February 24, 2007
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: info@westernprelacy.org <mailto:prelacy@aol.com>
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WESTERN PRELACY CELEBRATES PAREGENTAN

BENEFACTOR MRS. ASHKHEN PILAVJIAN HOSTED THE BANQUET

Each year, on the eve of Great Lent, the Western Prelacy
extended family comes together to celebrate Paregentan in a warm and festive
atmosphere. This year, the Paregentan banquet took place on the evening of
Sunday, February 18th, at `Avedissian’ Hall of Holy Martyrs Church in
Encino. The event, held under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, was organized by the Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary Guild
and hosted by Mrs. Ashkhen Pilavjian. Among those in attendance were
members of clergy, Executive Council, delegates, board of trustees, and
close to 450 donors and friends.
The official portion of the program began with M.C. Mrs. Knar
Kortoshian briefly presenting the meaning and nature of Paregentan
celebrations, and subsequently inviting the Prelate and clergy members to
offer the opening prayer. Mrs. Salpi Srourian then welcomed the guests on
behalf of the Ladies Auxiliary.
The evening’s speaker was Christian Education Department
Co-Director Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, who spoke on the spiritual and
popular meaning of Paregentan and explained the many traditions associated
with the feast.
During the banquet, the newly formed Prelacy youth choir, guided
by Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian, beautifully performed a set of national
and children’s songs.
The official program concluded with the Prelate’s remarks who
first thanked Mrs. Pilavjian for hosting the banquet year after year, and
then thanked the guests for contributing to the success of the event each
year. He also commended the youth choir and urged parents to sign up their
children.
The festivities then began with the serving of dinner and
entertainment by George Baghdoian.