Western Diocese

Under the auspices of the Western Diocese, the ECF fundraising banquet took place at Ritz Carlton/Langham Huntington Resort and Spa, on February 1, 2008. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, accompanied with the Vicar General of the Western Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardermain and Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretsian, Pastor of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church of Pasadena, participated in this event.
Mr. Ara Aghishian, Esq. served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. ECF Chairlady, Mrs. Gayane Tatoulian, offered the opening remarks in which she welcomed the guests and briefly spoke about the important programs and achievements of ECF during the past years. A short video presentation about ECF was also shown following the chairlady’s presentation.
Actor Luke Perry was present at the event. ECF Recording Secretary, Mrs. Laurel Karabian thanked all the contributors to ECF, wishing them all good health and prosperity.
The Primate began his concluding remarks with the following verse from the Bible: “‘Be as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart’ (Eph. 6:6).” And he continued: “Engagement in this most noble mission is truly an act of faith and love. My special thanks and gratitude to all of you for being here tonight and supporting the Etchmiadzin Children’s Fund. Your support is vital and important. Together we are able to change the lives of the needy children (in Armenia). You act not only brings joy and hope to their hearts, but above all sparks in their soul the Divine Love. As we give from the heart, we then fulfill the will of God. St. Paul commends us to be servants of Christ doing the will of God from the heart. […].God calls on you to be the stewards of a noble cause. You truly have responded to the call, to serve the children of God and Armenia. God Bless you.”