ARCHBISHOP HOVNAN DERDERIAN PRESIDES OVER ANNUAL BANQUET OF ARMENIAN CHURCH OF PHOENIX, ARIZONA

BURBANK, CALIFORNIA, November 17 (Noyan Tapan). On the evening of
November 13, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the
Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of North America,
presided over and was the guest speaker during the annual banquet of
the Armenian Apostolic Church of Phoenix, Arizona.

“Tonight’s banquet is another milestone as we approach the most
significant date of the construction of the new church. As Armenian
Christians we are challenged to maintain our Christian identity. This
year as we prepare to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide and to celebrate the 1600th anniversary of the creation of the
Armenian alphabet, we are challenged to reawaken in us our commitment
to guard our Christian faith, our culture and language. With your
presence today I witness the reawakening of our Christian faith.
Tonight my heart also rejoices with the accomplishments of our
community which also inspires me in my mission within the Western
Diocese.”

According to the Press Office of the Western Diocese, during the
banquet the Chair of the Parish Council formally informed the guests
of the transfer of two funds. The State of Arizona Department of
Transportation has compensated the Armenian Church of Arizona with a
sum of 5,114, and a donation of ,414 has been made by the Dockmejian
Trust which has identified the Church of Phoenix as a beneficiary of
the Dockmejian Estate.

According to information given by the Parish Council, the construction
is estimated to have a budget of .5 million, of which roughly million
has already been raised.

On Sunday, November 14 Archbishop Hovnan Derderian celebrated Divine
Liturgy and delivered the Sermon on the theme of “humility”. Following
Divine Liturgy a fellowship hour and a meeting took place between all
auxiliary organizations of the church, during which each body presented
its activities, and a question and answer forum took place. In his
closing remarks the Primate commanded the Parish Council and the
auxiliary bodies for their exemplary dedication.