Western Diocese

On Saturday, June 16, 2007, the Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, presided over the AGBU Manoogian-Demirjian class of 2007 graduation ceremony. In his closing remarks, the Archbishop thanked Mr. Sinan Sinanian, Chair of the School Board, for having the vision to dedicate a chapel in this school dedicated to the 80th Anniversary of the Western Diocese. His Eminence also thanked the principal, the teachers and the parents for their dedication. Finally, he addressed the students with these words: "As graduates of Manoogian-Demirjian school to pursue higher standards in life, to have the vision to become successful professionals in the life of today's society and above all to uphold firm in your hearts the Armenian Spirit." His Eminence quoted Martin Luther King, to encourage the graduates to pursue success in their education, which requires inevitable sacrifice: "Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. Even a superficial look at history reveals that no social advance rolls in on the wheels of inevitability. Every step toward the goal of justice (success) requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals. Without persistent efforts, time itself becomes an ally of the insurgent and primitive forces of irrational emotionalism and social destruction. This is no time for apathy of complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action."