Western Diocese

November 2008 Archive

Artsakh President Bako Sahakyan Visits Western Diocese

November 26, 2008 — During a tea reception in the Armen and Gloria Hampar Reception Room, the Primate welcomed the esteemed guests headed by His Excellency Bako Sahakyan and stressed the importance of such encounters and meetings between the Armenian leadership of Diaspora and government officials from Armenia and Artsakh to warm the relationship between the different segments of our people throughout the world and become more united in our forefathers faith, in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Primate Calls on Faithful to Participate in Armenia Fund Telethon

November 26, 2008 — Open your hearts and give, for “you will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God; for the rendering of this service not only supplies the wants of the saints but also overflows in many thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinth. 11-12).

Prayer Breakfast in Honor of L.A. Councilman Dennis Zine

November 25, 2008 — The Honorable Dennis P. Zine, Los Angeles City Councilman, representing the Third District, was the Guest Speaker at a Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, November 22, 2008, beginning at 9:30 AM. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate presided over the Prayer Breakfast which was held at the Diocesan Complex in the Armen and Gloria Hampar Reception Room. His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, Joseph Kanimian, Esq., Chair of the Diocesan Council, and several other clergy and other Diocesan affiliates were among the attendees at the Prayer Breakfast.

Armenia Fund Reception

November 25, 2008 — In the evening of Sunday November 23, 2008, Artsakh President Bako Sahakyan, RA Los Angeles Consul General Armen Liloyan and RA Minister of Diaspora Harnoush Hakobyan attended the Armenia Fund reception. The Primate also attended this reception.

Primate Visits Woodbury University

November 25, 2008 — His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, kindly accepting the invitation of the Woodbury Armenian Student Association to the students' Thanksgiving event, attended the gathering on November 17, 2008, accompanied by Fr. Avedis Abovian, Youth Director of the Western Diocese.

Primate Visits Arizona

November 25, 2008 — On November 21, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, traveled to Arizona for discussions regarding the ongoing construction of St. Apkar Armenian Church of Arizona.

Primate of Artsakh Celebrates the Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory, Pasadena

November 25, 2008 — On November 23, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Barkev Mardirossian, Primate of the Diocese of Artsakh, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church of Pasadena.

HASK Event

November 25, 2008 — The Armenian American Community Center – widely recognized by its Armenian acronym HASK – has played a constructive role in the local Armenian-American community since its founding a few years ago. We are proud to once again acknowledge the enthusiastic and positive contribution of this grass-root organization to the Armenian-American community in the region and beyond.

Primate Celebrates the Divine Liturgy, Ordains Acolytes at the Diocese

November 25, 2008 — On Sunday, November 23, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, assisted by Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, Burbank Parish Priest, and deacons celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon and ordained two acolytes in the temporary sanctuary of the Western Diocese in Burbank, Califonria. Remo Alexandri, Director of the Communications Department of the Western Diocese, and Tigran Khachikyan were ordained to the rank of Forth Degree Acolyte of the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church. Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, also participated in the church service.

Hunchakian Party Turns 121

November 25, 2008 — On Saturday November 22, 2008, the Hunchakian Social Democratic Party marked its 121st anniversary at United Community Church in Glendale, California. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, accompanied by several Diocesan clergy attended this event.

Commemorative Event at Montebello

November 25, 2008 — On Saturday, November 22, 2008, members of the Armenian community congregated around the Armenian Genocide Monument in Montebello, California, to join Senator Serjio Nahabedian of Buenos Ayres of Argentina and pay their respect to the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide.

RA Minister of Diaspora at Western Diocese

November 25, 2008 — In her presentation, Her Excellency Hranoush Hakobyan noted that the ministry was primarily created in response to the numerous requests by the Diaspora Armenians. She specially stressed the importance of the Armenian Church as the epicenter of the Armenian identity revitalization efforts, pursued by the Ministry of Diaspora.

LSCC Meeting

November 25, 2008 — On November 21, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, presided over the Ladies Societies Central Council meeting. Mrs. Araxie Boyamian, Chair of the LSCC, conducted the meeting.

Primate’s Visit to Davdian-Mariamian Educational Foundation Program in Glendale

November 25, 2008 — On November 20, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, accompanied by Fr. Avedis Abovian, Youth Director, visited the Davidian-Mariamian Educational Foundation participating-school R. D. White Elementary School in Glendale.

Primate’s Visit to Davdian-Mariamian Educational Foundation Program in Burbank

November 25, 2008 — On November 18, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, accompanied by Fr. Avedis Abovian, Youth Director, visited the Davidian-Mariamian Educational Foundation participating-school Miller E.S. in Burbank, California. The Primate spent a considerable amount of time to talk to a gathering of more than sixty students about various religious topics, in a plain and understandable language for the children.

LMU – DTS Assistant Professor Fr. Dorian Llywelyn Visits Western Diocese

November 25, 2008 — The issue of mutual cooperation between the university and the Diocese, i.e. admission of Diocesan Priesthood-Candidate Students to the LMU was considered and discussed during this meeting.

OOC Youth Gathering

November 24, 2008 — On Saturday November 22, 2008, Reverend Father Avedis Abovian, Reverend Father Muron Aznikian, Reverend Father John Saif, Father John Mikhail and approximately 80 youth members from the Oriental Orthodox Churches of Southern California joined together at the Angeles National Forest campsite in Mt. Baldy, CA for the OOC Youth Gathering.

Farewell Reception in Honor of Fr. Mikael Kyureghyan

November 24, 2008 — For more than 15 years Fr. Mikael Kyureghyan has dedicatedly served as the Pastor of the Armenian Church of La Verne during which he was able to effectively organize the Parish with the help of the Parish Council and the Ladies’ Society. Archpriest Fr. Sipan Mekhsian, Chancellor of the Western Diocese, representing the Primate, read the message of His Eminence wherein the distinguished service of the retiring Parish Priest was highly praised and acknowledged by the Primate of the Western Diocese.

Guest Clergy from Eastern Diocese Celebrates Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory, Pasadena

November 24, 2008 — A special message from the Primate was read by Parish Priest Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretsian. In His message the Primate highly praises Archpriest Fr. Mampre Kouzouian by refereeing to his reputation as ‘brave clergy’ who cares deeply, and is loved and respected by clergy and laity alike. A reception was held in the Yegavian Hall following the church service.

Former Primate Celebrates Divine Liturgy in St. John, San Diego

November 24, 2008 — On the 31st anniversary of the establishment of the St. John Armenian Church in San Diego, His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian accompanied by guest-clergy from the Eastern Diocese, Archpriest Fr. Garnig Hallajian, visited St. John Armenian Church – San Diego, and celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon, assisted by Parish Priest Archpriest Fr. Datev Tatoulian and deacons. A reception was held following the church service.

Primate’s Pastoral Visit to the Armenian Church of Desert

November 24, 2008 — On November 16, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, accompanied by Dn. Razmik Sargissian, paid a pastoral visit to the Armenian Church of Desert in Rancho Mirage (near Palm Spring). During his pastoral visit, the Primate celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon. A reception was held following the church service. Afterwards, the Primate met with the Parish Council and was briefed by the members about the state of the Parish in the area.

Fr. Tavit Zelveyan Attends Gomidas Choir Program

November 24, 2008 — On Sunday, November 16, 2008, the Debut Concert of Gomidas Choir, organized by the Armenian Youth Association of California, was held at the Glendale Presbyterian Church. Fr. Tavit Zelveyan represented the Diocese at this event.

WD Vicar General AAEF 4th Anniversary Gala Banquet

November 24, 2008 — On Sunday, November 16, 2008, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, and His Excellency Mr. Armen Liloyan, Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles, the Anoushavan Abrahamian Educational Fund Fourth Annual Gala Banquet was held in Plladio Restaurant Club in Glendale, CA. Professor Richard Hrair Dekmejian, Professor of Political Science at USC College and of International Business at the Marshall School was the keynote speaker at the event.

Saturday Meetings at the Diocesan Headquarters

November 24, 2008 — • Diocesan Council meeting • Cathedral Building Committee meeting • Camp Board of Directors meeting was convened at the Diocesan Camp site, conducted by Chairperson Kenny Melkonian

Good Samaritan Organization Meeting

November 24, 2008 — On November 13, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, presided over the Good Samaritan Organization meeting. Burbank Parish Priest Fr. Khajag Shabazyan also participated in this meeting. The Good Samaritan Organization was a brain child of the Primate that was formed to coordinate Diocesan spiritual and financial support for the needy families in the area, through funds raised specifically for this purpose by the GSO.

Very Rev. Fr. Mekhitar Grigoryan Visits Western Diocese

November 24, 2008 — On November 13, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, received Very Rev. Fr. Mkhitar Grigoryan from the Diocese of Ararat, in his office at the Diocesan Headquarters. Very Rev. Fr. Mekhitar Grigoryan also met with the Diocesan Staff.

LMU Confers to Archbishop Demetrios Honorary Doctorate Degree

November 24, 2008 — Archbishop Demetrios of America was awarded an honorary doctorate in humane letters by Loyola Marymount University during a solemn conferral ceremony held in the university’s Sacred Heart Chapel, yesterday afternoon.

LSCC Pilgrimage to Western Diocese

November 24, 2008 — On Wednesday, November 12, 2008, the Central Council of the Ladies Society of the Western Diocese held the "Pilgrimage Day to the Diocese." Over 70 women from various parishes of the Western Diocese participated in this unique Pilgrimage. Also, seven clergymen and other church affiliates were present during the pilgrimage (the complete version of this communiqué has been sent out separately).

USAPAC Event in Western Diocese

November 24, 2008 — On Wednesday, November 12, 2008, the U.S. – Armenia Public Affairs Committee event was held in the Armen and Gloria Hampar Primate’s Reception Room of the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Diocesan Complex. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, in his remarks lauded the importance of the USAPAC and the great job done by its leadership led by the USAPAC Executive Director Mr. Ross Vartian.

La Verne, Antelope Valley and Santa Clarita Parish Priests and PC Chairmen Met with Primate

November 24, 2008 — On November 11, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, welcomed La Verne Parish Priest Fr. Mikael Kyureghyan, La Verne Parish Council Chair, Santa Clarita Parish Council Chair, Antelope Valley Visiting Parish Priest Archpriest Fr. Nareg Matarian, and Antelope Valley Parish Council Chair to his office at the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank, California.

Primate Visits Fresno

November 24, 2008 — On November 11, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, accompanied by Mashdots Jobanian, Director of Religious Education of the Western Diocese, paid a day long pastoral visit to Fresno.

Primate Presides over Special Meeting of St. Gregory (Pasadena) Parish Assembly

November 24, 2008 — On November 10, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, presided over the special meeting of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church of Pasadena Parish Assembly. The meeting was conducted by Mr. Avo Markarian. Several critically important issues pertaining to the life of the Parish were discussed during this meeting.

Guest Clergy Visit Western Diocese

November 24, 2008 — On November 10, 2008, Archpriest Fr. Garnig Hallajian and Archpriest Fr. Mampre Kouzouian, guests of His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, accompanied by the former Primate himself paid a cordial visit to His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, at his office in the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank, California. The Primate extended an invitation to the guest clergy to attend to the Diocesan events during their stay in Los Angeles.

Pilgrimage to HOLY LAND

November 21, 2008 — To Celebrate Palm Sunday and Easter in Jerusalem On April 10, 2009 – April 22, 2009

Getting Rid of Landmines and Cluster Bombs in Nagorno Karabakh

November 18, 2008 — Nagorno Karabakh, which over the last decade has had some of the world's most dangerous ground to walk on, is turning a corner. After working steadily in the region since 2000, The HALO Trust, an international charity, has cleared more than 26 square kilometres of minefields and 125 square kilometers of battlefields, and destroyed 51,600 landmines, cluster bombs and other unexploded ordnance (UXO). Statistics show just 5 casualties in 2007 and 10 in the first ten months of 2008, markedly down from the 2004 peak of 43.

2008 AACCWD Assembly

November 16, 2008 — The 6th annual assembly of the Association of Armenian Church Choirs-Western Diocese (AACCWD) was held on November 7-9, 2008. The successful event was hosted by St. Gregory Armenian Church of Pasadena. Under the leadership of Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretsian, Mrs. Elise Tashjian, Choir Director and other choir members the event was a huge success.

LSCC Pilgrimage to the Diocese

November 16, 2008 — On Wednesday, November 12, 2008, the Central Council of the Ladies Society of the Western Diocese held the “Pilgrimage Day to the Diocese.” Over 70 women from various parishes of the Western Diocese participated in this unique Pilgrimage. Also, seven clergymen and other church affiliates were present during the pilgrimage.

Primate Attends the Armenian Eyecare Project Event

November 16, 2008 — On November 9, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian attended the Armenian Eyecare Project event in Newport Beach, California. The project’s mission is to eliminate preventable blindness and make eye care accessible to all Armenians. Mr. and Mrs. Nishan and Ruby Ann Derderian were honored during the event. Mr. and Mrs. Nishan and Ruby Ann Derderian are one of the Godfathers couples of the Mother Cathedral of the Western Diocese.

Archpriest Fr. Vartan Kasparian Represents the Primate at National Council of Churches

November 16, 2008 — Archpriest Fr. Vartan Kasparian, Pastor of St. Mary Armenian Church of Yettem, accompanied by Fr. Zaven Markosyan, Pastor of the Armenian Church of Denver, represented the Primate at this year’s Assembly in Denver, Colorado. On November 12, 2008, the annual General Assembly of the National Council of Churches USA and Church World Service convened Tuesday for its three-day annual meeting in the Renaissance Denver Hotel in Denver.

Guest Clergy to Celebrate the Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory, Pasadena

November 16, 2008 — • Sunday, November 16, 2008: Archpriest Fr. Mampre Kouzouian. • Sunday, November 23, 2008: His Eminence Archbishop Barkev Mardirosian, Primate of Artsakh.

APN/Western Diocese, Ararat-Eskijian Museum and Ararat Home Valley Guild honor Armenian Veterans

November 16, 2008 — In recognition of the selfless heroism of Armenian men and women who have served with distinction in the United States Armed Forces, “A Historic Tribute to Veterans” was held on Sunday, November 9, 2008, at 2 p.m., in the Ararat Home’s Sheen (Goevkalayjian) Chapel, Mission Hills, CA. The event was planned, organized, and presented by the Armenian Professionals Network (APN), in collaboration with the Ararat-Eskijian Museum and the Ararat Home of Los Angeles Valley Guild, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.

WD Youth Director Visits Ventura County Parish

November 16, 2008 — On November 7, 2008, Fr. Avedis Abovian, WD Youth Director, visited the Armenian Church of Ventura County and met with the Parish ACYO members. Parish Priest Fr. Hovel Ohanyan introduced the visiting clergy from the Diocese and encouraged the youth to discuss their issues with the Diocesan Youth Director.

Sixth Annual Saint Finbar Harvest Ball Was Held at Western Diocese

November 16, 2008 — As a gesture of Christian fellowship between the Armenian and Roman Catholic Churches, the sixth annual Saint Finbar Harvest Ball was held on November 7, 2008, at the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Banquet Hall of the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Diocesan Complex in Burbank, California. Monsignor Marc Trudeau, Priest Secretary to His Eminence Cardinal Roger Mahony Archbishop of the Los Angeles Archdiocese, and Burbank City Councilmember Anja Reinke were recognized with the “Harvest of Faith” award that they received in recognition of their outstanding role in the community.

Primate Visits Area Armenia Schools

November 16, 2008 — Throughout the month of October the Primate visited the Hovsepian School in Pasadena, and the Arshag Dickranian School in Hollywood. During November he visisted Merdinian School, AGBU High School in Pasadena, AGBU Manoogian –Demirdjian School in Canoga Park and Sahag Mesrob School in Altadena. The Primate was accompanied by Fr. Avadis Abovian, Youth Director for the Western Diocese.

Church Representatives Visit Western Diocese

November 16, 2008 — On November 3, 2008, Rev. Dr. Gwynne Guibord, Chief Officer of Ecumenical and Interreligious Concerns for the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, met with the Primate at the Diocese. Fr. John Bakas of the Greek Orthodox Church also visited His Eminence at the Diocesan Headquarters on the same day.

Meet Her Excellency Hranush Hakobyan, Minister of Diaspora

November 14, 2008 — Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America Invites You to: An Event honoring Her Excellency Hranush Hakobyan, Minister of Diaspora - Republic of Armenia On November 19, 2008 At 7:30 PM

ST. PETER ARMENIAN CHURCH IN VAN NUYS CELEBRATES ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY WITH A LAVISH BANQUET

November 13, 2008 — On Saturday, November 8, 2008, St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church of Van Nuys, California celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a lavish Banquet at the AGBU Manoogian Demirjian School Nazarian Hall in Canoga Park. The event was held under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, and was organized by St. Peter Church 50th Anniversary Celebration Committee.

CYMA 5 Year Reunion a Huge Success

November 13, 2008 — The CYMA Executive Committee is proud to announce the completion of the CYMA 5 year reunion. On Saturday, November 8, 40 CYMA Participants came together for a reunion of all five CYMA missions taking place from 2004-2008.

5TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BALL OF THE WESTERN DIOCESETO BE HELD DECEMBER 6TH - UPDATED

November 11, 2008 — Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, the 5th Amnual Christmas Ball of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America will be held on December 6, 2008 at the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Hall, Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Diocesan Complex at 3325 North Glenoaks Boulevard in Burbank. The festivities will begin with a Gala Reception at 7:00 p.m., followed by dinner and dancing at 8:00 p.m.

Vartkes Kourouyan: A Recipient of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Medal

November 7, 2008 — Mr. Vartkes Kourouyan, the long time principal of TCA Arshag Dickranian School in Hollywood, joined the rank of esteemed recipients of the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Medal – granted by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

Khachadourian Choir Turns 30

November 7, 2008 — Mr. Retik Apamyan, Mr. Armen Asikyan, Dr. Hovannes K. Avedikyan, Dr. Arto Ersan Hatcherian, Avedis Tekolyan, Dn. Onig Balian, Dn. Stepan Gozumian, Mr. Kevork Gulbenkian, Mr. Garbis Hagopyan, Mrs. Nizamian (on behalf of late Mr. Yetvart Nizamyan), Dn. Sarkis Setyan, and Mr. Hrac Setyan received Commendation Certificates from His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, for their wonderful service to the Church as the founding members of the Khachadourian Choir.

Akhtamar Dance Ensemble Performs in Glendale

November 7, 2008 — By the invitation of the Tekeyan Cultural Association and Organization of Istanbul Armenians, more than 40 young members of the Akhtamar Dance Ensemble of St. Thomas of New Jersey traveled to Glendale, California, and performed at the Hall of Glendale High school on November 2, 2008.

Debutante Ball Meeting at Mr. and Mrs. Hampar’s Residence

November 7, 2008 — In the Sunday afternoon, November 2, 2008, Mr. and Mrs. Hampar graciously hosted the Debutante Ball Organizing Committee reception and meeting at their residence.

Vicar General Visits St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church, Pasadena

November 7, 2008 — On Sunday, November 2, 2008, Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, paid a pastoral visit to St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Pasadena and met with the Sunday School Students. The Vicar General offered the sermon upon the conclusion of the celebration of the Divine Liturgy by Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretsian, Parish Priest.

Primate Meets with Woodbury University ASA

November 7, 2008 — The Woodbury University Armenian Students Association has enjoyed the moral and financial support of the Western Diocese in organizing various events at the Diocesan Headquarters and on the university campus just across the street from the Diocese.

Oriental Orthodox Sunday School Student Contest

November 7, 2008 — On Saturday, November 1, 2008, nearly 200 enthusiastic students from various sister Oriental Orthodox Churches in the greater Los Angeles area gathered in St. Mary Armenian Church in Glendale. The day began with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and distribution of the Holy Communion among the participating youth.

Primate Visited T.C.A. Arshag Dickranian School

November 7, 2008 — School staff members headed by Mr. Vartkes Kourouian, Principal, expressed their deep appreciation for the Primate’s visit. Archpriest Fr. Manoog Markarian, Pastor of St. John Armenian Church of Hollywood, and Fr. Avedis Abovian, Youth Director, accompanied His Eminence during this school visitation.

Mother Cathedral Godfathers and Benefactors Gather in Western Diocese

November 7, 2008 — Joseph Kanimian, Esq., Chair of the Diocesan Council, in his remarks thanked the dedicated members of all three Cathedral Committees and their important role in the ever successful progression of the project. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, expressed his gratefulness for the rising of the Mother Cathedral and thanked all those who, with the Grace of God, had brought their participation in this God-pleasing project.

Primate Visits Hovsepian School in Pasadena

November 7, 2008 — The Primate was enthusiastically greeted by school children, teachers and staff members headed by Mr. Shahe Mangerian, School Principal. He welcomed the Primate and expressed his deep appreciation for his pastoral visit to the school. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian expressed his appreciation for the excellent quality of education at the school and offered words of advice to the students. The primate presented the students with small crosses as a reminder of their faith and Christian values.

Western Diocese Supports Armenia Fund Bike Ride

November 7, 2008 — On October 28, 2008, Armenian-Canadian bikers, Mrs. Calabrina Boyajian and her husband Ara Boyajian arrived in San Francisco and were received by the enthusiastic members of the local Armenian-American community, including Fr. Datev Harutyunian, Pastor of St. Andrew Armenian Church of Santa Clara Vally, before starting their 350 mile bike-ride from Monterey to Los Angeles. Proceeds from the ride will benefit the construction of a new school in Spitakashen, a remote village in the Martuni region of Armenia.

DMEF President Visits Western Diocese

November 7, 2008 — On October 27, 2008, Mr. Vahig Zadourian, President of the Davidian and Mariamian Educational Foundation, during his visit to the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank, California, was received by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate.

Court Clergy Conference

November 7, 2008 — Panels including judges, police officers, commissioners and ministers addressed several topics, namely, presentation by LAPD Deputy Chief Michael Moore, drug abuse, elder abuse, adult criminal proceeding, juvenile delinquency proceedings, domestic violence and family issues, presentation by Attorney Marge Graf and immigration courts. Remo Alexandri, Director of the Communications Department of the Western Diocese, attended the conference.

“Echoes of Faith” Resonates in Western Diocese

November 4, 2008 — His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, in his remarks expressed his deep appreciation to Archpriest Fr. Arshen Aivazian for his inspirational “Echoes of Faith.” The book, according to the Primate, could become an important source for enriching sermons prepared by the Diocesan clergy, for it was a collection of original Christian intellectual treasures. As a token of appreciation, His Eminence presented the Reverend Father with a pectoral cross.

Primate's Schedule for November 2008

November 4, 2008 — Nov. 5 Primate visits AGBU Manoogian-Demirjian (Pasadena) and Merdinian schools Nov. 6 Primate visits AGBU Manoogian-Demirjian School in Canoga Park

Diocesan Clergy Conference

November 3, 2008 — On October 28, 2008, Clergy from throughout the Diocese arrived at the Diocesan Headquarters for the Third Annual Clergy Conference. Majority of the Diocesan Clergy from throughout the western regions of the United States attended the daylong conference. The day began with the Morning Prayer and readings from the Holy Bible.

200 Celebrate at Santa Barbara Armenian Church Picnic

November 3, 2008 — The picnic was successful in many ways including providing a lively forum for welcoming several faithful Church members from St. Peter Armenian Church of Glendale and our sister parish, the Armenian Church of Ventura County, into Santa Barbara’s local Church community for a day. We are especially grateful to those who came the long distances to support our parish.