January 10, 2007

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

*CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS*
*IN THE WESTERN DIOCESE*

On *January 1, 2007*, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate,
accompanied by members of the clergy, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St.
Peter Armenian Apostolic Church – Youth Center in Glendale.

Following church services, the Primate conducted home visitations of
families who have recently lost a beloved one and families who have been
chosen by their respective pastors. The Primate has established this
tradition of visiting families whenever he is celebrating church services in
their area.

On *January 3, 2007,* His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate,
visited the Ararat Home of Los Angeles. Fr. Zaven Margossian celebrated the
Divine Liturgy. The Primate with the members of the clergy visited the
residents of the Home offering their prayers and blessings during the
Christmas Season.

On Christmas Eve, *January 5, 2007*, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan
Derderian celebrated the Holy Nativity Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory
Armenian Church in Pasadena, The Primate was assisted at the altar by Pastor
Rev. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian.

A special highlight of the church services was the presentation, by the
Primate, of the St. Nerses Shnorhali Medal and Pontifical Encyclical,
bestowed upon Mrs. Doris Sarkisian by His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme
Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. Rev. Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian read
the Pontifical Encyclical from His Holiness Karekin 11, in recognition of
her dedicated service and devotion to the Armenian Apostolic Church. In his
remarks, the Primate commended Mrs. Sarkisian for her selfless service to
the Armenian Church and the Western Diocese for over 50 years. He
congratulated both Doris and Greg Sarkisian and the members of their family
on this auspicious occasion, wishing them long life, happiness, and
continued success.

Following church services, Doris and Greg Sarkisian hosted a gala reception
and dinner for their family and friends at St. Gregory Calusdian-Dunians
Hall. The joyous atmosphere and expressions of love continued throughout the
evening. Pastor Dr. Zaven Arzoumanian, in his remarks stated that there was
a "shine" about Doris and Greg Sarkisian, referring to their silver plating
business and the "shine" which they continue to reflect in their daily
lives.

Joan Meymarian, Chair of the Ladies Society, stated that Doris has served
with great distinction as a member of the Ladies Society, Parish Council,
Diocesan Delegate, Diocesan Ladies Auxiliary and Ladies Society Central
Council. Silva Katchiguian, Chair of the Ladies Society Central Council,
read a congratulatory letter commending Doris for her contributions and
commitment to her church, culture and heritage.

On *January 6, 2007*, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian celebrated
Divine Liturgy at the Diocesan Headquarters in Burbank. The Blessing of
the Water Ceremony was conducted by the Primate and members of the clergy.
Present at the morning services were Ecumenical and religious leaders and
government officials.

The Ecumenical and religious leaders included:

· The Very Rev. Fr. Alexei Smith, representing His Eminence Cardinal
Roger Mahoney

· Rev. Dr. Gwynne Guibord, representing the Episcopal Archdiocese
of
Los Angeles and the Right Rev. Bishop Jon J. Bruno

· Rev. Fr. John Capallero, Pastor of St. Michael and All Angeles
Episcopal Church of Studio City

· Rev. Fr. Rick Byrum, Pastor, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church of
Alhambra

· Rev. Albert Cohen, Southern California Ecumenical Council

· Rev. Sally Welch, The Christian Church, Disciples of Christ

· Rev. David Berkadal, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America

· Rev. Edie Gause, Transitional Synod Executive of So. California
and
Hawaii for the Presbyterian Church of America

· Brother Shakeel Syed, Islamic Shura Council of Southern California

· Mr. Jay Johnson, Director of Public Affairs in Southern
Californiafor the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The following government officials were also present:

· His Excellency Valeri Mgrdoumyan, Ambassador for the Republic of
Armenia to Brazil

· His Excellency Armen Liloyan, Consul General for the Republic of
Armenia in Los Angeles

· Mr. Haroutiun Kojoian, Consul for the Republic of Armenia in Los
Angeles

· The Honorable Leroy Baca, Sheriff of the County of Los Angeles

· The Honorable Paul Krikorian, California Assemblyman, 43rd District

· Mr. Tevan Aroustamian, Deputy Sheiff, County of Los Angeles

· Mr. Whitt Proudy, Candidate for Burbank City Council

At the conclusion of the services a Khatchkar, donated by Mr. and Mrs. Misak
Nazarian, was consecrated in memory of their beloved son Alfred.

A small reception was held in the Primate’s Office on this occasion.

On the evening of *January 6, 2007, *to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity
and the

Theophany of Our Lord Jesus Christ, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian
invited the faithful of the Diocese to a reception to celebrate the Glorious
Birth of our Savior. Approximately 800 members of the Armenian community
filled the Nazareth and Sima Kalaydjian Hall of the Arshag and Eleanor
Dickranian Complex on this special occasion.* *It was especially gratifying
to see entire families, with their young children, enjoying the evening and
participating in the celebration of the birth of Christ.
**

* *The evening’s program began with the traditional House Blessing Ceremony
conducted by the Primate and assisted by the clergy from the Los Angelesarea..
In his remarks the Primate stated, "Tonight’s celebration is spiritually
rejuvenating. We celebrate the birth of Christ in our hearts and souls. With
Him and in Him we are graced with the renewal of life. Truly Christmas is
the greatest gift from God. The son of God descends from heaven into our
hearts and transforms our inner life and spirituality. We take courage to
change our way of life to continue in our journey towards God. Therefore,
the blessed birth of Christ our Lord is the call for a spiritual journey
towards God in the service of humanity. The celebration of the birth of
Christ should be reflected in our God given lives, in our personal lives, in
our relation-ships with one another, and in our commitment to serve one
another."

Following remarks by the Primate, His Excellency Armen Liloyan, Consul
General for the Republic of Armenia to Los Angeles, extended his
felicitations and best wishes. Present also on this occasion were
Assemblyman Paul Krikorian, representing California’s 43rd District and
Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, representing California’s 44th District.

Guests enjoyed entertainment by the Little Angels Choral group from St.
Peter Armenian Church in Van Nuys. The choral group, conducted by Sevag
Derderian, beautifully sang traditional Christmas Carols in Armenian. The
Paragamutuin Dance Ensemble comprised of young boys and girls enchanted the
audience with their performance. The fabulous dance routines were
choreographed and directed by Lucine Kevorkian.

The Zartonk Musical Band, accompanied by singer Armen Hovhanesian, performed
their wonderful music throughout the evening to the enjoyment of the guests.

Archbishop Derderian expressed his thanks and deep appreciation to Mr. and
Mrs. Haroutiun Aga Sarkisian for donating the bountiful and elaborate buffet
in honor of their parents the late Arakel Aga Sarkisian and Mrs. Shake Aga
Sarkisian.

The Primate expressed his gratitude and pride in the members of the Ladies
Auxiliary for arranging and planning the evening’s festivities. Again, as
in previous years, the Ladies Societies of the churches in the Los
Angelesarea of the Western Diocese, prepared the elaborate desserts
beautifully
presented throughout the hall. Guests indulged their sweet tooth with an
overwhelming selection of pastries created to delight the palate of even the
most discriminating gourmands.

A highlight of the evening was a special gift prepared by the members of
the Ladies Auxiliary containing the necessary items for a Home Blessing. In
keeping with tradition, Armenian homes are blessed within the forty days
following Christmas and Easter. The

Ceremony performed this evening is a symbolic blessing of the homes of those
attending the festivities. During the ceremony bread, water and salt were
presented to the Primate along with members of the clergy for the blessing.
The gift included a nishkar, salt, candle, charcoal, incense, a beautiful
handmade cross, and prayerbook – all previously blessed by the Primate –
for each guest to take home. Many of the guests generously gave a donation
as they received the packet.

His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, on the evening of *January 6, 2007
*, continued the festivities of Christmas by visiting the California
Armenians Christmas Celebration at the Ararat Home of Los Angeles. The
Primate made special remarks emphasizing the significance of Christmas and
maintaining the Armenian traditions in our Diaspora life.

On Christmas Day, *January 6, 2007*, the Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz. V.
Yardemian, representing the Primate, presided over the Christmas celebration
at St. Gregory Armenian Church in Pasadena. The church services were
particularly significant since this was the last Divine Liturgy for
Archpriest Dr. Fr. Zaven Arzoumanian as pastor of St. Gregory, Pasadena.
During church services, Fr. Dajad read a letter of appreciation from the
Primate to Dr. Fr. Arzoumanian commending him for his dedicated and devoted
service as Pastor of St. Gregory Armenian Church.

On this occasion, Fr. Dajad informed the faithful of the Primate’s
assignment of the new Pastor for St. Gregory Armenian Church, the Very Rev.
Fr. Baret Yeretzian.

With the special arrangements of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,

Primate, Christmas services were celebrated on *January 7, 2007* in the
following areas.

The Primate celebrated Christmas Badarak at St. Gregory Armenian Church in
Fowler, followed by a reception.

His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian celebrated Christmas Badarak at
St. Mary Armenian Church in Yettem, followed by a reception.

Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Dz.V. Yardemian celebrated Christmas Badarak at St.
Paul Armenian Church in Fresno, followed by a reception.

Fr. Baret Yeretzian celebrated Christmas Badarak in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Archpriest Fr. Sipan Mekhsian celebrated Christmas Badarak in Salt Lake
City, Utah. He also celebrated Christmas Badarak s in Santa Clarita on
January 6, 2007

Rev. Fr. Mampre Kesabyan celebrated Christmas Badarak in Victorville. He
also celebrated Christmas Badarak in Whittier on January 6, 2007

Archpriest Fr. Shahe Altounian celebrated Christmas Badarak at Sts.
Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Church in Reedley.

Christmas celebrations were held in all parishes throughout the Western
Diocese by their respective Pastors.

DIOCESE OFFICE