October 2, 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:

VERY REV. FR. VAGHINAG MELOIAN APPOINTED PASTOR OF
ST. GREGORY CHURCH IN SAN FRANCISCO

On behalf of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and the
Religious and Executive Councils of the Western Prelacy, we hereby announce
that Very Rev. Fr. Vaghinag Meloian has been appointed pastor of St. Gregory
Church in San Francisco.
Fr. Vaghinag has been serving at St. Gregory Church for the past few
months alongside Rev. Fr. Avedis Torossian, who served as pastor for the
past seven years.
We wish Fr. Vaghinag success in his new position.

PRELATE TO CELEBRATE DIVINE LITURGY
AT FORTY MARTYRS CHURCH ON
THE FEAST OF THE HOLY TRANSLATORS

Saturday, October 10th, 2009, is the Feast of the Holy Translators.
On this occasion, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will
celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at Forty Martyrs Church in
Orange County.
In observance of the Feast of the Holy Translators as well as
Armenian Cultural Month, the Pastor and Board of Trustees of Forty Martyrs
Church and the administration and parent-teacher committee of A.G. Minassian
School have organized a celebration to take place on that day.
Following Divine Liturgy, the Prelate will preside over the opening
of the annual book fair to take place at "Ghazarian" Hall.
On Friday, October 9th, the Prelate will preside over eve of the
Feast services at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino, and will deliver his
message on this occasion. The service begins at 7:00 p.m.

PRELATE CELEBRATES DIVINE LITURGY IN LAS VEGAS ON THE THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF
THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PARISH

On the weekend of September 25th, 2009, the third anniversary of the
re-establishment of the Las Vegas Parish was ceremoniously observed with a
banquet and Divine Liturgy celebrated by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate.
On Sunday, September 27th, the Prelate arrived at the church where
he has greeted by scouts from the Homenetmen "Artsakh" Chapter.
Accompanying the Prelate and assisting at the altar were Very Rev. Fr.
Barthev Gulumian and Deacon Zohrab Yaralian. Among those in attendance were
Executive Council members Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian and Mr. Vahrij Pilavjian.
Prior to his sermon the Prelate congratulated the parish community
on their anniversary, and commended all those who diligently serve for the
growth of the parish.
In his sermon on the Feast of the Holy Cross of Varak, the Prelate
first gave a brief historical background of the origin of the Feast then
reflected on the implications of the Feast in our lives today. The service
concluded with the singing of the Cilician anthem and a group photo.
The annual banquet was held on the evening of Saturday, September
26th, organized by the Parish Council and the Ladies Auxiliary.
During the banquet, long-time community activist Mr. Hriyr Dadaian
was honored for his service. On this occasion, the Prelate presented Mr.
Dadaian with a letter of blessing and commendation. In addition to the
Prelate’s letter of blessing and commendation, Mr. Dadaian had received
commendations from state and local officials for his contributions to the
Las Vegas community. In conclusion the Prelate once again congratulated the
parish community, expressing hope that they the dream to have their own
church will be realized in the near future.
Please visit the news section of our website for the full press
release and photos.

WESTERN PRELACY TO HOST MEETING OF THE
COUNCIL OF ORIENTAL ORTHODOX BISHOPS

The next meeting of the Council of Oriental Orthodox Bishops is
scheduled to take place on Tuesday, October 6th, 2009, at Holy Martyrs
Church in Encino.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, H.E. Archbishop Mor
Clemis Eugene Kaplan, and H.G. Bishop Serapion will participate in the
meeting along with clergy from each church.

ARMENIA FUND TELETHON LOGO UNVEILING
AND ANNUAL BANQUET

On the evening of Saturday, October 8th, 2009, the unveiling of the
Armenia Fund Telethon logo and annual banquet will take place at the
residence of Armenia Fund Chair Mr. and Mrs. Ara Aghishian, with guest of
honor Baroness Caroline Cox.
Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian will attend on and convey the Prelate’s
blessings.

ARMENIAN BONE MARROW DONOR REGISTRY
WALK OF LIFE

On Saturday, October 3rd, 2009, the 4th annual Armenian Bone Marrow
Donor Registry Walk of Life will take place at Verdugo Park in Glendale.
Rev. Fr. Vazken Atmajian will attend and convey the Prelate’s
blessings.

STAFF OF PRELACY CHURCHES VISIT THE PRELACY

On Thursday, October 1st, 2009, staff of Prelacy Churches visited
the Prelacy where they were welcomed by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate.
Upon their arrival, staff members were given a tour of the Prelacy
and became acquainted with the headquarters, with one another, and with the
Prelacy staff.
They then had a meeting with the Prelate which was followed by a
brief service in the Chapel, after which they were hosted to lunch by the
Prelate.