After the meeting, the Stewardship Committee meeting participants led by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian joined the newly ordained priests, Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, Burbank Parish Priest, Fr. Avedis Abovian, Youth Director, the Western Diocese Priesthood-Candidates and their wives during a reception held at the Armen and Gloria Hampar Room of the Diocese.

There are currently nine priesthood-candidates – all ordained-deacons of the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church – who are being prepared for ordination to the Priesthood and service throughout the Western Diocese. After completing their graduate degrees with the Grace of God they will be ordained and begin their service in a pastoral capacity in the Church:

This wonderful collection as one of the highest quality books ever published by the Western Diocese contains fascinating historical information and pictures from the Western Diocese, the Primates, the Clergy, and the Parishes throughout the Diocese.

The special Centennial Celebration of the Birth of the Late Catholiocs Vasken I will be held at the Western Diocese on Wednesday, September 17, 2008, starting at 7:30 PM. His Holiness Vasken I, of blessed memory, was one of the most distinguished leaders of the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church in the recent memory of the Armenian people. The late Catholicos was born in Bucharest in 1908. His Holiness led the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church from 1955 to 1994 as the Catholicos and Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians. During the Communist regime, the Armenian Church endured persecution and financial hardship. Despite the numerous challenges, His Holiness was able to successfully lead the Church through those difficult times. There are many Centennial Celebrations on this auspicious occasion, organized by the Armenian Government, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and various Dioceses, scheduled to take place throughout the world.

On Sunday, August 17, 2008, a great number of faithful partook in the celebration of the Divine Liturgy throughout the Western Diocese. Upon the conclusion of the church services, the blessed grapes were distributed among the faithful in remembrance of the Mother of God and Her Assumption in the third day of Her passing - who continues to live in Heaven in Her resurrected holy body, as promised to the faithful in the last day by Her Son and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The draft 2009 schedule was presented and discussed during the council meeting. The draft 2009 schedule was finalized and adopted by the council. The Ladies’ Society Central Council also agreed to become one of the Godfathers of the Mother Cathedral and raise the necessary funds through fundraising event in the upcoming years.

On Saturday, August 23, 2008, the Diocesan Council convened for a meeting – presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, at the Diocesan Headquarters. Mr. Joseph Kanimian, Esq., Chair of the Diocesan Council conducted the meeting. The discussions at the meeting mainly revolved around the construction of the Mother Cathedral.

Beginning this fall, several new Priesthood Candidates from the Western Diocese will resume their higher education in various educational institutions in California and New York.

The Academic year 2008-09 will begin with several visitations by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian and clergy from the Western Diocese to the Armenian schools in the area.

On August 22, 2008, the cornerstone for the newly-purchased sanctuary for the Armenian Church of Portland was consecrated during a special liturgy and consecration rite in the Western Diocese. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, assisted by the Diocesan clergy, consecrated the cornerstone that was transported the next day to Portland for the first celebration of the Divine Liturgy at the church.

On August 23, 2008, Fr. Avedis Abovian, Youth Director, visited the Armenian Church of Seattle, Washington, and met with the local ACYO members. During this productive meeting, Fr. Avedis presented several new programs to the members to be implemented in the upcoming months.

On the auspicious occasion of the first celebration of the Divine Liturgy at the newly purchased sanctuary of the Armenian Church of Portland, the Vicar General of the Western Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian delivered the consecrated cornerstone (consecrated by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, in the Western Diocese) to the church, on Sunday, August 24, 2008.

On Saturday August 30, 2008, Fr. Avedis Abovian will be visiting Boise, Idaho, to celebrate the Divine Liturgy, deliver the sermon and meet with the faithful. A reception will be held following the church service at the hall of the church.

In addition to entertainment and games, a discussion session is scheduled to be held during the Information Meeting on issues and challenges involved in reorganizing the Burbank Parish ACYO. The participants may also discuss and explore the best ways to successfully accomplish this important goal in the life of the parish.

During the meeting, His Eminence examined the progress made by each one of the Priesthood-Candidates in their spiritual journey towards servitude of Christ and His people, and provided them with necessary instructions and guidance on various spiritual and educational issues.

The 40-day-preparation rite in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin will be completed by the Blessing of the Holy Muron on the Feast Day of the Holy Cross of Varak, on September 28, 2008. His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, will preside and personally offer the service. He will be assisted by twelve archbishops of the Armenian Church from dioceses throughout the world.

The formation of the North Hollywood Parish would not have been possible without the fantastic and enthusiastic members of the North Hollywood Parish Formation Committee. Thanks to the committee the Western Diocese has been able to tend to the spiritual needs of our faithful in North Hollywood.

Upon the invitation of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, the ASL (IRANAHAY MIUTIUN) Choir will celebrate its 30th anniversary at the Western Diocese in 2009.

Representatives from Sunday School Programs of the Oriental Orthodox Churches gathered for a meeting in the Gloria and Armen Hampar Room of the Western Diocese, on August 12, 2008. Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, represented the Western Diocese in this meeting. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the upcoming Joint Sunday School Students’ Contest on November 1, 2008.

His Eminence expressed his appreciation and support for the AADA mission. In conclusion, His Eminence invited the AADA members to attend ‘The Rise of the Mother Cathedral’ Banquet on September 14, 2008, at the Western Diocese.

On August 12, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian met with the Whittier Parish Council. The Whittier Parish Council is chaired by Dn. Vahe Charkhutian.

According to USAPAC website: "USAPAC is a newly formed, national advocacy organization committed to working collaboratively with Congress, the Administration, and the Armenian-American community on an agenda that secures ever closer relations between the U.S., Armenia, and Nagorno-Karabakh founded upon shared values and mutual benefit.”

On August 13, 2008, Representatives of Arpa Organization visit the Western Diocese and were received by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate. The delegation consisted of Dr. Hagop Panosian, Chair, Mr. Harold Demirjian, Mr. Kapriel Injejikia Mr. Raffi Kendirjian, Dr. Harout Yaghsezian, Ms. Alice Runge, and Ms. Beatrisa Boyadzhyan.

On August 12, 2008, the OIA Board members visited the Headquarters of the Western Diocese and met with His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate.

Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, including Fr. Tavit Zelveyan, and several deacons from the Diocese, participated in ‘the Blessing of the Grapes’ ceremonies for the elderly residents of Ararat Homes in Mission Hills and Shadow Hills.

On August 14, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Primate, attended the centennial event for Asbarez Newspaper.

Priesthood-Candidates meetings with the Primate takes place every month. These meetings are helpful opportunities for the Priesthood-Candidates to share their concerns and seek guidance from the Primate in their quest to serve God. During these meetings, His Eminence examines the progress made by each one of the Priesthood-Candidates and provides them with the necessary instructions on various spiritual and educational issues.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, traveled to Washington D.C. this past weekend to participate in the funeral for Architect, Developer, Builder, Patron of Arts, and Philanthropist Vartkess M. Balian.

Upon the conclusion of the church service, the blessed grapes were distributed among the faithful in remembrance of the Mother of God and Her Assumption in the third day of Her passing, who lives in Heaven in Her resurrected holy body as is promised to faithful in the last day – by Her Son and the Lord Jesus Christ.

His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian celebrated the Divine Liturgy, delivered the sermon and blessed the grapes at St. Mary Armenian Church of Costa Mesa on Sunday, August 17, 2008. Archpriest Fr. Moushegh Tashjian, Pastor of St. Mary Armenian Church of Costa Mesa, along with several deacons and acolytes assisted His Eminence at the holy altar.

Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, celebrated the Divine Liturgy, delivered the sermon, and blessed the grapes at St. Mary Armenian Church of Yettem, California. Yettem is a small town in the Fresno, Central California, which was named Yettem (Armenian version for Eden) by the Armenian founder of the city.

Priesthood-Candidate Dn. Martin Zakaryan has been appointed as Parish-Priest Assistant at St. Vartan Armenian Church of Oakland by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate. On August 10, 2008, then-Sub-Dn. Martin Zakaryan was ordained to the rank of diaconate in the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church by the Primate of the Western Diocese. Dn. Martin Zakaryan will resume his theological education by enrolling for a Master of Divinity at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in the near future.

The AIF representatives outlined the objectives of AIF efforts in Armenia in terms of raising public awareness as well as diagnosis and treatment of the disease for children. The Primate expressed his willingness to assist the AIF in their efforts in Armenia for the benefit of children suffering from this debilitating disease.

On August 11, 2008, the Gevorkian Theological Seminary Alumni Association board-members were received by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian at the headquarters of the Western Diocese. The details of the centennial celebrations of the birth of His Holiness Vasken I, of blessed memory, the late Catholicos of All Armenians, were discussed during this meeting.

On August 12, 2008, the Clergy Executive Council of the Western Diocese convened for a meeting in the Primate’s office at the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank, California. The council deliberated on several issues especially the upcoming programs and events in the remaining months of 2008. Following are the highlights of the discussions:

The Committee will coordinate the efforts of the community in collaboration with USC to hold a symposium on the joyous occasion of the 110th anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian Church in the United States, next year.

This was not the first time that Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Alyce Dorian generously stepped forward to help with important office-projects in the Western Diocese, necessary for the timely and professional execution as well as smooth flow of the work-load at the Diocesan level.

On August 7, 2008, ‘HAYRENIK’ (Friends of Armenia) Organization Board members met with His Eminence in the Primate’s office at the headquarters of the Western Diocese in Burbank, California. During the discussions, the Primate expressed his appreciation to the Friends of Armenia for their cooperation in organizing the September 14th banquet celebrating the rise of the Mother Cathedral.

On August 7, 2008, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian received the Knights of Vartan in his office at the Western Diocese. The meeting was marked by the enthusiastic and warm atmosphere of discussions wherein possible venues of cooperation between the Knights and the Diocese were considered and discussed.

The 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Khachadourian Choir as the newly-designated Choir of the Mother Cathedral will be marked at St. Peter Armenian Church of Van Nuys, on November 2, 2008. The Primate will preside over the event and a special memorabilia is being prepared for the occasion.

During the celebration of the Divine Liturgy the following young men were ordained acolytes by the Primate: Monte Aladadian, Ari Baranian, Sebastian Aintablian, Kevork Keyo, Dikran Manouil, Alex Sahakian. Martin Zakarian, Allen Janoyan and Gary Sarafian were ordained sub-deacons following the ordination of acolytes by the Primate.The last ordination performed by His Eminence was the ordination of Priesthood-candidate Sub-Dn. Martin Zakarian to the rank of Diaconate in the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church.

Retreat “The Role of the Holy Spirit in our Daily Life” Thursday, September 11, 2008 Church Khosharian Hall 9:30 am to 3:00pm

Sunday, September 14, 2008, 6:00 P.M. Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Hall Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Diocesan Complex 3325 N. Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank, CA 91504 For reservation, please contact Western Diocese of the Armenian Church (818) 558-7474 Donation $75.00

The Armenian community will have an opportunity to join in “Celebrating the Rise of the Mother Cathedral,” at a Banquet to be held on Sunday, September 14, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. at the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Hall, of the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Diocesan Complex in Burbank. Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, and organized by a committee at the Western Diocese, chaired by Dr. Harout Yaghsezian, the evening will be an occasion for each and everyone to share in the joy of the May 3rd commencement of the construction of the Mother Cathedral.

Very Rev. Fr. Issahag Minasyan, Staff-Holder of His Beatitude Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, Patriarch of Jerusalem, is currently visiting the Western Diocese.

Beginning May 5, 2008, the construction of the Mother Cathedral has been progressing in a timely fashion as per project timetable. The Cathedral Building Committee headed by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, meets regularly to deal with various issues pertaining to the project, e.g., organizing various fundraising functions to secure adequate funds for the timely completion of the Mother Cathedral project.

Upon the instruction of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Fr.

Thanks to the generous donation of Mrs. Jean Barsam in the amount of $60,000, made in the memory of her late husband Mr. Vardkes Barasam, The Western Diocese was able to create this wonderful facility for our faithful especially the children. Mr. David Shahpazian from Fowler also made a generous donation in the amount of $4,400 towards the installation of ‘Basketball Goals’ in the court. The Office of the Western Diocese expresses its sincere appreciation to these exemplary and generous faithful for their God-pleasing efforts.

The Primate’s visit was also highlighted by the completion of the Paparigian Pavilion Cabin Hill program. The Paparigian Foundation in addition to funding the Pavilion Cabin Hill program, has generously sponsored participation of several of our youngsters from different parishes in the Western Diocese Summer Camp.

The condensed deacons’ training sessions titled “how to read and understand the Bible” provided essential information about the methodology and the available literature regarding the interpretation of Bible to the prospective Bible-study instructors.

Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, represented His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, at this event.

Aug.

Parish Council Chair Dn. Kevork Parseghian and Parish Council Vice-Chair Sub-Dn. Varoujan Gazarian signed the escrow documents on August 6, 2008. According to the Bylaws of the Western Diocese the church real-property belongs to the Diocese.

Ms. Consuelo Vidal, UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Resident Representative, Armenia, and Mr. Armen Baibourtian, Senior Advisor to the UN Resident Coordinator, accompanied by Mr. Parsegh Kartalian, were kindly received by Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, who directed the guests to the Armen and Gloria Hampar Room.

Archpriest Fr. Manoog Markarian, Pastor of St. John Armenian Church in Hollywood, represented His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, during this fundraising event.

On Sunday, August 3, 2008, on the invitation of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, His Grace Bishop Mikayel Adjapahyan, Primate of the Diocese of Shirak, celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. Gregory Armenian Church –Pasadena.

It is with utmost regret that we report the passing of one of the Godfathers of the Mother Cathedral Mr. Edward Nizamian to the faithful community of the Western Diocese. Mr. Nizamian was one of the founding members of the Khachadourian Choir in 1978.

In the eleven months of fiscal year 2007, the UAF shipments to Armenia amounted to fifty two million dollars worth of humanitarian assistance. The supplies were shipped to Armenia in four airlifts and 126 sea containers. During the past 17 years, the UAF has sent more than 143 airlifts and 1,485 sea containers, carrying a total of four hundred forty-nine million dollars of relief supplies to Armenia.

During the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, Armen Biberian was ordained to the rank of acolyte by the Primate, assisted by Archpriest Fr. Mikael Kyureghian, Pastor of the Armenian Church of La Verne.