Western Diocese

January 13, 2007 –      His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,  Primate, was in Boise, Idaho for his first pastoral visit, accompanied  by Fr. Yeghia Isayan.  The Primate celebrated Christmas Badarak and approximately 100 Armenian faithful were in attendance for church services and a reception following.

The Primate in his Christmas message explained to the faithful the process of the creation of a community, emphasizing  that all communities in North America have had a  similar start being accompanied by  a sister church that grew spiritually until such time when they were able to build their own.

The primate stated “God has graced all of us to put our talents into action.  We all are given certain tasks in our God given life which are entrusted by God.  This very day is a milestone in the life of the Armenian community in Boise.  God descends into your life and transforms your community life.  From this day onwards, the Almighty God will be the unifying spiritual force in your life.  Engage your lives in the building of your new church and the Lord will reward you.”

 

January 13, 2007 -       Upon his return from Boise, Idaho, that same evening, the

Primate attended the Annual Christmas Eve Service at St. John Armenian Church in Hollywood organized by the Holy Translators School (Srpotz Tarkmanchatz) Alumni of North America and the Friends of the Jerusalem Armenians.  The Night Service began at 11:00 p.m. followed by the Morning Service. Afterwards, a traditional Bethlehem style breakfast was served for all those in attendance.

The Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem as well as the other Orthodox Churches of Jerusalem adheres to the Old Calendar.  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.  The Primate commended those present for keeping the traditions that they learned in their days in the Holy Land.

 

January 14, 2007 –      The Primate presided over the installation of the office of the

new Pastor, Rev. Fr. Baret Yeretzian, at St. Gregory Armenian Church in Pasadena.

The occasion marked the first Divine Liturgy celebrated by Rev. Fr. Yaretzian.  Upon conclusion a welcoming reception for the new Hayr Soorp, sponsored by the Ladies Society, was held in Calusdian-Dunaians Hall.

 

January 15, 2007 –      His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, attended the Oriental Orthodox Church leaders first fraternal meeting of the New Year, hosted by Right Reverend Bishop Serapian, Bishop of the Coptic Church.  During the meeting, issues pertaining to their respective communities were discussed, i.e., culture, religion, youth retreat, recruitment of clergy, etc.

 

January 20, 2007 –      His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, will be attending he first annual meeting of the Christian Education Council at the Diocese Headquarters.

                                               

January 20, 2007 –      His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, will be attending the Diocesan Council Meeting.

 

January 21, 2007 –      His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, will be presiding over the Divine Liturgy and delivering the sermon at St. Peter Armenian Church in Van Nuys and will be holding a requiem service for Hrant Dink at 11:30 a.m..

 

January  21, 2007 –     His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, will be represented  at the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity event by Archpriest Fr. Nareg Matarian.  On this occasion, the St. Sarkis Church Junior Choir, will be participating in the Ecumenical Service.

 

January 24, 2007 –      His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, will be presiding at a Special Assembly of the Armenian Church of Valencia.

             

January 26, 2007 -       Etchmiadzin Children’s Fund Grand Gala Night 

 
His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, and the Executive Board of the Etchmiadzin Children’s Fund will be holding a Grand Gala Night to benefit the Children of Armenia on Friday, January 26, 2007 at the Ritz Carlton Huntington Hotel in

Pasadena. 

A fun and festive evening is planned featuring asumptuous dinner, dancing to the music of Dark Eyes Band and a silent auction offering unusual surprises.  A project of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, the Etchmiadzin Children’s Fund (ECF) provides fundamental assistance to help our homeland’s children achieve an acceptable standard of living.  Gayane Tatoulian, Chair of the ECF, states “As we begin the New Year, we must join together to improve the situation for Armenia’s poorest children, giving them the chance for a healthy start in life.” 

The grand Gala Night begins with a cocktail reception and silent auction at 7:00 p.m. followed by dinner, dancing and entertainment at 8:30 p.m.  Tickets are $150.00.  For reservations or to arrange for auction item contributions, please call Gayane Tatoulian (626) 440-7465, Julia Aghishian (818) 437-7010 or the Diocese Office (818) 558-7474.

 

January 28, 2007 –      His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate will be presiding at the Divine Liturgy and delivering the sermon at the Burbank Parish (Western Diocese Complex).

 

January 28, 2007 -       Second Annual Stewardship Dinner

The Western Diocese’s Second Annual Stewardship Celebration Dinner will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. at the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Complex in Burbank.  His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, and the Stewardship Committee, Chaired by Dr. Vahram Biricik,  working hand –in- hand, have made significant progress in addressing one of their  most urgent needs to provide well-educated and  qualified clergy to fill the  vacancies resulting from clergy retirement, as well as new openings arising from maturing mission parishes.

On this occasion, recognition plaques of “Benefactors and Life Stewards” will be unveiled and blessed.  The plaques will be mounted on a marble slab located on the west wall of the Galleria and will serve as a remembrance of all who have become part of  this essential mission.

At the First Annual Dinner in 2006, the tradition was established to honor the “Steward of the Year.”  This year the Board of Directors of the American Armenian International College will be honored for their support of the Stewardship Program with a generous donation of $200,000 to the  Stewardship Fund of  the Western Diocese.  The Board of Directors to be honored are Jack Jandegian, Chairman, Edmond Azadian , Dr. Simon Simonian, and in memoriam Vartkes Barsam and John Ketchoyan.

The Primate will express his thanks and appreciation to the Stewards for their participation in one of the most important missions of the Western Diocese.  Presently, nine candidates are being given the opportunity to acquire Master of Divinity Degrees and, God willing, in the next five years will be successively graduating and receiving assignments in the Western  Diocese.