May 7, 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: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
Website: <;
THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE WESTERN PRELACY
A PROUD DAY FOR ALL
On the afternoon of Sunday, May 6th, 2007, the official opening
ceremony of the Western Prelacy took place under the auspices of H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and with the participation of
members of clergy, Consul General Armen Liloyan, members of A.R.F. Bureau,
Central Executive Council, Executive Council, A.R.F. Central Committee,
A.R.S., Homenetmen, Hamazkayin, compatriotic unions, sister organizations,
Boards of Trustees, delegates, media, and over five hundred sponsors,
donors, and friends.
The ceremony began with the ribbon-cutting of the building’s
main lobby, reception rooms, staff offices, conference rooms, bookstore, and
other sections by the sponsors of each room and the Prelate. At 4:00 p.m.,
the Prelate, assisted by Very Rev. Fathers Muron Aznikian and Barthev
Gulumian, conducted the official naming of the St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen
Chapel, and the consecration and blessing of the pillars, baptismal font,
candle altar, and upper room, with the participation of clergy members,
Godfathers, and sponsors. Requiem service was offered at the conclusion of
the service for the memories of our sponsors.
Following the ceremony, guests headed to the "Dikran and
Zarouhie Der Ghazarian" Hall where MC Mrs. Pattyl Aposhian-Kasbarian offered
the welcoming remarks. Also offering their remarks were Mr. Vahan
Bezdikian, Chair of the Building Committee, Dr. Garo Agopian, Chair of the
Executive Council, and Consul General Armen Liloyan.
In his closing remarks the Prelate expressed appreciation for
the opportunity to share this historic day with our community as we
witnessed the official opening of our home which was built with the moral
and financial support of our benefactors and friends. In conclusion the
Prelate announced and expressed thanks for donations made during this joyous
occasion which exceeded 300,000 dollars.