Western Diocese

The 80th Annual Assembly of the Western Diocese was held on May 4-5 at the St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Pasadena. The Opening Ceremony and Prayer was officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, and members of the clergy. The Primate presided over the sessions of the Assembly.

Deacon Steve Adams served as Assembly Chair; Deacon Rod Jorjorian, Vice Chair; Shoghig Giragosian, Assembly English Secretary and Archpriest Fr. Sipan Mekhsian, Assembly Armenian Secretary.

Following Roll Call of the delegates, it was established that a quorum was present with 107 delegates responding.. During the two-day session, reports of Diocesan Departments and Committees were reviewed by those present, as follows:

• Diocesan Council
• Executive Director
• Department of Religious Education
• Christian Education Council
• Ladies Society Central Council
• Diocesan Ladies Auxiliary
• Clergy Executive Committee
• Clergy Stipend and Pension Plan Standing Committee
• Armenian Church Camp Board of Directors
• Summer Camp
• Armenian Church Youth Organization
• St. Gregory Armenian School
• St. Nersess Seminary
• Cathedral Governing Board Committee
• Association of Armenian Choirs
• Arakel and Shake Aga-Sarkisian Library
• Publications “Mother Church,” Calendar
• Etchmiadzin Children's Fund
• Government Relations and Protocol Committee
• Fund Raising Committee
• Bible Study
• Armenian Professional Network
• Holy See Etchmiadzin – Kevorkian Seminary
• Auditing Committee
• Diocesan Council Financial Report

At the conclusion of the presentation and review of all the reports, the delegates voted to approve and accept the reports. A special presentation was made by Dr. Vahram Biricik, Chair of the Stewardship Committee.

He introduced and reviewed the education and progress of the six candidates for the clergy: Deacon Vahe Abovian, Deacon Mayis Shahbazian, Deacon Matthew Ash, Deacon Mkrtich Ksachikyan, Deacon Ryan Tellalian and Deacon Kevork Hallajian.

Adrienne L. Krikorian, Esq., gave a presentation on “Mer Doon,” informing the delegates that in April 2006 the Western Diocese agreed to be in support of Mer Doon (Our Home) a non-profit organization formed in Armenia as an NGO in 2005. Its mission is to provide a family environment, advanced education, practical skills and life training for young Armenian women who are transitioning from Armenian orphanges.

A special message was read from the His Holiness, Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, on the occasion of the 80th Annual Diocesan Assembly.

In his message, the Primate stated “The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church represents an important place in the hierarchy of the Armenian Apostolic Church with her religious national mission and having the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin as the center of the Armenian Church. The 80th Diocesan Delegates Assembly has an important duty to review the religious and administrative life of the Diocese with all its special committees and structures. The main task of the Assembly is to examine the mission of the Diocese and to establish new venues for expansion. Therefore, this Assembly, as previous Assemblies, will pursue the goal to bring this Diocese to new heights in continuing to preach the Word of God in the service of our communities.”

After the elections were held, the new Diocesan Council consists of the following:

• Archbishop Hovnan Derderian¸Primate/President
• Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Chair
• Joseph Kanimian, Esq., Vice Chair
• Lily Balian, Secretary
• Ben Krikorian, Treasurer
• Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yaretzian
• Archpriest Fr. Vartan Kasparian
• Archpriest Fr.Manoog Markarian
• Rev. Fr. Yeghia Hairabedian
• Dr. Vahram Biricik
• Jeff Harazian
• Deacon Carl Bardakian

Following the adoption of the new corporate bylaws at the Endowment Board’s meeting on September 16, 2006 meeting, the following were nominated as Directors of the corporation. The delegates at the Assembly ratified the nomination of the Endowment Fund Board members follows:

Richard Arhonian, John M. Bozajian, Matthew Geragos, Esq., Armen Hampar, Charles Jelloian, Rod Jorjorian, Jack N.Kalaydjian, Lisa Kalustian, David Kelligian, Esq., Ben Krikorian, Gary A. Lulejian, M.D., Richard Mushegain, Esq., Varnum Paul, Esq. Charles Tateosian, and Antranik Zorayan.

At the session on Saturday, May 5, a proposal was submitted and passed that, if needed, the Assembly was authorizing the Diocesan Council to acquire a loan not to exceed $6 million for the construction of the Cathedral.

On Friday night, May 4, 2007, a gala banquet was held at the Pasadena Hilton Hotel for the delegates and guests attending the 80th Annual Assembly. On this occasion, the Primate presented The Archbishop's Award to Mrs. Flora Dunaians. In his presentation, the Primate stated: “Mrs. Flora Dunaians has been an outstanding leader in the life of the Western Diocese for the past 25 years. Her love for God, the Church and Armenia has inspired and touched the hearts of many. Tonight’s award is a just recognition extended to her and her beloved husband George.”

Archbishop Derderian also presented the "Hye Spirit" Award to Mr. Carl Bardakian and Mrs. Shoghig Giragossian for their devotion and service to St. Gregory Armenian Church.

Archbishop Derderian presented gifts to all the committee members at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church for their hard work and untiring efforts in preparing and hosting the 80th Annual Assembly.