Western Diocese

Following the candle lighting service, the clergy and the faithful headed to the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Hall of the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Diocesan Complex.

The Victory Ball was organized by the Cathedral Fundraising Committee in efforts to obtain the pledges for the Cathedral. The proceeds from the banquet were directed to the building of the Cathedral Fr. Khajag Shabazyan offered the Invocation. Master of Ceremonies Dr. Simon Simonian delivered the opening remarks.  

Representatives from numerous organizations including the Knights of the AGBU, Armenian Bar Association, Khachadourian Choir, Association of Istanbul Armenians, Armenian Compatriotic Union of Ourfa, Greek Armenian Association, Compatriotic Union of Zaratsis, Armenian Democratic Liberal Party, Social Democrat Hunchakian Party and the Armenian Society of Los Angeles were present at the Victory Ball.

"This is a celebration of a sacred vision, commitment, progress, and a dream com true for the Cathedral. This historical monument indeed shows Christian faith in action. Countless people who had faith in the Armenian church participated in this sacred mission and demonstrated their will to live up to the challenge of constructing the Cathedral," said Mrs. Lena Simonian, Chairlady of the Victory Ball, in her welcoming remarks.

Mr. Antranik Zorayan, Chair of the Cathedral Fund Raising Committee, also reflected on the journey that led to the construction of the Cathedral. "We believe that the completion of the Cathedral is a historical accomplishment that is worthy of a celebration. This is the victory of our Primate, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, who has been working tirelessly, and providing leadership and spiritual guidance to the people for over six years during this challenging project. This is the victory of the many volunteers who believed in this noble cause and have been involved in this project with dedication and unselfishness for several years."

Mr. Armen Hampar, Chair of the Cathedral Building Committee, also offered his remarks. Mr. Hampar expressed his appreciation to the Primate for his unparalleled dedication to the Western Diocese. He also mentioned the historic consecration of the Cathedral which will take place on September 11, 2010 by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians.

In his closing remarks, the Primate expressed his appreciation to all those who participated in the God-pleasing project. He remembered the valuable contributions of the late Benefactors Arshag Dickranian, John Ketchoyan and Vartkes Barsam whose generosity to the Western Diocese made it possible to acquire the building of the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank, California. The Primate commended the dedicated service of the members of the Cathedral Building Committee chaired by Mr. Armen Hampar, Cathedral Fundraising Committee chaired by Mr. Antranik Zorayan, Mrs. Lena Simonian, Chairlady of the Victory Ball Committee and Mrs. Meline Agagianian for wonderfully organizing the Victory Ball.

Considering that brothers Saro and Raffi Marukian could not be present for the Primate's Jubilee celebration on June 4 and June 6, the Marukian brothers presented the Primate with a Bishop's Encolpion (Banage - Bishop's Pectoral Ornament). The Primate thanked the Marukian brothers for the wonderful gift.

For his dedicated service, the members of the Cathedral Fundraising Committee presented Mr. Antranik Zorayan with a memorable gift, (oval plate) with the Lord's Prayer inscribed with golden letters.

The Victory Ball on June 19, 2010 will remain as one of the more memorable events in the Western Diocese.