Western Diocese

Hundreds attended the celebration of the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, January 22 at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral. The day was dedicated to Stewardship by Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.

As a vital mission of the Western Diocese, the Stewardship Program funds the training and preparation of promising young men who have expressed their desire to walk the path toward the Sacred Order of the Priesthood.  The Very Rev. Fr. Maghakia Amiryan, guest clergyman from Holy Etchmiadzin participated in the service.

Following the service, Archbishop Derderian presided over the plaque blessing ceremony of Benefactors Dr. Vahram and Polina Biricik, Ardashes and Marianne Derderian, Heros and Anahid Kajberouni, Jack and Maro Kalaydjian and Seda Tajirian and Life Stewards Vahik and Jacklyn Alkhasian and Garbis and Shake Balekjian.  

8^th Annual Stewardship Luncheon

The Divine Liturgy was followed by the Eighth Annual Stewardship Luncheon which was held in the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Banquet Hall of the Diocesan Complex. This year, the Primate and the Stewardship Committee honored Grand Benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Gerald and Patricia Turpanjian, staunch supporters of the Stewardship Program.

The program commenced with the Invocation offered by Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, Pastor of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral. Diocesan Youth Director Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian delivered the welcoming remarks wherein he reflected on the vision of the Primate of training and preparing Diocesan clergy to tend to the spiritual needs of the expanding Diocesan community. On behalf of all Stewardship Program graduates, (who are presently ordained clergymen serving within their respective communities), Fr. Avedis expressed his genuine gratitude to the Primate for his pastoral care and spiritual guidance throughout the years.

Rev. Fr. Nerses Hayrapetyan, Pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Church in Santa Clarita, and Rev. Fr. Krikor Zakaryan, Pastor of St. Garabed Armenian Church in Rancho Mirage, addressed their heartfelt remarks to the Primate, the Stewardship Committee, Life Stewards and donors for granting them the gift of pastoral service. They reflected on their years of study at Claremont Theological University and their accomplishments as mature pastors since attaining their Masters of Divinity degrees. The young priests thanked the generous individuals who participated in the Stewardship Program and who helped them act upon and realize God’s calling to serve the faithful.

In the cultural portion of the program, the Choir of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral, under the conductorship of Alenoush Yeghnazar, performed liturgical hymns and Armenian folk music.   With their first performance before an audience, the children of St. Sarkis parish of Santa Clarita delighted the guests with their wonderful performance of a traditional Armenian dance.

Stewardship Committee Chair Dr. Vahram Biricik noted the milestones of the Stewardship Committee throughout the years. He reflected on the success of the committee throughout the years and their active involvement in raising awareness of preparing the next generation of clergy. Dr. Biricik encouraged the guests to continue their support and offer a nurturing hand to the Stewardship Program since Diocesan Priesthood-Candidates are presently preparing to accept challenging roles as pastors.

In his closing remarks, the Primate thanked the members of the Stewardship Committee for their relentless dedication and committed service throughout the years. His Eminence expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the honorees for their steadfast support of Armenia, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the Western Diocese. He noted the couple’s initiative to sponsor the renovation of the Monastery of Harichavank in the Shirak Province in Armenia. As a token of his appreciation, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians has decreed that the renovated monastery will be known as the Turpanjian Theological Seminary of Harichavank.

In recognition of their compassionate support to the Western Diocese, the Primate revealed a miniature model of a monument which will stand in the Turpanjian Plaza of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral in honor of the Grand Benefactors. The blessing and dedication ceremony will be held in the upcoming months.

The event concluded with the Primate’s closing prayer and group photos.