PRESS RELEASE
Western Diocese of the Armenian Church
3325 N. Glenoaks Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91504
Contact: Remo Alexandri
Tel: +1 (818) 558-7474
Fax: +1 (818) 558-6333
E-mail: info@armenianchurchwd.com
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May 27, 2008

Two Young Priests to be Ordained in the Western Diocese

First Ordination in the Western Diocese in 10 years

Burbank, CA – On Thursday May 29, the culmination of years of study and
dedication will take place when two young deacons are ordained to the rank
of Priest in the Armenian Church. With pride the community will gather
together to celebrate the vow to service of Deacons Vahe Abovian and Mayis
Shahbazian.

The ordination and consecration ceremony will take place at St. John
Armenian Church of Hollywood, in the heart of little Armenia, officiated by
His Eminence Abp. Hovnan Derderian, and with the participation of several
Diocesan Clergy. It’s been more than 10 years since the Armenian Church has
elevated one of its servants to the rank of Priest in the Western Diocese,
therefore this event will be a rare occasion to celebrate God’s grace and
the growth of the Armenian Community.

"The true importance of this event lies not only in consecration of two
special servants of the Armenian Church, but also in the fruition of our
Diocese’s most important initiative, the training of new and capable young
Armenians to be priests of the Armenian Church to serve our growing faith
community.," said Abp. Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese.
"There are currently 11 candidates to the priesthood who are undergoing
training to become the spiritual leaders of tomorrow’s Armenian-Americans."

The Ordination and Consecration service will begin at 6:30pm, at St. John
Armenian Church located at 1201 N. Vine St., Hollywood, CA.