Western Diocese

January 2010 Archive

His Holiness Karekin II Honored in Moscow, Russia

On January 21, 2010, the International Foundation for Unity of Orthodox Christian Nations has bestowed on His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, this year’s Unity of Orthodox Peoples Award. His Holiness received the honor for his contribution to strengthening unity between Orthodox beliefs and building a Russian church in Armenia. His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, who is also the chair of the Foundation for Unity, awarded the honor to His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

First Christian Education Council Meeting of 2010

On January 23, 2010, the Primate presided over the first Christian Education Council Meeting of 2010 at the Western Diocese. The meeting was chaired by the newly-elected Mrs. Debbie Derderian.

Requiem Service for the souls of Rev. Archpriest Frs. Mesrob Sarafian and Kourken Mouradian

On January 17, 2010, a Requiem Service was offered throughout the Western Diocese for the souls of the late Rev. Archpriest Fr. Mesrob Sarafian, former Parish Priest of St. Vartan Armenian Church in Oakland and Rev. Archpriest Fr. Kourken Mouradian, Father Confessor of St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale.

Prayers for Victims of Haiti Earthquake - Fundraiser

On January 17, 2010, upon the request of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, Parishes throughout the Western Diocese held a special prayer service for the souls of the victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti as well as fundraiser for the desperately needed recovery efforts. In his letter to the Parish Priests, the Primate wrote the following: “We were profoundly saddened to learn of the cataclysmic earthquake which struck the island- nation of Haiti on Tuesday, January 12, 2010. In our prayers, let us beseech the Lord to grant eternal peace to the victims and consolation and comfort to their loved ones. May the Lord bestow courage upon the rescue workers in their mission.

Evening Honoring 75th Birthday of Aram Sepetjian

On January 22, 2010, the Los Angeles Chapter of the Tekeyan Cultural Association organized an evening at the Glendale Public Library in honor of the 75th birthday of writer Aram Sepetjian.

Meeting at Burbank Local Census Office

The census is a count of everyone residing in the United States including citizens and non-citizens. This information is gathered every ten years and determines the number of seats each state will have in the United States House of Representatives and the boundaries for the state and local legislative and congressional districts.

Armenian Democratic Liberal Party Representatives Visit Western Diocese

On January 17, 2010, representatives of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party, Dr. Raffi Balian and Mr. Kevork Krikorian paid a visit to the Western Diocese where they met with the Primate and discussed about their activities. In turn, the Primate welcomed their presence and informed them about the construction efforts of the Cathedral and the current and future activities of the Western Diocese.

His Eminence Cardinal Roger Mahony Celebrates “Life Mass”

On January 23, 2010, at 6:00PM, His Eminence Cardinal Roger Mahony celebrated the Life Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady in Los Angeles, California.

Primate Celebrates Divine Liturgy at St. Peter, Glendale

On January 24, 2010, the Primate made his first pastoral visit of the year to St. Peter Armenian Church in Glendale, California. He celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon.

Vicar General Delivers Sermon at St. Peter, Van Nuys - Special Requiem Service for the soul of Hrant Dink

On January 24, 2010, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Shnork Demirjian, Parish Priest of St. Peter Armenian Church in Van Nuys, celebrated the Divine Liturgy. Furthermore, Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, delivered a heartfelt sermon.

Northern California ACYO Retreat in St. Andrew, Cupertino

On January 23, 2010, Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian, Diocesan Youth Director, Ani Khatchadourian, Chair of the ACYO Central Council, Raffi Postaljian, Vice-Chair, and Elizabeth Olgen, Treasurer, had a retreat in St. Andrew Armenian Church in Cupertino with the participation of ACYO members of St. John Armenian Church of San Francisco and St. Vartan Armenian Church of Oakland. Rev. Frs. Datev Harutyunian, Diran Avagyan and Hovel Ohanyan, Parish Priests of the above mentioned churches also participated in the retreat.

Ladies Society Visits Parishes

On January 26, 2010, Ladies Society Central Council Chair Araxie Boyamian, Vice-Chair Lena Simonian and members Alice Iskenderian and Meline Agagianian met at the Diocesan Headquarters.

ABMDR Board of Directors Visit Western Diocese

On January 27, 2010, the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry (ABMDR) Board of Directors led by Frieda Jordan, Ph.D., President, visited the Primate at the Western Diocese. The twelve members presented the 2010 ABMDR schedule to the Primate.

Cathedral Fundraising Committee General Meeting at Western Diocese

We are pleased to inform the entire faithful that the construction efforts of the Cathedral are progressing according to plan. On January 27, 2010, the Primate presided over the Cathedral Fundraising Committee General Meeting at the Western Diocese.

Primate Welcomes Former California Governor George Deukmejian, His Excellency Grigor Hovhanissian, Mr. Harut Sassounian, Consular Corp Nocenio Arias and Mrs. Wendy Wagner

On January 28, 2010, His Excellency Grigor Hovhanissian, Consul General of the Republic of Armenia, welcomed and hosted numerous Consul Generals, and diplomatic representatives of various countries to the Western Diocese.

The Show is Over…The Protocols are Dead!

The show is finally over! The international community is no longer buying the endless Turkish excuses for refusing to ratify the Protocols. Armenian officials, who naively believed that Turkey would open its border and establish diplomatic relations with Armenia, are beginning to question the Turks’ sincerity and contemplating the possibility of the Protocols’ collapse.

Constitutional Court Limits Protocols’ Damage to Armenian National Interests

After months of bickering among Armenians the world over about the Armenia-Turkey Protocols, the Constitutional Court of Armenia on January 12 pronounced its judgment on whether the obligations stipulated by the Protocols comply with the constitution.

New Appointments in Western Diocese

We are pleased to announce to the Parish Priests, Parish Councils, Ladies Auxiliary Committees, Diocesan Delegates, auxiliary bodies and the entire faithful that His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America has made the following appointments.

Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan Attends Ara Dance Studio Concert

On January 21, 2010, the Ara Dance Studio held its 21st concert at Glendale High School in Glendale, California.

Primate’s February 2010 Schedule (Provisional)

February 1-5 Trip to China February 6 AGBU Young Professionals of Northern California Winter Gala, San Francisco February 7 Primate’s Pastoral Visit to St. Andrew Armenian Church, Cupertino: Divine Liturgy; Sermon and Reception February 9 Feast Day of St. Ghevont the Priest and Companions Evening service and reception

Primate’s March 2010 Schedule (Provisional)

March 3 Fifth Vigil, St. Peter, Van Nuys March 5 Sixth Vigil, St. James, Los Angeles March 7 Pastoral Visit to St. James Armenian Church, Sacramento

ECF – 5th Annual Grand Gala Night

On Saturday, January 16, 2010, the Primate presided over the 5th Annual Etchmiadzin Children’s Fund (ECF) Grand Gala Night at the Hall of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Pasadena, California. Joining the Primate were the Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, and Rev. Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan.

Primate’s Pastoral Visit to Armenian Church in Ventura County

On January 17, 2010, the Primate made a pastoral visit to the Armenian Church in Ventura County where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon. Assisting him at the Holy Altar were Rev. Fr. Haroutioun Tachejian, Parish Priest and the Parish Deacons.

Jerusalem-Armenian Community Celebrates Christmas

In celebration of (the Old Calendar – January 19) Christmas, the Jerusalem-Armenian Community of Los Angeles held a special midnight service on January 16, 2010 at St. John Garabed Armenian Church in Hollywood, California.

Youth Director Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian Meets with ACYO

On January 16, 2010, Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian, Youth Director of the Western Diocese, Ani Khatchadourian, Chair of the ACYO Central Council, and Vicken Kalamkarian Vice-Chair, met with the ACYO of St. Paul of Fresno, St. Gregory the Illuminator of Fowler and St. Mary of Yettem.

Diocesan Council Meeting

On January 16, 2010, the Primate presided over the first Diocesan Council meeting of the year. Chaired by Joseph Kanimian Esq., the topics of discussion included the construction efforts of the Cathedral, the Primate’s Christmas Reception and visits to the Parishes.

CYMA 2010 - “We are on our Way!”

The CYMA 2010 Application is now posted on the CYMA-WD website under "Important Links" http://apply.cyma-wd.org/pilgrimage.php

Lincy Foundation Donates $140,000 to Hovsepian School

We gladly announce to the Diocesan Clergy, Parish Councils, Ladies Societies, Diocesan Delegates, all auxiliary bodies and the entire faithful that the Lincy Foundation, in continuing its God-pleasing mission, has donated $140,000 to the Alfred and Marguerite Hovsepian School of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Pasadena, California.

Cross Blessing and Main Dome Raising, Armenian Church of the Desert, Rancho Mirage, California

On Friday, January 15, 2010, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, met with Rev. Fr. Krikor Zakaryan, Parish Priest of Armenian Church of the Desert, the members of the Parish Council and the Construction Committee.

Armenians, Just as Bulgarians, Should Demand Compensation from Turkey

Bojidar Dimitrov, Bulgaria’s Minister in charge of the Agency for Bulgarians Abroad, stirred a hornet’s nest at the start of the new year by threatening to block Turkey’s accession to the European Union (EU), unless it paid billions of dollars in compensation for Bulgarians who were forcefully displaced during the Ottoman era.

Primate Celebrates Christmas Divine Liturgy at Diocesan Headquarters

On Wednesday, January 6, 2010, the day of the Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, amidst the wonderful voices of the Khachadourian Choir, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America presided over the Christmas ceremony at the Burbank Parish. He was joined by Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, Khajag Shahbazyan, Avedis Abovian, Nerses Hayrapetyan, and Haroutioun Tachejian.

Vicar General Attends ANC Annual Christmas Dinner

On Monday, January 11, 2010, the Armenian National Committee of Burbank organized their Annual Christmas Dinner at the Burbank Armenian Center. The Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, represented the Primate at the event.

New Year Gathering at Armenian Assembly of America

On January 10, 2010, the Armenian Assembly of America held a New Year gathering. The event was hosted by Mr. and Mrs. David and Margret Mgrublian.

Evening Dedicated to Vahakn Hovnanian

On Sunday, January 10, 2010, the Armenian-American Writers Union and the Iraqi-Armenian Union organized an evening at the AGBU Center in Pasadena dedicated to real-estate developer Mr. Vahakn Hovnanian.

Primate Celebrates Divine Liturgy at St. Paul, Fresno

On Sunday, January 10, 2010, the Primate celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. Paul Armenian Church in Fresno, California. He was assisted by the Rev. Archpriest Frs. Arshen Aivazian, Shahe Altounian and the Deacons of the church.

Day-Long Assembly of Summer Camp Chaplains

On January 9, 2010, the Diocesan Summer Camp Chaplains held their assembly at the Western Diocese. On this occasion, the Primate had invited Rev. Samuel S. Yum, Director of Program Development as Cal-Pac Camps.

Cathedral Construction Committee Meeting

On January 9, 2010, the Primate presided over the Cathedral Construction Committee Meeting which was held at the Western Diocese. Among the topics of discussion included the preparation efforts for the consecration on September 11, 2010, current construction efforts and the furnishing of the Cathedral.

Evening Dedicated to 100th Birthday of Antranik Antreasian

On January 8, 2010, the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party of the Western United States organized an evening dedicated to the 100th anniversary of writer and editor Antranig Antreasian, writer political. The event took place at the TCA Beshgoturian Center in Altadena, California.

Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretzian Visits Glendale Memorial Hospital

On the day of the Blessed Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, January 6, 2010, Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretzian joined by Rev. Archpriest Fr. Nareg Matarian visited the patients at Glendale Memorial Hospital and prayed for their well-being.

Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretzian Visits Inmates at Los Angeles Twin Towers Correctional Facility

On the occasion of the New Year and the Blessed Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on January 2, 2010, Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretzian visited the Armenian inmates at Los Angeles Twin Towers Correctional Facility and offered Bible readings to them.

Nativity and Theophany Schedule – 2010

- His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian delivered the sermon at St. John Garabed Armenian Church in Hollywood, California and offered the Blessing of the Water - Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. James Armenian Church in Los Angeles, California

Christmas Eve Schedule - 2010

- His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian presided over the ceremonies at St. John Garabed Armenian Church in Hollywood, California - Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. Peter Armenian Church in Van Nuys, California

Visiting Clergy Celebrate Divine Liturgy January 5, 2010

On January 3, 2010, on the occasion of the Blessed Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, His Eminence Archbishop Datev Sarkissian, who visited the Western Diocese from Armenia, celebrated the Divine Liturgy, delivered the sermon and performed the rite of Blessing of the Water at the Armenian Church of Northern Sierra Region in Carson City, Nevada.

Primate’s Christmas Reception - January 6, 2010

On the day of the Nativity and Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, January 6, 2010, the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Diocesan Complex, Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Hall was the venue for the Primate’s traditional reception.

Helping Haiti

The earthquake of December 7, 1988 claimed more than 20,000 lives in one of the saddest pages in history of the Armenian nation. However, the world responded with the mass recovery effort in what seemed to be the blink of an eye. Helping Haiti has become the priority of the world now.

Prime Minister’s 1919 Letter Describes Armenia as Destitute, Yet Full of Hope

Today, at a time of global economic crisis, conflict and wars, most people are justifiably discouraged and depressed by the deluge of bad news. Armenia and Armenians are no exception.

Primate Celebrates Divine Liturgy at St. John Armenian Church, San Francisco

On Sunday, January 3, 2009, the Primate celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. John Armenian Church in San Francisco, California. Rev. Fr. Diran Avagyan, Parish Priest of St. John, Dn. Mkrtich Ksachikyan, Dn. Guzh Khachikyan and St. John Parish Deacons assisted the Primate at the Holy Altar.

Consecration of Main Dome Cross, Armenian Church of the Dessert, Rancho Mirage

The Western Diocese is delighted to inform the faithful that on January 15, 2010, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, will preside over the consecration rite of the main dome cross of the Armenian Church of the Desert in Rancho Mirage, California.

New Year’s and Christmas Reception at St. Vartan Armenian Church, Oakland

On January 2, 2010, the Primate presided over the New Year’s and Christmas Reception at St. Vartan Armenian Church in Oakland, California. Also present at the reception were Rev. Fr. Diran Avagyan, Parish Priest of St. John Armenia Church and more than 250 parishioners.

New Year’s Day Divine Liturgy throughout Western Diocese

According to the calendar of Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Primate announced that on January 1, 2010, the Divine Liturgy would be celebrated and Prayers of Pontifical Service would be delivered throughout all Parishes of the Western Diocese.

Blessing of Water at Ararat Home, Mission Hills, California

On the occasion of the Blessed Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Primate, joined by clergy from the greater Los Angeles area, presided over the Blessing of the Water at Ararat Home in Mission Hills, California on Monday, January 4, 2009.

Special Courses for Diocesan Employees, Deacons and Priesthood-Candidates

On December 23, 2009, the Primate presided over a meeting at the Western Diocese pertaining to special courses which are scheduled to be held for Priesthood Candidates, Deacons and Diocesan employees. The meeting was chaired by Mashdots Jobanian, Director of the Educational Department of the Western Diocese. Dns. Ari Demiral, Sarkis Eylinjian, Adis Badrosian, Kevork Hallajian, Vartan Zargarian, and Western Diocese employees Hayk Madoyan, Vahe Sargsyan and Sergey Arustamyan were present during the meeting.

Primate’s January 2010 Schedule - Updated

Friday January 1 Celebration of the Divine Liturgy, Burbank Parish Saturday January 2 Northern California: Primate’s Pastoral Visit to St. Vartan Armenian Church, Oakland; New Year’s Reception Sunday January 3 Northern California: Primate’s Pastoral Visit to St. John Armenian Church, San Francisco; Divine Liturgy; Sermon Monday January 4 On the occasion of New Year and Armenian Christmas Primate will make a pastoral visit to Ararat Home Mission Hills and Eagle Rock