Western Prelacy News – 02/06/2009

February 6, 2009
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 WELCOMES NEW CONSUL GENERAL OF ARMENIA

On the morning of Friday, February 6th, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed to the Prelacy the newly appointed Consul
General of Armenia in Los Angeles the Honorable Grigor Hovhannisyan.
Mr. Hovhannisyan was accompanied by outgoing Consul General the
Honorable Armen Liloyan who will be returning to Armenia as his term has
come to an end. Religious Council Chair Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian,
Vice-Chair Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian, and Executive Council member Mr.
Khatchig Yeretzian were also in attendance.
Following the introductions, Mr. Liloyan acquainted the Prelate with
Mr. Hovhannisyan’s professional background and the various positions he has
held in different countries.
The Prelate spoke to the new Consul General about cordial and
collaborative relationship between the Consulate General and the Prelacy and
familiarized him with the general mission and endeavors of the Prelacy. He
once again commended the outgoing Consul General for his service, expressing
confidence that the history of collaboration will continue during the new
Consul General’s term.
At the conclusion of their meeting the Prelate wished both Mr.
Hovhannisyan and Mr. Liloyan success in their future endeavors.

PRELATE TO CELEBRATE DIVINE LITURGY AT ST. SARKIS CHURCH ON THE NAME DAY OF
THE CHURCH

Saturday, February 7th, is the Feast of St. Sarkis, which is also
the name day of St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena. On this occasion, on Sunday,
February 8th, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will celebrate
Divine Liturgy, deliver the sermon, and preside over the blessing of madagh
at St. Sarkis Church. Christian Education Department Co-Director Very Rev.
Fr. Barthev Gulumian and parish pastor Rev. Fr. Khoren Babochian will be
assisting at the altar.
By the ordinance of the Prelate, on Sunday, February 8th, the
Pontifical Message of H.H. Catholicos Aram I proclaiming 2009 the "Year of
the Youth" will be read in Churches in lieu of a sermon.
In celebration of the Feast of St. Sarkis, on Saturday evening,
services will take place at St. Sarkis Church. The first Divine Liturgy of
the New Year at the Prelacy Chapel, which coincides with the Feast of St.
Sarkis, will also be celebrated on this evening. The celebrant is St. Mary’s
Church pastor Rev. Fr. Gomidas Torossian.

CELEBRATING THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD TO THE TEMPLE

Saturday, February 14th, is the Feast of the Presentation of our
Lord to the Temple. Eve of the Feast services and the traditional bonfire
will take place in our Churches on the evening of Friday, February 13th.
The Prelate will preside over services at St. Mary’s Church in
Glendale. Homenetmen scouts and members of the Prelacy Armenian Church
Youth Association will participate in the services, following which they
will join the Prelate, Clergy, Executive Council and parish members at a
reception at the adjoining "Armenak Der Bedrossian" Hall.

PRELATE TO PARTICIPATE IN
UNITED ARMENIA FUND BOARD MEETING

On Saturday, February 7th, the Prelate will participate in the
United Armenia Fund board meeting which will take place at the UAF
headquarters in Glendale. Items on the agenda include a discussion on the
recent activities of the UAF as well as upcoming projects and endeavors.

PRELATE TO VISIT HOMENETMEN WESTERN REGION
NEW HEADQUARTERS

On the afternoon of Saturday, February 7th, the Prelate will visit
the new headquarters of the Homenetmen Western Region where he will meet
with Chairman Mr. Steve Artinian, board members, and members of the Scouting
Council. Regional Executive members from the Eastern United States and
Canada, who are currently in Los Angeles for a joint meeting, will also be
present.
The purpose of the Prelate’s visit is to become more closely
familiarized with the newly renovated headquarters, as well as with the
activities of the three North American regions.

PRELATE AND EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEET WITH
BOARD OF REGENTS

Upon the invitation of the Executive Council, on the evening of
Tuesday, February 3rd, members of the Board of Regents of Prelacy Schools,
headed by Chair Mr. Mark Gedikian, visited the Prelacy to meet with H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and Executive Council members.
The Prelate and Council members welcomed the guests, noting that
such meetings are valuable as they allow for the exchange of important
information and discussion on matters of mutual concern. Among the items
discussed was the work undertaken for the establishment of a new high school
as well as a general discussion on educational, financial, and
administrative matters. The Board of Regents members spoke in detail on the
work that is carried out in the aforementioned realms as well as on
forthcoming projects regarding advancements in the education system to keep
abreast of the changing times.
At the conclusion of the meeting the Prelate and Council members
commended the members and all those serving in our schools for their
devotion to the education of our youth and presented them with mementos.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

www.westernprelacy.org

Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS