Western Diocese

April 2010 Archive

58th Annual Ladies Society Assembly - March 29, 2010

On April 29, 2010, beginning at 9:45 AM, the 58th Ladies Society Assembly, as part of the 83rd Diocesan Assembly, convened for its day-long meeting at the Headquarters of the Western Diocese in Burbank, California. 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, Recording Secretary of the Ladies Society Central Council, conducted the meeting.

Annual Clergy Assembly Held at Diocesan Headquarters

On April 28, 2010, the Primate presided over the Annual Clergy Assembly of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America convened as part of the 83rd Diocesan Assembly at the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank, California. His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian and visiting clergy the Very Rev. Fr. Asbed Balian were also present during the Assembly. 35 Diocesan Clergy along with a number of Diocesan Priesthood-Candidates brought their participation to this session. The Assembly was chaired by Rev. Archpriest Fr. Vartan Kasparian. The Recording Secretaries were Rev. Archpriest Fr. Hovsep Hagopian and Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan.

Frozen Protocols…And Warmed Over Obama Statement

Two developments on Armenian-Turkish issues spilled a lot of ink last week. Neither one was significant, but assumed significance because of extensive international media coverage. On April 22, exactly a year after the release of the roadmap, ostensibly to normalize Armenia-Turkey relations, and six months after the infamous Protocols were signed by the two countries with great fanfare, Pres. Serzh Sargsyan announced their suspension.

Primate's April 24th Message

We kindly present to you the April 24th Message of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.

Los Angeles City Council Honors Victims of the Armenian Genocide

On April 23, 2010, His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian represented the Primate at the Los Angeles City Council which had organized a Commemoration Program for the victims of the Armenian Genocide. His Eminence was joined by Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, Rev. Fr. Mampre Kesabyan, Parish Priest of St. Kevork Armenian Church in Glendale, and Harout Markarian, Executive Director of the Western Diocese.

Pontiff to Depart to Baku, Azerbaijan for World Summit of Religious Leaders

On April 26, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, will pay a one day visit to Baku, Azerbaijan, to participate in the World Summit of Religious Leaders. His Holiness is attending at the invitation of the co-chairs: His Holiness Kirill I, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia and Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, Grand Mufti of the Muslims of the Caucasus. The Catholicos of All Armenians will also participate in a private meeting with the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, and the Grand Mufti.

New Armenian Church Consecrated in Germany

A new Armenian Church was consecrated in Halle, Germany last weekend. Archbishop Karekin Bekdjian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church in Germany, presided over the consecration and the weekend’s program.

Requiem Service Held at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On April 17, 2010 in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, presided during the Repose of Soul service in memory of the victims of the airplane disaster that took the lives of Polish President Lech Kaczynski, his wife Mrs. Maria Kaczynska, and high ranking state officials and clergymen of Poland.

SPOTLIGHT SHINES ON TALENTED ARTISTS OF ADAA PERFORMING AT WESTERN DIOCESE

Excitement reigns high for the upcoming “Introduction to The Armenian Dramatic Arts Alliance (ADAA) - Celebrating Armenian Victory and Creativity,” to be held at the Western Diocese, 3325 North Glenoaks Boulevard, Burbank, California on Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.

Israeli Scholar Assails Israel’s Denial of the Armenian Genocide

An important international symposium on “Armenia-Turkey: How to Normalize Relations,” was held in Paris on April 14. It was organized by the French Bureau of the Armenian Cause and the Armenian National Committee of France.

Primate's Speech at Glendale Adventist Medical Center

On April 21, 2010, the Glendale Adventist Medical Center had organized a Service in Memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide. At 9:45 AM, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church in North America delivered his message in the chapel of the hospital.

ARCHBISHOP’S AWARDS TO BE PRESENTED AT 83rd ANNUAL DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY

Burbank, CA – Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, the 83nd Annual Diocesan Assembly will be held from Wednesday, April 28 to Saturday, May 1st, 2010 at the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank, California.

Primate's Speech at County of Los Angeles

On April 20, 2010, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors had organized a special program dedicated to the 95th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. At 9:00 AM, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church in North America delivered his message at the start of the session.

Survivors' Walk 2010

The survivor’s walk is a silent march in the desert that provides a new perspective and deeper understanding of the suffering of genocide victims. The participants will embark on a mental, physical and spiritual experience as they walk and spend the night in the desert with minimal supplies, bringing them one step closer to a personal comprehension of the struggles faced by the genocide victims.

2010 Publications from the Western Diocese

In 2010, the Western Diocese has published two books authored by the Primate, two books by Rev. Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian, and a DVD dedicated to the Diocesan Cathedral.

Upcoming Publications

The Western Diocese is in the process of publishing 17 other works including those authored by the Primate, the Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Dirayr Dz. V. Devrishian, Komitas Keshishian, Karo Petrosyan, Hayk Madoyan, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian, and other multimedia including DVDs.

Upcoming Schedule – April 17-18, 2010

April 17, 2010 – The Primate will preside over the Diocesan Council Meeting

Primate’s Meeting with Parish Council of St. James, Sacramento

On April 14, 2010, the Primate met with Rev. Fr. Asoghig Jamgochian, Parish Priest of St. James Armenian Church in Sacramento and the members of the Parish Council. The Parish Priest expressed his heartfelt welcoming message to the Primate and shared his joy with the others on the occasion of the Primate’s opening prayer during the start of the Session in the State Senate in Sacramento.

Primate Meets with Diocesan Clergy of Northern California

Following the opening prayer in the California State Senate, the Primate met with the Diocesan Clergy of the Northern California region at St. James Armenian Church in Sacramento. Among the clergy present were Rev. Fr. Asoghig Jamgochian, Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Datev Harutyunian, Parish Priest of St. Andrew Armenian Church in Cupertino and Vicar of Northern California, Rev. Fr. Hovel Ohanyan, Parish Priest of St. Vartan Armenian Church in Oakland and Rev. Fr. Diran Avagyan, Parish Priest of St. John Armenian Church in San Francisco.

Special Requiem Service to be Held at St. John, Garabed

On Sunday, April 18, 2010, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, will preside over a Special Requiem service for the souls of the late President of Poland Lech Kaczynski, his wife Maria, and some of the country’s most prominent government, military and religious leaders as well as the victims of the recent tragic earthquake in China. The church service will begin at 11:00 AM at St. John Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church in Hollywood, California.

Dr. Hovhannes Ahmaranian’s Book Presentation at Western Diocese

On April 15, 2010, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the Western Diocese held a Memoriam Evening in honor of the 95th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. On this occasion, famous author Dr. Hovhannes Ahmaranian also presented his book entitled “Turkey Has Recognized the Armenian Genocide.”

Clergy Executive Council Meeting at Western Diocese

On April 13, 2010, the Primate presided over the Diocesan Clergy Executive Council meeting which was held at the Headquarters of the Western Diocese. The meeting was chaired by Rev. Archpriest Fr. Arshag Khatchadourian.

Roadmap to Nowhere or New Delay Tactic: Genocide Recognition in 2015?

Faced with deadlock in ratifying the Armenia-Turkey Protocols, the major powers are desperately looking for a face-saving way out of the current dilemma. France, Russia and the United States have invested far too much time and effort to walk away from the negotiated and signed, but not ratified, "deal of the century."

Primate’s Prayer in the California State Senate

On April 15, 2010, at 9:30 AM, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church in North America offered the opening prayer at the start of the session in the California State Senate in Sacramento.

Governor's Proclamation - Days of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT STATE OF CALIFORNIA PROCLAMATION It is important to remember the horrors of the past in order to keep history from repeating itself. The Armenian Genocide was a terrible breach of human rights and an event that has outraged the world. Between 1915 and 1923, 1.5 million innocent Armenians lost their lives at the hands of the Ottoman Empire, and 500,000 more were forced from their homeland.

Joint Statement Welcoming President Sargsyan to Washington

Washington, DC – The visit to Washington, DC for the Nuclear Security Summit affords President Serzh Sargsyan an important opportunity to meet directly with President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Armenia-U.S. relations need to be strengthened across a broad range of issues. Of special importance is America’s role regarding the Protocols to facilitate the normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey without preconditions and the obligation of the Obama administration to reaffirm the U.S. record acknowledging the Armenian Genocide if we are to prevent future genocides and maintain credibility. Rather than employ the Armenian term for the Armenian Genocide – Metz Yeghern – we urge President Obama in his April 24 statement to use the English term, to be true to his word and promises in developing U.S.-Armenia ties.

KCET to Air “Armenian Exile” and “My Son Shall Be Armenian”as Part of Armenian Genocide Memorial Day

KCET, public media for Southern and Central California, presents a special live night of programming featuring back-to-back documentaries by filmmaker Hagop Goudsouzian in observance of Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day on Saturday, April 24, 2010. Goudsouzian, a Canadian filmmaker, and Larry Zarian, Vice Chair of the California State Transportation Commission and former mayor of Glendale, host the evening, which begins with Armenian Exile at 7:00 p.m., followed by My Son Shall Be Armenian at 8:30 p.m.

Khavaroom – Vigil Service

Beginning at 8:00 PM, the last segment of the religious rites for Holy Thursday, was performed by the Primate, assisted by Diocesan Clergy and Deacons. After washing of the Apostles' feet, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ gave instructions to the Apostles regarding the Mystery of the Holy Communion during the Last Supper by the Lord. The evening church service then continued during the late hours of the evening held in commemoration of the sufferings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Good Friday at Western Diocese

On Good Friday, April 2, 2010, the religious rite was led by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, at the Western Diocese. Diocesan clergy, deacons and laity assisted the Primate during the moving religious ceremony commemorating the Crucifixion and burial of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A great number of faithful participated in and witnessed the ceremonial burial of the Lord during the evening church service.

Primate Presides Over Easter Eve Service at St. Peter, Glendale and Ordains Acolytes

On Easter Eve, April 3, 2010, the Primate celebrated the Divine Liturgy and with the assistance of Rev. Fr. Vazken Movsesian, Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian, the Deacons and the Choir, ordained new Acolytes Nova Nazarian, Arshag Manoukian, Allen Shirvanian, Karen Shirvanian, and Narek Barska. Cristopher Movsesian, Vartan Shatarevian, Yeprem Chavtarian, Leo Ananian and Vanik Isaghoulian became stole-bearers.

Easter at Burbank Cathedral Parish

On Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010, starting at 10:00 AM, the faithful began gathering at the Western Diocese to celebrate the Holy Easter. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon. Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian and Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, Burbank Parish Priests, and several Deacons and Acolytes assisted the Primate during the church service. The Khachadourian Choir sang during the Easter Celebration of the Divine Liturgy as well as during all major church services leading to Easter during the Holy Week.

Celebrations of Holy Week by Diocesan and Guest Clergy

By the request of the Primate, numerous Diocesan clergy delivered the sermon and celebrated the Divine Liturgy during the Holy Week including His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretzian, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Sipan Mekhsian, Chancellor, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Nareg Matarian, Rev. Fr. Mikayel Kyureghian, Rev. Fr. Zareh Mansuryan and Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian.

Hye Camp 2010 - Family Day - April 17, 2010

We welcome you all to attend Family Day On April 17, 2010. Family Day is free of charge and open to everyone, from those that have never attended our Camp before, to those who miss camp and can’t wait until the summer to return. On Family Day, we will have a full day planned including lunch, a tour of the property, arts and crafts, sports activities, and even a campfire!

Nazar and Artemis Nazarian Recognized at Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin for Helping Build New Chancellery

On April 5, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians presided over a Home Blessing service for the new Chancellery building of the Mother See, and a celebration in honor of the Benefactors, Mr. and Mrs Nazar and Artemis Nazarian, of the United States.

Yervant Babayan Azkanviroum Youth Program

Learning About Armenian Easter Traditions at the Azkanviroum Youth Program By: Melanie Rose Tatiossian, Junior at Calabasas High School Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, the primary mission of the Yervant Babayan Institute of Pedagogy for Research & Development is to dedicate its collective energy and knowledge to the preservation and perpetuation of Armenian culture. The Institute strives to become a leader in dispensing quality education by spearheading innovative educational initiatives in support of current efforts to enhance the quality education of Armenian youth. Following are some of the current projects of the Babayan Institute: Professional Development for teachers of Armenian language and culture, development of a standards-based Armenian curriculum, and collaboration with the Armenian chairs at universities to recruit and prepare teachers of Armenian descent, to teach any academic subject in Armenian schools.

Highlights from Holy Week 2010

Highlights from Holy Week 2010 We are pleased to present to you the highlights from Holy Week 2010.

“Washing of Feet” Ceremony

The Maundy Thursday ceremonies included the washing of the feet rite which started at 6:00 PM. Twelve youngsters dressed in blue robes sat attentively during the church service besides the holy altar during the special evening service. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, assisted by Diocesan clergy and deacons conducted the religious rite for the day. At the end of the service the Primate performed the washing of the feet of the youngsters. A great number of faithful brought forth their children whom were kindly received by His Eminence at the holy alter for the performance of the washing of the feet ceremony. The washing of the feet is associated with the liturgy of Holy Thursday, the day that celebrates the Last Supper of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, before which He washed the feet of His twelve Apostles.

Planting a Tree…On First-ever Visit to Artsakh

It may surprise some to learn that I had not been to Artsakh (Karabagh) until last week. Of course, I always wanted to go to Artsakh, but not as a mere tourist. I wanted to visit Artsakh on a special occasion which finally came on March 31. As Senior Vice President of The Lincy Foundation, I participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony of a newly built school in Stepanakert, the capital of Artsakh. Funded mostly by The Lincy Foundation and partially by the Government of Artsakh, the project was successfully implemented by Save the Children.

Primate's Easter Message - Video

“Peace be unto you, it is I, fear not” (Luke 24:36) The glorious Resurrection of Christ bestows upon us the gift of peace which humanity will enjoy when we realize with intense belief the enormity of the miracle.

Meeting with Congressman Frank Pallone

On March 29, 2010, the All-Armenia Fund had organized a meeting with Congressman Frank Pallone.

Armenian Church in La Canada Celebrates Feast Day of Ten Virgins

On March 30, 2010, the Primate presided over the Feast Day celebration of the Ten Virgins at the Armenian Church in La Canada.

News from St. John, San Francisco

During the month of March, St. John Armenian Apostolic Church Sunday School in San Francisco participated in the Western Diocese Sunday School Lenten Project. With so many ways to raise funds to be shared with the Gegharkounig Diocese in Armenia and with our Western Diocese Mission Parish, the children put their heart and soul into two projects.

Primate Consecrates Cross of St. Kevork, Glendale

On March 29, 2010, the Primate, presided over a special ceremony at St. Kevork Armenian Church in Glendale, California.

Distribution of Holy Communion AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian High School

On March 30, 2010, the Primate accompanied by the Vicar General and Rev. Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan paid a formal visit to the AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian High School. They were warmly welcomed by Principal Dr. Talin Kargodorian and the Teaching Staff.

Easter Service at Ararat Home, Mission Hills

In continuing tradition of the Western Diocese under the direction of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, on March 31, 2010, Rev. Archpriest Frs. Arshag Khatchadourian, Nareg Matarian, Hovsep Hagopian and Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan held a special Easter Service was held at Ararat Home in Mission Hills, California.

Distribution of Holy Communion to AGBU Manoogian-Demirjian School Students

On the occasion of Holy Easter, on March 30-31, 2010, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Shnork Demirjian and Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian visited the AGBU Manoogian-Demirjian School. Rev. Archpriest Fr. Shnork Demirjian delivered his message and distributed Holy Communion to the students and the Teaching Staff.

Primate’s Message – Good Friday

The death of Christ symbolizes His defeat over death. As we approach the tomb of Christ on Good Friday, we cleanse ourselves from the burden of sin. Therefore, Good Friday is the day when we partake in Christ’s sufferings, and by kneeling at the Tomb of Christ, we receive the light emanating from the tomb.

“Hayrenik” – “Friends of Armenia” Celebrates 18th Anniversary

On March 27, 2010, the members, donors and supporters of the “Hayrenik” gathered at the Baghramian Hall in Montebello, California to celebrate the 18th anniversary of the establishment of “Hayrenik.” (Friends of Armenia)

Primate's Easter Message

“Peace be unto you, it is I, fear not” (Luke 24:36) The glorious Resurrection of Christ bestows upon us the gift of peace which humanity will enjoy when we realize with intense belief the enormity of the miracle.

Desperate Turkish Tactics to Woo Diaspora on the Eve of April 24

The Turkish government has been receiving a succession of bad news in recent weeks. Its persistent policy of denial of the Armenian Genocide suffered serious setbacks when the Foreign Affairs Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Swedish Parliament, and Catalonia’s regional Parliament in Spain adopted resolutions acknowledging the Armenian Genocide.

Primate’s Message – Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday is certainly the most inspiring of all the days of the Holy Week. It is on this Holy day that Christ institutes the sacrament of the Divine Liturgy through the Last Supper. On this day, Christ humbles Himself by conveying to His disciples the most challenging lesson. The late Patriarch Kaloustian introduces a significant reflection based on the events of the day.