Karen Kondazian’s debut novel The Whip was presented at the Western Diocese on May 30, 2012. The presentation and signing event of the critically acclaimed novel was held in the Hampar Family Reception of the Diocesan Complex and attracted a number of fiction lovers. The proceeds from the event were directed to the Armenian Writers Union in Yerevan.

During Memorial Day Weekend 2012, ACYO members throughout the Western Diocese came together for the annual ACYO Sports Weekend. Sports Weekend is a time for youth to gather and compete in various sports tournaments. This year’s sports included basketball, volleyball, dodge ball, tennis, ping-pong, and backgammon (tavloo).

We extend greetings and blessings from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, to our nation’s sons and daughters throughout Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora, congratulating them on the festive occasion of the First Republic Day.

On Sunday, May 20, 2012, St. John Garabed Armenian Church in San Diego celebrated the 35th anniversary of establishment of the parish. On the auspicious occasion, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian paid a pastoral visit to St. John Garabed. The Primate celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon. At the holy altar, His Eminence was assisted by newly-ordained priest Rev. Fr. Mesrob Ash.

Dear members of the ACYO family, The Sports Weekend, although not a religious venue brings youth of the ACYO for a unique fellowship. The fun-filled weekend facilitates a new platform of friendship and camaraderie. Together you engage in activities which strengthen your physical bodies. However, Sports Weekends are special times for all of us to encounter God in our personal and collective lives. The ultimate goal of each gathering is for each of us to become a witness of Christ in the lives of our fellow brothers and sisters. “Carry each other’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the Law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

The Feast of Ascension (Hampartsoum) celebrations took place on Thursday May 17, 2012, at St. John Garabed Armenian Church in Hollywood. With the participation of Diocesan clergy of the greater Los Angeles Area, the celebration of the Divine Liturgy commenced at 10:30 a.m. Presided over by Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazian, Pastor of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral.

This Sunday, May 27, is the Feast of Pentecost (Hokekaloust), which is celebrated fifty days after Easter. Jesus had commanded the apostles to “Go therefore to all nations and make them my disciples,” (Matthew 28:19). Recognizing the difficulty of this great responsibility, Christ had advised His disciples not to begin their teaching mission until after the “Descent of the Holy Spirit.”

On Tuesday, May 22, 2012, Holly Derheim, Western Region’s Director of Philanthropy of Heifer International visited the Western Diocese and met with His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Diocesan Primate. Mrs. Derheim thanked the His Eminence for the warm welcome and introduced to the Primate the mission of Heifer International in the Republic of Armenia.

The Armenian Bar Association 23rd Annual National Meeting and Weekend took place on May 18-20, 2012, at the Glendale Hilton nestled in the picturesque foothills of Glendale, California. The hotel’s plush appointments and accommodations were the auspicious setting for a series of compelling, thought-provoking, and galvanizing presentations on legal and civil rights issues both in the United States and the Republic of Armenia.

The inaugural celebration and presentation of the Harold M. Schulweis Humanitarian Award was held from May 18-20, 2012 at Valley Beth Shalom in Encino, California. Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian congratulated the three honorees with a congratulatory letter wherein His Eminence noted the valuable contributions of Rabbi Harold Schulweis in promoting the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

On May 10, 2012, the Zorayan Museum of the Western Diocese was the venue for Armen Atanyan’s Art Exhibition titled “Armenian Games and Traditions.” The event attracted more than 300 art aficionados from the greater Los Angeles Area. Close to 50 of the talented artist’s paintings were on display for the art-loving public. The art exhibition showcased the creative world of the artist whose inspiration is derived from Armenian traditions and folklore games.

On Sunday, May 13, 2012, St. James Armenian Apostolic Church in Sacramento celebrated the 59th anniversary of establishment of the parish. On the auspicious occasion, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian celebrated the Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon. During the service Dn. and Mrs. Rod and Rebecca Jorjorian parishioners of St. James and Godfathers of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral, were honored with the St. Nerses the Graceful (Shnorhali) medal.

2 – AGBU Vatche and Tamar Manoukian School Graduation Ceremony (accompanied by Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Petoyan and Dn. Hovnan Vardanyan) 3 – St. Leon Armenian Cathdedral – Acolyte and Deacon Ordination

On May 10, 2012, thirty members of the Armenian Social Democrat Hunchakian Party (ASDHP) of the Western United States led by ASDHP Western Region Chairman Vazken Khodanian visited the Diocesan Headquarters and met with His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate.

Under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, a banquet, in honor of Mother’s Day was held on Sunday, May 13, at the Kalaydjian Banquet Hall of the Western Diocese. The banquet was organized by the Parish Council of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral.

It’s that time of the year again when Diocesan youth gather in Fresno for the Annual ACYO Sports Weekend. Hosted by St. Paul Armenian Church, the sports games are held at Buchanan High School the where hundreds of young faithful come to compete for prizes in such sports as basketball, volleyball and dodge ball.

The Second "Bridge to the Future" Gala Dinner & Dance will be held on November 10, 2012 at The Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines.

A Stewardship Fundraising event was held on May 9th, 2012. The fundraiser was hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Hagop and Arsha Loussararian at their residence in Valencia, California. Among the invited guests were parishioners of St. Sarkis Armenian Church in Santa Clarita. Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian presided over the Stewardship Fundraiser. Fr. Nerses Hayrapetyan, Parish Priest of St. Sarkis Armenian Church and his Yeretzgin Araxya also attended the fundraiser.

For the first time in the 85 – year history of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, the Annual Diocesan Assembly was held outside of the State of California. This year’s host parish was St. Apkar Armenian Church in Scottsdale, Arizona.

On May 9, 2012 His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, and a delegation of bishops, paid a formal visit to Artsakh where the Pontiff and his delegation took part in the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the liberation of Shushi in Nagorno-Karabagh.

It is a necessity for every human being to have challenges. They help us to stay alert, vigilant, and sensitive to the needs of others. By overcoming the challenges we face, we establish our identity. Overcoming obstacles make us who we are; it make us better people. But, when we get comfortable we start losing the need for becoming better. The absence of the need to rise above the challenges makes us idle.

On Sunday, May 20, 2012, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Diocesan Primate, will pay a pastoral visit to St. John Garabed Armenian Church in San Diego where he will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the day’s homily. A formal banquet celebrating the 35th anniversary of establishment of the parish will be held will in the Khosharian Hall of establishment of the parish after the service.

Spring into summer with the Diocese's summer camp program.

The year 2015 will mark the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Throughout the world, this anniversary will be marked with programs and events. In the Western Diocese we will be commemorating around the theme of “Survival, Growth and Life.”

On Sunday, May 13, 2012, St. James Armenian Apostolic Church in Sacramento will celebrate the 59th anniversary of establishment of the parish. On the auspicious occasion, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian will pay a pastoral visit to St. James where he will celebrate the Divine Liturgy and deliver the day’s homily.

Rancho Mirage On April 24th 2012, Armenians of the Coachella Valley as well as members of St. Garabed’s ACYO (Armenian Church Youth Organization) planned, and carried out a peaceful Armenian Genocide convoy/protest. The members put flags, signs, and their Armenian spirit all over their cars and drove from our Church, to El Paseo and then all the way down to Downtown Palm Springs.

St. John Armenian Apostolic Church was the setting for yet another historical chapter in the life of the Western Diocese. On Sunday, April 29, 2012, during the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America ordained and consecrated Dn. Matthew Ash into the Sacred Order of the Priesthood, bringing the total number of priests ordained and consecrated by Archbishop Derderdian thus far to 30.

On Friday, April 27 at 7:00 p.m, Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, with the participation of Diocesan clergy of the Greater Los Angeles area, presided over the Calling Service of Dn. Matthew Ash. The memorable event took place at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral, the spiritual center of the Western Diocese.

The 85th Annual Assembly of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America will be held at St. Apkar Armenian Apostolic Church in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The Trust Fund Committee of St. John Garabed Armenian Church has resubmitted the Conditional Use Permit (C.U.P.) application to establish a new church campus on its picturesque property near Del Mar, California. This second submission is a "limited submittal" in response to concerns raised in the first review to traffic flow and environmental impact. After feedback from the City staff and affected agencies, a complete re-submittal will be made for a final, comprehensive review by the City of San Diego. The Trust Fund Committee is hopeful that the project may be approved by the end of this year.