November 9, 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]
Website:
PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER DIVINE LITURGY
AT ST. SARKIS CHURCH
On Saturday, November 10th, the Armenian Church will celebrate the
Feast of the Holy Archangels.
On Sunday, November 11th, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, will preside over Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena
and deliver the sermon.
DIVINE LITURGY AT THE PRELACY CHAPEL
Since the opening of the newly built Prelacy headquarters, Divine
Liturgy is celebrated at the St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen Chapel on a monthly
basis. On Saturday, November 10th, Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at the
Chapel by Christian Education Co-Director Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian.
During Liturgy, Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian will offer
explanations regarding the service for the faithful and especially for the
youth following the Liturgy from the hall adjacent to the Chapel.
PRELATE VISITS THE SCHOOLS OF
DAVIDIAN-MARIAMIAN FOUNDATION
At the start of each academic year the Prelate traditionally visits
Prelacy schools. This year, by invitation of the Davidian-Mariamian
Educational Foundation, the Prelate is also visiting those public schools in
which the Foundation has established an Armenian curriculum. At the end of
each school year the Prelate also attends ceremonies organized by the
Foundation in honor of top graduating Armenian students of public schools.
On the afternoon of Thursday, November 8th, the Prelate, accompanied
by Rev. Gomidas Torossian and Foundation’s representatives, visited one such
school, Balboa Elementary, where he was welcomed by administrators and
Armenian instructors. Also in attendance were principal Linda Russo-Milano,
Glendale School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Escalante, Greg
Krikorian and Nayiri Nahabedian, District Board of Education president and
member respectively.
The Prelate commended those students that opt to follow the Armenian
program, the parents that encourage their children to participate in the
program, and the devoted servants of Davidian-Mariamian Educational
Foundation for their commitment to providing this invaluable opportunity.
The Prelate’s school visits will continue in the coming days.
DIVINE LITURGY CELEBRATED ON THE NAME DAY OF
HOLY MARTYRS CHURCH
On Sunday, November 4th, All Saints’ Day as well as the name day and
44th anniversary of Holy Martyrs Church of Encino was commemorated by
Episcopal Divine Liturgy celebrated by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, who was assisted at the altar by Very Rev. Fr.
Barthev Gulumian and Rev. Razmig Khatchadourian. H.E. Archbishop Yeprem
Tabakian also participated in the services.
In his sermon the Prelate gave thanks and glory to God and blessed
the founders of the church who 44 years ago had the vision and wisdom to
establish this church.
At the conclusion of services the Prelate was led in a procession to
"Avedissian" Hall where the blessing of madagh took place. The Prelate
commended the parish Ladies Auxiliary, who had prepared the madagh, and the
Board of Trustees for their service and the parishioners who had contributed
financially to the preparation.
The service concluded with the Prelate’s benediction and the
collective singing of "Giligia" and Armenia’s national anthem.
The banquet in celebration of the name day of the church took place
under the auspices of the Prelate on the evening of Saturday, November 3rd,
at "Avedissian" Hall. The banquet was hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Levon and Mary
Arabian and organized by the Board of Trustees. In honor of his decades
long service to the church Mr. Arabian was presented with a memento during
the banquet.
CRESCENTA VALLEY PARISH YOUTH GROUP
CELEBRATES ALL SAINTS’ DAY
On the evening of Wednesday, October 31st, the Crescenta Valley parish
youth group had organized an educational program led by Prelacy Christian
Education Department Co-Director and Crescenta Valley youth group leader
Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian. The event was held on the occasion of All
Saints’ Day. Joining the youth members were Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian,
parish pastor Rev. Ardag Demirjian, Board of Trustees members, parents, as
well as youth leaders and members of St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena.
In his presentation Very Rev. Fr. Barthev explained that the origins
stating that the traditions of Halloween date back to pre-Christian pagan
times. He stressed that as Christians we must celebrate All Saints’ Day
because our saints became martyrs and heroes for the protection of our
Christian faith and church and as such are worthy of our respect. Moreover,
they are the champions of our faith and an undying source of inspiration to
us all. Therefore, we must respect and honor the memories of our martyred
saints who gave their lives for the love of Christ and became living
witnesses to our faith. The evening then continued with the attendees
participating in games and further discussions.