Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, Ca 91504
Tel: 818-558-7474
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His Holiness Karekin ii
catholicos of all armenians
In the western DIOCESE
his HOLINESS meets with
armenian day school students
Tuesday, June 7, 2005
On June 7, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of
All Armenians, met with the students of Armenian Day Schools in the
Glendale Civic Center. Over 1,000 students representing the Armenian
schools of the Los Angeles area were present, led by their principals
and teachers.
His Holiness entered the auditorium accompanied by high ranking
clergy, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the
Western Diocese; His Eminence Archbishop Nerses Bozabalyan of the
Mother See; His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, His Grace
Bishop Bagrat Galsdanian, Primate of the Canadian Diocese, His
Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, as well as several clergy
of the Diocese.
Also present were several dignitaries including Consul General of
the Republic of Armenia, Gagik Kirakosian; Rafi Manoukian, Mayor,
City of Glendale; Ara James Najarian, Esq., Member, Glendale City
Council; Randy Adams, Glendale Chief of Police; Jim Starbird, City
Manager, Glendale; George Chapjian, Director, Parks & Recreation,
Glendale; and Dr. Armine G. Hacopian, Member, Board of Trustees,
Glendale Community College.
The following schools had brought their participation to the
program: Armenian Sisters Academy, AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School,
Mesrobian Armenian School, Charlotte & Elise Merdinian Armenian
Evangelical School, Ari Guiragos Minassian Armenian School,
Mkhitarian School, Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School, Sts.
Sahag-Mesrob Armenian School, Alfred and Marguerite Hovsepian School,
TCA Arshag Dickranian School, Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School,
and Ferrahian Armenian School.
Mr. Parsegh Kartalian, Chairman of the committee in charge of the
organization of the event, served as Master of Ceremonies. He invited
to the podium Mr. Rafi Manoukian who welcomed His Holiness Karekin II
to the City of Glendale.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian delivered the opening remarks,
extending his warm regards to the Catholicos. He also welcomed him on
his second Pontifical visit to the Western Diocese. Dr. Yacoobian,
Principal of Rose and Alex Pilibos School, delivered his message on
behalf of the principals of the schools in attendance.
Following the addresses a cultural program took place with the
participation of each school. The program included remarks on behalf
of the students, recitation, music, singing and Armenian dance.
His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian was invited to the podium
to address the students. `Today is a miraculous day, as the students
are gathered to express their respects and warm regards towards His
Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians. We have no doubt
that through his presence you are visited by Holy Etchmiadzin, our
Motherland Armenia, as well as our people in Armenia. We have no
doubt that the Pontifical visit of His Holiness strengthens your love
towards Armenia and keeps alive the memory of our martyrs. We have no
doubt that with the visit of the Catholicos you are challenged to
continue your lives with greater pride as a symbol of the
Resurrection of Christ, and the testimony that the Armenian people
will live forever.’
His Eminence then invited to the podium Archbishop Nerses Bozabalyan
who read the Pontifical Encyclical issued by His Holiness bestowing
the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Medal of Honor upon renowned Armenian poet
Jacques S. Hagopian. Following, His Holiness pinned the Medal of
Honor on Mr. Hagopian.
In his adders to the youth in attendance His Holiness Karekin II
expressed his immense joy in being in the presence of the students.
He urged the students to keep alive the Armenian language and the
love for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. He continued, `Today I
extend to you the love of your brothers and sisters in Armenia who
anxiously await your return to the Motherland.’
Following his address, His Holiness presented gifts to each of the
principals in attendance.
his HOLINESS meets with
armenian students of
burbank unified school district
Tuesday, June 7, 2005
At 4:00 p.m. on June 7, 2005 His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of
All Armenians, met with the Armenian students of the Burbank Unified
School District, in the Burbank High School auditorium. The event
marked the fourth gathering between the youth and His Holiness since
his arrival to the Western Diocese on June 1st.
Accompanying His Holiness were high ranking clergy of his entourage,
His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western
Diocese; His Eminence Archbishop Nerses Bozabalyan of the Mother See;
His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, His Grace Bishop Bagrat
Galsdanian, Primate of the Canadian Diocese, as well as several
Diocesan clergy.
The event began with the singing of the national anthems followed by
the `Toccata’ on the piano, two Armenian dances (Three Girls and
Dream), and `Yerevan Erepouni’ on the flute. All performances were by
student representatives of the Burbank Unified School District
schools.
Paul Krekorian, President of the Burbank Unified School District
Board of Education, expressed his sincere appreciation to the
Catholicos for his visit to Burbank High School. Mr. Krekorian
acknowledged the members of the District present during the event,
Ted Bunch, Vice President of the BUSD Board of Education; Dave Kemp,
member of the Board; Gregory Bowman, Superintendent; and Alexis
Sheehy, Assistant Superintendent.
His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian delivered his address to
the students with the words, `We are delighted to have His Holiness
Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, among us. Since his arrival
the Catholicos has met with the youth on several occasions, showing
the great love and respect of Vehapar towards the youth. He knows
that with the youth is a new beginning. In Armenia he has initiated
several projects for the youth in the Araratian Diocese. Today thanks
to his efforts over 8,000 students have the opportunity to attend art
centers in Armenia. The youth have truly become the instruments of
his vision. We celebrate his presence which brings to us the love of
Armenia and Holy Etchmiadzin.’
Upon the request of the Catholicos, Compositor Robert Amirkhanian, a
member of the official entourage of His Holiness, performed two of his
pieces, `Hayi Achker’ and `Yeraz Im Yergir.’
His Holiness was invited to the podium to address the youth. `I have
come from the Motherland to create and enthusiasm among you so that in
your joy you cultivate your life and your love for your Motherland,’
said the Pontiff. `During the past few days, we have witnessed that
you have already built a small Armenia. Armenia is present here in
your songs, recitations, dance and prayers. Our soul is enlightened
and uplifted in witnessing your enthusiasm. May God bless and keep
you.’
His Holiness presented an Armenian painting to Mr. Paul Krekorian,
in appreciation of their hospitality.
reception in honor of his HOLINESS
by armenian general benevolent union
Tuesday, June 7, 2005
At 8:00 p.m. on June 7, 2005 His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of
All Armenians, attended a reception in his honor, hosted by the AGBU
Southern California District Committee (SCDC), held in the AGBU
Center in Pasadena.
His Holiness was accompanied by his entourage which included His
Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese;
His Eminence Archbishop Nerses Bozabalyan of the Mother See; His
Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, His Grace Bishop Bagrat
Galsdanian, Primate of the Canadian Diocese, as well as several
Diocesan clergy and guests.
Opening remarks were made by Mr. Ara Babayan, long time member of
the AGBU. Serving as Master of Ceremonies was Dr. Vahram Biricik,
member of the AGBU SCDC. He invited to the podium Mr. Vahe
Imasdounian, Chair of the SCDC who officially welcomed the Catholicos
of All Armenians on behalf of the AGBU and expressed his warm
appreciation for his active cooperation with the AGBU.
Mr. Sinan Sinanian, member of the SCDC also extended his
appreciation to the Pontiff, and conveyed his gratitude for the
immense support which the AGBU has continually received from His
Holiness.
Following the address of Yenovk Balekian who outlined the different
projects which have been realized thanks to the cooperation of the
AGBU and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, a video was presented
which described the joint activities and projects of His Holiness and
the AGBU when he was the Primate of the Araratian Diocese in Armenia.
His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian extended his appreciation
to the AGBU for hosting the reception. `Here in the AGBU Center His
Holiness feels at home,’ said His Eminence in reference to the strong
bond between the AGBU and the Catholicos.
In his address His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians,
stressed the importance of cooperation between the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin and the AGBU. `The Armenian General Benevolent Union is
an extension of the Armenian Apostolic Church,’ said the Catholicos,
`in the sense that alongside the Church the AGBU also caters to the
needs of the Armenian community.’ The Catholicos extended to the
attendees his blessings from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.
In appreciation of the warm reception which he received by the AGBU,
and in the spirit of continued cooperation, His Holiness presented an
Armenian painting to Mr. Vahe Imasdounian.
A plaque of appreciation was presented to Mr. Jirair Boyajian by the
AGBU for his unrelenting devotion to the organization. The reception
was sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Albert Boyajian, Mr. and Mrs. Vahe
Imasdounian, and Mr. and Mrs. Tony Truisi.
OFFICE OF THE WESTERN DIOCESE
June 8, 2005
Burbank, California