82ND ANNUAL DIOCESAN ASSEMBLY TO BE HELD AT ST. JAMES, Los Angeles
by Lily Balian
Apr 23 2009
Los Angeles, CA – The 82nd Annual Diocesan Assembly of the Western
Diocese, Armenian Church of North America will be held at St. James
Armenian Apostolic Church, 4950 West Slauson Avenue, Los Angeles,
April 29 to May 2, 2009. His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian,
Primate of the Western Diocese, reports that plans and preparations are
underway for the 82nd Annual Diocesan Assembly. Under the direction
of Lily Balian, Chair of the St. James Host Committee, subcommittees
have been formed and meetings have been held to organize and plan the
daily sessions, events and gala banquet. Dr. Sarkis Mesrobian, Chair
of the St. James Parish Council, states that St. James is pleased and
honored to host the Annual Diocesan Assembly bringing together the
clergy, members of the Ladies Societies, delegates and Parish Council
members from throughout the Western Diocese for the four day assembly.
The Assembly will begin on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 with the Clergy
conference sessions. The Central Council Ladies Society meeting will
be held on Thursday, April 30, headed by Araxie Boyamian, Chair.
On Friday, May 1st fro 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. delegates will be
registering from parishes in Arizona, Washington, Oregon, Nevada,
Colorado, New Mexico, Idaho, Utah and from cities and regions
throughout California The Chair of the 82nd Annual Diocesan Assembly,
Adrienne Krikorian, will be conducting the Delegates Sessions on
Friday, May 1st and Saturday, May 2nd. During the Assembly reports
will be given from the Diocesan Departments and Committees; attendees
will hear messages from His Holiness Karekin 11, Catholicos of All
Armenians and the Primate. Delegates will consider the 2009 Proposed
Budget, the report of the nominating committee and other agenda items.
Rev. Fr. Arshag Khatchadourian, Pastor of St. James, states that
excitement reigns high at St. James at the opportunity to once again
host the Annual Diocesan Assembly after twenty years. He commended the
committee comprised of members of the Parish Council, Ladies Society,
Mr. and Mrs. Club and all the church organizations for devoting their
time and efforts to achieve a memorable and most successful Assembly.
A Gala Banquet will be held on Friday, May 1st at 6:00 p.m. in John
Gogian Hall. The highlight of the banquet will be the presentation
of the Archbishop’s Awards by the Primate. The 2008 recipients are
Robert Barsam, St. James Armenian Apostolic Church; Velo Herbekian,
Armenian Apostolic Church of the Desert; and Chris Yaldezian, St. Peter
Armenian Church of Van Nuys. The Primate expressed his pride in the
honorees stating that each of them have served the Western Diocese
and their respective parishes for many years with tireless and
selfless dedication. The Primate stated "Each of them have given
from their hearts with a firm commitment, with love and passion,
for the strengthening of the mission of the Western Diocese."
Chair of the Host Committee, Lily Balian, anticipates a capacity crowed
to pay tribute to the three honorees in recognition of their years of
service to the Western Diocese and to the Armenian community. Members
of the Host Committee include: Dr. Sarkis Mesrobian, Lucille Bogosian,
Sylvia Salmastlian, Arpi Barsam, Robert Barsam, Viken Kuyumjian,
George Mardikian, Ben Ammeian, Hrant Adourian, Kevork Khedesian, and
Levon Kemkemian, The Committee promise an enjoyable and fun evening
with music, dancing, a special raffle and lively entertainment.