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: 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.
***