Western Diocese

On May 9, 2009, the Armenian Bar Association celebrated its 20^th anniversary during a gala banquet held at Glendale Hilton Hotel, Glendale, California. The program began with the invocation offered by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate. Governor George Deukmejian was the keynote speaker for the evening. Raffi K. Hovannisian was this year's recipient of Hrant Dink Freedom Award. Vicken I. Simonian was honored with the Public Service Award, and Ann Lousin with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

In his invocation the Primate implored the Almighty, saying: "Lord, to be a peace loving nation your law needs to be reflected day and night. To prosper as a society, the maintaining of the law is mandatory. As the Psalmist rightfully said, 'the man who abides with the law of God, he does not whither.'" The Primate continued: "Bless this fellowship and thank thee for all the blessings which we have. Give us always contented minds, cheerful hearts, and ready wills, so that we may spend and be spent in the service of others, after the example of Him who gave His life for us, our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ."

The message of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian on the 20^th anniversary of the Armenian Bar Association published in the special booklet for the night reads as follows:

"The Armenian Bar Association has always been an effective vehicle for Armenian-American judges, lawyers and law students in dealing with the legal concerns of the community.  As a humble servant of the Lord, who oversees the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, I would like to express my utmost gratitude to the Armenian Bar Association for being so committed to championing the cause of rule of law for all Armenians - not only in the United States, but throughout the world, and especially in Armenia.  

"Tonight we celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the Armenian Bar Association. But as we celebrate your individual and collective achievements tonight, we must endeavor to explore new opportunities and possibilities that present a platform for further and future advancement of justice, especially in regard to recognition of the Armenian Genocide. You officers of law should seek justice for our ancestors who lost their lives, livelihood and ancestral land. Let us tonight pay homage and tribute to the victims of the Genocide. This is a celebration of your firm and strong dedication to the cause of justice and rule of law.

"Let me conclude my message by the following words from the Holy Bible: 'By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just; by me princes rule, and nobles govern the earth. I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me' (Prov. 8:15-17). And be diligent in striving for peace and tranquility for 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God' (Matthew 5:9).

"I wish you every success and a happy 20^th anniversary celebration. May the Lord bless you abundantly that you may become the good hands of Almighty God in spreading justice and the rule of law in the society."