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, the Bible Study group convened at St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale, California. The classes were also held on Monday evenings from 7:00 - 9:00 PM at the Western Diocese.

The two themes of the first study session were: "Understanding our Divine Liturgy" and "The Lenten Journey in our daily life, as a confession, as a healing, to know God and to witness."

From April to July 2010 (10 - 11 a.m.), the Bible Study classes were held at St. Peter Armenian Church in Van Nuys, California. The theme was "We and the Seven Churches." a topic related to the Book of Revelations.

The Bible Study classes will resume in October 2010. The topic of discussion will be the Gospel.

Those individuals who are interested in attending the Bible Study Sessions should call the Christian Educational Department of the Western Diocese at (818) 558-7474.

Eparch of Armenian Catholic Eparchy of the United States Visits Western Diocese

info@armenianchurchwd.com (Divan of the Diocese) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

On July 21, 2010, the Primate welcomed Bishop Manuel Batakian, Eparch of the Armenian Catholic Eparchy of the United States and his guests Rev. Frs. Krikor Shahinian and Armenag Bedrosian to the Headquarters of the Western Diocese.

The Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General and Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, Pastor of the Burbank Cathedral Parish were also present during the meeting.

Bishop Manuel Batakian informed the Primate of the current activities of the Armenian Catholic Church. The Primate informed his guests of the upcoming consecration of the Cathedral which would be presided over by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

The Primate had extended an official invitation to Bishop Manuel Batakian to attend the consecration on September 11, 2010.