Western Diocese

On May 2, 2009, a longtime servant of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and Senior Diocesan Clergyman, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Vartan Dulgarian passed away at nearly one hundred years of age.  

On May 4, 2009, at 4:00 AM, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, assisted by Diocesan Clergy, presided over the "preparation service" of the body of Rev. Archpriest Fr. Vartan Dulgarian at St. Peter Armenian Church-Youth Center in Glendale. The visitation was held between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. The Last Unction Rite for the deceased priest was performed by the Primate during the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, beginning at 6:00 PM. As part of the Last Unction Rite for Fr. Vartan, the Primate consecrated the forehead and right hand of the deceased clergyman with the Holy Muron. Afterwards, a somber procession of clergymen headed by the Primate approached the cascade and kissed the forehead and right hand of Fr. Vartan.

Fr. Moushegh and Fr. Vazken assist the Primate during the Last Unction Rite In his remarks, the Primate praised Rev. Archpriest Fr. Dulgarian as a dedicated servant and prolific writer of the Church who fervently served the Church during his long and fruitful life.  Following the remarks made by the Primate, the Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretzian read the letter of condolences of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, which was addressed to His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian. The Primate had also received a letter of condolences from His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Easter Diocese, which was also read by the Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretzian. Representing His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, the Very Rev. Fr. Baret Gulumian read a letter of condolences addressed to His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.

Following the church service, during a special gathering in the church hall of St. Peter, Glendale, several clergy, family members and friends shared their memories and fondly spoke of the late Fr. Vartan.

On the following day, May 5, 2009, starting at 1:00 PM, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Arshen Aivazian, Pastor of St. Paul Armenian Church in Fresno, officiated over the funeral service for Rev. Archpriest Fr. Vartan Dulgarian at MASIS-ARARAT Cemetery in Fresno, California.

Mrs. Sonig Keshishian, daughter of Fr. Vartan, had requested that in lieu of flowers donation be made to the Stewardship Program of the Western Diocese in memory of Rev. Archpriest Fr. Vartan Dulgarian.

Please make your checks payable to the Western Diocese and write in memo section Stewardship Program (Fr. Vartan):

Western Diocese - Armenian Church

3325 N. Glenoaks Blvd.

Burbank, CA 91504