PRESS OFFICE
ARMENIAN CHURCH OF NORTH AMERICA WESTERN DIOCESE
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91504
Tel: (818) 558-7474
Fax: (818) 558-6333
E-mail: armenianchwd@eathlink.net
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COMMUNIQUÉ

JOINT EVENT ORGANIZED BY ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY, WESTERN DIOCESE AND AGBU

On Saturday, June 26, 2004 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan
Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of
North America, was present at an event organized jointly by the Armenian
Assembly, the Western Diocese and AGBU. The hosts of the day were the
Primate, Attorney Richard Moushegain, Western Region Chairman of the
Armenian Assembly of America, and Mr. Vahe Imasdounian, Southern
Californian District Chairman of the AGBU.
The function was attended by several political dignitaries,
including Californian State Assemblywoman Carol Liu, Glendale City
Councilman Frank Quintero, Pasadena Fire Chief Bernard Melekian, Lisa
Kalustian, Chief Deputy Director of the office of Gov. Arnold
Schwarzenegger; Mr. Armond Agakhani, Consultant to the California
Speaker of the Assembly Fabian Nunes; and Vahik Gourjian, Representative
of California State Senator Jack Scott.
After the welcoming remarks by Mr. Vahe Imasdounian, the
attendees heard a keynote speech by Congressman Frank Palone, who spoke
on several issues related to Armenia. Following, a question and answer
session took place between Congressman Pallone and the dignitaries.

PRIMATE CELEBRATES DIVINE LITURGY AT ST. JAMES ARMENIAN CHURCH

On June 27, 2004 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,
Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America,
celebrated Divine Liturgy at St. James Armenian Apostolic Church in Los
Angeles. During the Liturgy His Eminence honored Fr. Arshag
Khatchadourian with an encyclical issued by His Holiness Karekin II,
Catholicos and Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians, on the occasion of
the his elevation to Archpriest. On this occasion the Primate presented
gifts to Fr. Arshag and Yeretzgin. His Eminence also honored the members
of the Parish Council, the Ladies’ Society, the Memorial Fund, and the
chairmen off all auxiliary bodies.
Following the Divine Liturgy a reception took place in the
church hall, also attended by members of the Southern Ecumenical
Council, as well a large crowd of friends, family and faithful. During
the reception Master of Ceremonies Mr. Robert Barsam invited His
Eminence Archbishop Derderian who addressed the attendees with the
message, `today we celebrate the life of Fr. Ashag Khatchadourian. Our
hearts are filled with immeasurable joy as we witness his immense
dedication to the Armenian Apostolic Church. Fr. Arshag has been an
exemplary leader who has fulfilled his duties with utmost diligence. For
the past 25 years he has served St. James Armenian Church as a good
shepherd, at the same time also serving the Diocese with the same love.
Today’s celebration is a challenge, blessing and a new call to renew
in
his life his pastoral commitment. The presence of the faithful certainly
testifies the outpouring love of his people.’
We congratulate Fr. Arshag and wish him well being in his future
endeavors.

HIS EMINENCE ATTENDS COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY OF TCA ARSHAG DICKRANIAN
SCHOOL

On the evening of June 27, 2004 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan
Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese attended the commencement
ceremony of the TCA Arshag Dickranian School, held at the AGBU Center in
Pasadena. The program included a keynote speech by Mr. Greg Krikorian,
Chairman if the GUSD Board of Education. His Eminence performed the
Benediction at the close of the program and addressed the attendees with
the words, `Today is a celebration of life. The school is the ground
which helps to understand and learn the past and present, and instills
in us the vision for the future. The school is the institution that will
cultivate your minds with the spirit of Christ and the Mother See of
Holy Etchmiadzin. We wish you success in your future endeavors. Remember
that education leads you to three prospects: change, progress,
excellence.’
The Primate also extended his words of appreciation to
benefactors Mrs. Eleanor Dickranian and the Dickranian family, Chairman
of the Board Mr. George Mandosian, as well as Principal Mr. Vartkes
Kourouyan.

FIRST MEETING OF THE DEACON’S COUNCIL

On June 28th, 2004 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of
the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, presided
over the first meeting of the Deacon’s Council. The council, which was
formed as a result of the recent inaugural Deacons’ Conference,
discussed ways to enrich the education of Diocesan Deacons, Sub-Deacons
and Stolebearers and enhance the Deaconate through the recruitment of
those eager to serve the church in a fulfilling way. Deacon Matthew
Jendian has been assigned by the Primate as the Chairman of the
Deacon’s
Council.
The Western Diocese hosts nearly 300 altar servers, of which 160 are
deacons and sub-deacons. As ordained members of the clergy, deacons play
a vital role in church life helping the Priest celebrate Badarak and
even praying over the sick in the absence of a Priest. Given their
invaluable position the Deacon’s Council will organize two major
conferences a year: one focusing on theological academics, and the other
on the training of rituals. In addition to these events, regional
celebrations will be held on the occasion of St. Stephens’s Feast Day,
the day when we remember the first deacon.
In order to ensure the proper education of our Diocesan deacons, a
four-year curriculum will be developed, which will eventually become the
standard for training deacons; it will also serve as the requirement for
those wishing to perform deacons’ duties in the church and in the
community.
Upon the successful completion of the aforementioned efforts regional
Deacon’s training programs will be established so that proper training
will be available throughout the diocese. In addition, training
materials will made available via publications and on-line.

PRIMATE TO DEPART FOR HOLY ETCHMIADZIN, ARMENIA

We would like to inform the Diocesan Clergy, Parish Councils,
and all auxiliary bodies, that His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,
Primate of the Western Diocese, upon the invitation of His Holiness
Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, will depart for the Mother See
of Holy Etchmiadzin on Saturday, July 4, 2004, to participate in a
meeting of the Supreme Spiritual Council.
God willing the Primate will return to Los Angeles on July 8.
We would like to inform you that the Primate has assigned an
`Advisory Body’ that is comprised of the following:

Archpriest Fr. Arshag Khatchadourian, Chairman of the Clergy
Executive Council.
Archpriest Fr. Sipan Mekhsian, Chancellor of the Diocese, and
Attorney Richard Moushegain, Chairman of the Diocesan Council.

At any time when the Primate is out of town, the Chairman of the
Clergy Executive Council, the Chancellor and the Chairman of the
Diocesan Council will take charge in case of pressing matters.

DIVAN OF THE DIOCESE

June 30, 2004
Burbank, California