Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, Ca 91504
Tel: 818-558-7474
Fax: 818-558-6333
Web:

PROFESSOR VAHAKN DADRIAN AT THE DIOCESE

On April 8 and 9, 2005 the Western Diocese was delighted to host and
honor Professor Vahakn Dadrian, a renowned expert on the Armenian
Genocide of 1915.

On Friday, April 9, 2005 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,
Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North
America, presided over a lecture by Professor Dadrian at the Diocesan
Headquarters in Burbank, organized by the organization of Istanbul
Armenians (OIA). An audience of over 400 guests had come to hear
Prof. Dadrian, who gave a detailed account of the Genocide, supported
by countless facts gathered by him through several years of dedicated
research around the world.

On April 9, 2005 under the auspices of the Western Diocese of the
Armenian Church of North America and organized by over 10 cultural
and compatriotic organizations, a tribute banquet was held at the
Diocese honoring Vahakn Dadrian for a lifetime of academic
achievement.

Professor Dadrian was presented by Taner Akcam, researcher and
professor who has published over ten books on the topic of the
Armenian Genocide and Turkish nationalism.

`Professor Dadrian is the most authentic historian of the Armenian
Genocide,’ said His Eminence Archbishop Derderian in his address to
the attendees of the banquet. `Through his outstanding achievements
and scholarly works he has been recognized internationally, and above
all, through his extensive research of Austrian, German and Turkish
archives he has been able to reach out to the people of the world,
making them aware of the undeniable facts of the Armenian Genocide.’

During the Banquet the Pontifical Encyclical issued by His Holiness
Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, was read. The Encyclical was
issued on March 5, 2005 granting Prof. Dadrian the St. Sahag and
Mesrob Medal of Honor. `Your many years of distinguished public and
literary services as well as your important and tangible input in the
serious and necessary endeavor to condemn the Armenian Genocide and
the phenomenon of Genocide in general throughout the world are worthy
of praise,’ read the Pontifical Encyclical.

The Primate also commended the efforts of the organizations that had
joined in planning this event. The participating organizations were,
Ararat Eskigian Museum, ARCA – Western Region, Armenian Assembly of
America, Armenian Cultural and Educational Society – Hamazkayin,
Armenian Democratic Liberal Party, Armenian General Benevolent Union,
Armenian National Committee, Nor Seroont Cultural Association,
Organization of Istanbul Armenians, social Democratic Hunchakian
Party, and Tekeyan Cultural Association.

Proceeds will benefit the Zoryan Institute Genocide Research Fund.

primate’s first divine liturgy

in portland, oregon

On April 10, 2005 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate
of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, paid
his second pastoral visit to the Armenian Church of Portland Oregon,
where he celebrated his first Divine Liturgy with the presence of
over 150 faithful, marking the first time such a great number of
faithful had gathered at the church.

During the Divine Liturgy the Primate performed the ordination of
Kevork Parseghian into the order of diaconate and also ordained four
acolytes.

The Primate addressed the faithful with the words, `Today my heart
rejoices as I join all of you with my prayers to celebrate a new
beginning in the Armenian community of Oregon. I am all the more
overjoyed with the ordination of Deacon Kevork Parseghian and the
four acolytes. I convey to you all my warmest regards and challenge
you to reawaken within your hearts the spirit of devotion and
sacrifice on the verge of the creation of a new and vibrant community
in the Western Diocese.’

primate and clergy

participate in swearing-in ceremony

On April 11, 2005 His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate
of the Western Diocese, accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Vatche
Hovsepian, Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Yardemian, and Diocesan clergy,
attended the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected mayor and
officers of the City of Glendale.

Prior to the ceremony the Primate and assisting clergy conducted the
wedding ceremony of Mayor Bob Yousefian, at St. Peter Armenian Church
Youth Center in Glendale.

Primate represented at

community events

· Inaugural banquet of Armenian academy of los angeles

On April 1, 2005 Very Rev. Fr. Asbed Balian represented the Primate
at the inaugural Banquet of the Armenian Academy of Los Angeles,
which is targeted to open its doors to Armenian high school students
in the fall of 2006. The goal of the Academy is to create a college
preparatory four-year high school curriculum, focused on Honors and
Advanced Placement classes, with an emphasis on the Arts as well,
thus giving Armenian students a solid basis for higher education.

· ART EXHIBITION ORGANIZED BY LA CITY ATTORNEY

On April 7, 2005 Mr. Vahe Ashjian, Chair of the Armenian
Professionals Network (APN) of the Diocese, represented the Primate
at an art exhibition organized by the office of Los Angeles City
Attorney Rocky Delgadillo, held at the LA City Hall.

During the event Rocky Delgadillo placed special emphasis on the
accomplishments of the Armenian community in Los Angeles, and
extended his words of commendation to the community.

· 20th anniversary of CSUN Armenian Studies Program

On Friday, April 8, 2005 Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian and
Rev. Fr. Shnork Demirdjian, Pastor of St. Peter Armenian Church in
Van Nuys, represented the Primate at the 20th Anniversary banquet of
the Armenian Studies Program at the California University of
Northridge, California.

Fr. Dajad presented to the attendees the message of the Primate
which read, `On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Armenian
Studies Program at California State University, Northridge, we
congratulate Dr. Hermine Mahseredjian, Director of the Armenian
Studies Program; Dr. Vahram Shemmassian, and over 3000 Armenian
students of CSUN. We are proud that alongside various academic
topics, with utmost love our Armenian students are dedicated to
Armenian education, thanks to which they maintain the traditions of
our forefathers, and impart those traditions upon future
generations.’

· CLIMATE OF TRUST PROGRAM

On April 11, 2005 Fr. Tavit Zelveyan represented the Primate at the
first ever Los Angeles-Based Climate of Trust Program, welcoming a
delegation of Russian law enforcement and community leaders, who are
in LA to address issues connected to anti-Semitism

· Meeting of interreligious council

Archpriest Fr. Arshag Khatchadourian, Pastor of St. James Armenian
Church in Los Angeles will represent the Primate at the meeting of
the Interreligious Council on April 12, 2005 hosted by Fr. Alexei
Smith, at Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral.

Upcoming SCHEDULE OF

April 14 – May 1, 2005

The following contains items scheduled for the month of April 14 –
May 1, 2005.

Thursday, April 14 His Eminence will preside over the Clergy
Executive meeting and the Clergy Recruitment Committee meeting at the
Diocese.

Evening – The Primate will attend an exhibition by the students of
the TCA Arshag Dickranian School dedicated to the Armenian Genocide.

Sunday, April 17 The Primate will celebrate Divine Liturgy at St.
John Garabed Armenian Church in San Diego where he will consecrate a
Stone Cross on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide.

Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V. Yardemian will represent the Primate at
an evening of lecture dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the
Armenian Genocide, organized by the Armenian Cultural and Educational
Society – Hamazkayin, to be held at the Glendale Public Library.

Wednesday, April 20 His Eminence will meet with Supervisor Michael
D. Antonovich at the Diocesan Headquarters, accompanied by Diocesan
council members and members of the Cathedral Committee.

Evening – The Primate will preside over an event in honor of the
Armenian Genocide at St. John Garabed Armenian Church in Hollywood.

Thursday, April 21 the Primate will attend the conclusion of `March
for Humanity’ in Sacramento, following which the delegation from the
Western Diocese will head to the state Assembly where a resolution
will be passed in recognition of the Genocide.

Sunday, April 24 The Primate will perform the ordination pf Deacon
Vahe Abovyan into the Order of Priesthood at St. John Garabed
Armenian Church in Hollywood.

Evening – all community event in honor of the Armenian Genocide

April 26 – 30 78th Annual Diocesan Assembly

April 27 Clergy Conference

April 28 Ladies’ Assembly

April 29-30 Delegates’ Assembly

Sunday, May 1 The Primate will preside over Divine Liturgy at the
culmination of the Assembly.

The Khachadoorian Choir will celebrate the anniversary of its
establishment.

The Primate will attend the 25th anniversary of the St. Sahag and
Mesrob Armenian School.

OFFICE OF THE WESTERN DIOCESE

April 12, 2005

Burbank, California

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress