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: www.westernprelacy.org THANKSGIVING PRAYERS AND FLAG BLESSING ON THE 99TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA On Sunday, May 28, 2017, the 99th anniversary of the first Republic of Armenia will be celebrated within Prelacy Churches with Thanksgiving Prayers for the Republic and the blessing of the Armenian flag. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will preside over Divine Liturgy, conduct Thanksgiving Prayers for the Republic, bless the Armenian tricolor, and deliver the sermon at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino. At the conclusion of Divine Liturgy, requiem prayers will be offered for the martyrs of Sardarabad, Gharakilise, Pash Abaran, and all the heroes who have given their lives in defense of our lands. We invite our faithful to join us in honoring all those who fought for and secured the independence of our homeland. *** WESTERN PRELACY 45TH REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY COMMITS TO RENEWAL AND REVITALIZATION - ZAREH MARKARIAN AND VAHE KRAJIAN HONORED FOR THEIR SERVICE - LETTERS TO STATE AND JUSTICE DEPARTMENTS PROTESTING TURKISH VIOLENCE IN WASHINGTON, DC - LETTER OF THANKS TO THE STATE OF TEXAS FOR GENOCIDE RECOGNITION On Friday, May 19, 2017, the 45th Western Prelacy Representative Assembly convened at Holy Martyrs Church "Avedissian" Hall in Encino presided by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and with the participation of Catholicosate Central Executive member Mr. Khajag Dikijian, clergy, members of the Religious Council, Executive Council, Board of Trustees, Board of Regents, and CASPS, principals, directors, and a majority of delegates. This year's Assembly was hosted by the Holy Martyrs Church Board of Trustees. The two-day Assembly carried out its proceedings in view of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I's "Year of Renewal" proclamation, with discussions and drafting of future events focusing around renewal and revitalization. The first day's proceedings began with prayer and requiem for clergy and lay servants who passed away in the previous year, namely Archpriest Fr. Mesrob Tashjian, Dikran Sarkuni, Jack Gahvejian, and Sarkis Yegenian. The Prelate invited Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian to read the message of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. His Holiness greeted the participants and urged them to draft future endeavors with a practical approach and a great sense of responsibility. Given that we are in the "Year of Renewal," our Pontiff advised for renewal among all members of the Prelacy family and in all areas of service. His Holiness highlighted the importance of revitalization in our parishes, noting that individual parishes form the backbone of the Prelacy collectivity, as well as in our schools, and the priority of drawing our youth into the life of our church. His Holiness concluded by commending the Prelate, clergy, and Executive Council and expressing confidence that they will continue their service with renewed drive and initiative. The election of the tivan followed, with Mr. George Chorbajian and Dr. Garo Agopian elected to serve as Chairmen, and Mr. Hamo Kasbarian and Mr. Vartan Minassian as Secretaries. Catholicosate Central Executive member Mr. Khajag Dikijian delivered his message, in which he urged for the "Year of Renewal" message to be the guideline for future endeavors, called for serious examination of the challenge to engage our youth, and stating that the Western Prelacy is fortunate to have five members of the Brotherhood serving, called for closer collaboration between clergy and laity. In conclusion, Mr. Dikijian lauded the role of the Holy See of Cilicia Seminary, commended the diligent efforts of the Prelate and Councils, and wished success to all. On behalf of the Executive Council, Chairman Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian thanked the Representative Assembly for their confidence in the Executive Council, reflected on the visit of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, and spoke on the need to plan not only for the coming year but the coming years. On behalf of the host parish, Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian addressed the gathering, noting that the church is not merely a physical structure but a living expression of the service of its servants and faithful. The Prelate began his message by giving thanks to God for granting another year of service to our church and nation and for the opportunity to collectively review the endeavors of the previous term and collectively plan for the coming year and years, looking ahead to the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Western Prelacy in five years. His Eminence commended all those who serve under the umbrella of our Prelacy, noting that our successes are due to collective efforts, and stating confidently that all will continue to serve with added drive and vigor to reorganize, renew, and revitalize our collective mission. On behalf of the Western Prelacy family, the Prelate extended thanks and gratitude to our Pontiff for his paternal wisdom and guidance as well as for his visit in October of 2016. Next, the Prelate went over some of the highlights of the past year, notably the addition of Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan and Very Rev. Fr. Vache Balekjian to the Prelacy family, efforts in the advancement of the Armenian Cause, support to the lawsuit by the Holy See of Cilicia demanding the return of our historic properties in Sis, aid to Artsakh following the four-day war, the ongoing "New Cilicia" village project in Artsakh, and more. His Eminence spoke of the unparalleled and indispensable role of the Armenian Church as a homeland, a school, a cultural center, and the bastion of our heritage in the Diaspora especially, and called for continued service with this awareness and reality in mind. The Prelate concluded by thanking all for their collaboration and cooperation, and Holy Martyrs Church for hosting this year's Assembly. The election of the resolution and vote-counting committee followed, after which of Board of Trustees Chairs or representatives presented the activities of their respective parishes in the previous year. The Prelate thereafter announced that as in previous years, this year too, in collaboration with the Executive Council, it was decided that two individuals would be honored for their decades-long service spanning from the Middle East to the Western Prelacy. The two honorees, Mr. Zareh Markarian and Mr. Vahe Kradjian were invited to the podium to receive plaques of appreciation and commendation from the Prelate, who was joined by the Chairmen of the Religious and Executive Councils. Both expressed their thanks to the Prelate and Councils for the honor. Prior to resuming the proceedings, the Assembly came to a decision to send a letter of thanks to the state of Texas for becoming the 46th state to recognize the Armenian Genocide, as well as letters to U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson condemning the violence by Turkish President Erdogan's security detail against peaceful protestors in Washington D.C. The meeting continued with the presentation of the financial report, Auditing Committee report, briefing by the Board of Regents, briefings by the Religious and Executive Councils, and a review of the annual activities of the Prelate and Councils, which were found to be "highly commendable." In preparation for the Catholicosate General Assembly, which will be held in Antelias from December 5-8, 15 delegates and 3 alternates were unanimously elected. They are: Vahe Hovaguimian, Garo Eshgian, Hrair Balian, Gaidzag Zetlian, Vahan Bezdikian, George Chorbajian, Meher Der Ohanessian, Avo Kechichian, Joe Samuelian, Mark Shirin, Dr. Kaloust Agopian, Elo Boyajian, Seta Tarpinian, Rostom Aintablian, and Khatchig Yeretzian. The three alternates are: Dr. Garo Agopian, Adroushan Armenian, and Rima Boghossian. The first day's proceedings concluded with the drafting of proposals to present to the General Assembly. The Assembly reconvened on the morning of Saturday, May 20th. The second day focused on the drafting of future activities relating to the "Year of Renewal," a strategic planning framework based on a plan of action provided by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the North American Prelacy in 2018, the 100th anniversary of the first Republic of Armenia and Homenetmen, and more. The proposals offered by the clergy conference held on the eve of the Assembly were presented, and the session also included the presentation and ratification of the new budget, election of the Auditing Committee, and unforeseen matters. On behalf of the tivan, co-chair Dr. Garo Agopian thanked the participants for their input, the staff, and especially the Prelate for his diligent leadership. The Prelate delivered his closing message, in which he thanked the host parish, tivan, and delegates for their attentiveness and contribution, and expressed hope that delegates and Board of Trustees members will assembly in the coming weeks to put into action the guideline provided by His Holiness. His Eminence thanked especially Mr. Khajag Dikijian for his close collaboration and valuable suggestions, commended the staff, and once again welcomed the new clergymen. The Assembly came to a close with the benediction and "Cilicia." *** FEAST OF ASCENSION CELEBRATION On Thursday, , the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ was celebrated within the Western Prelacy with Divine Liturgy and a luncheon. The day began with Divine Liturgy at St. Mary's Church in Glendale presided by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and with the participation of Prelacy clergy members. Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon, in which he spoke of the feast's deeper meaning, inviting the faithful to open their spiritual eyes and witness the glory of Christ. Next, guests headed to Brandview Ballroom for the traditional luncheon organized by the Ladies Auxiliary, which this year was hosted by Prelacy and community benefactor Mrs. Silva Tchakmakjian. Among the guests in attendance were members of the Prelacy Executive Council, the wives of Executive Council members, ARS members, parishes' Ladies Guilds' members, sponsors, and friends. The program began with the invocation by the Prelate, who also conveyed his blessings and well wishes. Ladies Auxiliary member Mrs. Sossy Guekguezian served as the MC, while member Mrs. Vania Babikian spoke about the popular traditions associated with the feast and the duty of all to preserve our centuries-old national traditions as they are a significant part of our national identity. During lunch, guests enjoyed music by Salpi Mayilian and participated in the traditional drawing of lots. In his message, the Prelate commended the hard work of the Ladies Auxiliary and thanked the host, sponsors, and guests for their ongoing support and gracious donations made on such occasions, which are in themselves expressions of solidarity for the Prelacy's mission. Next the Prelate spoke on the commemoration of the feast itself, stating that is an invitation for each individual faithful to celebrate the glorification of our Lord and prepare ourselves to celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit, Pentecost, ten days later. At the conclusion of his message, the Prelate presented a plaque to Mrs. Silva Tchakmakjian for her generous donation of $10,000 to host the luncheon, and gladly announced that next year's hosts are Mrs. Kathy Bedrosian and her daughters Linda Abdulian and Jane Asmar, all of whom had traveled from Fresno to participate in the day's celebration. The celebration continued, with the festive atmosphere inspiring guests to make generous donations. *** ARS REGIONAL EXECUTIVE MEMBERS MEET WITH THE PRELATE On Wednesday, , members of the Armenian Relief Society Western Regional Executive, headed by Chairwoman Rebecca Berberian, paid a visit to the Prelacy where they met with H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. As their term comes to a close, the guests had come to give an overview of their activities in the previous year, in particular on the social services the organization provides, ranging from refugee programs, immigration, homelessness, and more. The Prelate highly commended the members for their compassionate and dedicated service, affirmed the Prelacy's support, and wished them continued success in their humanitarian mission. *** ANCA BURBANK CHAPTER 9TH ANNUAL BANQUET On Sunday, May 21, 2017, the 9th annual banquet of the Armenian National Committee of America Burbank Chapter was held at Anoush Banquet Hall in Glendale, during which individuals and organizations were honored for their service to the community. This year's honorees were: Jess Talamantes ("William Saroyan" Award), Araksya Karapetyan ("Hrant Dink" Award), Children's Hospital Los Angeles ("Johannes Lepsius Award), Ani Gharibian and Nazeli Khodabakhsk ("Karekin Njteh" Award). H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, delivered the invocation and conveyed his congratulatory greetings. His Eminence highly commended the devoted members and volunteers of the ANCA Burbank Chapter for their diligent service and efforts in promoting awareness of and advancing our cause, the elected officials and sponsors for their vital solidarity and support, and the honorees for their exemplary service and contributions to the betterment and progress of the Armenian-American community and of society in general, praying for God to grant them all good health, strength, and wisdom so that they may continue to serve with renewed drive and dedication toward even greater accomplishments. Welcoming remarks were delivered by Banquet Committee Co-Chair Souzi Ohanian, followed by remarks by Glendale City Clerk Ardashes Kassakhian, who served as the evening's Master of Ceremonies, and the Banquet Committee's message by Co-Chair Vicky Marashlian. During dinner, guests enjoyed traditional Armenian dances. The awards presentation followed. The ANCA-WR message was delivered by Chairwoman Nora Hovsepian, Esq., and the ANCA Burbank chapter message by Co-Chair Zareh Khachatourian. *** CASPS HONORS OUTSTANDING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS OF THE LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT On Friday, May 19, 2017, the Committee for Armenian Students in Public Schools hosted its 11th annual reception honoring outstanding 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students of LAUSD local districts Northeast and Northwest. Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian attended and read the congratulatory message of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, which began with greetings to elected officials, principals, teachers, and administrators of the Los Angeles Unified School District, members and friends of CASPS, parents and students. The Prelate applauded the hard work of the students which earned them recognition by CASPS and offered his blessings for continued successes in the years ahead. His Eminence reminded the youth to always give thanks to God for His bountiful blessings and guidance in all stages of their lives, as well as to their parents and teachers for their unwavering support and encouragement and for instilling in them principles and values that will lead them through life. He advised them also to remain firm in their Christian beliefs and values in all circumstances, to uphold the ideals and principles of our nation, and to always give their best, stating that with hard work and perseverance nothing is out of their reach. Finally, the Prelate urged the youth to never forget their roots and heritage as Armenian-Americans and to contribute to the advancement of our cause and the prosperity of our nation. ***