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 PRESIDE OVER DIVINE LITURGY AT FORTY MARTYRS CHURCH IN ORANGE COUNTY - READING OF PONTIFICAL ENCYCLICAL ON THE CENTENNIAL OF THE FIRST REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA IN PRELACY CHURCHES On Sunday, January 21, 2018, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will preside over Divine Liturgy at Forty Martyrs Church in Orange County. On this day, the ?Year of Independence? Pontifical Encyclical of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I dedicated to the centennial of the first Republic of Armenia will be read in all Prelacy Churches. We invite our faithful to attend Divine Liturgy on this day to hear the message of His Holiness and renew our allegiance to our nation and homeland. *** BLESSING OF WATER ON THE FAST OF THE CATECHUMENS Sunday, January 21 is the eve of the Fast of the Catechumens, a fast that is unique to the Armenian Church as it was established by St. Gregory the Illuminator when the Armenian nation became the first nation to adopt Christianity. The fast is commonly referred to as the Fast of St. Sarkis since it coincides with the commemoration of the feast of St. Sarkis. The fast is three days long, from midnight on Sunday, January 21 until the morning of Wednesday, January 24. On Wednesday morning, a prayer service (khachahankisd) and blessing of water will be conducted in Prelacy Churches during which faithful break their fast by receiving Holy Communion and blessed water. Please contact your local parish for service time. *** PRELACY TO HOST BOOK PRESENTATION OF PROF. RICHARD HOVANNISIAN?S ?ARMENIAN COMMUNITIES OF THE NORTHEASTERN MEDITERRANEAN: MUSA DAGH - DÖRT YOL - KESSAB? On Thursday, January 25, 2018, a book presentation will be held at the Western Prelacy ?Dikran & Zarouhie Der Ghazarian? Hall featuring Prof. Richard Hovannisian?s ?Armenian Communities of the Northeastern Mediterranean: Musa Dagh - Dört Yol ? Kessab.? The event is being held under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and is organized by the Prelacy Cultural-Educational Committee. The book will be presented by Prof. Richard Hovannisian. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. and will feature a cultural program and a reception to follow. *** NAME-DAY CELEBRATION OF ST. GARABED CHURCH OF HOLLYWOOD On Sunday, January 14, 2018, on the eve of the Feast of St. John the Baptist and Forerunner, the name day of St. Garabed Churches in Hollywood and Las Vegas was celebrated with Divine Liturgy and the blessing of madagh. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, celebrated Divine Liturgy, delivered the sermon, and conducted the blessing of madagh at St. Garabed Church in Hollywood. Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian assisted at the altar. Executive Council members, sponsors, and Homenetmen members and scouts were among the faithful in attendance. Prior to delivering the sermon, the Prelate greeted and congratulated the parish family on their name-day celebration. ?Through the prayers of St. John the Baptist, who appeared in this world as a ray of righteousness, have mercy on us Lord;? this excerpt from the hymn dedicated to St. John the Baptist was the theme of the Prelate?s sermon. ?St. John was the forerunner saint, the last and greatest of the prophets who, filled with the Holy Spirit, enlightened mankind as a ray of integrity, righteousness, and justice. He came to pave the way and introduce our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to the world. He preached about the kingdom of heaven and the coming of the Savior, was a guiding light of the truth, lived and served with utmost integrity, and showed the way to draw near to God. He was the first Evangelist, the first to spread the news of Christ?s salvific mission. He lived a pious life, stood up to the inequity of the Pharisess and king Herod, and defended righteousness at the cost of his life,? stated the Prelate, and highlighted three points about St. John the Baptist?s unique role in Christianity. First, he received the gift of the Holy Spirit even before he was born, while the Apostles were to wait until Pentecost; second, he was the first evangelist, who boldly proclaimed ?Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!? and as he baptized Jesus became worthy of seeing the descent of the Holy Spirit and hearing the voice of the Father; and third, he was the first martyr prior to the Ascension of Christ, the first to give his life for righteousness. Thus, inspired by the day?s message and celebration, the Prelate invited all to live and serve in the example of St. John the Forerunner, with integrity and righteousness, and to express our faith through action. At the conclusion of Divine Liturgy, requiem service was held and the blessing of madagh conducted by the Prelate. The celebratory luncheon followed at ?Karapetian? Hall, during which Mr. Kaloust Agopian, Executive Council member, was honored for his years of service to the community through St. Garabed Church, Rose and Alex Pilibos School, and the Raffi Romanian-Armenian Cultural Association. The Prelate presided over the luncheon, which was attended by the parish family, Catholicosate Central Executive member Mr. Gaidzag Zetlian, Executive Council Chair Mr. Vahe Hovagumian and members, church consecration Godfather Mr. and Mrs. Vahe and Veronika Karapetian, ARF-WR Central Committee representative Mr. Garo Ispendjian, church new altar sponsor Mr. and Mrs. Hagop and Haiguhi Daglian, representatives of the ARF ?Karekin Njdeh? Gomideh, Pilibos and Postoian Schools, sister organizations and compatriotic unions, sponsors and friends. Fr. Vicken welcomed the guests, after which the Prelate delivered the invocation. Fr. Vicken introduced the day?s honoree, expressed gratitude for his service and sacrifice, and invited Board of Trustees members to present a plaque of commendation and appreciation to Dr. Kaloust Agopian. The Prelate delivered his message commending the Pastor and Board of Trustees and especially the honoree for his decades-long dedicated service, and presented a Letter of Blessing which was read by Fr. Vicken. In the Letter of Blessing, His Eminence lauded Dr. Agopian?s valuable contributions through the Raffi Romanian-Armenian Cultural Association and his devoted service to St. Garabed Church, Pilibos School, as a delegate and Executive Council member, and commended his humble and exemplary service. The event featured cultural performances by St. Garabed Church Sunday School and Pilibos School students. The reception came to a close with the benediction by the Prelate. LAS VEGAS Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, celebrated Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at St. Garabed Church in Las Vegas. Rev. Fr. Arsen Kassabian assisted at the altar. A celebratory luncheon followed at ?Koujakian? Hall. *** ARF DAY CELEBRATION On Sunday, January 14, 2018, community leaders and members gathered at Glendale High School John Wayne Performing Arts Center to collectively mark the 127th anniversary of the ARF. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, attended. He was accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, clergy members, Executive Council Chair Mr. Vahe Hovaguimian and members. The program began with the flag ceremony by the Homenetmen marching band and color guard and anthems. Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Souzy Ohanian, AYF remarks by Ms. Patil Derderian, and ARF Western US Central Committee remarks by Mr. Garo Ispendjian. The keynote speaker was ARF Bureau member Dr. Viken Yacoubian. The celebration also featured performances by the Hamazkayin Ani Dance Company, Ferrahian School Choir, Karnig Sarkissian, Tro Krikorian, and the Edgar Hakopyan Band, as well as an in memoriam segment and a video presentation on the AYF Juniors. *** PRELATE PRESIDES OVER BLESSING AND REDEDICATION OF THE ?HOVHANNES AND HRIPSIME JIVALAGIAN YOUTH CENTER? IN PASADENA On Saturday, January 13, 2018, the Pasadena Armenian Center was rededicated as the ?Hovhannes and Hripsime Jivalagian Youth Center? during a special ceremony presided over by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. Community benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Varant and Hoori Melkonian sponsored the center in honor of Hoori?s parents. The program began with welcoming remarks, the flag ceremony by Homenetmen scouts, and national anthems. The Prelate, joined by St. Sarkis Church pastor Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan, conducted the blessing ceremony, and with the Melkonian family and the participation of ARF-WR Central Committee Political Chair Mr. Avedik Izmirlian and ?Lernavayr? Gomideh representatives presided over the unveiling of the new sign and ribbon cutting. A dinner reception followed in the center?s hall. The Prelate delivered the invocation, after which remarks were delivered by Mr. Manoug Joukhajian on behalf of the organizing committee, Mr. Arman Baghdoyan on behalf of the ?Lernavayr? Gomideh, and Mrs. Hoori Melkonian on behalf of the sponsor family. The Prelate began his message by congratulating the community. His Eminence alluded to the center rededication coinciding with the New Year on the old calendar, the naming of our Lord according to our church calendar, and the feast of St. John the Forerunner a few days later, the first feast on our church calendar, and on this occasion congratulated Mr. Hovhannes Jivalagian on his name day celebration. He noted that Mrs. Hripsime also bears the name of a revered saint. ?These two saints and martyrs were pioneers for the Christian and Armenian nation; it is my wish that this center also be a guiding force for this community and especially for the youth,? stated the Prelate. He concluded by blessing and commending Mr. and Mrs. Varant and Hoori Melkonian for their benevolence and utmost love and reverence for their parents as evidenced by their latest sponsorship and their prior sponsorship of the Burbank Youth Center?s ?Melkon and Angel Melkonian Gym? in honor of Varant?s parents. The evening continued with musical entertainment. *** PRELATE WELCOMES ARS HOLLYWOOD ?MAYR? CHAPTER BOARD MEMBERS On Wednesday, January 17, 2018 ARS Hollywood ?Mayr? Chapter board members paid a visit to the Prelacy to convey their New Year well wishes to H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, joined in the visit. The guests expressed their well wishes to the Prelate and clergy for a prosperous year filled with new achievements and invited His Eminence to their centennial celebration on March 4 at St. Garabed Church?s ?Karapetian? Hall and on March 17 at De Luxe Banquet Hall. The Prelate blessed and commended the members? faithful service, noting that he has followed the chapter?s endeavors since he began his service in the Western Prelacy. He wished them continued successes in all future endeavors and presented new ?I confess with faith? prayer books to the guests. *** MEMBERS OF THE ARMENIAN ECCLESIASTICAL BROTHERHOOD PAY ANNUAL NEW YEAR VISIT TO THE PRELACY On Tuesday, January 16, 2018, members of the Armenian Ecclesiastical Brotherhood paid their annual visit to the Prelacy to convey their New Year and Christmas well wishes to H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate and keep him abreast of their forthcoming activities. His Eminence was joined by Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, and Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, Religious Council Chair. The discussion centered on general issues concerning the community and youth strengthening ties between the church and faithful. The guests thanked the Prelate for his ongoing guidance and support of their endeavors, while His Eminence commended the members for their faithful and valuable service. At the conclusion of the visit, guests received copies of the Prelacy?s latest religious publications. *** CALIFORNIA LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR CANDIDATE ELENI KOUNALAKIS VISITS THE PRELACY On Tuesday, January 16, 2018, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed the visit of diplomat Eleni Kounalakis, former U.S. Ambassador to Hungary and presently candidate for Lieutenant Governor of California in the November 2018 election. Ambassador Kounalakis was accompanied by Mrs. Maria Mehranian, President of Armenia Fund Western Region, and Ms. Christina Kegeyan, Southern California campaign Finance Director. Following introductions, the Prelate gave the candidate an overview of the Southern California Armenian-American community and the Prelacy?s endeavors and mission, while Ambassador Kounalakis outlined her diplomatic service, her work with the Greek Orthodox Church and diverse community endeavors. The Prelate commended ambassador Kounalakis? service and conveyed his best wishes for continued successes in all of her endeavors. *** EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CALOUSTE GULBENKIAN FOUNDATION ARMENIAN STUDIES DEPARTMENT VISITS THE PRELACY On Friday, January 12, 2018, Dr. Razmik Panossian, Executive Director of the Gulbenkian Foundation Armenian Studies Department, paid a visit to the Prelacy where he met with H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, who was joined by Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, Executive Council member Dr. Kaloust Agopian, Board of Regents and Prelacy Armenian Language Revitalization Committee member Dr. Hasmig Baran, and Armenian Language Revitalization Committee member Mr. Jora Manoucherian. Dr. Panossian was in Los Angeles for a three-day workshop the Gulbenkian Foundation had organized for principals of Armenian day schools with the aim of making language instruction more successful. After an exchange of pleasantries, the Prelate lauded the Gulbenkian Foundation?s vast contributions in the advancement of Armenian language instruction and the preservation of our mother tongue. His Eminence also gave an overview of the Prelacy?s publications, which encompass Armenian language, history, and Armenian Cause textbooks as well as religious and cultural books, and spoke on the concerns which gave rise to the Armenian Language Revitalization Committee and its planned projects. Dr. Panossian thanked the Prelate for the meeting and expressed his readiness to assist the Prelacy?s endeavors relating to education and language preservation. The meeting also offered the opportunity for the exchange of ideas and brought about agreement on a number of preliminary projects. ***