Western Diocese

On Wednesday, January 6, 2010, the day of the Theophany of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, amidst the wonderful voices of the Khachadourian Choir, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America presided over the Christmas ceremony at the Burbank Parish. He was joined by Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, Rev. Frs. Khajag Shahbazyan, Avedis Abovian, Nerses Hayrapetyan, and Haroutioun Tachejian.

Amidst the jubilant voices of the clergy and the Choir, the Primate made his way to the Kalaydjian Hall of the Diocese and celebrated the Christmas Divine Liturgy. Assisting the Primate at the Holy Altar were Rev. Frs. Khajag Shahbazyan, Avedis Abovian, Nerses Hayrapetyan, Priesthood-Candidates and Deacons of the Parish. Dn. Stepan Gozumian led the Khachadourian Choir during the service. The organist was Sub-Deacon Daniel Akaragian.

Also present during the ceremony were Joseph Kanimian Esq., Chair of the Diocesan Council, His Excellency Grigor Hovhanissian, Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles, Rt. Rev. Alexei Smith, Ecumenical and Interreligious Officer of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles representing His Eminence, Cardinal Roger Mahony, and Shakeel Syed, Executive Director of the Islamic Shura Council and Chair of the Council of Religious Leaders of Los Angeles. The Primate welcomed their presence.

On the Day of the Blessed Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians had sent the Pontifical Message to the Primate.

The Primate read the Pontifical Message of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians to the faithful. He then prayed for the sustainability of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the health of the His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and the other hierarchical leaders. The Primate expressed his gratitude to the Khachadourian Choir for their service to the Western Diocese.     

In his sermon the Primate said, "The Celebration of Christmas for the faithful is an experience of rebirth in Christ. When we celebrate the Blessed Birth of Christ, we are not only celebrating His Epiphany and Theophony but also His everlasting presence in our lives. In the Birth of Christ, we see the rebirth of humanity, our Motherland, the call to peace and the prosperity of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin."

The ceremony continued as the Primate consecrated the cross stones of the Godfathers of the Cathedral including Mr. & Mrs. Ray Hartoonian, Mr. & Mrs. Richard and Eileen Nahigian, Paul and Marianna Satamyan, and Mr. & Mrs. Garo and Agavni Kurian. The Primate commended their dedicated service and blessed them.

Following the service, the Primate presided over the Blessing of the Water. The ceremony included the clergy and the Khachadourian Choir. The Godfather of the Cross was His Excellency Grigor Hovhanissian.    

The faithful then followed the Primate to the Armen and Gloria Hampar Room where they were treated to a small reception.