September 18, 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 TO CELEBRATE DIVINE LITURGY ON THE THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF THE
RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF THE LAS VEGAS PARISH
On September 26th and 27th, 2009, the Armenian Apostolic Church of
Las Vegas will celebrate the 3rd anniversary of its re-establishment with
Divine Liturgy celebrated by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
and a banquet honoring the Prelate.
Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian and Executive Council members will
accompany the Prelate on his visit to the parish community.
The banquet honoring the Prelate will be held on Saturday evening.
On Sunday, the Prelate will celebrate Divine Liturgy at the Lakes Lutheran
Church. The service begins at 3:00 p.m.
"YEAR OF THE YOUTH" ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION
TO BE HELD AT THE PRELACY
In celebration of the "Year of the Youth", the Prelacy Outreach
Committee has organized a roundtable discussion to take place under the
auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, on Saturday,
September 26th, 2009, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the "Dikran and
Zarouhie Der Ghazarian" Hall.
The purpose of the event is to bring together youth from the ACYA,
AYF, Shant Student Association, and Homenetmen for a discussion and to share
their thoughts and experiences on the role of our youth in our church and
community life. The forum will be moderated by Mr. Stepan Boyajian.
The public is invited to participate in this event.
The official celebration of the "Year of the Youth" is scheduled to
take place on Sunday, October 25th, 2009, at 5:00 p.m., at St. Mary’s Church
in Glendale.
EPISCOPAL DIVINE LITURGY AND BLESSING OF MADAGH ON THE FEAST OF THE
EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
On Sunday, September 13th, 2009, the Feast of the Exaltation of the
Holy Cross and the name-day of Holy Cross Cathedral was celebrated with
Episcopal Divine Liturgy and the blessing of madagh and basil.
Accompanied by the singing of "Hrashapar", H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, proceeded to the altar, which was adorned with roses
and basil, to begin the service.
Parish pastors Rev. Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian and Rev. Fr. Ashod
Kambourian assisted at the altar, while former pastors Archpriest Fr. Nareg
Shrikian and Rev. Fr. Papken Manuelian participated in the service.
Hundreds of faithful were in attendance, among them Executive Council
members, delegates, sponsors, and friends.
In his sermon the Prelate reflected on the meaning behind the Holy
Cross saying, "The Cross is a symbol of glory and redemption, the path to
light and righteousness, and the key to salvation. Those who look to the
Cross and fully comprehend its deeper meaning are cleansed and enlightened
spiritually and physically. The Armenian people have recognized the
significance of the Cross on which our Lord Savior shed His blood and which
brings peace to our lives. Thus, we are all called upon to reflect on our
lives and strengthen our faith and spirit by the power of the Holy Cross to
find peace and salvation."
Following Divine Liturgy the Prelate conducted the "Antasdan"
ceremony, blessing the four sides of the church, then the blessing of basil.
The Prelate, clergy, and faithful then headed to "Bagramian" Hall
for the blessing of "madagh". The ceremony concluded with the singing of
the Cilician and Armenian national anthems.
During the ensuing reception remarks were delivered by Board of
Trustees Chair Dr. Hagop Dikranian, Executive Council Chair Dr. Garo
Agopian, Executive Council member Mr. Levon Kirakosian, and Ladies Auxiliary
Chair Mrs. Knar Baghdassarian. The Prelate then addressed the faithful,
conveying his blessings, commendation, and encouragement to all the servants
of the church, and wished success and prosperity to the parish.
WESTERN PRELACY ACYA SUMMER CAMP
On the weekend of September 11th, 2009, members of the Armenian
Church Youth Association (ACYA) participated in a three-day summer camp at
Rivernook Camp near Lake Isabella. The camp was held under the auspices of
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and was organized by the
ACYA Central Board, led by Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian. The camp was the
third gathering of the year in celebration of the "Year of the Youth".
Prior to departing, the youth gathered at St. Mary’s Church in
Glendale to offer prayers for a safe trip. They then headed to the campsite
where they participated in prayers, Bible studies, and educational sessions.
ACYA Chair Mr. Raffi Naljian led the Bible study while Fr. Barthev presented
two lectures on spiritual growth and forgiveness. Both lectures were
followed by a question and answer session.
In the mornings and evenings, the youth participated in group
prayers, read Psalms, and sang hymns. Movies of a religious nature were
also shown and there was ample time for discussions, hiking, and other
outdoor activities. The retreat also offered the opportunity for the
participants to reflect on the role of the Armenian Church in our lives, as
well as the role of youth in our religious and national life.
PRELATE WELCOMES ARMENIAN AUTISM OUTREACH
PROJECT REPRESENTATIVES
On the afternoon of Friday, September 11th, 2009, H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed to the Prelacy representatives of
the Armenian Autism Outreach Project Mrs. Nora Kalachian, Mrs. Taline
Ashekian, and Mrs. Aida Dakessian.
The representatives reported on the endeavors and mission of the
organization which was established in 2006 to provide resources and support
to autistic children and their families. The organizations serves the
Southern California region and is working on promoting awareness of and
increasing knowledge on autism.
The Prelate commended the representatives on their commitment to
this cause and expressed the support of the Prelacy in their endeavors.