Western Diocese

On Saturday, November 7, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, and in cooperation with the Parish Council, the Ladies Society of La Canada and Crescenta Valley Armenian Church organized the fifth annual dinner dance.

The event took place at the "Urartu" Restaurant in Crescenta Valley and was headed by the Master of Ceremonies Dr. Simon Simonian. The evening commenced with the opening prayer by Parish Priest Rev. Archpriest Fr. Hovsep Hagopian. A short video presentation prepared by Mr. Onig Ghulezian and narrated by Ladies Committee Chair Mrs. Lena Simonian reflected on the 2009 Parish activities and accomplishments.  

The video was followed by a welcoming message by Mrs. Lena Simonian, Chair of the Ladies Society. Mrs. Simonian thanked the attendees for their continuous support for the Parish. She continued by expressing her gratitude to the members of the Ladies Society for their tireless efforts in organizing the event. Mr. Vahan Aladadian, Chair of the Parish Council delivered a message in which he thanked the Primate for his continuous support for the Parish and every Parish Council member for selflessly serving the Parish.

Dr. Simon Simonian thanked the guest clergymen Burbank Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, St. Kevork Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Mampre Kesabyan and Choir Chair Mr. and Mrs. Antranik Zorayan. The evening continued with a candle-lighting ceremony honoring the generous donors of the church.

Mrs. Lily Ring Balian, Secretary of the Diocesan Council, and long-time member of St. James Armenian Church of Los Angeles was awarded with the Donor of the Year honor. Mrs. Balian received a silver cross from Ladies Society Chair Mrs. Lena Simonyan. Mrs. Lily Ring Balian expressed her gratitude for being the recipient of this honor.

The Primate commended the valuable service of the Parish Council, Ladies Society and all organizers. He added that the core servant of the Parish is Rev. Archpriest Fr. Hovsep Hagopian who works tirelessly to improve the La Canada Parish. In his message to Lily Ring Balian, the Primate referred to her as the "angel of the Diocese." The Primate added that her exemplary service to the Diocese is greatly appreciated and valued. He blessed Mrs. Balian, expressed his gratitude for her remarkable service and awarded her with a silver cross.

In his remarks, the Primate also praised the works of 15 year-old Lily Chorbajian, the Parish youth who after walking door to door was able to collect one thousand dollars for the construction efforts of the church. "Through such admirable service, we could move mountains," said the Primate. He blessed the parents of Lily Chorbajian, Mr. and Mrs. Harout and Yeran Chorbajian and the entire Chorbajian family for supporting Lily in her cause. The 15 year-old youth received a silver cross for her wonderful initiative.

The Parish Priest, Mrs. Lily Balian and members of the Parish Council Ladies Society collectively cut the cake. A dinner and dance followed. In a warm atmosphere, the attendees danced and celebrated the ceremony.