October 16, 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:
EPISCOPAL DIVINE LITURGY CELEBRATED AT FORTY MARTYRS CHURCH IN HONOR OF THE
FEAST OF THE HOLY TRANSLATORS AND ARMENIAN CULTURAL MONTH
In observance of Armenian Cultural Month and the Feast of the Holy
Translators, on Sunday, October 11th, 2009, Episcopal Divine Liturgy was
celebrated at Forty Martyrs Church in Orange County, followed by a book fair
to honor of the legacy of the founders of the Armenian alphabet and our
translator forefathers.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, celebrated Divine
Liturgy, assisted at the altar by Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian and Rev.
Fr. Hrant Yeretzian. Retired clergy member Archpriest Fr. Moushegh Der
Kaloustian, who is visiting from the East Coast, also participated in the
service.
The Prelate began his sermon by reflecting on the dire political
situation in Armenia during the time of the holy translators, and the
difficulties that abounded for lack of a written language which foreigners
used to their advantage to try and diminish the national identity of the
Armenian people and weaken the Armenian Church. It was in these
circumstances, said the Prelate, that God appeared to St. Mesrob Mashodts in
a vision and revealed to him the script of the Armenian alphabet, thus
changing the course of history and enriching our nation and culture.
The Prelate also reflected on the signing of the protocols between
Armenia and Turkey, urging the faithful to renew their faith, to foster our
heritage, culture, and language, and be resolute in the demanding of our
national rights. The Prelate concluded with a prayer for the welfare of
Armenia.
At the conclusion of Divine Liturgy, the Prelate was led in a
procession to "Gugasian" Hall where he conducted the opening of the book
fair organized by the administration and teacher-parent committee of Ari
Guiragos Minassian School. A.G. Minassian School students joined the church
choir in the singing of a hymn and recited poetry dedicated to the holy
translators.
In his remarks the Prelate commended acting Principal Mrs. Kohar
Zaher and the parent-teacher committee for keeping with tradition and
organizing the book fair each year, and conveyed his message to the
attendees urging them to honor the legacy of our forefathers by teaching
their children Armenian and working towards the splendor of Armenian
educational institutions, specifically A.G. Minassian School.
The opening ceremony concluded with the singing of the Cilician
anthem, followed by the Prelate’s benediction.
PRELATE TO ATTEND LEBANESE AMERICAN FOUNDATION PRIDE OF HERITAGE BANQUET
On Sunday, October 18th, 2009, the Pride of Heritage Banquet of the
Lebanese American Foundation, benefitting the House of Lebanon, will take
place at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. During the banquet philanthropist Mr.
Vatche Manoukian will be honored with the Pride of Heritage award.
The Prelate will attend and convey his blessings.
HAMAZKAYIN ANI DANCE COMPANY 35TH ANNIVERSARY PERFORMANCE
The Hamazkayin Ani Dance Company 35th anniversary performance will
take place on Sunday, October 18th, at the Glendale High School Auditorium.
Very Rev. Fr. Barthev will represent the Prelate and convey his
blessings.
PRELATE PARTICIPATES IN ARMENIA FUND
CORPORATE BOARD MEETING
On the evening of Thursday, October 15th, 2009, the third corporate
board meeting of Armenia Fund took place at the organization’s headquarters
in Glendale.
The meeting focused on details of the 12th International Telethon
Campaign titled "Our Shushi".
The Prelate, a corporate board member, participated in the meeting.