Western Diocese

November 2007 Archive

• Jacque Hagopian Tribute Evening — Nov 30

  On Wednesday, November 21, 2007, a special evening of tribute to poet Jacque Hagopian took place at the Kalaydjian Hall of the Western Diocese. The Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian and the Vicar General of the Western Diocese, the Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, were present at the event.

• Primate Attends Iraqi Armenian Schools Committee Meeting — Nov 30

  On Wednesday, November 21, 2007, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church participated in the Iraqi Armenian Schools Committee Meeting, where His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian lauded their efforts and dedication.

• Primate at Armenia Fund Telethon Village in Artsakh to Be Restored by Western Diocese — Nov 30

  The wonderful Thanksgiving Day tradition of the Armenia Fund Telethon, once again, on Wednesday, November 22, 2007, united all Armenians around the world to help Armenia and Artsakh. More than fifteen million dollars was pledged during the live televised telethon.

• ATHGO Center in Armenia — Nov 30

  Guiding and preparing our youth for future is an important task and we are grateful to those who are involved with our youth and the preparation for the future.

• Tribute to Mr. Gabriel Injejikian — Nov 30

  On November 27, 2007, Mr. Gabriel Injejikian was honored by the Davitian and Mariamian Educational Institution as the "Year's Educator."

• Future Events — Nov 30

  *"With Yenovk Balikian Friends"* The "With Yenovk Balikian Friends" reception and gathering, sponsored by AGBU San Fernando Valley Committee, will take place at Alex Manoogian Center, on Sunday, December 9, 2007, starting at 6:00 p.

• Primate’s December 2007 Schedule — Nov 30

  Sat.

• Primate’s Message to Endowment Fund — Nov 30

  “Bear one another’s burden, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

• Historic 58th Annual ACYO General Assembly a Success — Nov 26

  On November 23, 2007, with the youth of the parishes of the Western Diocese assembled in Visalia, California, the 58th Annual ACYO General Assembly began. This year’s ACYO Convention was hosted by St. Mary Armenian Church of Yettem, a historically significant community in the history of the Western Diocese with a vibrant congregation pastorally led by Archpriest Fr. Vartan Kasparian. The first business session was called to order by Central Council Chairperson Carina Karakashian, and opened with a prayer by His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese.

• President of Nagorno Karabakh and Foreign Minister of Armenia Pay Separate Visits to Western Diocese — Nov 23

  President Bako Sahakyan paid a cordial visit to His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church at the Diocesan Headquarters, on Wednesday, November 20, 2007.

  On November 21, 2007, Honorable Vartan Oskanian, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia visited the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, in Burbank, California.

• Meeting to Help Iraqi Armenians — Nov 23

  On Wednesday, November 14, 2007, a meeting to help Iraqi Armenians took place at the Armenian Relief Society office in Glendale, California.

• Primate of Artsakh Visits Western Diocese — Nov 23

  His Eminence Archbishop Barkev Mardirossian, Primate of Artsakh, paid a cordial visit to the Western Diocese on Friday, November 16, 2007.

• “Hayordats” Performance at Western Diocese — Nov 23

  We are glad to inform that the evening with the “Hayordats” Performing Arts Troupe from Armenia at the Western Diocesan Headquerters was an absolute success.

• 5th AACCWD General Assembly at St. James Armenian Church of L.A. — Nov 23

  On November 17, 2007, the 5^th AACCWD General Assembly took place at St. James of Los Angeles. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian presided over the meeting.

• Fashion Show at St. Peter Armenian Church of Van Nuys — Nov 23

  This special event was held at St.

• Cathedral Parishes’4th Anniversary Banquet — Nov 23

  On Saturday, November, 17, 2007, the 4^th anniversary of the Cathedral Parishes was held at the Kalaydjian Hall of the Western Diocese. The Primate attended the event.

• Primate at St. John Armenian Church of San Diego on 30th Anniversary of Establishment of San Diego Parish — Nov 23

  On Sunday, November 18, 2007, on the joyous occasion of the 30^th anniversary of the establishment of the San Diego Parish, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese made a pastoral visit to the St. John Garabed Armenian Church of San Diego and celebrated the Divine Liturgy and offered the sermon to the enthusiastic parishioners gathered at the church.

• Primate Attends Reception Honoring Metropolitan Nikitas — Nov 23

  By the invitation of His Grace Bishop Joseph of Los Angeles and the West Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, the Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General of the Western Diocese, representing His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, attended to the IOCC Dinner at St. Nicholas Antiochian Cathedral on Sunday, November 18, 2007 in honor of His Eminence Metropolitan Nikitas.

• Primate Attends Armenia Fund Reception — Nov 23

  On Sunday, November 18, 2007, the Armenia Fund Reception was held at Omni Los Angeles Hotel at the California Plaza. His Excellency Bako Sahakyan, President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, His Excellency Vartan Oskanian, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Vahe Aghabegians, Executive Director of Armenia Fund International, as well as many other distinguished guests attended the event.

• Rev. Fr. Stepan Dudukian Visits Western Diocese — Nov 23

  We joyously inform that Rev. Fr. Stepan Dudukian from the East Cost is visiting the Western Diocese.

• “Hayastan” Dance Group Program — Nov 23

  Rev.

• Flora Mardirosyan 30 Years of Dedicated Service to Armenian Art and Music — Nov 23

  His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church was represented by Rev. Fr. Tavit Zelveyan, on Sunday, November 18, 2007, at the Flora Mardirosian tribute evening, celebrating 30 years of dedication to Armenian music and song.

• “Hamazkayin” Event — Nov 23

  On Sunday, November 18, 2007, the Taglyan Cultural Center of the St. John Armenian Church of Hollywood hosted the “Hamazkayin” First Armenian American Writer’s Dinner and Book Signing for the Armenian American writer, David Kherdian.

• Rev. Fr. Mikael Kyureghian Attends “Hayordats” Performance — Nov 23

  The “Hayordats” Performing Arts Troupe once again delighted the audience in the Greater Los Angeles area with their performance at AGBU Alex Manoogian Cultural Center, on Sunday, November 18, 2007.

• Primate Leaves for Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin to Participate in Supreme Spiritual Council Meeting — Nov 23

  We inform the Diocesan Clergy, Diocesan Council members, Diocesan Representatives, all auxiliary organizations, and our faithful people that upon the invitation of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America departs for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiatzin, on Saturday, November 24, 2007 to participate in the Supreme Spiritual Council meeting which will be held from November 25 to 28. The Pontiff will be presiding over the 4-day meeting.

• Primate Presides over ACYO Meeting — Nov 21

  ACYO members briefed His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, on the various aspects of the ACYO, during a meeting held on Saturday, November 10, 2007, at the Western Diocesan Headquarters.

• Primate Receives AGBU Scouts — Nov 21

  During the Veterans’ Day event held at the Western Diocese, on Sunday, November 11, 2007, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, received the AGBU and AYA Scouts in his office and had a warm and interesting conversation with them.

• Veterans’ Day – Divine Liturgy Celebration — Nov 21

  On Sunday, November 11, 2007, Rev. Fr. Datev Hagopian, the Pastor of Amsterdam, Netherlands, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and offered the sermon at the Western Diocese.

• APN Honors Armenian Veterans at Diocesan Headquarters — Nov 21

  Under the auspices of the Primate of the Western Diocese, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the Armenian Professionals Network of the Western Diocese, held a special event to honor the Armenian Veterans on the occasion of Veterans’ Day, on Sunday, November 11, 2007, at the Diocesan Headquarters.

• Rev. Fr. Gregor Kachatryan Celebrates Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church of Pasadena — Nov 21

  Rev. Fr. Gregor Kachatryan, the spiritual director of the “Hayordats” Performing Art’s Troupe from Armenia, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and offered the sermon at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church of Pasadena.

• Recent Publication from the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church — Nov 21

  By the order of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, the Western Diocese recently published Studies in Armenian Church –Origins, Doctrine, Worship - by Rev. Zaven Arzoumanian, PhD.

• CYMA to host first annual dinner dance — Nov 21

  LONG BEACH – The Christian Youth Mission to Armenia - Western Diocese, will host its first annual Dinner Dance Extravaganza on November 30 at the Long Beach Hyatt, to bring together the Armenian youth to celebrate the success of the programs’ past summer in Armenia.

  To buy tickets visit www.cyma-wd.org 

• Secretaries Albright and Cohen Should be Removed from Genocide Task Force — Nov 21

  How hypocritical of Madeleine Albright and William Cohen, former Secretaries of State and Defense, to announce the formation of a task force on prevention of genocide, when two months ago they wrote a letter to the U.S. Congress against a resolution on the Armenian Genocide!

• Primate’s Thanksgiving Prayer — Nov 20

  Almighty God, we thank you for all the blessings of this life, and today especially for those that are ours in this free land; for the fruits of the soil, the resources of the earth; the opportunities for work and play and healthful living; for liberty in speech and the written word. We thank You for these and all all Your mercies and pray that You will continue Your goodness to us and make our nation great in the greatness which alone is pleasing to You (“Conversing with God,” published by the order of Archbishop Torkom Manoogian. 1976, New York).

  My dear faithful in Christ, I fervently ask from you to say this prayer before you share your Thanksgiving meal with your beloved ones.

• Primate Recieves “Hayordats” at Diocesan Headquarters — Nov 16

  Upon the invitation of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, all members of the “Hayordats” Performing Art’s Troupe visited the Western Diocesan Headquarters, on Thursday, November 15, 2007.

• Primate Welcomes Metropolitan Gerasimos — Nov 14

  On Wednesday, November 14, 2007, His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian received His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco during his visit to the Headquarters of the Western Diocese.

• First Nationwide Turkish Survey Reveals Millions of Turks Support Genocide Bill — Nov 13

  The Assembly of Turkish American Associations recently featured on its website a reference to “the first nationwide public survey” conducted in Turkey on the Armenian Genocide and the congressional resolution on this issue. The poll was carried out earlier this year by “Terror Free Tomorrow” in collaboration with Istanbul-based “ARI Movement” and U.S.-based “ARI Foundation.”

• Primate to Visit T.C.A. Arshag Dickranian Armenian School — Nov 13

  On November 1, 2007, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church visited T.C.A. Arshag Dickranian Armenian School in Hollywood. The Primate encouraged the students to work hard and keep their forefathers’ faith.

• Reception in Honor of Gagik Harootunyan — Nov 13

  On November 1, 2007, starting 7:00 p.m. Khachatoorian family hosted a reception at their residence, organized by the Armenia Fund, in honor of Honorable Gagik Harootunyan, President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenian and Vice President of the Armenia Fund. Host and Hostess of the event were Mr. Armen Khachatoorian, and President of the Armenia Fund, Mrs. Maria Mehranian.

• ACYO Retreat — Nov 13

  The ACYO Central Council hosted the Annual Senior Retreat on October 19-21, 2007 at Camp Hye Sierra.  This has been the 5^th Annual Senior Retreat, and the Diocese is proud to announce that over 65 ACYO members from throughout the Diocese took part in this growing staple event in the lives of our youth.

• ACYO Northern Regional Meeting — Nov 13

  This year, the 2007 Northern Regional Meeting was hosted in beautiful San Fransico at the St. John parish.

• Armenian Assembly 35th Annual Event — Nov 13

  On November 3, 2007, the elegant 35^th anniversary event of the Armenian Assembly was held at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, representing the Primate, read His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian’s message and prayer that may God bless the Armenian Assembly and its members with more energy and enthusiasm in achieving their objectives.

• H.S.D.P. 120th Anniversary — Nov 13

  The 120^th anniversary of the Hunchakian Social Democratic Party took place on Sunday, November 4, 2007, 6:00 p.m., at the Glendale High School Hall.

• Art Performance — Nov 13

  The Artistic-Historic fusion left a unique impression on the audience of the joint program offered by Sirnoush and Vardan Gevorkyan Dance Ensemble, Adis Harmandian, Gagik Badalyan, Samvel Vardanian and Haroot Ter-Davityan. Michael Ter-Avetisian was the director of the program.

• Primate Presided over Divine Liturgy in Hollywood — Nov 13

  On Sunday, November 4, 2007, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church presided over the Divine Liturgy at the St. James Armenian Church of Hollywood offered by Rev. Fr. Archpriest Manoog Markarian, and offered the sermon.

• Vicar General of Western Diocese Celebrated Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory of Fowler — Nov 13

  On Sunday, November 4, 2007, on the occasion of annual “Harvest Banquet,” the Vicar General of the Western Diocese, the Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian celebrated the Divine Liturgy and offered the sermon at St. Gregory Armenian Church of Fowler, California.

• Meeting with Clergy Candidate — Nov 13

  On the evening of November 5, 2007, at the Headquarters of the Western Diocese, the Clergy candidates gathered for a prescheduled meeting.

• Armenia H.S.D.P. Chairlady to Visit Western Diocese — Nov 13

  On November 6, 2007, Armenia H.S.D.P. Chairlady Lyudmila Sargsian, Chairlady of H.S.D.P., accompanied by H.S.P.D. Regional Committee member, Mr. Gabriel Moloian, paid a cordial visit to His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, at the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank, California. The construction of Mother Cathedral was discussed during the meeting.

• Primate’s Coming School Visitations’ Schedule — Nov 13

  November 15, 2007, Charlotte and Elise Merdinian Armenian Evangelical SchoolNovember 15, 2007, St.

• Upcoming Events — Nov 13

  Nov.

• Primate Visits AGBU Mary Manoogian-Demirjian School — Nov 13

  His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian paid a visit to Mary Manoogian-Demirjian AGBU School, on Wednesday, November 07, 2007. The focus of this prescheduled visit was to meet with the high school age students. The Primate along with a small group of school and diocesan officials visited several classrooms.

• Primate Delighted Elderly Residents with His Surprise Visit to Eagle Rock Ararat Home — Nov 13

  On Wednesday, November 7, 2007, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, paid a surprise Visit to Eagle Rock Ararat Home. Rev. Fr. Tavit Zelveyan was already at the retirement house on a routine vistation when the Primate arrived. Rev. Fr. Tavit Zelveyan was talking to the elderly residents, gathered in the visitors’ hall, at the time of Primate’s arrival.

• Primate Visits Fellowship at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church of Pasadena and Welcomed “Hayordats” Children — Nov 13

  His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, visited the St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church Friendship Club, on Wednesday, November 7, 2007. The Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretsian, Pastor of the St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church of Pasadena accompanied the Primate.

• A RENEWAL OF FAITH PILGRIMAGE TO ARMENIA — Nov 12
  On the Occasion of

  The Blessing of the Holy Chrism (Muron)

  at the Holy Etchmiadzin on September 28, 2008

• Primate Meets AGBU High School—Pasadena Students — Nov 08

  On Tuesday, November 06, 2007, the compact, but at the same time extremely pleasant, clean and beautiful AGBU High School of Pasadena hosted the Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian.

• “Healthy Kids of Glendale” Meet with Primate — Nov 08

  President of “Healthy Kids of Glendale” Kathleen Powers and Elizabeth Manasserian, community volunteers and Ardashes Kassakhian Glendale City Clerk paid a visit to His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, on November 5, 2007, at the Diocesan Headquarters.

• Western Diocese Of The Armenian Church Of North America — Nov 07

  The 4^th Annual Christmas Celebration under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, will be held on December 1, 2007 at the Taglyan Cultural Center, 1201 North Vine Street, Los Angeles, California.  The festivities will begin with a Social Hour at 7:00 p.m. followed by Dinner at 8:00 p.m.

• Clerical Appointments — Nov 07

  We gladly inform the Western Diocesan clergy, parish councils, Diocesan representatives, and auxiliary bodies and the faithful people that His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church has made appointments of visiting clergy.

• His Eminence Archbishop Nerses Bosabalian during His 70th Anniversary Pays Visit to Western Diocese of Armenian Church — Nov 07

  It is our great pleasure to inform the Diocesan Clergy, Parish Councils, Diocesan Council, auxiliary bodies and all faithful that His Eminence Archbishop Nerses Bosabalian, a Senior Member of the Brotherhood of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, will be visiting the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church.

• “Hayordats” Choir and Dance-Troupe Performance — Nov 07

  We inform the faithful members of the Western Diocese of the upcoming performance by the “Hayordats” Performing Art’s Troupe from Armenia.

• His Eminence Archbishop Nerses Bosabalian 70th Anniversary — Nov 07

  On July 10, 2007, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians presided over a highly cordial ceremony on the occasion of the 70^th birthday of His Eminence Archbishop Nerses Bosabalian, at Veharan (Pontiff’s Residence), in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

• Primate Rejoins Catholicos’ Entourage in East Coast — Nov 02

  His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, by the invitation of His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Eastern Diocese, departed for New York, on Thursday, October 25, 2007. The Primate rejoined the entourage of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, for the next three days.

• Anoushavan Abrahamian Education Fund Banquet — Nov 02

  Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the 3^rd annual Banquet of “Anoushavan Abrahamian Educational Fund” took place at the Kalaydjian Hall of the Western Diocesan Headquarters, on Wednesday, October 24, 2007.

• La Canada and Crescenta Valley Parish Annual Banquet — Nov 02

  On Saturday, October 27, 2007, La Canada and Crescenta Valley Parish under the auspices of His Eminence Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, held its 3^rd annual banquet at the La Canada Country Club. Mrs. Lena Simonian, Chairlady of the Parish Ladies’ Society was in charge of organizing the banquet. The other members of the Parish Ladies’ Society are: Mrs. Araxie Boyamian, Secretary-Reporter and Mrs. Meline Aghajanian-Ter Oganesian. Mrs. Maral Sarafian, Parish Council member, represented the council at the organizing committee. Yeretzkin Mery Manvelian assisted the Ladies Society with the banquet.

• His Grace Bishop Nathan Hovhanesian, Primate of the Diocese of Great Britain in USA — Nov 02

  We joyously inform our faithful that the Primate of the Diocese of Great Britain, His Grace Bishop Nathan Hovhanesian visited the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church and met with His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church. The introduction of the Diocesan clergy and a briefing on the progression of the Mother Cathedral were part of the discussions between the two Primates.

• Passing of Yertzkin Anna Alice Semerdjian — Nov 02

  We grieve the loss of our dear yeretzkin Anna Alice Semerdjian, the wife of Rev. Fr. Archpriest Shahe Semerdjian. We inform the Western Diocese clergy, parish councils, Diocesan representatives, and auxiliary bodies and that faithful that yeretzkin passed away on Friday, October 26, 2007, in San Diego.

• "ARMENIAN CIRQUE DU SOLEIL" WILL BRING YEREVAN'S YOUTH TALENT TO WEST COAST SOIL — Nov 01

  The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church and the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) are proud to announce the second North American tour of the award-winning performing arts troupe from the Nork Children's Center, the "HAYORTATS", in Yerevan, Armenia.