Western Diocese

April 2008 Archive

Diocese Holds Annual Clergy Assembly for 2008

The Annual Clergy Assembly of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America was held on April 30th, 2008 at the Diocesan Headquarters, and presided over by His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese.

Diocese participates in AGBU School Genocide Commemoration

On April 22, the Middle School students of Manoogian Demirdjian AGBU School commemorated the Armenian Genocide by visiting the Armenian Martyrs Monument in Montabello.

Planning Committee Meeting for North American Clergy Conference Held In Montreal

Under the leadership of the three North American Primates of the Armenian Church, a three-day meeting of clergy representatives of the Eastern, Western and Canadian dioceses was held in Montreal April 14-16, 2008. The focus of the meeting was on presentations and discussions of topical interests in the pastoral ministry of the church.

Primate’s Schedule for May 2008

May 1

Diocese to Inaugurate Beginning of Cathedral Construction

It is with great anticipation that the faithful of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church await the upcoming ground breaking event, where the construction for the Cathedral of the Western Diocese will begin.

Arshag Dickranian School Commemorates Martyrs Day with Diocese

On April 23rd, Abp. Hovnan Derderian, along with Fr. Manoog Markaryan performed a Requiem Service dedicated to the martyrs of the Armenian Genocide at St. John Armenian Church which was attended by the students of the Arshag Dickranian School. The benefactor of the school, Mrs. Elenore Dickranian, and her daughters were also in attendance.

Writers Union Holds Genocide Commemoration Ceremony

On the evening of April 23rd, the California Armenian Writers Union presented flowers at the Khatcker (monument) dedicated to the Genocide located at the Headquarters of the Western Diocese.

Fr. Shnork Demirdjian Speaks at Grant HS, and CSUN

Fr. Shnork Demirdijan pastor of Van Nuys, on April 23rd spoke to the students of Grant High School in North Hollywood regarding the Genocide. In the evening he spoke at a rally organized by the Armenian students of California State University Los Angeles.

Fr. Hovel Ohanyan spoke at UCSB

On April 23rd Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan, pastor of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Ventura County, and the visiting pastor of Armenian Apostolic Church of Santa Barbara, spoke to the Armenian Students of the University of California at Santa Barbara regarding the Armenian Genocide. Following the program he performed the Requiem Service in memory of the martyrs of the Genocide.

Primate Addresses Massive Commemorative March in Hollywood

On the morning of April 24th, many thousands of marchers gathered in Little Armenia, Hollywood for the march organized by the United Armenian Students group. The Primate Abp. Hovnan Derderian offered the opening remarks, as well as the closing remarks for the event.

Rally Held at Armenian Martyrs Monument

On April 24, a rally was held at the Armenian Martyrs Monument organized by the Armenian Genocide United Commemoration Committee. The Primate as well as Abp. Vatche Hovsepian and Los Angeles area clergy attended.

Armenian Genocide Commemoration at Alex Theater

On April 24, 2008, the Armenian Genocide Commemorative event sponsored by the City of Glendale began at 6:00 PM at the Alex Theater.

Political Gathering at Glendale Civic Auditorium

On April 24 at 8:00pm, a political gathering and Genocide Commemoration was held at the Glendale Civic Auditorium with the Primate Abp. Hovnan Derderian, former Primate Abp. Vatche Hovsepian, and other clergy in attendance.

Violation of Armenian Status Quo Rights in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on Armenian Orthodox Palm Sunday

Several international press reports on Orthodox Palm Sunday's incident in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem wrongly portray the reasons that led to a scuffle involving the Armenian and Greek Orthodox Churches.

Joint Episcopalian-Armenian Commemoration Event at St. Peter – Glendale

The third annual joint commemoration of the Armenian Genocide sponsored by the St. Peter Armenian Church and Youth Ministries Center and the St. Mark Episcopal Church of Glendale took place on April 23, 2008 inside the St. Peter sanctuary.

Upcoming Commemorative Events

• The Armenian Genocide Commemorative event of the Western Diocese will be held on April 23, 2008, starting at 5:00 PM. The event begins with a gathering and presentation of flowers in the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide followed by the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at 7:00 PM, at the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Complex of the Western Diocese.

Free Bus Transportation to the Armenian Martyrs Monument in Montebello on April 24

The Armenian Genocide United Commemoration Committee urges all community members to take part in the pilgrimage to the Armenian Martyrs Monument at Bicknell Park in Montebello on Thursday, April 24, 2008 to honor the memory of the 1.5 million victims of the Armenian Genocide.

L.A. County Board of Supervisors’ Commemorates the Armenian Genocide

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, accompanied by several representatives from the Western Diocese, attended the L.A. County Board of Supervisors’ Commemoration of the 93rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide which was held during the regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors on April 22, 2008. Representatives from several other Armenian organizations also attended the meeting.

Western Diocese Celebrates the Beginning of Mother Cathedral Construction

We gladly inform the faithful of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America that the necessary permits for the construction of the Mother Cathedral have been obtained from the local authorities and the beginning of the construction will be celebrated officially, on May 3, 2008, at 11:30 a.m.

His Eminence Ordains the First Five Acolytes of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Riverside Parish

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, paid a Pastoral visit to the Armenian Apostolic Church of Riverside on April 20, 2008. His Eminence celebrated the Holy Badarak, and upon the request of the Pastor, Rev. Dr. Fr. Stépanos Dingilian, ordained the very first Acolytes of the Riverside Parish. Upon ordaining the five Acolytes, Nicholas Sultanyan, Khachadour Zadikyan, Arminé Dingilian, Kayané Dingilian, and Mariam Zadikyan, Surpazan congratulated the Pastor, the parents, and the entire Parish for encouraging the young people to take part in the liturgical life of the Parish.

Primate offers opening prayer for CA State Senate

At the invitation of State Senators Joe Simitian, Jack Scott and Elaine Alquist, His Eminence Abp Hovnan Derderian offered the opening prayer for the California State Senate, the State’s Highest Legislative Body, on the occasion of the presentation of a proclamation commemorating the Armenian Genocide.

Armenian Genocide Commemoration at Glendale Memorial Hospital

The 93rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide was commemorated during an event at the Glendale Memorial Hospital, on April 21, 2008.

Diocesan Meetings on April 19 and 21, 2008

The following meetings were held at the Western Diocese on April, 19, 2008:

93rd Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide Commemorated at Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, accompanied by several clergy from the Western Diocese, attended the commemoration event at Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School on April 18, 2008.

93rd Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide Commemorated at Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, accompanied by several clergy from the Western Diocese, attended the commemoration event at Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School on April 18, 2008. In his remarks, the Primate encouraged the students to pay heed to the lessons of the history and not forget to pursue justice for the victims of the Armenian Genocide.

Nor Gyank Weekly Turned 30

The 30th anniversary of the Nor Gyank weekly was celebrated at AGBU Center in Pasadena, on April 17, 2008.

Several Meetings Took Place on Saturday April 12th at Western Diocese

Cathedral Building Committee MeetingSummer Camp Committee Meeting AACCWD Central Council held their monthly at the Diocese on Saturday, March 12th.

Primate Bestowed Archpriesthood upon Fr. Shnork Demirjian

After the conclusion of the celebration of the Divine Liturgy by Fr. Shnork Demirjian, Pastor of St. Peter Armenian Church in Van Nuys, at the church, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, bestowed the rank of Archpriesthood upon Fr. Shnork Demirjian.

Primates of North American Dioceses Meet in Canada

The Primate of the Western Diocese, His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian, met with his North American counterparts Abp. Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese and Abp. Bagrat Galstanian, Primate of the Canadian Diocese on April 14 to 16 in Montreal, Canada.

Fr. Vazken Movsesian & 93rd Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide

Fr. Vazken Movsesian will be speaking and presenting programs at the following events organized in commemoration of the 93rd Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. All events, unless otherwise noted, are open to the public. More information is available at www.inhisshoes.org or by emailing info@inhisshoes.org

ARCHBISHOP’S AWARD TO BE PRESENTED AT 81st ANNUAL DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY BANQUET ON MAY 2nd , 2008

Archbishop’s Award will be presented to three dedicated and distinguished staff members of the Western Diocese. The honorees and recipients of the award this year are Archpriest Fr. Sipan Mekhsian, Chancellor and Editor of the Mother Church; Mari Gizlechyan, Executive Secretary and Diramayr Anna Movsesian, former Executive Secretary.

Los Angeles City Council Commemorates Armenian Genocide

On April 18th, Abp. Hovnan Derderian, accompanied by a delegation from the Western Diocese, participated in the presentation of a proclamation commemorating the 93rd Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide from the Los Angeles City Council.

IALA Presented an Evening Honoring Sarky Mouradian

The International Academy of Los Angeles honored the longstanding Composer, Director and Pioneer of the Armenian Cable Television, Sarky Mouradian during a special event, held at Alex Theater of Glendale, April 10, 2008.

Passing of Prime-Godfather of Mother Cathedral Levon Paronyan

It is with sincere regret that we report the passing of Mr. Levon Paronyan, the Prime-Godfather of the Mother Cathedral, on April 6, 2008.

Senior ACYO Banquet Honors Young Leaders

In the spirit of celebration and reunion, the first annual Senior ACYO Banquet was held the Taglyan Cultural Center of St. John Armenian Church, Hollywood on Saturday, April 12, 2008.

Primate Celebrates Divine Liturgy in Rancho Mirage

On Sunday, April 6, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon in the Armenian Church of Rancho Mirage.

Armenian Festival at Woodbury University

Thousands of people attended the Armenian Festival at the Woodbury University on April 6, 2008, organized by Woodbury University ASA in collaboration with several other ASAs from the local colleges and universities. The Western Diocese was the main sponsor of the festival.

Diocesan Meetings for Monday, April 7th

The following meetings were held at the Western Diocese on Monday April 7, 2008.

Oriental Orthodox Churches Gathered for Meeting

On April 1, 2008, representatives from the Oriental Orthodox Churches met and discussed issues of mutual interests. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, and Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, participated in this meeting.

KCET Airs 'Armenians: A Story of Survival' on April 24

Armenians: A Story of Survival, a film by Emmy-Award winning producer Andrew Goldberg, airs Thursday, April 24 (8:00-9:00 p.m.).

Fr. Mark Jaufmann Remembered during Ceremony

Archpriest Fr. Hovsep Hagopian represented the Primate at this memorial event and conveyed His Eminence’s condolences to the friends and associates of Fr. Mark Jaufmann.

Family Night at St. Peter of Van Nuys

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of St. Peter Armenian Church of Van Nuys, on the evening of Friday, April 4, 2008, the parishioners gathered at Karagozian Hall of the church for a ‘Family Night’ to celebrate this joyous event.

“Jan Tavriz” Remembrance Event in Memory of Archbishop Tangian

The remembrance event in memory of Archbishop Melik Tangian, organized by “Jan Tavriz” organization was held at the Glendale Civic Auditorium on April 5, 2008.

Primate’s Pastoral Visit to Armenian Church – Desert

On Saturday, April 5, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, paid a pastoral visit to the Armenian Church of the Desert (Rancho Mirage, California) on the joyous occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of its Ladies’ Society.

Elevation of Three Diocesan Priests to the rank of Archpriesthood

Upon the request of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, and approval of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, three Priests from the Western Diocese have been recently elevated to the rank of Archpriesthood.

Pilgrimage to Jerusalem

Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian will be representing His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian during the Pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

The Lincy Foundation Officials Visited Hovsepian School and Western Diocese

Mr. Jay Rakow, President of The Lincy Foundation, accompanied by Mr. Harut Sassounian, Senior Vice-President of the Foundation, for the first time, visited the Alfred and Marguerite Hovsepian School of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Pasadena, and the Western Diocese on April 8, 2008.

Bishop Sion Adamian Celebrated Divine Liturgy at Western Diocese

On Sunday, March 30, 2008, His Grace Bishop Sion Adamian celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at the temporary sanctuary of the Western Diocese.

Primate’s Schedule for April 2008

Apr. 5: Deacons’ training. Apr. 5-6: Primate’s pastoral visit to the Armenian Church of Desert (30th anniversary Gala Banquet); and on Sunday, Primate to celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon (ordination to Diaconate)

Evening of Saroyan

“My Name Is Saroyan, a Matter of Will” was performed at the Western Diocese, on March 25, 2008.

Armenian Churches of Fresno Region Gathered in Fowler

On March 27, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, accompanied by Fr. Zaven Markosyan and two Deacons, presided over a joint prayer session at St. Gregory Armenian Church in Fowler, California. Several Clergy and the faithful from the Armenian churches throughout the Fresno region enthusiastically participated in the prayer session.

“Jan Tavriz” Committee Visited Western Diocese

On March 28, 2008, several representatives from the “Jan Tavriz” Committee, headed by Mr. Albert Hovhanesian visited the Western Diocese and met with His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate.

Primate Celebrated Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Pasadena

On Sunday, March 30, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Pasadena.

ACYO Central Council Hosts Successful 2nd Annual Junior Retreat

On March 29, 2008 the 2nd Annual Junior Retreat was held at the Coptic Village Retreat facility in Big Bear, CA with over 75 ACYO Juniors in attendance from parishes throughout Southern California. This event was hosted by the ACYO Central Council.