Western Diocese

May 2009 Archive

Youth Activities in the Western Diocese

The Annual ACYO Sports Weekend Tournament of the Western Diocese, organized by ACYO and WAAA (Western Armenian Athletic Association), was held in Fresno. Over 200 Armenian youth participated in sporting events ranging from tennis to basketball during the weekend of May 22-24 (Memorial weekend). More details will follow in the upcoming days.

Diocesan Delegation Participates in World Vision Emergency Response Workshop

On May 14, 2009, a Diocesan delegation headed by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, attended a special workshop at the headquarters of World Vision in Pasadena, California, titled: Emergency Response: Resource Development and Church Preparedness.

Primates Meets with Oriental Orthodox Youth

On May 14, 2009, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, met with a group of youth from the Oriental Orthodox Churches. Several programs, including the youth retreat program and the meeting of the religious leaders, were discussed during the meeting.

Diocesan Council Meeting

On May 16, 2009, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, presided over the Diocesan Council meeting. Joseph Kanimian, Esq., Chair of the Diocesan Council, conducted the meeting. The Primate outlined his vision for the next eight years.

Primate Celebrates the Divine Liturgy at St. James, Sacramento

On Sunday, May 17, 2009, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. James Armenian Church in Sacramento. Rev. Fr. Asoghig Jamgochian, Parish Priest, and Deacons assisted the Primate at the holy altar.

Masis Weekly Representatives Met with the Primate

On May 15, 2009, Dr. Arshag Kazanjian and Mr. Kapriel Moloyan, Masis Weekly representatives, visited the Diocese and met with His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate.

Primate’s Schedule: May 21-June 5, 2009

May 21 “HAMPARTZUM” at the Diocesan Headquarters, including the celebration of the Divine Liturgy; Dorothy Maratian Art Exhibition; the Little Angles School visitation of His Eminence on the occasion of the Feast Day of Ascension of Christ our Lord and Savior

Raffi Hovannisian Visits the Diocese

On May 11, 2009, Raffi Hovannisian, former Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia, visited the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank, California, and met with the Primate.

St. Gregory (Pasadena) Special Parish Assembly Meeting

On May 12, 2009, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, presided over St. Gregory (Pasadena) Special Parish Assembly meeting. The renovation of the hall of the church was considered and discussed during this meeting.

La Vern Parish Council Meets with the Primate

On May 12, 2009, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, met with Rev. Fr. Diran Avagyan, Parish Priest, and members of the Parish Council. During the meeting, the Primate provided practical advices to the Parish leadership to improve and strengthen the Parish in La Verne.

His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, Confirms the Vote of Confidence of the 82nd Diocesan Assembly to the Primate for a Second Seven-Year Term in the Western Diocese

The Office of the Western Diocese is pleased to announce that in a letter dated May 13, 2009, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, confirmed the decision of the 82nd Diocesan for a second seven-year term Primacy of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian in the Western Diocese

Primate Attends Armenian Bar Association 20th Anniversary Gala Banquet

On May 9, 2009, the Armenian Bar Association celebrated its 20th anniversary during a gala banquet held at Glendale Hilton Hotel, Glendale, California. The program began with the invocation offered by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate. Governor George Deukmejian was the keynote speaker for the evening. Raffi K. Hovannisian was this year’s recipient of Hrant Dink Freedom Award. Vicken I. Simonian was honored with the Public Service Award, and Ann Lousin with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

APN: Divine Liturgy for Faithful with Hearing Disabilities

Preparations are also under way to facilitate the comprehension of the Badarak to those who cannot hear. An initial plan of action was drafted and an inventory of necessary materials and equipment were listed. With the support of His Eminence, involvement of members of the APN, and input from our youth this noteworthy undertaking will ensure that the teachings of the Armenian Apostolic Church are extended beyond the mainstream to include community members with special needs.

Glendale Religious Leaders Association Meet at the City of Glendale City Manager’s Conference Room

Remo Alexandri, Director of the Department of Communications of the Western Diocese, representing the Primate, attended this meeting. According to an agreement reached by the Diocesan Representative, the City Clerk and the President of the GRLA, Armenian Clergy from the Western Diocese will periodically offer the invocation during the Glendale City Council meetings, which are held regularly on every Tuesday, starting at 6:00 PM, broadcasted on Channel 6, Charter Communications-Glendale.

New Property Acquired by Armenian Church of La Canada and Crescenta Valley Was Blessed by the Primate

On Friday, May 8, 2009, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, accompanied by the Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretzian, Cathedral Construction Special Assistant to the Primate, and Joseph Kanimian, Esq., Chair of the Diocesan Council, attended the official blessing ceremony of the newly purchased properties of the Armenian Church of La Canada and Crescenta Valley, located at 2767 and 2773 Foothill Blvd, La Crescenta, California.

ANC-Burbank Honors Supervisor Antonovich

On May 8, 2009, the Armenian National Committee-Burbank Chapter honored The Honorable Michael D. Antonovich Los Angeles County Supervisor, during the annual banquet of the organization. “Supervisor Antonovich will be recognized by the ANC of Burbank for his unwavering support for U.S. recognition of the Armenian Genocide and efforts to increase awareness among Los Angeles County residents of this crime against humanity” stated ANC Burbank spokesman Stepan Boyajian.

Cathedral Dome Successfully Installed

With the installation of the dome of the Cathedral of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North American, the construction project entered a new phase on Wednesday, May 13, 2009.

Saturday Meetings at the Diocesan Headquarters

On June 28th, the completion of the first phase of the construction project and the opening of the new Parking lot – built over the flood-channel located between the Diocesan property and I-5 – will be celebrated at the Diocesan Headquarters during a special cultural event and reception, starting at 6:00 PM. Admission is free.

Primate Presides over the Divine Liturgy at the Diocesan Headquarters (Burbank Parish)

The liturgy concluded by the procession of chanting clergy, deacons, choir members and faithful headed by the Primate to the entrance of the building where the latest installed cross-stone – dedicated to “Diramayr” Mrs. Janet Derderian, mother of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate – was consecrated by His Eminence, assisted by the Diocesan Clergy, on the joyous occasion of the Mother’s Day.

Guest Clergy from Armenia

The Very Rev. Fr. Bartev Barseghyan and Rev. Fr. Aram Mirzoyan, who had traveled earlier to the Western Diocese as guest-clergy participants to the 82nd Diocesan Assembly from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon in two different churches in the Western Diocese.

THE BLESSING OF NEW CHURCH GROUNDS AND KHATCHKARS OF THE ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF LA CAÑADA AND CRESCENTA VALLEY

On Friday, May 8, 2009, with the presence of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretzian, Parish Priest Rev. Archpriest Fr. Hovsep Hagopian, deacons, acolytes, and a large crowd of parish members, the blessing of the new church grounds of the Armenian Apostolic Church of La Cañada and Crescenta Valley took place.

Armenian Professionals Network (APN) Holds Planning Meeting for 2009 Tribute to Veterans

The first planning meeting of the APN 2009 Tribute to Veterans Committee was held on Saturday, May 9, from 10am to noon, at St. Peter’s Armenian Apostolic Church in Van Nuys. This annual event, organized in recognition of the selfless heroism of Armenian men and women who have served with distinction in the United States Armed Forces, is scheduled to be held on Sunday, November 8, beginning at 12:30pm, in St. Peter’s Church, under the auspices

Diocese to Host Parish Website Workshop

The Diocese is proud to announce that on June 20th the Parish Website Workshop will be held at the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank, CA. The purpose of this workshop will be to provide hands on instruction regarding the concepts and methods of managing a website for the parishes of the Western Diocese.

Cathedral Dome to Be Installed on May 13th, at 2:00 PM

With the Grace of God, the dome of the Cathedral of the Western Diocese will be installed on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at 2:00 PM. The Office of the Western Diocese is pleased to inform our beloved faithful that the construction progress continues successfully and in the near future we will witness the completed Cathedral as a testimony to the faith of our exemplary forefathers in this part of the world.

Diocese Bid Farewell to Rev. Archpriest Fr. Vartan Dulgarian

On May 2, 2009, a longtime servant of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and Senior Diocesan Clergyman, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Vartan Dulgarian passed away at nearly one hundred years of age.

Primate’s Pastoral Visit to the Armenian Church of the Desert

On Sunday, May 3, 2009, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, paid a pastoral visit to the Armenian Church of the Desert. His Eminence, assisted by Dn. Samuel Chalgujian and Dn. Christopher Markarian, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon. In his sermon, the Primate also spoke about the 82nd Diocesan Assembly that had just concluded the day before at St. James Armenian Church in Los Angeles.

Mother’s Day Appreciation Luncheon Hosted by APN

Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, the Armenian Professionals Network hosted a Mother’s Day Appreciation luncheon for all the remarkable mothers and grandmothers residing at Ararat Home, in Mission Hills.

Armenian American Medical Society of California Annual Banquet

The Very Rev. Fr. Baret Yeretzian, Cathedral Construction Assistant to the Primate, represented His Eminence at this event. Fr. Baret offered the invocation for the event and blessed the tables. He also read the message of the Primate wherein His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian thanked the AAMSC for their humanitarian and God-pleasing service in Armenia, Artsakh and Diaspora.

Armenian International Medical Fund Gala Dinner

On May 3, 2009, a spectacular and memorable gala dinner – organized by the Armenian International Medical Fund – was held at the Glendale Hilton Hotel, in Glendale, California. Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, Burbank Parish Priest, represented the Primate at this event. The AIM Fund was celebration another successful year.

Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School Turns 29

On May 3, 2009, the Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School celebrated its 29th anniversary at the Ararat Home Deukmejian Grand Ballroom in Mission Hills, California. Rev. Archpriest Fr. Hovsep Hagopian, representing the Primate, attended this festive event.

Primate's 2009 Annual Report

The Primate's Annual report, as presented to the Diocesan Assembly, and the photos of 2008 in Review.

82ND DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY

The first session of the 82nd Diocesan Assembly commenced at 9:00 AM, May 1, 2009, at St. James Armenian Church in Los Angeles, California, beginning at 10:10 AM with the invocation offered by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Bible readings in English and Armenian by Rev. Archpriest Fr. Shnork Demerjian and Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, and a requiem service for the repose of the souls of late Diocesan Clergy, especially Rev. Archpriest Fr. Mesrob Sarafian and Mr. John Yaldezian, who passed away recently.

82nd Diocesan Assembly Banquet

On May 1, 2009, following the day-long meetings of the 82nd Diocesan Assembly, a banquet was held on the annual occasion starting at 6:00 PM, at the Gogian Hall of St. James Armenian Church of Los Angeles. Members and delegates of the Diocesan Clergy Conference, the 57th Ladies Society Assembly, and the 82nd Diocesan Assembly joined His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian at this celebratory event and enjoyed a warm and festive evening with other faithful from throughout the Diocese.

82nd Diocesan Assembly – Final Meeting

The 82nd Diocesan Assembly convened for its third and last meeting on Saturday, May 2, 2009, starting at 9:00 AM, at St. James Armenian Church of Los Angeles. The meeting began with religious prayers and Bible readings. The Primate asked the audience to jointly sing “DER VOGHORMIA” for one of the Senior Diocesan Clergy, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Vartan Dulgarian, who had just passed away. Adrienne Krikorian, Chair of the 82nd Diocesan Assembly, announced that a quorum was reached and the 82nd Diocesan Assembly proceeded with the annual elections.

Annual Clergy Assembly Held at St. James, Los Angeles

On April 29, 2009, the Annual Clergy Assembly of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America convened as part of the 82nd Diocesan Assembly at St. James Armenian Church in Los Angeles, California. 45 Diocesan Clergy along with a number of Diocesan Priesthood-Candidates and Deacons brought their participation to this session. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, presided over the assembly meeting.

57th Ladies Society Assembly

On April 30, 2009, beginning at 9:45 AM, the 57th Ladies Society Assembly, as part of the 82nd Diocesan Assembly, convened for its day-long meeting at St. James Armenian Church in Los Angeles. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, presided over the meeting - chaired by Mrs. Araxie Boyamian, Chair of the Ladies Society Central Council. Mrs. Ani Lanuza, Rec. Secretary of the Ladies Society Central Council, conducted the meeting.

Clergy Gathering at Mr. and Mrs. Robert Barsam’s Residence

The gathering was dedicated to the Stewardship Program of the Western Diocese. Dn. Dr. Sarkis Mesrobian, Chair of St. James Parish Council, on behalf of the church in Los Angeles, pledged $10,000.00 to the Stewardship Program of the Western Diocese.

Announcement of Passing Away of Rev. Archpriest Fr. Vartan Dulgarian

The funeral service will be held at Masis-Ararat Cemetery in Fresno on the following day, May 7, 2009, at 1:00 PM. The funeral service will be headed by Rev. Archpriest Fr. Arshen Aivazian, Pastor of St. Paul Armenian Church in Fresno.

Armenian Apostolic Church of Ventura County Hold Ecumenical Joint Prayer and Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide

On April 26, 2009, the Armenian Apostolic Church of Ventura County (AACVC) held a joint ecumenical prayer and commemoration of the Armenian Genocide with their host church, the St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church of Thousand Oaks, CA. The commemoration was held following Soorp Badarak and a special requiem service led by AACVC pastor, Father Hovel Ohanyan.

Update from the Diocesan Assembly

Beginning on May 2nd, the annual assembly meetings of the Western Diocese have been taking place at St. James Armenian Church, Los Angeles