November 6, 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 AT ST. SARKIS CHURCH IN HONOR OF THE
24TH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE PARISH
On Sunday, November 8th, 2009, the 24th anniversary of St. Sarkis
Church in Pasadena will be celebrated with Episcopal Divine Liturgy and a
luncheon.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will celebrate
Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon on this occasion.
The luncheon organized by the Pastor, Board of Trustees, and Ladies
Auxiliary will take place following church services at the Union of Marash
Center.
PRELATE WELCOMES FORMER PRESIDENT OF
NKR H.E. ARKADY GHOUKASIAN
On the afternoon of Thursday, November 5th, 2009, H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed to the Prelacy former President of
the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic H.E. Arkady Ghoukasian, who was accompanied by
Armenia Fund Chair Mr. Ara Agishian and Public Relations Director Mr. Sarkis
Kotanjian. Joining the Prelate were VeryRev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian, Rev. Fr.
Ardak Demirjian, Central Executive member Mr. Vahe Yacoubian, Executive
Council members Mr. Meher Der Ohanessian, Dr. Navasart Kazazian, and Mr.
Khatchig Yeretzian, as well as Board of Regents member Mrs. Maggie Sarkuni.
The former President, who is Vice-President of the "Hayastan"
All-Armenian Fund Board of Trustees, is currently in Los Angeles ahead of
the Telethon which will air on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26th.
The discussion centered on preparations for the Telethon and means
of garnering support for the rebuilding of Shushi, which this year’s
proceeds will be allocated towards. The Prelate assured H.E. that the
Prelacy remains a staunch supporter of Armenia Fund and that our churches
and schools will lend their support by contributing to the Telethon.
The meeting came to a close with the presentation of a memento by
the Prelate to President Ghoukasian.
"YEAR OF THE YOUTH" CELEBRATION
HELD AT ST. MARY’S CHURCH
In response to the proclamation of H.H. Catholicos Aram I of 2009 as
the "Year of the Youth", on the evening of Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009, a
celebration was held at St. Mary’s Church in Glendale under the auspices of
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. The event was organized by
the Prelacy Outreach Committee.
The event began with the collective recitation of the Lord’s Prayer
by the Prelate, clergy members, and guests, after which Master of Ceremonies
Mrs. Sona Madarian delivered the welcoming remarks. The first part of the
program consisted of youth remarks by representatives of community
organizations; they were Talin Hindoyan (Homenetmen), Arek Santikian (AYF),
Melanie Vartabedian (Shant Student Association), and Raffi Naljian (ACYA).
The representatives briefly presented the general endeavors of their
respective organizations and spoke of their participation in our community
life. At the end of the remarks, a video on the activities of the ACYA was
shown.
Keynote speaker Dr. Viken Yacoubian was then invited up for his
speech on "The Role of Youth in our Church and National Life". Dr.
Yacoubian went over the challenges facing youth today, from finding their
self-identities, to faith and ethics issues. He focused specifically on the
situation of Armenian youth living in the Diaspora and the special
challenges they face living in a multi-cultural environment with a number of
outside influences that can alter their sense of belonging to their
nationality. Dr. Yacoubian noted that kids growing up in America struggle
between their Armenian and American identities and face the challenge of
finding a balance between the two. He stressed the role of Armenian
families, our church, and community organizations in this regards, making
sure that our youth are ready to actively participate in our national life
in any and every capacity. He noted that adults must stand by our youth,
welcoming their participation and giving them opportunities; and they must
allow our youth the chance to reconcile their two identities all the while
contributing to the advancement of our nation. He concluded by reiterating
that we must stand by our youth and allow them the chance to build their
self-identities and self-awareness.
The artistic program consisted of two songs presented by Sossy
Avakian-Mardirossian, and a performance by the "Lousavorich" Youth Choir led
by Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian.
Following the choir’s performance, the MC invited the Prelate to
deliver his message. The Prelate first and foremost thanked God for the
successful event, and commended the organizing committee and participants
for their efforts and contributions, specifically Dr. Viken Yacoubian for
his thoughtful presentation. The Prelate noted that events dedicated to the
"Year of the Youth" have taken place throughout the year in various
parishes; however, this evening was difference in that we were able to hear
the perspective of our youth. He commended them once again for their
remarks and urged them to become further involved in our church and
community. The Prelate continued, stating that although our churches and
various organizations individually carry out great work, he stressed the
need to combine efforts for a more productive outcome, and called for
further collaboration and the uniting of minds and efforts. The Prelate
concluded by underscoring the need for youth involvement in all aspects of
community life, whether as clergy members, educators, Board of Trustees
members, delegates, and so on, and the responsibility of the older
generation to give the right guidance and instruction to our youth.
The singing of the Cilician and Pontifical anthems followed the
Prelate’s message, and the evening concluded with the Prelate’s benediction.
Guest were then hosted to a reception in the church hall organized
by the parish Ladies Auxiliary.
PRELATE CELEBRATES DIVINE LITURGY ON
THE NAME DAY OF HOLY MARTYRS CHURCH
On Saturday, October 31st, 2009, the Armenian Church observed the
Feast of All Saints’ Day, which is also the name day of Holy Martyrs Church
in Encino. On this occasion, on Sunday, November 1st, H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the
sermon at Holy Martyrs Church. Assisting at the altar were Very Rev. Fr.
Barthev Gulumian and Rev. Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian. H.E. Archbishop Yeprem
Tabakian also participated in the sevice.
The Prelate began his sermon by giving thanks to God for His
blessings and guidance to Holy Martyrs Church over the past 46 years. In
honor of the name day of the Church, the Prelate invited the faithful to
renew their vow of faith and their commitment to the splendor of the Church
and community.
Speaking on the Feast of All Saints’ Day, the Prelate explained that
our saints are champions of our faith who gave their lives for Jesus Christ.
They are living witnesses of Christ who with their bloodshed and unwavering
faith established the Church. Our saints not only heard the commandments of
God, they heeded His commandments and applied them in their lives. They
left for us a legacy of faith and spiritual riches, and it is our
responsibility to remain true to that legacy, to walk in the path of
righteousness just as they did, and to live our lives true to the
commandments of our Lord. The Prelate concluded, acknowledging that though
we find ourselves in difficult economic times, we must not be disheartened
or lose faith; on the contrary, we must remain unyielding in our faith and
continue to look to Jesus Christ for guidance to overcome any obstacles.
At the conclusion of Divine Liturgy, the Prelate was led in a
procession to "Avedissian" Hall where he blessed the madagh that was
prepared by the parish Ladies Auxiliary. The Prelate conveyed his blessings
and commendations to the Pastor, Board of Trustees, Ladies Auxiliary, and
all the servants of the church for their devoted service, as well as the
faithful for their support, specifically Mrs. Janet Vartazarian who had
taken on the sponsorship of the madagh in memory of her husband Razmig
Vartazarian. The Prelate also honored the memories of the founders of Holy
Martyrs Church and the servants who are no longer with us.
The ceremony came to a close with the Prelate’s benediction and the
singing of the Cilician anthem.
PRELATE TO DELIVER THE INVOCATION AT THE
ANC WESTERN REGION ANNUAL BANQUET
On Sunday, November 8th, 2009, the annual banquet of the Armenian
National Committee Western Region will take place at the Pasadena Convention
Center.
The Prelate will attend and deliver the invocation.
SAYAT NOVA DANCE COMPANY PERFORMANCE
On Sunday, November 8th, 2009, the Sayat Nova Dance Company will be
performing at the Glendale High School auditorium. The presentation is one
of a series taking place nationwide in celebration of the organization’s
23rd anniversary.
Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian will represent the Prelate at the
event.
ARS CENTENNIAL LOGO UNVEILING
Under the auspices of the Armenian Relief Society Executive Board,
the ARS Regional Executive has organized a formal unveiling of the ARS
Centennial Logo which will take place on Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at
the ARS headquarters in Glendale.
The Prelate will preside over the unveiling and convey his blessings
and well wishes. Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian will accompany the Prelate.
PILIBOS SCHOOL 40TH ANNIVERSARY KICK-OFF RECEPTION
The administration of Rose and Alex Pilibos has organized a kick-off
to its 40th anniversary, to take place on the evening of Friday, November
13th, 2009, at Phoenicia Restaurant. The 40th anniversary banquet is
scheduled for March 6, 2010.
Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian will attend and convey the Prelate’s
blessings.