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 PRELATE TO PAY PASTORAL VISIT TO SAN FRANCISCO PARISH COMMUNITY ON THE 51ST ANNIVERSARY OF ST. GREGORY THE ILLUMINATOR CHURCH Over the weekend, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will travel to San Francisco to preside over 51st anniversary celebrations of St. Gregory the Illuminator Church. On Sunday, October 15, 2017, the Prelate will celebrate Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory the Illuminator Church and deliver the sermon on the Feast of the Holy Translators. On Saturday evening, the Prelate will preside over the church's 51st annual banquet hosted by the Parish Pastor, Board of Trustees, and Ladies Auxiliary, during which Mrs. Annig Zindarzian and Mr. Leo Donian will be recognized for their lifetime of dedicated service to the church and community. Special recognition will also be given to Mr. Carlos Mendoza for his years of devotion and loyalty to the parish community. *** WESTERN PRELACY LADIES AUXILIARY TO HOST LECTURE-LUNCHEON ON THE PRESERVATION OF ARMENIAN MUSIC On Thursday, October 19, 2017, a lecture-luncheon will be held at the Western Prelacy "Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian" Hall dedicated to the preservation of Armenian music. Dr. Karenn Chutjian-Presti, a member of the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music faculty, will lecture on the topic. The luncheon is being held under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and is organized by the Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary. Tickets are $20 and can be reserved by calling the Prelacy office at 818-248-7737, Ladies Auxiliary members Vartoug at 626-372-5536 or Vania at 818-216-9935. *** PRELATE PRESIDES OVER DIVINE LITURGY AND CONSECRATES PAINTING AT FORTY MARTYRS CHURCH IN ORANGE COUNTY - PRAYERS FOR LAS VEGAS SHOOTING VICTIMS IN PRELACY CHURCHES On Sunday, October 8, 2017, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, presided over Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at Forty Martyrs Church in Orange County. Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian celebrated Divine Liturgy. Very Rev. Fr. Vache Balekjian and Archpriest Fr. Khoren Habeshian participated. By the ordinance of His Eminence, on this day, "Der Voghormya" prayers were offered in all Prelacy Churches for the victims of the Las Vegas shooting. During the service, the Prelate consecrated a painting of St. Sarkis sponsored by the Ohanessian family in memory of their parents, Mardiros and Gassia Ohanessian. The Prelate then delivered his sermon, the theme of which was discipleship, given that the day before was the commemoration of our Lord Jesus Christ's 72 disciples, and also touched on the Feast of the Holy Translators, which was to be celebrated the following week. His Eminence started by noting that besides the 12 apostles, Jesus had 72 disciples to whom He instructed and commanded to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15), what is known as the Great Commission. The Prelate noted that discipleship was not limited to the early followers of Christ, and that God still desires disciples today to fulfill the Great Commission. "As children of God, we must be committed to serving Him faithfully and fulfilling the duties and responsibilities entrusted to us as Christians," he stressed. The Prelate further explained the meaning of discipleship, adding that being a disciple requires making Christ the focus of our lives, studying and obeying His teachings and commandments by reading the Bible, being in constant communication with Him through prayer, serving Him through active involvement in the church, sharing our faith with others, and becoming an example to others through the life we lead. The Prelate stressed that as a dispersed nation we must work even harder to maintain our distinct faith and heritage among a slew of external influences, adding that we are fortunate to have great examples before us, the legacy of our saints and forefathers, including that of the Holy Translators, to inspire and lead us in our service today. Citing verse 5 of the day's Scripture reading from 2 Corinthians 13:5-13, "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith," His Eminence called for introspection to see if we are as steadfast in our faith as our forefathers were, and to strive for their level of faith so that we can be effective disciples for our church and nation. "The survival and advancement of our faith and heritage rests on our shoulders, and on those of future generations," stressed the Prelate, encouraging the faithful to take inspiration from the 72 disciples and our Holy Translators and do their part to preserve and promote our faith and our culture, starting with our children and youth. Next, His Eminence spoke of the horrific shooting in Las Vegas the week before which claimed the lives of nearly 60 and injured nearly 500, and asked the faithful to join in praying for the souls of the deceased to rest in peace in the kingdom of heaven, for the speedy and full recovery of the injured, and for our loving and merciful Lord to bring peace and comfort to the families of the victims. Finally, the Prelate noted that the day also marked the 40th day since the passing of a beloved member of the community, Movses Shrikian. He conveyed his condolences to the Shrikian and Keledjian families on the untimely loss of their husband, father, brother, uncle, and son-in-law, and on the loss of their patriarch Archpriest Fr. Nareg Shrikian, soon after. At the conclusion of Divine Liturgy and requiem service, a special reception by the Parish Pastor, Board of Trustees, and Ladies Guild was hosted at "Gugasian" Hall in celebration of the Prelate's anniversary of ordination to the priesthood, 20th anniversary of Episcopal ordination, and 60th birthday. In attendance were Delegates, Board of Trustees members, Armen Karo Gomideh representatives, and faithful. Congratulatory remarks were delivered by Fr. Karekin and Board of Trustees Chair Mr. Herair Jermakian. The Prelate thanked all for the surprise celebration and wished the parish community continued successes in their mission. *** EXHIBITION OF ARMENIAN-AMERICAN ARTIST ARTHUR PINAJIAN'S WORKS HELD AT THE WESTERN PRELACY On Thursday, , a special exhibition of Armenian-American artist Arthur Pinajian's works opened at the Western Prelacy "Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian" Hall. The exhibit, which was held under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and organized by Stephanie's Art Gallery, featured thirty rarely seen works, in particular the artist's mid-century abstractions and late lyrical landscapes. Members of clergy, Executive Council Chair Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian, and art appreciators were in attendance. The program began with welcoming remarks by Ladies Auxiliary member Mrs. Vania Babikian, who then invited Stephanie's Art Gallery Director, Ms. Linda Stepanian, to give an overview of the artist and the exhibit. Ms. Stepanian first thanked the Prelate, and then spoke on Arthur Pinajian's life, approach, and the value and distinctiveness of his creations, noting that he is regarded as one of the greatest artists of his time. The Prelate greeted the guests and commended the organizers, noting that the exhibit is a fitting tribute to Armenian Cultural Month. His Eminence commended the efforts of Stephanie's Art Gallery in promoting and celebrating Armenian art and artists, and conclude by affirming the Prelacy's endless continual support of the arts. Throughout the exhibit, guests enjoyed a Wine and Cheese Reception hosted by the Western Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary. The exhibit continued the following day. *** STATE SENATOR ANTHONY PORTANTINO VISITS THE PRELACY On Tuesday, October 10, 2017, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed the visit of State Senator Anthony Portantino. His Eminence was joined by Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, while Senator Portantino was accompanied by District Representative Ms. Arda Tchakian. The discussion centered on the Senator's service and endeavors in Sacramento thus far and his future plans. There was also conversation on the Armenian-American Museum and the Senator's trip to Armenia. The Prelate commended Senator Portantino's dedicated service and in particular his unwavering support of the Armenian-American community, and wished him continued successes in his mission. *** SUPERVISOR KATHRYN BARGER'S DEPUTIES VISITS THE PRELACY On Tuesday, October 10, 2017, Supervisor Kathryn Barger's Chief Deputy, Ms. Anna Mouradian, and Senior Field Deputy, Mr. Jarrod Degonia, paid a visit to the Western Prelacy for an introductory meeting with H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. The guests noted that the Armenian community forms a very important part of Supervisor Barger's district, and expressed their readiness to offer any assistance to the community as needed. They also touched on the Supervisor's initiatives with regards to the Armenian community, such as proclaiming the month of April as Armenian Heritage Month. The Prelate in turn gave an overview of the scope of the Prelacy's endeavors within the community, and expressed confidence that the long-standing spirit of friendship and collaboration between the Prelacy and the Supervisor's office will continue during Supervisor Barger's tenure. The visit concluded with the presentation of mementos. *** PRELATE DELIVERS INVOCATION AT ANCA-WR ANNUAL GALA On Sunday, October 8, 2017, the annual gala of the Armenian National Committee of America Western Region was held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel with the attendance of public officials, dignitaries, leaders and members of community organizations, sponsors, and friends. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, attended and delivered the invocation. This year, the organization honored the following individuals for their contributions to the advancement of the Armenian Cause: Garo Paylan, Armenian member of Turkish Parliament - Freedom Award, Terry George, Filmmaker and Director - Arts & Letters, State Senator Anthony Portantino - Legislator of the Year, Bared Maronian, Documentary Filmmaker - Arts & Letters, Congressman David Valadao - Advocate for Justice, and a special tribute to the late musician Chris Cornell. The Prelate commended the incredible level of devotion and enthusiasm with which the leadership and membership of the ANCA-Western Region serve day in and day out to fulfill the organization's vast and far-reaching mission, praying for God to continue to bless them with strength, courage, and wisdom so that through them, the voice of the Armenian-American community may continue to resonate through the halls of our government. He blessed the honorees, "bold and principled individuals from different walks of life but with shared purpose, advocating tirelessly for truth and justice through their respective capacities," and the sponsors, "whose generosity makes it possible for this and all community organizations to grow and expand their scope." The Prelate concluded by beseeching the Lord to continue to guide our collective path as we serve for the progress and prosperity of our people and our nation *** PRELATE ATTENDS 16TH ANNUAL GERALD AND MARK GOLF CLASSIC On Monday, October 9, 2017, the 16th annual Gerald and Mark Golf Classic hosted by national benefactor Mr. Hank Khachaturian was held at the Peninsula Golf and Country Club in San Mateo. The event was founded by Mr. Khachaturian and his late wife, Rita, as a tribute to their sons and also the benefit a number of charities. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, attended the awards dinner and delivered his message. Very Rev. Fr. Barouyr Shernezian and St. Gregory the Illuminator Church representatives were among the guests in attendance. His Eminence began his message by expressing thanks to God for granting the opportunity to gather once again to honor the memory of Hank's beloved sons while contributing to vital charitable causes, adding, "This year, we feel the physical absence of Hank's dear wife Rita, but at the same time we sense her joyful spirit and presence." His Eminence commended Mr. Khachaturian's unbound generosity and goodwill, stating, "I, and almost certainly everyone here, can attest that you are not only a cheerful giver, but a humble and gracious giver as well. The level of support this event garners each year is indeed a beautiful testament to you." The Prelate conveyed his blessings to Mr. Khachaturian as well as to the sponsors, participants, and guests for their enduring support and encouragement. He concluded by praying for the repose of Gerald, Mark, and Rita's souls and wishing all many healthy, joyful, and prosperous years to come. *** IN DEFENSE OF CHRISTIANS SUMMIT 2017 In Defense of Christians, a non-profit and nonpartisan organization advocating for the human rights of Christians in the Middle East and for the preservation of Christianity in the Middle East, has organized a summit in Washington DC from October 24-26 with the title, "American Leadership and Securing the Future of Christians in the Middle East." Christian leaders and lay activists, including leaders of the Armenian Church and of community organizations, will gather to advocate for vital issues, including international recognition of the Armenian Genocide, security and stability in Lebanon, emergency relief for victims of Genocide in Iraq and Syria, and more. His Holiness Catholicos Aram I participated in the inaugural conference in 2014 and delivered powerful remarks on the imperative of Christian unity in the Middle East. The Armenian National Committee of America is once again a sponsor of the convention, and will participate in a number of related events. ***