Western Diocese

On Monday, January 14, 2008, the Chairladies and Representatives of the Ladies’ Societies from the Greater Los Angeles area gathered at the Diocesan Headquarters for an open forum and luncheon to discuss mutual interests and areas of cooperation and exchange ideas regarding the general activities of the Ladies’ Societies of the Western Diocese. The meeting was chaired by Mrs. Sylva Katchiguian, Chairlady of the Ladies’ Society Central Council. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian presided over the meeting. The Chairs and members of the Ladies Societies from St. Gregory Armenian Church, St. Peter Armenian Church, St. James Armenian Church, St. Mary Armenian Church, St. John Armenian Church, St. John Garabed Armenian Church, and the Armenian Churches of Burbank, La Canada, La Verne, and Santa Clarita were represented. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian commanded the Ladies’ Societies for their crucial role in the Western Diocese and offered his insights on the challenges facing the small parishes of the Diocese. The meeting afforded everyone the opportunity of relating their experiences, voice concerns and share ideas, particularly, with the newer parishes who are in the process of establishing and developing their ladies’ societies. The Primate stated that this open forum proved of great benefit to the betterment of the Ladies’ Societies of the Western Diocese. The Primate also issued a mandatory directive to all churches that each year the Ladies’ Society of one of the parishes to host a luncheon, reception or tea for the Ladies’ Societies of their neighboring parish. Open forums with the Ladies Society Central Council and Ladies’ Societies in the Central Valley and Northern California have also been scheduled during the month of February. Another directive was also issued to dedicate the 2nd Sunday of January to the newly weds of the parish. The event concluded with a lunch prepared and served by the Executive Council of the Ladies’ Society Central Council.