November 26, 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 DEPARTS FOR THE VATICAN AND LEBANON

On Saturday, November 22nd, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, departed for the Vatican to join the delegation of H.H. Aram I,
Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, on an official visit to H.H. Pope
Benedict XVI.
Following the weeklong visit, the Prelate will head to Lebanon for
the Catholicosate General Assembly which will take place from December 2nd
to the 6th in Antelias. The Western Prelacy has fifteen delegates at the
Assembly.
In the Prelate’s absence, Religious Council Chairman Very Rev. Fr.
Muron Aznikian has been assigned to oversee the daily operations of the
Prelacy.

DIVINE LITURGY AT THE PRELACY CHAPEL

On Saturday, December 6th, Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at the
Prelacy St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen Chapel. Services begin at 6:00 p.m.
The celebrant is pastor of St. Sarkis Church Rev. Fr. Khoren
Baboochian.
Members of the youth choir will participate in the services.

PRESIDENT BAKO SAHAKYAN VISITS THE PRELACY

On the afternoon of Tuesday, November 25th, President of
Nagorno-Karabakh His Excellency Bako Sahakyan paid an official visit to the
Prelacy. The President was accompanied by H.E. Archbishop Barkev
Mardirossian, Prelate of Artsakh, Nagorno-Karabakh representative in
Washington Mr. Vartan Barseghian, and officials. Given that H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian is currently at the Vatican as part of the delegation
of H.H. Catholicos Aram I for a visit with H.H. Pope Benedict XVI, the
President and officials were welcomed to the Prelacy by H.E. Archbishop
Yeprem Tabakian, Central Executive member Mr. Khajag Dikijian, Religious and
Executive Council members, Board of Regents members and principals, and
Ladies Auxiliary members.
The visit began with Archbishop Tabakian inviting Very Rev. Fr.
Barthev Gulumian to deliver the Prelate’s remarks. In his written
statement, the Prelate welcomed the guests who are in Los Angeles ahead of
the Armenia Fund Telethon, and reaffirmed the support of our community to
the progress of Artsakh. Archbishop Tabakian then welcomed the President
and guests, and reiterated that the Diaspora is committed to the development
and advancement of Artsakh.
In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Dikijian stated that collaboration
with Armenia and Artsakh will surely be on the agenda of the upcoming
General Assembly of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in which he will
participate. Remarks were also offered by Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian and
Executive Council Vice-Chair Mr. Garo Avakian.
Archbishop Barkev Mardirossian conveyed his thanks and appreciation
for the welcome and for the expressions of support. He asserted that the
liberation of Artsakh two decades ago was due to the collective support of
all Armenians, stating that the same is needed for the successful
realization of all future endeavors. He concluded that we must defend and
strengthen Artsakh and prove that we are faithful in our responsibilities so
that God will grant us even greater opportunities.
Concluding remarks were offered by President Sahakyan. He began by
expressing thanks for the Prelate’s remarks and for the staunch support of
the Catholicosate of Cilicia. He stated that during his visit to the
Prelacy last year, he had the chance to report on anticipated projects and
now is an opportunity to discuss those projects with the Diaspora
representatives and have their input for the implementation. He stated that
Artsakh is still faced with the healing of old wounds and subsequently the
general advancement of the country, and expressed confidence that the
country will overcome these challenges because of the backing of all
Armenians. He concluded by urging all Armenians to remain united in the
safeguarding and rebuilding of our homeland and to visit Artsakh as it is
their home as well.
At the conclusion of the official visit, the President and guests
were presented with mementos. A reception organized by the Ladies Auxiliary
followed.

RECEPTION IN HONOR OF PRESIDENT BAKO SAHAKYAN AND MINISTER OF DIASPORA
AFFAIRS HRANUSH HAKOBIAN

On the evening of Tuesday, November 25th, a reception in honor of
President of Nagorno-Karabakh H.E. Bako Sahakyan and Minister of Diaspora
Affairs Hranush Hakobian took place at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hacob and
Hilda Baghdasarian.
The reception was organized by Armenia Fund.
Rev. Fr. Vazken Atmajian represented the Prelate at the event.

ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES YOUTH GATHERING

On the morning of Saturday, November 22nd, over seventy-five youth
from the Armenian, Coptic, and Syriac Orthodox Churches gathered at the
Angeles National Forest at Mt. Baldy for a day of prayer, workshops, and
social activities. The event was held under the auspices of the Council of
Oriental Orthodox Bishops which is comprised of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate, H.E.
Archbishop Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan (Syriac Orthodox Church), and H.G.
Bishop Serapion (Coptic Orthodox Church). The gathering was organized by
the OOC Youth Delegates Committee.
The day began with morning prayers led by Very Rev. Fr. Muron
Anizkian, Rev. Fr. Avedis Abovian, and Fr. John Mikhail, after which youth
from each church sang hymns in their respective languages.
In her welcoming remarks, Chairlady of the OOC Youth Delegates
Committee Sophia Allaf gave a brief background on the delegates committee
and its endeavors and mission, then introduced the committee members. The
youth were then divided into three groups for the workshop session. One
clergy member was assigned to each group to lead a discussion on the topic
of the day which was the history of the Oriental Orthodox Churches included
the three Ecumenical Council accepted by the churches, the similarities
between the Oriental Orthodox Churches, and the differences between the
Oriental and Eastern Orthodox Churches.
At the conclusion of the workshop, the youth gathered for lunch over
which the discussions continued. After lunch the youth participated in
educational and social activities.
Closing prayer was led by Fr. John Saif, Youth Director of the
Syriac Church. Fr. John thanked God for His blessings and for granting the
opportunity for the youth from the three churches to come together,
reiterating that we are one church with one heart.
Closing remarks were offered by Sophia Allaf who thanked the
delegates for their hard work and efforts in the planning of the gathering,
and thanked the youth for their participation.