Western Diocese

September 2008 Archive

Primate Calls upon Youth “to Grow Together in Christ”

September 24, 2008 — His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, in his remarks during the opening ceremony of the ACYO Senior Sports Weekend, referred to his speech from The Rise of the Mother Cathedral Banquet and its theme: “Together We Build,” held a week earlier, on September 14. His Eminence emphasized the similarities of the process of the gradual and yet steady construction of the Mother Cathedral of the Western Diocese in Burbank, California, to the gradual and yet steady growth that the youth experience through their Christian fellowship, and service. “That we grow together in Christ is what is truly important” His Eminence stressed as he concluded his remarks.

Primate Presides Over ACYO Senior Sports Weekend in San Diego

September 24, 2008 — With well over 200 young adults and alumni participating in the weekend’s activities, the event truly became a revival in the heart of youth and a calling to renew their devotion to the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church. The weekend consisted of the sports tournament, a gala banquet on Saturday evening, the Divine Liturgy, and an Awards BBQ on Sunday Afternoon.

ACYO Senior Sport Weekend Banquet

September 24, 2008 — The Saturday Evening Gala hosted at St. John Garabed Armenian Church of San Diego saw many youth come together and celebrate the occasion. In his remarks addressing the youth, His Eminence encouraged the youth to become apostles of Christ and put their faith in action and have the vision of becoming wise leaders of the community. His Eminence also invited Fr. Avedis Abovian to address the gala. Fr. Abovian spoke about the importance of the youth being a source of vitality and service and urged them to embrace their maturity within the context of the Church.

Divine Liturgy and Sermon by Primate in Conclusion of ACYO Sport Weekend in San Diego

September 24, 2008 — The Primate, in addressing the process of learning and adopting the message of Christ through the knowledge radiating from the Gospels, encouraged the faithful to become followers of Christ. Furthermore, as noted by His Eminence, in order to approach Christ is to become His follower, thus learning the profound meaning of His teachings. The third approach raised by the Primate in understanding the message of the Gospels was to celebrate life abundantly. Thus, the Primate stressed the importance of the involvement of youth in the life of the Church. The Primate thanked Archpriest Fr. Datev Tatoulian, Pastor of St. John Garabed Armenian Church of San Diego, and the ACYO Central Council for their efforts in organizing the ACYO Senior Sports Weekend, as well as the San Diego community and all those in attendance.

Faithful Gathered in Western Diocese Paid Homage to the Memory of Late Catholicos Vasken I of Blessed Memory

September 24, 2008 — Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian was the keynote speaker for the evening. The Reverend Father presented a thorough and comprehensive analysis of the era of the late Catholicos Vasken I and His Holiness’ achievements, despite suffering persecutions by the Communist regime and the unparalleled challenges of the time.

Armenian Ecclesiastical Brotherhood Concert

September 24, 2008 — Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian represented His Eminence at a religious concert organized by the Armenian Ecclesiastical Brotherhood, Inc., on September 17, 2008, in Glendale, California

Oriental Orthodox Church Sunday-School Representatives’ Meeting

September 24, 2008 — The Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, represented the Western Diocese in this meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the upcoming Joint Sunday School Students’ Contest on November 1, 2008.

Primate Attends Fundraising Event for L.A. City Attorney Candidate

September 24, 2008 — On September 17, 2008, Mr. and Mrs. Armen and Nora Hampar hosted a fundraising reception at their residence for Los Angeles City Attorney Candidate Michael Amerian.

Armenian Assembly of America Western Region Executive Director Visits Western Diocese

September 24, 2008 — Mr. Yeghig Keshishian, Executive Director of the Armenian Assembly of America, Western Region, paid an official visit to His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, at the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank, California.

Meeting with Santa Clarita and La Verne Parish Councils

September 24, 2008 — On September 16, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, met with the Parish Councils of Santa Clarita and La Verne. During these meeting, His Eminence informed the Parish Councils of the new clerical appointments for the Armenian Churches of Santa Clarita and La Verne. The Parish Council members present at the meeting applauded the appointment of the new clergy to their respective parishes.

Armenia Fund Meeting

September 24, 2008 — The composition of the logo for the 2008 telethon was also considered and discussed during this meeting. Mr. Harout Markarian, Executive Director of the Western Diocese, represented His Eminence at this meeting.

Executive Clergy Council Meeting

September 24, 2008 — On August 16, 2008, the Western Diocese Executive Clergy Council meeting was convened at the Primate’s Office at the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank, California. The council deliberated on several issues, particularly the upcoming programs and events in the remaining months of 2008. Following are the highlights of the discussions during the meeting:

Western Diocese Sponsors Armenian Writers Association of America Publication

September 24, 2008 — In accordance with the decision of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, the Western Diocese will sponsor the latest publication of the most recent book by the Armenian Writers Association of America, titled: “DZAYN BAZMATZ.”

Mr. and Mrs. Antranik Zorayan Donated $10,000 to Orphans in Artsakh

September 24, 2008 — Mr. and Mrs. Zorayan recently have also donated $5,000 towards renovation projects at the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem. In addition to their generous contributions to the Western Diocese, either financially or through donating their time and expertise to various Diocesan projects, Mr. and Mrs. Antranik Zorayan are among the founding members of St. Mary Armenian Church of Costa Mesa. Mr. Zorayan is the Chair of the Cathedral Fundraising Committee.

$40,000 Donation by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Alyce Dorian toward Renovation Project of Western Diocese Chancellor’s Office

September 24, 2008 — This was not the first time that Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Alyce Dorian generously stepped forward to help with important office projects in the Western Diocese, which became necessary for the timely and professional execution as well as smooth flow of the workload at the Diocesan level. Thanks to the generous couple not so long ago the Western Diocese was able to construct its Computer Lab – lovingly dedicated to the memory of the donors’ parents: Khatchadourians and Ahramjians. The critical office-space expansions and improvements have proven to be tremendously important to the ever expanding operational scope and level of professionalism at the Western Diocese.

Mr. Liloyan’s weekend visit to Arizona

September 23, 2008 — Mr. Liloyan & Mr. Shaboyan joined the faithful during the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, September 21. We prayed together for our independent homeland and our brothers & sisters in Armenia and in the Diaspora. By the invitation of Rev. Fr Zacharia Saribekyan and the Armenian Apostolic Church of Arizona, the Consul General of the Republic of Armenia, His Excellency Armen Liloyan accompanied by Mesrob Shaboyan, the Deputy Consul General arrived at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport on Thursday, September 18. Rev. Fr. Zacharia Saribekyan, Dr. Stepan Ovanessoff, and Mr. Berj Manoogian greeted them at the airport in traditional Armenian style.

Top Armenian Officials Visited Western Diocese

September 23, 2008 — On September 17, 2008, a high-ranking delegation from the Republic of Armenia headed by His Excellency Nersess Yeritsyan, Minister of Economy, accompanied by His Excellency Armen Liloyan, Consul General of the republic in Los Angeles, and Consulate staff paid an official visit to the Diocesan headquarters, in Burbank, California. Diocesan and community leaders, including Mr. Joseph Kanimian, Esq., Chair of the Diocesan Council, lead by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, greeted the delegation inside the Paul Brothers’ Galleria at the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Diocesan Complex before proceeding to the Hampar Primate’s Reception Room where the luncheon and meeting was about to take place.

HIS EMINENCE ARCHBISHOP HOVNAN DERDERIAN, PRIMATE, PARTICIPATES IN THE BLESSING OF HOLY CHRISM AT THE MOTHER SEE OF HOLY ETCHMIADZIN

September 20, 2008 — Upon the invitation of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, will travel to Armenia on September 23, 2008, to participate in the Blessing of the Holy Muron on September 28, 2008. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian is the Chair of the Holy Muron Committee.

His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian at St. Gregory, Pasadena for Exaltation of the Holy Cross

September 19, 2008 — On Sunday, September 14, 2008, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church of Pasadena, was signified by the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, former Primate of the Western Diocese, who celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon.

W.D. Ladies' Auxiliary Committee to Raise $100,000

September 19, 2008 — It was just a few years ago when under the initiative of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, the Ladies’ Auxiliary Committee of the Western Diocese was formed in both southern and northern regions of California. Since then, the LAC has taken a leading role under the auspices of His Eminence in organizing various events for the Diocese. The LAC members and leadership have always been exemplary contributors to the life of the Diocese.

Christian Education Council Meeting

September 19, 2008 — On September 13, 2008, the Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, presided over the Christian Education Meeting at the Diocesan Headquarters. Ms. Zarouhi Der Mugrdechian, Chair of the Christian Education Council, conducted the meeting during which future CEC programs were considered and discussed in detail.

Western Diocese Endowment Fund Meeting

September 19, 2008 — Dr. Gary Lulejian, Chair of the Western Diocese Endowment Fund, conducted the meeting. Mr. Joseph Knanimian, Esq., Chair of the Diocesan Council,was also present during this meeting. Agenda items for the meeting included a report presentation by Mr. Ben Krikorian, WDEF Treasurer.

'An Evening with the President' Event in Honor of AGBU President

September 19, 2008 — The Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, represented the Western Diocese in absence of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, who was in Armenia at the time for the Holy Chrism preparatory ceremonies. Mr. Joseph Kanimian, Esq., Chair of the Diocesan Council also attended this event.

'AGBU History' Book Event

September 19, 2008 — The book event organized by the AGBU Regional Council was held at the Glendale Central Library, on September 12, 2008. Dickran Sarafian is the author of this book. Dr. Harout Sagherian introduced the book at the forum. Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian represented His Eminence at this book event.

Western Diocese Supports Establishment of Armenian Speaker PCF Position at LAUSD

September 19, 2008 — The Los Angeles Unified School District Personnel Commission convened for a regular meeting on Monday, September 8, 2008, 4:00 PM, at the LAUSD headquarters in downtown Los Angeles. The establishment of the Parent Community Facilitator (Armenian Language) job classification was discussed under agenda item number 12 during this meeting.

A.C.N.I.S to Mark 15th Anniversary Raffi Hovannisian to Participate in Los Angeles Opening

September 18, 2008 — Yerevan— The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) kicks off this fall a yearlong celebration of its fifteenth year at the helm of Armenia’s public policy research. Raffi K. Hovannisian, who founded the Center after serving as the Republic of Armenia’s first foreign minister, is scheduled to mark the anniversary in Los Angeles and several other cities before hosting the final celebration at ACNIS’s Yerevan headquarters in the fall of 2009.

ACYO Hosts Senior Sports Weekend in San Diego

September 17, 2008 — The Western Diocese is proud to announce that the Armenian Church Youth Organization will be hosting the historic first Senior Sports Weekend in San Diego, California, this upcoming weekend. Over 200 young-adults from throughout the Western Diocese are expected to attend the three day sports tournament. Saturday evening a gala reception will be held at St. John Garabed Armenian Church.

ORDINATION AND CONSECRATION OF DN. GRIGOR AVAGYAN AND DN. ARSEN HAYRAPETYAN TO THE PRIESTHOOD

September 17, 2008 — With great spiritual joy, and with sincere thanks to our Lord Jesus Christ, we announce the ordination and consecration of Dn. Grigor Avagyan and Dn. Arsen Hayrapetyan to the Priesthood by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, on Thursday, October 16, 2008, beginning at 6:30 PM, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Pasadena (2215 East Colorado Blvd. Pasadaena, CA 91107, Tel: (626)449-1523). Dn. Grigor Avagyan and Dn. Arsen Hayrapetyan are currently attending the Clermont School of Theology as full-time students.

‘We Build together:’ Sentiment of ‘the Rise of the Mother Cathedral’ Banquet

September 16, 2008 — On September 14, 2008, thanks to the tireless efforts of ‘The Rise of the Mother Cathedral’ Banquet Organizing Committee, the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Banquet Hall of the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Diocesan Complex was transformed to a beautiful platform for various segments of the community to express their love and support for the gradual and steady rise of the Mother Cathedral of the Western Diocese in Burbank, California. With the Grace of God, the construction of the Mother Cathedral is expected to be completed by the beginning of 2010. According to His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, the Mother Cathedral will be consecrated and dedicated immediately upon the completion of its construction by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

Primate Motivates Community Members at ‘the Rise of the Mother Cathedral’

September 16, 2008 — The evening was concluded by the moving remarks of His Eminence who had traveled earlier in the week to Armenia to participate in the preparatory ceremonies of the Holy Chrism in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. His Eminence conveyed the warm greetings and blessings of His Holiness Karekin II to the participants of ‘The Rise of the Mother Cathedral’ Banquet. The Primate reemphasized the critical importance of the Mother Cathedral “as an inspiration to all of us and that the dreams of our former Primates and Diocesan Councils are becoming reality.” According to His Eminence, the rise of the Mother Cathedral signified the success of the Western Diocese in recent years in reaching out to many more faithful in many places in the western region of the United States through the establishment or expansion of new parishes.

Exaltation of Holy Cross and Consecration of New Godfathers’ Cross-Stones at Western Diocese

September 16, 2008 — This year’s feast day of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was signified by the consecration of the cross-stones for the new Godfathers of the Mother Cathedral by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian. The Godfathers stood in front of the holy altar during the consecration rite.

Primate Visits St. Kevork Armenian Church in Glendale

September 11, 2008 — Assisted by Fr. Mampre Kesabyan, Pastor of St. Kevork Armenian Church and deacons, His Eminence celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon. A significant number of parishioners were present during the church service and received Holy Communion from the Primate.

St. Nersess the Graceful Medal Was Bestowed upon Mr. Krikor Diramerian

September 11, 2008 — On September 7, 2008, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, a reception was held in the Nazareth and Siam Kalaydjian Banquet Hall of the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Diocesan Complex, to honor one of the most recent recipients of St. Nersess the Graceful Medal from His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, Mr. Krikor Diramerian. The reception was organized by the AGBU and the Iraqi Armenian Association in Los Angeles.

28th Anniversary of Massis Weekly

September 11, 2008 — His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, accepted the invitation of the Massis Weekly auxiliary body and attended the 28th anniversary of the publication on September 7, 2008.

One-Day Bible Study Instructor Training Workshop Was Held at Western Diocese

September 11, 2008 — By the invitation of the Primate, Mrs. Debbie Derderian, from St. John Armenian Church of San Diego, conducted the workshop. Special emphasis was given to the effective methodologies employed in teaching the Bible to various age groups.

Choir Association Meeting

September 11, 2008 — The next AACCWD General Assembly will be held on November 7-9, 2008, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church – Pasadena.

Cathedral Building Committee Meeting

September 11, 2008 — On September 6, 2008, the Cathedral Building Committee convened for a meeting at the Diocese to discuss the progression of the construction of the Mother Cathedral in the Western Diocese. The Primate presided over the meeting.

Armenian Society of Los Angeles Saturday School Program

September 11, 2008 — With the blessings of Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, the Saturday School Program of the Armenian Society of Los Angeles reconvened for the new academic year on September 6, 2008.

National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia Performs in Glendale

September 11, 2008 — On September 6, 2006, The National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia performed at the Alex Theater, in Glendale, California. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, attended this concert.

110th Anniversary Committee Meeting

September 11, 2008 — The Committee will be coordinating the efforts of the Diocese and the community at large to hold a symposium in celebration the 110th anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Church in the United States, next year.

Armenian Writers Association of California Literary Evening in Glendale

September 11, 2008 — On September 4, 2008, Armenian literature fans gathered in the Glendale Public Library for a literary evening organized by the Armenian Writers Association of California dedicated to the 4th Conference of AWAOC in Armenia back in July of this year.

Vicar General Visits T.C.A. Arshag Dickranian Armenian School

September 11, 2008 — On September 4, 2008, On the occasion of the beginning of the new academic year, Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, accompanied by Archpriest Fr. Manoog Markarian, Pastor of St. John Armenian Church – Hollywood, visited the T.C.A. Arshag Dickranian School in Hollywood.

Primate's Pastoral Visit to Las Vegas Parish

September 10, 2008 — On August 24, 2008, the Primate celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at the Armenian Church of Las Vegas. During the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, Robert Mardirosi Bzdikian and Armen Asherian were ordained to the rank of Sub-Diaconate of the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church by the Primate. A reception was held following the church service.

Western Diocese Supports Establishment of Armenian Speaker PCF Position at LAUSDPC

September 9, 2008 — Remo Alexandri, Director of Communications of the Western Diocese, along with representatives from other community organizations, namely, the ANC-Western Region, the Committee for Armenian Student in Public Schools as well as several concerned parents and community activists attended this meeting and urged the LAUSD Personnel Commission to support the proposal, considering the large number of recent Armenian immigrants – with no or very little English language skills – in the City of Los Angeles. The matter was reagendized for further review in October.

YerazArt Upcoming Performances

September 9, 2008 — Sunday, September 28, 2008, 7:30pm Alex Theatre North Brand Boulevard Glendale, CA 91203 USA Co-Presented by Infinite Echo Entertainment Contact: Zoe Kevork Phone: 818-761-4204

Primate’s 2008 Schedule – Revised (SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR FURTHER MODIFICATIONS)

September 9, 2008 — September Sep.

THE FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

September 8, 2008 — On Sunday, September 14, 2008, the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross will be marked during the Divine Liturgy celebration and deliverance of the sermon in the temporary sanctuary of the Diocesan Headquarters by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.

Back to School at AGBU HS-P

September 5, 2008 — In the presence of Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, Father Bared Yeretsian, Pastor of St. Gregory Church, Mr. Sinan Sinanian, Chairman of the School Board of Trustees, Mr. Hagop Hagopian, School Principal, AGBU Representatives, parents and friends the AGBU High School – Pasadena started its 3rd academic year.

New Season of Christian Learning Begins at Western Diocese

September 3, 2008 — Under the auspices of the Primate of the Western Diocese, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the Fall-2008 Bible study sessions of the Western Diocese start September 3rd and 8th at two different locations listed below:

Fr. Avedis Visits Salt Lake City, Utah and Boise, Idaho

September 3, 2008 — In Boise, Idaho, Fr. Avedis Abovian celebrated the Divine Liturgy, delivered the sermon and met with the faithful.

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross: Celebrating the rise of the Mother Cathedral

September 3, 2008 — • The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross • Sunday, September 14, 2008 • On the Occasion of the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross • Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by • His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian

Primate Joined Little Angeles Art School to Begin the New School Year

September 3, 2008 — The eager youngsters greeted the Primate at Little Angeles Art School for the beginning of the school year.

Academic Year Began in AGBU Manoogian-Demirjian School in Canoga Park with Blessings from Primate

September 3, 2008 — The beginning of the School year was marked by the blessings offered by the Primate. Archpriest Fr. Shnork Demirjian, Pastor of St. Peter Armenian Church of Van Nuys accompanied His Eminence during the visit.

Primate Praises National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia and Sponsors

September 2, 2008 — On the occasion of the NCOA Private Donor Reception and Performance hosted by Mark and Paulette Gerogos, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, extends his warmest commendations to the National Chamber Orchestra of Armenia and the NCOA Principal Conductor and Artistic Director, Aram Gaharbekian for their genuine and profound contribution to the arts in Armenia and throughout the world. His Eminence commends the sponsors of the event and encourages the interested parties to contact Alina Koutnouyan from Friends of NCOA to learn about the remaining sponsorship opportunities.

Sixth Sanahin Institute

September 2, 2008 — This year the Institute was held at the Aldersgate Retreat Center in Pacific Palisades, California. Those involved with Christian Education in their parishes from Seattle, to San Diego and Phoenix, Arizona shared ideas and viewpoints on Armenian Orthodox theology, the Bible, and teaching methodologies.

Book-Event for "Murder at the Altar" Is Postponed

September 2, 2008 — Due to renovation projects and conflicting schedule with the preparatory activities for ‘The Rise of the Mother Cathedral’ Banquet on September 14, 2008, the “Murder at the Altar” (by Terry Phillips) book event, scheduled for September 10, 2008, has been postponed to a later date to be announced in the near future.