Western Diocese

Burbank, CA - Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, the 83^nd Annual Diocesan Assembly will be held from Wednesday, April 28 to Saturday, May 1^st, 2010 at the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank, California.

Plans and preparations have been underway for the 83^rd Annual Diocesan Assembly under the direction and leadership of Dr. Vahram Biricik, Chair of the Diocesan Host committee.  Subcommittees have been formed and meetings have been held to organize the daily sessions and events.  The Diocese will be hosting more than 250 Clergy, members of the Ladies Central Council, and delegates from the parishes throughout the Western Diocese.

A highlight of the 83^rd Annual Diocesan Assembly will be the Gala Banquet to be held on Friday, April 30, 2010 with the presentation of the Archbishop's Award by the Primate.  Recipients are recognized for their years of loyal and steadfast dedication to their church and parish.   The Primate expressed his pride in the honorees, stating "Giving is a virtue.  All of this year's recipients have truly given from their hearts with a firm commitment, with love and passion, for the strengthening of the mission of the Western Diocese. Through the past years they have certainly inspired many with the same vision of serving the Diocese.  We wish them well and continuing success for their future endeavors. God Bless them."

 This year two distinguished members of the Clergy will be receiving the Archbishop's Award;  Archpriest Rev. Fr. Arshag Khatchadourian, St. James Armenian Apostolic Church, Los Angeles, and Archpriest Rev. Fr. Vartan Kasparian of St. Mary Armenian Church, Yettem.  Other recipients of the award are:  Rod Jorjorian, St. James Armenian Apostolic Church Sacramento; Adrienne Krikorian, Esq.,  St. Peter Armenian Church Van Nuys;   Margaret Keishian Lulejian, St. Peter Armenian Church Van Nuys;   Carolon Nigosian, Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert;  Melene Perch Ouzounian, St. Paul Armenian Church Fresno;  Deacon Stephen A. Ovanessoff, St. Apkar Church, Scottsdale, Arizona;  Dr. Raffy A. Safarian, St. Apkar Church, Scottsdale, Arizona;  Richard R. Terzian, Esq., St. James Armenian Apostolic Church Los Angeles;   Charles J. Tateosian, St. John Armenian Church, San Francisco; Greg Tcherkoyan, St. Vartan Armenian Church, Oakland and Dr. Vahram Biricik, St. Mary Armenian Church, Costa Mesa.

For the out-of-towners, the Hampton Inn, directly across from the Western Diocese at 7501 Glenoaks Boulevard has reserved a block of rooms for this event (1-818-768-1106) or On Line at: http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hphotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=Burbank.

For information regarding registration, and attendance at the 83^rd Diocesan Assembly Sessions and/or the Gala Banquet, please call the Western Diocese Offices (818) 558-7474.