May 2, 2008
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
Website:

PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER
CELEBRATION OF PENTECOST

By the initiative of Bible study groups from various parishes, an
event dedicated to the feast of Pentecost will take place on Sunday, May
4th, at "Dikranian" Hall of Holy Martyrs Church in Encino.
The event is being held under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and has been organized by the Pastor and
Board of Trustees of Holy Martyrs Church.
The event will feature hymns, Bible readings, and remarks from
representatives of each area.

PRELATE TO DELIVER INVOCATION AT THE OPENING OF THE ARS FESTIVAL

The 7th annual Armenian Relief Society festival, organized by the
ARS Regional Executive, is scheduled to take place on Saturday May 3rd and
Sunday May 4th at the Glendale Civic Auditorium.
The Prelate will deliver the invocation and convey his remarks
during the opening ceremony on Saturday.

ARMENIAN PARLIAMENT MEMBER ARTUR AGHABEGIAN
VISITS THE PRELACY

On the morning of Friday, May 2nd, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed to the Prelacy member of Armenia’s
Parliament and Chair of the Security and Defense Committee Artur Aghabegian,
who was invited to Los Angeles to be the keynote speaker at the 20th
anniversary grand celebration of the Artsakh Liberation Movement.
Participating in the meeting were ARF Central Committee
representative Mr. Karo Khanjian, Very Rev. Fathers Muron Aznikian and
Barthev Gulumian and Executive Council treasurer Mr. Vahan Bezdikian.
The Prelate and guests discussed the current state of affairs in
Armenia and Artsakh as well as issues relating to our community in general.
Mr. Aghabegian imparted that during his visits to Prelacy schools he was
impressed by the Armenian education the students were receiving, emphasizing
that what is important is for an Armenian to rise each day as an Armenian no
matter where he finds himself in this world.
The discussion then turned to the situation in Armenia, with Mr.
Aghabegian noting that cooperation between the governing bodies and the
people is crucial. He also spoke of the various efforts to secure aid for
Armenia.
The visit concluded with the Prelate presenting the guest deputy
with a memento.

PRELATE TO ATTEND GALA CELEBRATION OF THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARTSAKH
LIBERATION MOVEMENT

On the evening of Friday, May 2nd, the gala celebration of the 20th
anniversary of the Artsakh Liberation Movement will take place at the
Wilshire Ebell Theatre. The event is organized by the Glendale, Burbank,
and La Crescenta communities.
The keynote speaker of the event is Artur Aghabegian, member of
Armenia’s Parliament and Chair of the Security and Defense Committee, who
was invited from Armenia for this event.
The Prelate, accompanied by clergy members, will attend the
celebration.

PRELATE PRESIDES OVER DIVINE LITURGY AND LUNCHEON ON THE FEAST OF ASCENSION

The Feast of Ascension was celebrated on Thursday, May 1st,
beginning in the morning with Divine Liturgy, followed by the traditional
luncheon. The Prelate presided over Divine Liturgy, which was celebrated by
Holy Martyrs Church pastor Rev. Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian, at St. Mary’s
Church in Glendale, and delivered the sermon.
The luncheon took place following Divine Liturgy at the First
Congregational Church in Glendale. The Prelate presided over the luncheon
which was organized by the Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary and hosted by Mrs.
Anoush Martayan.
Following welcoming remarks by Master of Ceremonies Mrs. Hourig
Abdulian, the Prelate delivred the invocation and conveyed his blessings.
He commended the Ladies Auxiliary for once again organizing a successful
event and thanked Mrs. Martayan for hosting the luncheon. Rev. Fr. Vazken
Atmajian then elaborated on the feast and the traditions associated with it,
after which the festivities continued with the traditional vijag and
entertainment by singer Gagik Badalyan.

36TH PRELACY REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY

The 36th Prelacy Representative Assembly will convene on Friday, May
9th, and continue on Saturday, May 10th, at "Armenag Der Bedrossian" Hall of
St. Mary’s Church in Glendale. The parish Board of Trustees will host the
assembly.
Items on the agenda include the assessment of the previous year’s
activities of our churches and schools as well as the election of the
Prelate, the Religious and Executive Councils.
On Wednesday, May 7th, the Prelate will preside over a clergy
conference in the same hall, during which issues relating to the
Representative Assembly will be discussed and suggestions made to present at
the meeting.