November 13, 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 DEPART FOR LEBANON TO PARTICIPATE IN MEETINGS AT THE
CATHOLICOSATE

On Sunday, November 15th, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, will depart for Lebanon to participate in meetings at the
Catholicosate presided over by H.H. Catholicos Aram I. The Prelates of the
North American Prelacies, Central Executive members and Executive Council
members from the three Prelacies will participate in the meetings.
Central Executive members Mr. Khajag Dikijian and Mr. Vahe
Yacoubian, along with Executive Council Chair Dr. Garo Agopian and
Vice-Chair Mr. Garo Avakian will also participate in the meetings, which are
scheduled for November 18th to the 20th.

FAREWELL RECEPTION FOR FORMER PASTOR OF
ST. GREGORY CHURCH

The Board of Trustees of St. Gregory Church of San Francisco has
organized a farewell reception for outgoing parish pastor Rev. Fr. Avedis
Torossian, to take place on the evening of Friday, November 13th, 2009.
Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian will attend and convey the Prelate’s
blessings and well wishes, as well as present the pastor with a pectoral
cross on behalf of the Prelate.
Among those in attendance will be Very Rev. Fr .Vaghinag Meloian,
Board of Trustees members, Delegates, Krouzian-Zekarian-Vasbouragan School
representatives, and members of community organizations.

PRELATE CELEBRATES DIVINE LITURGY AT
ST. SARKIS CHURCH ON THE 24TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PASADENA PARISH COMMUNITY

On Sunday, November 8th, 2009, in honor of the 24th anniversary of
the Pasadena parish community, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. Sarkis
Church. Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian and parish pastor Rev. Fr. Khoren
Babochian assisted at the altar.
The Prelate gave thanks to God for the growth the parish community
has experienced in the last 24 years, from its humble beginnings on Allen
Blvd. to having its own church today, St. Sarkis, by the grace of God, and
prayed for continued advancements for the community in the coming years.
The topic of the sermon was from a passage in the Gospel of Luke
which chronicles the healing of a woman and of Jesus bringing to life the
daughter of Jairus. The Prelate stated that though the woman and Jairus had
different spiritual needs and were facing different circumstances, both were
seeking to see Jesus Christ, to meet Him and receive His blessings. And it
was through their faith that their prayers were answered. The woman was
healed not because she touched Jesus’ garment, rather because she believed
in His power and His ability to heal, just as Jairus did.
The Prelate asserted that today, we need the same faith, we need to
be filled with the Holy Spirit, to pray for ourselves and for one another,
and to cast out destructive and debilitating thoughts and feelings.
"Prayer must be our path, with faith as our guide; only then will we receive
the answers to our supplications. Let us therefore relinquish our worries
to God for He will ease our troubles. Let us open our hearts and souls to
God and He will rid us of our weaknesses and iniquities and guide us in our
service and our mission", concluded the Prelate.
Requiem service was offered following Divine Liturgy, after which
the Prelate was led in a procession to the entrance of the church where the
Prelate once again congratulated the parish on their anniversary. The
singing of "Cilicia" and the Pontifical anthems concluded the service.
In the afternoon, the Prelate presided over the 24th anniversary
luncheon which took place at the hall of the Marash Compatriotic Union with
the participation of clergy members, Executive Council, Board of Trustees,
and Ladies Auxiliary members, sponsors and friends. During the luncheon
remarks were delivered by the Pastor and Board of Trustees Chairman, and the
Prelate once again conveyed his well wishes.

ELEMENT BAND CONCERT DEDICATED TO ARS CENTENARY

Under the auspices of the ARS Regional Executive, the ARS Centennial
Fund Committee has organized a concert featuring the Element Band to
celebrate a 100 years of service. The concert will take place at Glendale
Presbyterian Church on Sunday, November 15th, 2009.
Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian will represent the Prelate.