November 2, 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:
DURING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS OF ST. GREGORY CHURCH COME,
TOGETHER LET US BRIGHTEN THE ALTAR OF LIGHT DECLARED THE PRELATE
On Friday, October 27, 2006, H. E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, departed for San Francisco to join the parish community in
celebrating the 40th anniversary of St. Gregory Church.
The Prelate landed in San Francisco on Friday evening, upon which he
was greeted by Rev. Avedis Torossian, Board of Trustees Chair Mr.
Nerses Teshoian, and Prelacy Executive Council member Mr. Garbis
Bezjian. Later that evening, the celebrations began with a family
night at Saroyan Hall. In his remarks, the Prelate congratulated the
parish community and commended their hard work. The evening came to
a close with the Prelate’s benediction.
On the evening of Saturday, October 28, the parish Ladies Auxiliary
had organized a banquet as the main event of the 40th anniversary
celebrations, under the auspices of and presided over by the Prelate.
By special invitation, representatives from all local Armenian
organizations participated in the event. The emcee of the evening
was Ladies Auxiliary Chair Mrs. Arax Sarian, who invited the Prelate
to bless the tables. Following the emcee’s welcoming remarks, the
artistic program began. The emcee then invited the Board Chair,
Executive Council representative, Rev. Avedis Torossian, Rev. James
Kizirian, Mr. Noubar Demirjian, and others to convey their messages,
followed by the cutting of the 40th anniversary cake by the Prelate,
Pastor, and Board Chairman. In his concluding remarks, the Prelate
once again congratulated the parish community, stressing that on
this blessed occasion "we must reexamine ourselves and renew our
responsibilities and commitment to the church and community". The event
concluded with the "Bahbanich" prayer and the collective singing of
"Giligia".
On Sunday, October 29, Archbishop Mardirossian conducted Holy Mass
at St. Gregory Church, where joining the parishioners in celebrating
Mass were Homenetmen scouts from the Walnut Creek and San Francisco
chapters. During his sermon, the Prelate urged the parishioners
to come together to keep the light of the church shining bright.
He then spoke on the feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross, which
was also celebrated on that day, reminding the faithful that just
as Queen Heghine sought and found the Holy Cross, so did this parish
community when it was inspired forty years ago to build St. Gregory
Church. The Prelate then urged the faithful to serve the church
with faith in the example of the founders. During requiem service,
special prayers were offered for the souls of the founding members,
clergymen, benefactors, and volunteers. Services concluded with the
collective singing of "Giligia".
On the morning of Monday, October 30, the Prelate visited
Krouzian-Zekarian-Vasbouragan School where the students had organized a
performance to honor the Armenian culture and language on the occasion
of Armenian Culture month. In his closing remarks, the Prelate had a
dialogue with the students, during which he instilled in them a love of
the Armenian language. He concluded with the benediction. The Prelate
was then escorted to the newly built playground, which he blessed.
Subsequently, the Prelate enjoyed lunch with the school administration,
after which they bid him farewell and a safe return to Los Angeles.