May 29, 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: info@westernprelacy.org
Website:

PRELATE TO TRAVEL TO LEBANON

From June 3rd to June 5th, 2009, the meetings of the Holy See of
Cilicia Central Executive Councils will take place, presided over by H.H.
Catholicos Aram I. During this time, there will also be meetings between His
Holiness and the Prelates of Catholicosate Prelacies.
The Religious Council session will take place on Wednesday, June
3rd, the Executive Council session on Thursday, June 4th, and the meeting
with His Holiness and the Prelates on June 5th.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, who is a member of
the Central Religious Council, will travel to Lebanon to participate in the
meetings.

THANKSGIVING PRAYERS ON THE 91ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST REPUBLIC OF
ARMENIA

Thursday, May 28th, was the 91st anniversary of the establishment of
the first Republic of Armenia. By the ordinance of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, on this occasion, on Sunday, May 31st, thanksgiving
prayers for the republic will take place in all Prelacy Churches.
The Prelate will preside over the prayer service and will conduct
the blessing of the Armenian flag during Divine Liturgy at St. Garabed
Church in Hollywood.

PRELATE CALLS FOR SUPPORT FOR THE ANCA TELETHON

On Sunday, May 31st, the ANCA Telethon will be broadcast across the
United States. The theme of this year’s Telethon is "One Nation, One
Future, One Cause".
The Prelate has called on our community of faithful to support the
Telethon through a message which will be read in all Prelacy Churches during
Divine Liturgy on Sunday.
A kick-off reception for the Telethon took place on the evening of
Wednesday, May 27th, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Vahe and Aida Yeghiazarian.
The Prelate attended the reception.
DIVINE LITURGY AT THE PRELACY CHAPEL

On Saturday, June 6th, Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at the
Prelacy "St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen" Chapel. The service will begin at 6:00
p.m.
Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian will celebrate Divine Liturgy and
deliver the sermon.

PRELATE CONVEYS HIS BLESSINGS TO
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES

Each year the Committee for Armenian Students in Public Schools
organizes an appreciation night for outstanding Armenian students graduating
from the Glendale and Los Angeles Unified School Districts.
The 13th annual reception for GUSD graduates took place on Tuesday,
May 26th, at Anoush Restaurant in Glendale, hosted by St. Mary’s Church.
The Prelate attended and conveyed his blessings and message to the
graduates. Also in attendance were pastor of St. Mary’s Church Rev. Fr.
Vazken Atmajian, Executive Council representatives Dr. Hagop Der
Megerdichian, St. Mary’s Board Chairman Mr. Hagop Tchagaspanian and board
members, and representatives from the ANC, A.R.S., Homenetmen Ararat
Chapter, and GUSD Board.
The CASPS reception for LAUSD District 2 graduates will take place
on Wednesday, June 3rd, at L.A. Valley College. Very Rev. Fr. Muron
Aznikian will represent the Prelate.
The annual reception in honor of Pasadena graduates, which is
organized each year by the Pastor and Board of St. Sarkis Church, will also
take place on Wednesday, at the Pasadena Armenian Center. Very Rev. Fr.
Barthev Gulumian will represent the Prelate.

PRELATE WELCOMES HOUSE OF LEBANON REPRESENTATIVES

On the evening of Tuesday, May 26th, 2009, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed to the Prelacy representatives from the
House of Lebanon Dr. Hamma Shammas, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and
Mr. Rachid Eletel, Chief Financial Officer, who had come to offer their
condolences on the passing of Diramayr Marie Mardirossian. The guests also
took this opportunity to extend an invitation to the Prelate for their
annual banquet which will take place in October.
Joining the Prelate at the visit were Executive Council members Mr.
Garo Avakian, Mr. Garo Eshgian, and Mr. Levon Kirakosian.
The visit also offered the opportunity for the Prelate and guests to
discuss the recent endeavors of their respective institutions as well as
issues concerning Lebanon and the Lebanese Diaspora.

PRELATE WELCOMES ASSISTANT ABBOT OF THE MEKHITARIAN MONASTERY REV. VAHAN
OHANIAN

On Tuesday, May 26th, 2009, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, welcomed to the Prelacy assistant abbot of the Mekhitarian
Monastery in Venice Rev. Vahan Ohanian.
Rev. Ohanian and the Abbot Most Rev. Fr. Yeghia Kilaghbian are
currently in Los Angeles to attend the 30th anniversary celebration of the
Mekhitarist Fathers’ School which will take place this weekend. Very Rev.
Fr. Muron Aznikian will represent the Prelate and convey his blessings.
During their meeting the Prelate and Rev. Ohanian exchanged
information regarding the endeavors of their respective institutions. The
Prelate wished Rev. Ohanian success in his upcoming endeavors and presented
him with a memento prior to his departure.