Western Diocese

June 2008 Archive

First Pan ACYO Delegates Assembly Convenes in Armenia

June 29, 2008 — His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, departs Los Angles for Armenia on July 6, 2008, to preside over the First Pan-ACYO Delegates Assembly on July 8-12, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

San Francisco Parish Pilgrimage to Armenia

June 29, 2008 — A group of thirty eight (38) pilgrims from St. John Armenian Church in San Francisco, led by the Parish Priest Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan, will depart to Armenia on June 30, 2008.

CYMA Pilgrimage to Armenia – 2008

June 29, 2008 — The Christian Youth Mission to Armenia 2008, headed by Archpriest Fr. Vartan Kasparian and accompanied by Dn. Mkrtich Ksachikyan, consists of twenty six (26) young and talented ACYO members who are about to experience the land of Armenia during their pilgrimage on July 2-18, 2008.

2008 Interfaith Roundtable

June 29, 2008 — Representatives from various faith groups and communities in the greater Los Angeles area met at Van De Kamp Hall in Descanso Gardens in La Canada-Flintridge on June 26, 2008, to discuss possible venues to promote positive intergroup and interfaith relations.

Transferred Funds from Western Diocese to Holy Etchmiadzin Amounts to $66,771

June 29, 2008 — The transferred funds from the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, including contributions from some of the Diocesan auxiliary organizations and parishes, for the past few months to the Mother See of Holly Etchmiadzin has amounted to $66,771.

New Priesthood Candidates of WD Stewardship Program

June 26, 2008 — Thanks to the efforts of the active members and the generous sponsors of the Stewardship Program of the Western Diocese, several new priesthood candidates have been recruited to serve the faithful throughout the Western Diocese once they completed their education.

Western Diocese Welcomes New Staff

June 25, 2008 — The Divan of the Western Diocese, on behalf of the entire Western Diocesan staff, welcomes to the family the new staff-members Harout Markarian and Carolyn Esmaelian, with best wishes for a wonderful and spiritually fulfilling working experience at the Western Diocese.

AGBU Generation Next Mentorship Program 6th Artist Showcase

June 25, 2008 — On June 23, 2008, Archpriest Fr. Hovsep Hagopian, representing the Primate, attended the AGBU 6th Annual Artist Showcase held at the Boyajian Hall of the AGBU Alex Manoogian Center.

Davidian-Mariamian Educational Foundation Telethon

June 25, 2008 — Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, represented the Primate of the Western Diocese during the telethon.

Primate of Iraq Visits St. Andrew

June 25, 2008 — His Eminence Archbishop Avak Assadourian, Primate of the Diocese of Iraq, celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. Andrews Armenian Church of Santa Clara Valley, on Sunday, June 22, 2008.

Bestowment of Archpriesthood and Sub-Deaconate Ordinations in San Francisco

June 25, 2008 — After the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and deliverance of the sermon, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, on behalf of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, bestowed the rank of Archpriesthood upon Fr. Sarkis Petoyan. The Primate also ordained Kevin Kestekyan, Kevin Taylor, Yacov Israelyan, Armen Israelyan, and Benjamin Kerelian to the ranks of Sub-Deaconates of the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church.

T.C.A. Arshag Dikranian Commencement Ceremony

June 25, 2008 — The Vicar General of the Western Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian represented the Primate at the T.C.A. Arshag Dikranian School Commencement Ceremony on June 21, 2008, held at the Walter and Laurel Karabian Hall in Hollywood.

Hovsepian School Commencement Exercises

June 25, 2008 — In his concluding remarks the Primate once again lauded the generosity of Mrs. Marguerite Hovsepian, who was present during the ceremony, as well as the staff members and board members, for their important contribution to the education of our youth.

“Little Angels” in St. John, Hollywood

June 25, 2008 — On Sunday, June 22, 2008, a group of students from “Little Angels” School, accompanied by their parents and school staff members, attended the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at St. John Armenian Church in Hollywood

Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry Walk-A-Thon

June 25, 2008 — His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, accompanied by the Vicar General of the Western Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, and several Diocesan Deacons, participated in this Walk-A-Thon.

“Little Angels” Culmination Ceremony

June 25, 2008 — The Primate congratulated the Principal, Mrs. Maggie Blikian, as well as the dedicated staff members, for their devotion and excellent work in educating children at the “Little Angels” School.

Primate Blesses Groundbreaking of St. Apkar Church in Arizona

June 20, 2008 — On Sunday, June 15, 2008, the Primate, accompanied by Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan and Fr. Avedis Abovian, paid a pastoral visit to the Armenian Church of Arizona. His Eminence, assisted by clergy, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at the temporary sanctuary of the church.

Fr. Avedis Abovian

June 20, 2008 — It is the wish of the Primate that the Diocesan clergy, the visiting priests, and the parish councils will develop a productive working relationship with Fr. Avedis Abovian to further improve the youth programs and youth participation in the church throughout the Western Diocese.

Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan

June 20, 2008 — On June 29, 2008, Fr. Khajag Shahvazyan will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon for the first time at the temporary sanctuary of the Mother Cathedral of the Western Diocese (Burbank Parish).

Fr. Zaven Markosyan

June 20, 2008 — After two years of dedicated service at the Western Diocesan Headquarters, and following the order of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, Fr. Zaven Markosyan, along with his family, moved to Denver, to take up his service as the permanent Pastor of the Armenian Church in Colorado.

Organization of Istanbul Armenian Fundraising Event

June 20, 2008 — His Eminence praised the leadership and OIA members for their determination in bringing about this much needed construction of the OIA Center which will only enhance the contributions of the Constantinople Armenians of Los Angeles to the larger Armenian community.

AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School Commencement Exercises

June 20, 2008 — His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, accompanied by Archpriest Fr. Shnork Demirjian, Pastor of St. Peter Armenian Church of Van Nuys, attended the AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School Commencement Exercises on June 14th at the Nazarian Center of the school.

Saturday Meetings at Western Diocese (June 14, 2008)

June 20, 2008 — - Cathedral Building Committee Meeting** - Choir Committee Meeting** - CYMA Meeting**.

Sunday Schools of Oriental Orthodox Churches

June 20, 2008 — On June 14, 2008, the Sunday School Representatives of the Oriental Orthodox Churches convened for a meeting at the St. Ephraim Syriac Catholic Church in Burbank.

Glendale Religious Leaders Association Hold Board Elections

June 20, 2008 — Members of the Glendale Religious Leaders Association elected new board members for the association during an election/meeting held at the Glendale Memorial Hospital, on June 10, 2008.

Primate of Iraq Visits Western Diocese

June 19, 2008 — His Eminence Archbishop Avak Assadourian, Primate of the Diocese of Iraq, visits the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.

North American Primates and Diocesan Councils Met at Western Diocese

June 17, 2008 — A joint meeting of the Eastern, Canadian and Western Dioceses was held at the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America at their headquarters in Burbank, California, June 12 – 14, 2008, to discuss potential venues of cooperation between the three Dioceses in dealing with the common issues prevalent in all three North American Dioceses.

Primate’s Pastoral Visit to the Armenian Church of Ventura County

June 13, 2008 — His Eminence assured the Parish leadership that with the grace of God and steadfast belief in the Divine Providence the Parish will overcome the obstacles of the day and will thrive into the future.

Primate Visits St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Pasadena

June 13, 2008 — On June 4, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, paid a pastoral visit to St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church of Pasadena and met with the Parish Council.

Primate Bestows Archpriesthood upon Fr. Yeghia Hairabedian

June 13, 2008 — After celebrating the Divine Liturgy and delivering the sermon, the Primate bestowed the rank of Archpriesthood upon Fr. Yeghia Hairabedian.

Primate’s Schedule for June 10-29, 2008

June 13, 2008 — *Jun.

Vartan and Siranoush Gevorkian Dance Ensemble Event

June 13, 2008 — His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, attended this special event.

Armen Hovannisyan Concert at Glendale High School Auditorium

June 13, 2008 — On June 8, 2008, the Armen Hovannisyan Concert, sponsored by the Western Diocese, the Gala Production, and several other sponsors, performed at the Glendale High School Auditorium.

15th Anniversary of Atanian Art Center

June 13, 2008 — Fr. Mampre Kasabyan read the letter of the Primate addressed to the Atanian Art Center wherein His Eminence congratulated the Atanian Art Center on this occasion and lauded its contributions to the community.

AGBU Manoogian-Demirjian Elementary School Graduation Ceremony

June 13, 2008 — The Vicar General in his remarks applauded the students for their accomplishments and encouraged them to study harder, work more diligently and above all grow stronger in their Christian faith.

Armenian Allied Arts Exhibits

June 13, 2008 — The 68th Annual Competition Awards Program of the Armenian Allied Arts Association was held at the Baldwin Park Performing Arts Center.

Celebrating 100 Years of Greek Heritage in LA and Sothern California

June 13, 2008 — On June 7, 2008, upon the invitation of His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, attended the 100th Anniversary/Celebration of the Greek Orthodox Community of Los Angeles and Southern California held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles.

Armenians Writers of Southern California hold a Forum in Glendale

June 13, 2008 — Sayran Zakaryan’s second book titled “New Heavens, New Country” was introduced during the literary forum.

Episcopalian – Armenian Meeting at Western Diocese

June 13, 2008 — In the loving spirit of Christ, Armenian and Episcopalian clergy and laity representatives gathered for a meeting at the Western Diocese on June 5, 2008.

Primate Joins Metropolitan Gerasimos Celebrating Greek Heritage at L.A. City Hall

June 10, 2008 — On May 30, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General; Deacons Razmik Sarkisian and Hayk Garibjanian; and Remo Alexandri, Director of Communication Department of the Western Diocese, attended the 100th Anniversary/Celebration of the Greek Orthodox Community of Los Angeles and Southern California held at the Council Chambers of Los Angles City Hall.

Opera Zemire at Pasadena Civic Auditorium - Corrected

June 10, 2008 — His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, attended this exclusive and unique performance and congratulated the organizers for their efforts in promoting Armenian art and culture.

Ecumenical Meeting

June 10, 2008 — On June 3, 2008, a meeting of ecumenical representatives from several denominations in the region was convened at 11:30 AM at the Islamic Center of Southern California. The election of the Central Committee for the organization was discussed during this meeting. The representatives also approved the proposed bylaws of the organization.

Ararat Center for Strategic Research Holds Forum in Glendale

June 10, 2008 — On June 1, 2008, a forum was held in the Glendale Library, concerning the pressing issues of the contemporary Armenians as well as the question of the identity of the modern Armenians. The forum was organized by the Ararat Center for Strategic Research.

Primate’s Pastoral Visit to Sacramento Parish

June 10, 2008 — On Sunday, June 1, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, accompanied by the newly ordained priests Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan and Fr. Avedis Abovian, paid a pastoral visit to St. James Armenian Church in Sacramento. The Primate assisted by the clergy celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon.

Commencement Exercises of A.G.B.U. High School of Pasadena

June 10, 2008 — The Primate in his remarks applauded the students for their accomplishments and encouraged them to study harder, work more diligently and¸ above all, and grow stronger in their Christian faith.

Statement on the Recent Decision of the Supreme Court of California Regarding Same Sex Union

June 9, 2008 — In Light of the recent California Supreme Court decision regarding same-sex marriage, the position of the Armenian Church is clear and embedded in its Apostolic roots and the canons of the Holy Church. Marriage is between a man and a woman. We in the Armenian Church recognize the challenges of life today and approach all children of God with compassion and love; however, the sacrament of Holy Matrimony is reserved for the union of one man and one woman.

PRIMATE VISITS ST. MARY PARISH OF YETTEM

June 3, 2008 — On Tuesday evening, May 27, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian paid an official visit to St. Mary Armenian Church of Yettem. The visit was intended for all of the San Joaquin Valley Parishes – St. Paul, Fresno; St. Gregory, Fowler; Sts. Sahag-Mesrob, Reedley; and St. Mary, Yettem.

Ordination and Consecration of Two Priests at Western Diocese

June 3, 2008 — On May 28 and 29, 2008, the sanctuary of St. John Garabed Armenian Church of Hollywood became the scene of the Rite of Calling, Ordination and Consecration to the Priesthood of two Deacons from the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America for the first time in the past ten years.