Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, Ca 91504
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His Holiness Karekin ii
catholicos of all armenians
In the western DIOCESE
breakfast MEETING between
his HOLINESS and the clergy
of the WESTERN DIOCESE
Thursday, June 9, 2005
On Thursday, June 9, 2005 His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All
Armenians, accompanied by the Primate of the Western Diocese me with
over 40 clergy of the Western Diocese in the Armen and Gloria Hampar
Reception Room. His Holiness entered the room during the singing of
the hymn `Hrashapar’.
Following the blessing of the tables by His Holiness the Primate
once more greeted the Catholicos of All Armenians, and extended his
appreciation to the clergy for their spiritual missions and the
service of their people. He conveyed his gratitude to the Pontiff for
granting crosses to the clergy during the reception of the previous
evening.
The Primate then invited His Holiness to address the clergy in
attendance. The Catholicos extended his appreciation to the Primate
for the events which have been successfully planned and are being
implemented on the occasion of his Pontifical visit. He provided the
clergy with detailed information on the activities and project of the
Mother See.
The Catholicos informed the clergy that the Kevorkian Seminary
housed in the Mother See has reached a new academic level. Currently
there are 250 students enrolled in the Kevorkian and Vazkenian
Seminaries. It is also expected that a Seminary in Gumri be opened in
the near future.
His Holiness said that the center of illumination of our people and
faith is the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. This has been the case
also in the past, even during times of political uncertainty. The
Catholicos mentioned that more and more clergy are being ordained and
that the Mother See has taken on the task of renovation and
construction throughout Armenia.
The Catholicos also spoke of hospitals, orphanages, medical centers,
and the possibility of a pilgrimage comprised of 1,000 youth.
`Shoghagat’, the religious television station sponsored by the Mother
See will also have new headquarters in the near future thanks to the
donation of benefactors. His Holiness Karekin II blessed the clergy
and urged them to continue their mission.
luncheon for his holiness
and diocesan council
June 9, 2005
On Thursday, June 9, 2005 a luncheon took place in the Armen and
Gloria Hampar Reception Room of the Diocesan Headquarters during
which His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, met with
current and former members of the Diocesan Council. Present at the
Luncheon was also His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate
of the Western Diocese, as well as Vicar General Very Rev. Fr. Dajad
Dz. V. Yardemian.
Diocesan Council members were informed by His Holiness of the many
activities of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, following which a
discussion took place regarding issues and concerns related to the
Western Diocese and the Mother See.
His Holiness commended the dedication and service of the Diocesan
Council, and urged them to continue their support of the Western
Diocese.
Presided by the Primate, the Diocesan Council is an elected body of
the Diocese. The current members are:
Deacon Dr. Varouj Altebarmakian, Chairman, St. Paul Armenian Church,
Fresno
Dr. Vahram Biricik, Vice Chairman, St. Mary Armenian Church, Costa
Mesa
Peter Abajian, Secretary, St. James Armenian Church, Los Angeles
Archpriest Fr. Vartan Kasparian, Assistant Secretary, St. Mary
Armenian Church, Yettem
Ben Krikorian, Treasurer, St. Paul Armenian Church, Fresno
Archpriest Fr. Kevork Arakelian, Advisor, St. Gregory Armenian
Church, Fowler
Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian, Advisor, St. John Armenian Church,
Hollywood
Rev. Fr. Datev Harutyunian, Advisor, St. Andrew Armenian Church,
Cupertino
Deacon Barlow Der Mugrdechian, Advisor, St. Paul Armenian Church,
Fresno
Mr. Armen Hampar, Advisor, St. Peter Armenian Church, Van Nuys
Mr. Gregory Tcherkoyan, Advisor, St. Vartan Armenian Church, Oakland
groundbreaking CEREMONY of
taglyan center
St. John Garabed Armenian Church, Hollywood
June 9, 2005
On Thursday, June 9, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. His Holiness Karekin II,
Catholicos of All Armenians, entered St. John Garabed Armenian Church
in Hollywood during the singing of the hymn `Hrashapar’, performed by
the students of TCA Arshag Dickranian School. His Holiness was
accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of
the Western Diocese, and high ranking clergy, and was greeted by the
clergy of the Diocese, deacons and students of the Dickranian School.
Upon the entrance of His Holiness doves were released as a symbol of
peace.
Following the prayer His Eminence addressed the faithful saying that
the spirits of the faithful of the Diocese and filled with joy during
the Pontifical visit of His Holiness Karekin II. He commended the
accomplishments of the parish thanks to the efforts of Archpriest Fr.
Manoug Markarian, Pastor; the Parish Council, Building Committee, and
Ladies’ Society.
He also expressed his appreciation to Drs. Petros and Garine Taglyan
thanks to whom the construction of the Taglyan Complex was made
possible.
`We commend the efforts of Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian, Pastor,
and the Parish Council, who along with the helping hand of beloved
benefactors made it possible to purchase the buildings adjacent to
St. John Garabed Church, expanding church property,’ said His
Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, in his message printed
in the commemorative booklet on this occasion. `Thanks to the handsome
donation of Drs. Petros and Garine Taglyan the construction of the
Taglyan Cultural Center will become a reality. In the near future the
church will also be renovated and given the classic Armenian style and
dome.’
In appreciation of their continued support and handsome
contributions His Holiness bestowed the St. Gregory the Illuminator
Medal of Honor upon Drs. Petros and Garine Taglyan. The Pontifical
Encyclical was read by Archpriest Fr. Manoug Markarian.
`In the course of your God-pleasing life, undertaking the renovation
of St. John Garabed Armenian Church is a new testimony of your
dedication to the church and your love towards God,’ read the
Pontifical Encyclical issued by His Holiness. `The construction of
the hall adjacent to the church will have a significant meaning, and
will serve to host cultural and academic events sponsored by the
church, further strengthening the Western Diocese within the life of
the community.’
His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, delivered his
message to the clergy and faithful in attendance. `Armenia Resonates
in this church,’ said the Catholicos. He continued by extending his
prayers that the blessings of Holy Etchmiadzin become a source of joy
and direction for the faithful throughout their lives. Our forefathers
have enriched the life of our people and the church with new zeal. In
independent Armenia the Church prospers even further through the
prayers of the faithful.
He conveyed his sincere appreciation to benefactors Drs. Petros and
Garine Taglyan, who with their generous donation have made possible
the construction of a Center that will serve as a home for many
parishioners.
The evening concluded with the Benediction by the Catholicos.
OFFICE OF THE WESTERN DIOCESE
June 10, 2005
Burbank, California