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
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.
***