July 21, 2006
Press Release
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:
ORGANIZED BY THE WESTERN PRELACY PUBLIC RELATIONS COMITTEE
BOOK PRESENTATION OF "THE INNOCENT CONVICT, BADARAK"
BY JACQUES HAGOPIAN
On the evening of Wednesday July 19, a presentation of Jacques
Hagopian’s latest book, "The Innocent Convict, Badarak", took
place at the Armenak Der Bedrossian Hall of St. Mary’s Church in
Glendale. The event, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, was organized by the Western Prelacy
Public Relations Committee. Over 200 guests were in attendance, as
well as members of the Prelacy Executive Council, representatives of
Board of Trustees, and members of various community organizations.
The evening was doubly memorable since it coincided with the poet’s
birthday.
The event began with the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer, followed
by a moment of silence for the lives lost in Lebanon within the past
week. Master of Ceremonies Rev. Ardag Demirjian of St. Mary’s Church
welcomed the guests and gave a brief description of the nature of
the event.
Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, Co-Director of the Prelacy Christian
Education Department presented the book by its three parts. The book
was published by the Catholicosate of the Great See of Cilicia. His
Holiness Catholicos Aram I, wrote a letter of commendation to
Mr. Hagopian, which was used as the prologue. The book, through the
presentation of the mystery of the Holy Badarak, essentially manifests
the love of God, the sacrificial and redemptive act of the Son of God,
Jesus Christ, and the comforting role of the Holy Spirit.
During the event guests also enjoyed an artistic program led by
Mr. Hagopian reading excerpts from his book, and soloists Heghine
Harboian and Hermine Amirian, accompanied by Prof. Levon Aprahamian
on the piano.
Closing remarks were delivered by the Prelate. He mentioned how
Mr. Hagopian is a pharmacist by profession and remarked that as a
pharmacist he would relieve the physical pain of his patients with
medicine but he relieves their spiritual pain with his inspirational
poems. The Prelate then expressed his gratitude for the evening,
and commended the work of the Public Relations Committee, the
participants of the artistic program, and the insight given by Very
Rev. Fr. Aznikian.
Speaking of the book’s message regarding Christ’s mission and
sacrifice, the Prelate related it to the message of the Badarak
that takes place every Sunday and its significance in our lives. He
stated that the poet has not only expertly grasped the meaning of
the sacrament of Badarak and Christ’s sacrifice, but has in addition
become a herald for it, dedicating his writings to the topic.
Lastly, the Prelate commended Rev. Demirjian and the Prelacy Ladies
Auxiliary for the reception they had prepared.
The official portion of the program ended with the Bahbanich prayer by
the Prelate. However, there was a pleasant surprise. Being as though
it was Mr. Hagopian’s birthday, one of his previous students had made
a birthday cake for him.
The guests then enjoyed the reception while the poet signed copies
of his book.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
