June 15, 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>
Website: <;
PRELATE WELCOMES THE FRIENDS OF NEW JULFA
COMMITTEE TO THE PRELACY
On the evening of Tuesday, June 12, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed the Friends of New Julfa committee to the
Prelacy. The visit served to familiarize the committee with the new
building and also to introduce the new members to the Prelate.
The Prelate gave the members an overview of the work being
carried our and of the different departments that comprise the Prelacy. The
meeting concluded with the committee presenting the Prelate with an artwork
depicting the Holy Savior Monastery of New Julfa.
PRELATE VISITS ARMENIAN INMATES
On the morning of Saturday, June 9, the Prelate visited the
North County Correctional Facility Wayside jail accompanied by Very Rev. Fr.
Barthev Gulumian, Pastors of Holy Cross Cathedral Rev. Nareg Pehlivanian and
Rev. Ashod Kambourian, Chaplain Raffi Garabedian, Stole bearer Manuk
Chulyan, Executive Council Vice-Chair Dr. Hagop Der Megerdichian, and Mrs.
Araksia Varteresian.
The Prelate and delegation were greeted upon their arrival at
the facility by representatives of the Sheriff’s Department who escorted
them to a hall where the inmates were assembled. A service took place
following which the inmates were offered Holy Communion. At the conclusion
of services the Prelate delivered his spiritual message urging the inmates
to sincerely pray to God for the forgiveness of their sins, to walk in the
path of righteousness and to be good Christians to bring pride to the
Armenian people and to their families.
At the conclusion of the Prelate’s message, a traditional
Armenian meal was offered. The visit concluded with the inmates expressing
gratitude for the unforgettable occasion and for the spiritual nourishment
that was offered to them.
FIRST ANNUAL BANQUET OF PRELACY SUNDAY SCHOOLS
The Sunday Schools’ Central Directorate organized its first
annual banquet, which was held on Saturday, June 9, at "Avedissian" Hall in
Encino, under the auspices of the Prelate. Long serving teachers were
honored for their service and dedication to our students. Christian
Education Department Directors Very Rev. Fathers Muron Aznikian and Barthev
Gulumian were also in attendance along with parish pastors, delegates,
Boards of Trustees, youth association members, Sunday School directors and
teachers, and over 450 guests.
The evening began with the invocation by the Prelate followed by
the collective singing of the Sunday School anthem. In his welcoming
remarks Master of Ceremonies Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian briefly outlined
the mission of our Sunday Schools. Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian delivered
the keynote speech in which he stressed the invaluable education and
spiritual nourishment our youth receive at Sunday Schools, and subsequently
invited the Prelate to present the awards to the teachers.
The Prelate, in his closing remarks and benediction,
congratulated the directors and teachers and highly commended the work they
undertake. He also congratulated the organizers of the banquet, and all
those who contributed to its success, wishing them many more years of
fruitful service.
PRELATE WELCOMES GLENDALE CITY COUNCIL MEMBER
BOB YOUSEFIAN TO THE PRELACY
On the afternoon of Friday, June 8, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed Glendale City Council member Bob Yousefian
to the Prelacy. Executive Council Treasurer Mr. Vahan Bezdikian and
community representatives were also present at the meeting.
Given that it was Mr. Yousefian’s first visit to the new
building, the Prelate and representatives outlined the different departments
within the Prelacy and the various work being carried out as well as future
plans. Mr. Yousefian in turn expressed his support of the Prelacy and his
readiness to assist in the actualization of future activities.