PRESS RELEASE
Western Diocese of the Armenian Church
3325 N. Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91504
Contact: Raffy Kendirjian
Tel: +1 (818) 558-7474
Fax: +1 (818) 558-6333
E-mail: [email protected]
Web:
Primate of the Western Diocese Visits Twin Towers Penitentiary
On April 19th, upon the invitation of Sheriff Leroy D. Baca, His Eminence
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, made a pastoral
visitation to the Twin Towers Penitentiary. Accompanying the Primate were
Fr. Vazken Movsessian, Pastor of St. Peter Armenian Church Youth Center in
Glendale, Mashdots Chobanian, and Dn. Mayis Ksachikyan.
This visitation marks the first time the Primate celebrated the Divine
Liturgy within a California correctional facility. The Primate formally
established the tradition to perform annual Liturgies during the Easter
season. Prior to the celebration of the Liturgy, the Rev. Fr. Vazken
Movsessian offered an introduction to the services that were about to be
conducted. He also thanked the Sheriff Baca as well as Division Chief Sam
Jones. Holy Communion was administered to those in attendance. At the end
the Primate delivered the Sermon.
In his sermon the Primate said, "We are here to extend to you the love of
Christ and assure you that Christ is with you. We expect from you that you
should always cherish your prayerful lives even though you are in prison. Do
not imprison your souls; remember that even in freedom there are many who
have imprisoned their souls by rejecting God in their lives."
His Eminence then invited Fr. Vazken to address the inmates. In his
passionate words he inspired the inmates saying, "We all have crosses in our
lives. The resurrection reminds us and promises us that the day will come
when our crosses will be taken away. Therefore, stay steadfast in faith and
never lose your hope."
At the conclusion the Primate sincerely thanked the Honorable Sheriff Baca,
Chief Sam Jones, Mr. Tevan Aroustamian, accompanying the Sheriff, and the
entire staff of the Twin Towers facility for their good works and especially
for helping to coordinate the day’s visitation.
PHOTOS
Inmates rise during the Divine Liturgy as the Holy Chalice is blessed
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Inmates gather to take communion
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The Primate administers Holy Communion to those in attendance
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