Western Diocese

On Saturday, January 19, 2008 the Holy Translators School (Srpotz Tarkmanchatz) Alumni of North America and the Friends of the Jerusalem Armenians organized the 9th annual Christmas Eve Service at St. John Armenian Church in Hollywood, under the auspices of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America. The Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem as well as the other Orthodox Churches of Jerusalem adheres to the Old Calendar (heen domar). In accordance with the tradition, the Armenian faithful travel from Jerusalem to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem (Armenian altar) and the Grotto of the Nativity to observe the birth of Jesus Christ. In Hollywood, the Night Service began at 11:00 PM followed by the Morning Service. The Gospel was read at midnight, followed by the singing of “Park ee Partzoonus”. The Blessing of the Water Service followed the Night and Morning Services. His Eminence Archbiship Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America presided at the service. The Primate commended those present for keeping the traditions that they learned in their days in the Holy Land. He expressed his prayers to the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem and the members of the St. James Brotherhood of Jerusalem. In his remarks the Primate exclaimed, “Christ is Born and Revealed. Blessed is Revelation of Christ.” Rev. Fr. Arshag Khachadourian, pastor of St. James Armenian Church of Los Angeles, read the Christmas message of His Beatitude Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem and former Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America. Other clergy participating were Very Rev. Fr. Kegham Zakarian of the St. James Brotherhood of Jerusalem and the Western Diocese, Rev. Fr. Nareg Matarian, pastor of St. Sarkis Armenian Church of East Los Angeles and Rev. Fr. Manuk Markarian, pastor of St. John Armenian Church of Hollywood. The Primate congratulated the Godfather of the Cross, Dr. Sarkis Mesrobian, a deacon and parish council chairman from St. James Armenian Church of Los Angeles. He also expressed his appreciation to Nahabed Melkonian for coordinating the event. Afterwards, a traditional Bethlehem style breakfast was served for all those in attendance.