October 17, 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 CELEBRATE DIVINE LITURGY AT FORTY MARTYRS CHURCH AND PRESIDE
OVER OPENING
OF BOOK FAIR

October is traditionally Armenian Culture Month. On this occasion,
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will celebrate Divine
Liturgy and deliver the sermon at Forty Martyrs Church in Orange County
Sunday, October 19, 2008.
The parish Pastor, Board of Trustees, A.G. Minassian School
administration and parent support committee has organized a book fair in
celebration of Armenian Culture Month that will take place at the
"Ghazarian" Hall of the "Harout Barsamian Armenian Center" following Divine
Liturgy.
The Prelate will preside over the official opening of the book fair.

PRELATE’S SCHOOL VISITS CONTINUE

Over the past week, the Prelate continued his visits to Prelacy
Schools to convey his blessings for the 2008-2009 school year.
On the morning of Wednesday, October 15th, the Prelate visited Levon
and Hasmig Tavlian Pre-School in Pasadena, where he was greeted by director
Mrs. Helen Manoucherian and school administrators. The Prelate was
accompanied by Pastor of St. Sarkis Church Rev. Fr. Khoren Babochian, Board
of Trustees and Ladies Auxiliary members, and Board of Regents member Mrs.
Maggie Sarkouni. The students had prepared a program for the Prelate which
they performed during his visits to the classrooms. The Prelate spoke to
the students about the parable of the Good Shepherd and presented them with
religious educational mementos.
In the afternoon, the Prelate visited Armenian Mesrobian School,
accompanied by Pastors of Holy Cross Cathedral Rev. Fathers Nareg
Pehlivanian and Ashod Kambourian, Board of Trustees members, and Board of
Regents member Mrs. Maggie Sarkouni. They were welcomed by Principal Mrs.
Hilda Saliba and administrators. The Prelate visited classrooms and
conveyed his blessings and well wishes to the students, after which he was
invited to lunch by the administration.
On Friday, October 17th, the Prelate visited the North Hills and
Encino campuses of Ferrahian School. The day began with a visit first to
A.R.S. Ashkhen Pilavjian Pre-School in North Hills. The Prelate was
accompanied by Pastor of Holy Martyrs Church Rev. Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian,
Executive Council member Mr. Khatchig Yeretzian, Board of Trustees Chairman
Mr. Vartan Minassian, and Board of Regents member Dr. Al Tomassian. They
were welcomed by Principal Mr. John Kossakian, Director Ms. Vehik
Gabrielian, and administrators. An artistic program took place, in which
renowned singer Alla Levonian participated, after which the Prelate conveyed
his message to the students.
At the Encino campus, the Prelate attended a celebration of Armenian
Culture Month presented by the students at "Avedissian" Hall. The event
also included a lecture by Christian Education Co-Director Very Rev. Fr.
Barthev Gulumian. The event concluded with the Prelate’s remarks,
blessings, and well wishes.

PRELATE WELCOMES FATHER AUGUSTINE SZEKULA

On the afternoon of Thursday, October 16th, Principal of Mekhitarist
Fathers’ Armenian School Father Augustine Szekula visited the Prelacy to
congratulate H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, on his
re-election and to discuss issues of mutual concern.
The Prelate communicated to Fr. Augustine the work that is carried
out by the Prelacy and the various committees serving under its
jurisdiction. A discussion on issues relating to Armenian education and
instruction in general followed.
The meeting concluded with Fr. Augustine conveying his wishes of
success for future endeavors and the Prelate presenting him with a copy of
Jacques Hagopian’s latest book "Mesrobaveb".

PRELATE AND EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEET WITH
CASPS EXECUTIVE BOARD

On the evening of Tuesday, October 14th, the Executive Board of the
Committee for Armenian Students in Public Schools (CASPS) visited the
Prelacy where they met with H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian and
Executive Council Chairman Dr. Garo Agopian. Former Executive Council
member and Prelacy representative to CASPS Dr. Hagop Der Megerdichian also
participated in the meeting.
At the start of the meeting, the board members first extended their
congratulations to the Prelate on his re-election. The discussion centered
mainly on Armenian students attending public schools in Glendale and North
Hollywood and the valuable support the committee receives from parents, as
well as an update on upcoming projects the committee has planned.
The Prelate and Chairman commended the board members for their
commitment to Armenian youth and reaffirmed the support of the Prelacy.
Later in the evening, board members briefly attended the meeting of
the Executive Council to report to all the members the nature of their work
and their mission.

HAMAZKAYIN 80TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

On Sunday, October 26th, the 80th anniversary of Hamazkayin will be
celebrated at "Bagramian" Hall of Holy Cross Cathedral in Montebello.
The banquet has been organized by the Regional Executive of
Hamazkayin Western Region.
Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian will represent the Prelate at the
banquet.

AR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
LECTURE SERIES CONTINUES

On the evening of Tuesday, October 14th, a lecture in the Year of
Christian of Education series took place at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale
under the auspices of and with the participation of the Prelate.
The keynote speaker was Christian Education Department Co-Director
Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian, who was invited up by Master of Ceremonies
Mr. Hagop Tchaghatsbanian to present his lecture on "How to Foster Christian
Armenian Education in our Schools and Homes".
The evening also included an artistic program in which members of
the newly organized youth choir participated with hymns and spiritual songs,
accompanied by organized Armine Derderian.
The event concluded with the Prelate’s closing remarks and
benediction.
The next lecture in this series will take place on Tuesday, October
21st, at Holy Martyrs Church, at 7:00 p.m. Archpriest Fr. Khoren Habeshian
will lecture on "The Christian Response to Contemporary Social Issues and
Concerns Facing our Youth".

RECEPTION IN HONOR OF ARMENIAN PARLIAMENT MEMBER DR. LILIT GALSTYAN TAKES
PLACE AT THE PRELACY

On the evening of Monday, October 13th, a reception in honor of
Armenian Parliament member and Hamazkayin Foundation president Dr. Lilit
Galstyan took place at the Prelacy "Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian" Hall.
The event was organized by the Hamazkayin Regional Executive as part of
their 80th anniversary celebrations. The event was organized for local
Hamazkayin and community members to get a better understanding of the
endeavors of the Hamazkayin Foundation in Armenia.
Dr. Galstyan discussed the work carried out by the Foundation over
the past 17 years and also spoke of Armenian culture in general.
A question and answer session ensued, followed by a reception.