Western Diocese

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America has made a plea to all parishes under the jurisdiction of the Western Diocese to conduct a special ‘donation plate circulation’ in all churches of the Western Diocese on Sunday May 25, 2008, for the benefit of the victims of the Burma cyclone and the earthquake in China.

 

During the past few days, we have witnessed the unimaginable magnitude of the destructions inflected by the Burma cyclone and China earthquake on vast areas of residential regions in those two countries. Unfortunately the death toll from the Burma cyclone could be as high as 100,000, and as high as 30,000 for the earthquake in China.

 

Naturally, the victims are in urgent need for help. As you know, in the recent years the Western Diocese has played a constructive role at times of big natural disasters throughout the World as well as in the United States, through fundraising events and collecting donations for the victims of various natural disasters.

 

Few years ago, the Primate appointed the current Chair of the Diocesan Council, Mr. Joseph Kanimian Esq., as a liaison to the American Red Cross. Mr. Kanimian was eventually elected as a board member of that organization and actively serves in that capacity as the representative of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church. In San Jose, California, Mr. Ara Yerganian serves the American Red Cross in a similar capacity.

 

It is necessary, once again, that we come together and help the victims of the recent natural disasters in Asia. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian in his message calls on the faithful of the Diocese to bring their contribution to this God-pleasing cause: “In times of disaster, such as cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis and wildfires, we all have the moral obligation to extend a helping hand to all those who suffered the consequences. Our participation in this noble cause, to assist those who have lost everything, is vital, but above all it is the reflection of our faith in action. Let us give generously from our heart, and the Almighty God would reward us.”

 

Please, make your checks payable to the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, indicating ‘American Red Cross’ in the memo section of the checks.