Friday January 1 Celebration of the Divine Liturgy, Burbank Parish Saturday January 2 Northern California: Primate’s Pastoral Visit to St. Vartan Armenian Church, Oakland; New Year’s Reception Sunday January 3 Northern California: Primate’s Pastoral Visit to St. John Armenian Church, San Francisco; Divine Liturgy; Sermon

On Sunday, December 20, 2009, the Primate presided over the Service of Light Ceremony at the Burbank Parish. The ceremony entitled “Silent Night” was organized by “The Good Samaritans” of the Parish. The Primate was joined by Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, Parish Priest.

On December 27, 2009, on the occasion of Name Day of St. Peter Armenian Church of Van Nuys, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, celebrated the Divine Liturgy, delivered the sermon and consecrated the icons at the church. Rev. Archpriest Fr. Shnork Demirjian, Parish Priest, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Nareg Matarian, Musical Director of the Western Diocese and Priesthood-Candidates Dns. Mkrtich Ksachikyan and Hovnan Vardanyan assisted the Primate and served at the holy altar.

On Saturday, December 26, the Armenian Apostolic Church celebrated the Feast Day of St. Stephen the Protodeacon with great reverence and ceremony. Some Parishes throughout the Western Diocese celebrated the Feast Day on Saturday while others on Sunday after the church service. The Deacons were honored and were granted the privilege to wear the liturgical crown.

On Sunday, December 27, 2009, after the church service, St. James Armenian Church in Sacramento celebrated the Feast Day of St. Stephen the Proto Deacon. Deacons Rod Jorjorian, Levon Chopourian, and Kevork Jamgochian were honored during the ceremony. Under the direction of Rev. Fr. Asoghig Jamgochian, the deacons sang the hymns of St. Stephen the Protodeacon.

On Saturday, December 26, 2009, St. John Armenian Church in San Francisco celebrated the Feast Day of St. Stephen the Protodeacon. Rev. Fr. Diran Avagyan honored the Deacons of the Parish and together, they reflected on the life of St. Stephen the Protodeacon. The Deacons gave their insight on how the life of St. Stephen has impacted their own.

On Sunday, December 27, 2009, on the Feast Day of St. Stephen the Protodeacon, six Deacons including Vartan Zargaryan, Sarkis Alanjian, Adis Badrosian, Stepan Hovagimian, Ruben Moskovyan and Varoujan Ghazarian were honored at the Burbank Parish by Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan. He congratulated the Deacons on their special day and wished them strength in carrying out the mission of the Church. Rev. Archpriest Fr. Sipan Mekhsian, Diocesan Chancellor, expressed his sincere wishes to the Deacons of the Burbank Parish. The Deacons sang the Lord’s Prayer amidst the jubilant faithful.

On December 29, 2009, His Excellency Armen Melkonyan, former Consul General of The Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles and current Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia in Egypt visited the Western Diocese.

CBS Network’s “60 Minutes” program aired on December 17 a devastating exposé of the violations of the rights of the Greek minority in Turkey.

Tuesday December 22 Primate will meet with the Deacons of the Western Diocese Wednesday December 23 Primate will visit Ararat Home, Mission Hills Thursday December 24 In observance of Christmas, a reception will be held at the Western Diocese for the staff of the Diocesan Headquarters Sunday December 27 On the occasion of the Name Day of St. Peter Armenian Church in Van Nuys, the Primate will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and consecrate the icons. St. Stephen the Protodeacon and first Martyr (Feast Day of the Deacons) A reception will follow the church service

Friday January 8 ACYO Retreat at the Armenian Church of the Desert, Rancho Mirage Saturday January 9 Pastoral Service Reception at the Diocesan Camp Saturday January 16 ACYO mini retreat at St. Paul Armenian Church, Fresno

On Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 10:30AM, the Primate celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis Armenian Church in Santa Clarita. Serving at the Holy Altar were Rev. Fr. Nerses Hayrapetyan, Parish Priest, the Very Rev. Fr. Mkhitar Grigoryan, guest clergyman from Armenia, Dn. Yeghia Jendian from St. Paul Armenian Church in Fresno and Deacons Sarkis Skayan and Guzh Khachikyan. Following the church service, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, presided over the consecration rite of St. Sarkis Armenian Church.

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.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, maintains a close relationship with the retired Clergy of the Western Diocese.

The Home Service for Mr. John M. Bozajian, Member of the Western Diocese Endowment Fund and a long time member of St. James Armenian Church of Los Angeles, took place on Thursday, December 17, 2009, 10:00 AM, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Pasadena. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, assisted by the Diocesan Clergy officiated over the service, followed by interment.

On December 17, 2009 the Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, participated in a meeting organized by the "Armenia Fund."

On December 19, 2009, the Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian, Vicar General, attended the “Little Angels” Art School for the annual Christmas program.

On December 17, 2009 the UCLA Armenian Educational Foundation and the ARPA organized a lecture and seminar on the Armenian-Turkish Protocols at Merdinian Armenian School.

Rev. Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan represented the Primate at the 2009 Holiday Gathering with Congressman Adam Schiff which took place on December 18, 2009 in Pasadena, California

Under the direction of Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian, Youth Director, and the ACYO Central Council, the ACYO convened at the Diocesan Camp on December 19-20, 2009.

Having accepted the invitation of the Primate, the Parish Priests of the Los Angeles area and numerous faithful participated in a pilgrimage to the Diocesan Headquarters and the rising Cathedral construction site, in Burbank, California on December 19, 2009. Under the direction of the Primate, a short religious service was held at the Diocese after which the guests, led by the Primate, toured the construction site of the Cathedral.

We are pleased to inform the Diocesan faithful that beginning December 21-23, 2009 students from five Armenian schools in the greater Los Angeles area received Holy Communion from the Diocesan Clergy.

According to His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians: “This book which is dedicated to the memory of Catholicos Karekin I of All Armenians, of blessed memory, will inspire the readers with the pious example of the prolific Pontiff of our Church, and will strengthen the dedication of service in our faithful Children and their zealousness toward spirituality.”

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, encourages our faithful to open their hearts during this Christmas and if possible assist our sister Nina Karamanian, who needs a matching bone marrow donor to save her life. Please see below for contact information as well as additional information about her situation.

The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America encourages our interested faithful to use the New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha to study the books of the Holy Bible in English as well as the other writings known as Apocrypha.

The English edition of this wonderful book, titled, “the Church of Armenia,” written originally in Armenian in the turn of the 20th Century by the late Patriarch of Constantinople, His Beatitude Archbishop Malachia Ormanian, has been made available to the faithful by the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America.

Also on January 4, 2010 at 3:30 PM the ceremony of the Blessing of the Water will take place at Ararat Home in Eagle Rock, with the participation of Diocesan Clergy from the greater Los Angeles area.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, will preside over the Blessing of the Water at Ararat Home in Mission Hills on January 4, 2010 at 10:30 AM. Diocesan Clergy from the greater Los Angeles area will participate in the service.

Turkish Prime Minister Receb Erdogan made insulting statements on the Armenian Genocide during his visit to Washington on December 6-8. Rather than hosting him in the White House, Pres. Obama should have declared him “persona non grata” -- an undesirable person!

The Home Service for Mr. John M. Bozajian will take place on Thursday, December 17, 2009, 10:00 AM, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Pasadena. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, assisted by the Diocesan Clergy will officiate over the service, followed by interment.

With the Primate’s blessings, Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretzian paid a special visit to the Armenian Church in Denver on December 12-14, 2009. He was welcomed by Rev. Fr. Zaven Markosyan, Parish Priest. The Very Rev. Fr. Baret Dz. V. Yeretzian met with the Parish Priest and the Parish Council. He offered the Primate’s blessings, appreciation and guidance.

On Friday, December 11, 2009 Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian, Diocesan Youth Director visited Phoenix, Arizona and was warmly greeted by Rev. Fr. Zacharia Saribekyan, Parish Priest of St. Apkar Armenian Church.

On Saturday, December 12, 2009 the Primate presided over the last Diocesan Council meeting of the year. It was chaired by Joseph Kanimian Esq. During the meeting, the members discussed next year’s plans with an emphasis on the upcoming Diocesan Assembly which would be held at the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank, California.

We are pleased to inform that on November 7, 2009, the Primate presided over the 7th Association of Armenian Church Choirs of the Western Diocese (AACCWD) at St. Mary Armenian Church in Costa Mesa. During the meeting, the Primate appointed Rev. Archpriest Fr. Nareg Matarian to the position of Musical Director of the Western Diocese. Furthermore, Fr. Nareg Matarian will be in charge of the Deacons of the Western Diocese.

On Saturday, December 12, 2009 the Primate accompanied by Rev. Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan, Parish Priest, the Deacons of the church, the Choir and the faithful, presided over the opening ceremony of the Hall of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Pasadena. His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan, the Very Rev. Fr. Kegham Dz. V. Zakarian, Rev. Archpriest Fr. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian and Rev. Archpriest Fr. Hovsep Hagopian were the Diocesan Clergy who participated in the ceremony. In his message, the Primate commended the dedication of Rev. Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan, the Parish Council, the Ladies Society, the auxiliary bodies and the faithful.

On Tuesday, December 15, the Primate welcomed the AGBU Manoogian – Demirjian and AGBU Pasadena Parents and Teachers Association (PTA).

Wednesday December 16 Primate will meet with the Parish Council of St. Peter - Glendale Thursday December 17 Primate will preside over the Home Service of John M. Bozajian at St. Gregory the Illuminator - Pasadena

On December 13, 2009 on the occasion of Feast Day of St. James the Bishop of Nisibis and the Name Day for the church, the Primate celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. James Armenian Church in Los Angeles. The Parish Deacons served at the holy altar. The Choir was directed by Manik Manukyan.

The “Sipan” Choir celebrated its 30th anniversary on Thursday, December 10, 2009. On this occasion, Henrik Anasyan, Composer and Choir Director, held a dinner-dance reception at Sayat Nova Restaurant in Glendale, California.

We are pleased to inform the faithful that the construction of the church building of the Armenian Church of the Desert is continuing according to plan.

DECEMBER 20, (MORNING) THE PRIMATE WILL CELEBRATE THE DIVINE LITURGY, DELIVER THE SERMON AND PRESIDE OVER THE CONSECRATION RITE OF ST. SARKIS ARMENIAN CHURCH IN SANTA CLARITA RECEPTION AFTER CHURCH SERVICE DECEMBER 27, (MORNING) IN OBSERVANCE OF THE NAME DAY OF THE CHURCH, THE PRIMATE WILL CELEBRATE THE DIVINE LITURGY, DELIVER THE SERMON AND CONSECRATE THE ICONS AT ST. PETER ARMENIAN CHURCH IN VAN NUYS RECEPTION AFTER CHURCH SERVICE THE PRIMATE WILL CELEBRATE THE DIVINE LITURGY AND DELIVER THE SERMON AND AWARD CERTIFICATES AND “HYE SPIRIT” MEDALS AT ST. MARY ARMENIAN CHURCH IN COSTA MESA RECEPTION AFTER CHURCH SERVICE

On the morning of Friday, December 11, 2009, starting 11:00 AM, close to five hundred students from Armenian Schools throughout the greater Los Angeles area arrived at the Diocesan Headquarters’ Kalaydjian Hall, accompanied by a number of teachers and parents. Several Clergymen from the Western Diocese, headed by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian as well as His Excellency Grigor Hovhannissian, Consul General of the Republic of Armenia in Los Angeles were present and greeted the school children to the Diocese. The assembly was organized on the occasion of the blessed Christmas season. This event has become a revered tradition in the Western Diocese, as this was the sixth time it has been held.

To view the entire booklet in pdf format please click on the Armenian Version link on the right side of this page:

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, and Deacon-in-charge Razmik Sarkissian met with the Santa Barbara Mission Parish Council at the home of Diocesan Council member Dn. Jeff and Karen Hazarian on December 3rd to outline expectations for the mission’s future activities and to discuss the pending appointment of a new Pastor for the mission parish.

In his letter of November 20 to Armenian American organizations, Pres. Obama once again played shameful word games with the term genocide. At this point, one has to be incredibly naïve to believe that he is going to acknowledge the Armenian Genocide during the rest of his term in office.

On the evening of Saturday, December 5, 2009, around 350 people gathered in the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Banquet Hall of the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Diocesan Complex, “to kick off the Christmas and holiday season,” according to Raffi Kendirjian, Chair of the Annual Christmas Celebration Banquet Committee, and “participate in honoring successful Armenian-American Professionals during this year’s celebration.” This annual event is a well established Diocesan tradition – held on the first Saturday of December each year, and is presided over by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese. At the beginning of the program, Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, Burbank Parish Priest, was invited to the podium to offer the invocation and bless the tables.

Advent in the Armenian tradition is longer than the Western Advent.

On Sunday, December 6, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, Drs. Petros and Karine Taglyan presided over the evening dedicated to the 50 year career of Henrik Anasyan and the 30 years of “Sipan” Choir.

On Sunday, December 6, the Primate made a pastoral visit to St. Mary Armenian Church in Costa Mesa. He celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon. Serving at the holy altar were Rev. Archpriest Fr. Moushegh Tashjian, Parish Priest and the deacons of the Parish. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, delivered a heartfelt message during the church service.

It is with immense spiritual joy that we inform our parish priests, parish councils, ladies society chapters, diocesan delegates, affiliated organizations and our faithful that Sunday December 20, 2009 will be a day of spiritual joy for the Western Diocese and especially for the parish of the Armenian Church of Santa Clarita – soon to be called St. Sarkis Armenian Church of Santa Clarita – when His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, will consecrate and name the newly purchased sanctuary in the region.

Armenians are understandably distressed when they encounter statements that distort or deny the facts of the Armenian Genocide, and feel comforted when it is properly acknowledged. While they are quick to castigate the deniers, they rarely take the time to recognize those who speak the truth.

On Thanksgiving weekend, November 27-28, 2009, youth from throughout the Western Diocese traveled to the City of Pasadena to be part of the Annual General Assembly and Convention of the ACYO-WD. With many youth in attendance, the event was truly a special occasion. The convention was hosted by St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Pasadena. The convention convened for its November 27th meeting at the Westin Hotel in Pasadena. The events took place under the presidency of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian who participated throughout the weekend. Diocesan Youth Director Fr. Avedis Abovian and over 20 Diocesan Clergy joined by a number of Diocesan Delegates from parishes participated in the convention.

On Sunday, November 29, under the high dome of St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Church in Pasadena, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, celebrated the Divine Liturgy; presented Mr. and Mrs. Popkin Simonian with St. Nerses the Graceful medal on behalf of His Holiness Karekin II; presided over the anniversary celebration of the Khachadourian Choir as well as the confirmation and blessing ceremonies of the newly elected Central Council Officers of the ACYO-WD.

In the afternoon of Sunday, November 29, 2009, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, met with Deacon-In-Charge Dn. Razmik Sarkissian, Dn. David Essayan, Chair of the Parish Council, as well as other members of the Ventura County Parish Council. During the meeting several issues pertaining to the life of the Parish were discussed and the Primate advised the Parish leadership accordingly.

Upon the invitation of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, The Very Rev. Fr. Mkhitar Grigoryan, guest clergyman from Armenia, will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at the following dates and locations: • St. Kevork Armenian Church in Glendale-December 6, 2009, starting at 10:30 AM, • Burbank Parish-Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank-December 13, starting at 10:30 AM.