February 2, 2018 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 DIVINE LITURGY TO BE CELEBRATED ON THE FEASTS OF STS. GHEVONTIANTS AND STS. VARTANANTS On Tuesday, February 6, 2018, the Armenian Church will commemorate the Feast of Sts. Ghevontiants, honoring the legacy of the brave clergymen who not only preached against tyranny, but with a cross in one hand and a sword in the other fought on the front lines in the Vartanants war and in the continuing resistance during the subsequent period. The Feast of Sts. Ghevontiants will be commemorated with Divine Liturgy on Tuesday, February 6 at Holy Cross Cathedral in Montebello (900 W, Lincoln Ave.), presided by the Prelate and with the participation of Prelacy clergy. Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, will celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon. The service begins at 7:00 p.m. In the morning, the annual clergy conference on this occasion will convene at Holy Cross Cathedral presided by the Prelate. On Thursday, February 8, the Armenian Church will commemorate the Feast of Sts. Vartanants, among the most popular religious and national feasts of the Armenian Church and people.General Vartan Mamigonian, his commanders, priests, and companions, numbering 1,036, are remembered on this feast day for their martyrdom in the year 451 in defense of our Christian faith and nation. The Feast of Sts. Vartanants will be commemorated with Divine Liturgy on Thursday, February 8, at the North Hollywood parish (13050 Vanowen St.), presided by the Prelate and with the participation of Prelacy clergy. Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian will celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon. The service begins at 7:00 p.m. We invite our faithful to join us in honoring the legacy of our heroes who selflessly gave their lives in defense of our faith and nation. *** FERRAHIAN SCHOOL 8TH GRADE CLASS VISITS THE PRELACY At the start of each year, the 8th grade class of Ferrahian School pays a visit to the Prelacy where they present a cultural program, receive the blessings and hear the message of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. This year's visit took place on Friday, February 2, 2018. The 42 students, accompanied by Principal Mrs. Sossi Shanlian and teachers, were welcomed by the Prelate, who was joined by Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian, and Rev. Fr. Movses Shannakian. The visit began at the "St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen" Chapel where clergy sang the hymn dedicated to Vartanants, given that the Feasts of Sts. Ghevontiants and Sts. Vartanants were to be commemorated in the following days. The Prelate also gave a brief explanation of the paintings of Sts. Vartanants, St. Gregory the Illuminator, King Dertad, and St. Sahag and St. Mesrob adorning the Chapel's walls. The visit continued at "Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian" Hall, where the students presented a program of songs, recitations, dance, and piano pieces dedicated to the Battle of Avarayr and the Artsakh liberation movement. The Prelate commended the students for their performances and the teachers for the instruction they are providing to our youth, and then answered questions posed by the students on various topics relating to the Catholicosate, Prelacy, the Sis lawsuit, and general ecclesiastical matters. His Eminence commended the students' curiosity and interest, and noted that such visits serve as opportunities for them to renew their allegiance to our faith, nation, and heritage as well as the strengthening of the Prelacy-School bonds. The Prelate stated the expectation for our students to become active contributors to the life of our nation when they become adults as well as to society in general, and highlighted the role of our Armenian Schools in this regard. Finally, he urged the students to truly comprehend the value of the Armenian Church and School and pledge to remain faithful to our church and nation. The students presented a gift to the Prelate, while His Eminence gifted copies of the Prelacy's newly published Divine Liturgy booklet. The visit came to a close with the benediction, followed by "Cilicia" and the Armenian national anthem, after which students toured the Prelacy. *** PRELATE ATTENDS FAREWELL RECEPTION HONORING LEBANESE AMBASSADOR JOHNNY IBRAHIM By the invitation of the Advisory Board of the Consulate General of Lebanon in Los Angeles and a group of Armenian-American and Lebanese-American community members, on the evening of Thursday, February 1st, 2018, a farewell reception honoring His Excellency Ambassador Johnny Ibrahim was held at the California Club in Los Angeles. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, attended and conveyed his blessings and well wishes to Ambassador Ibrahim as he completes his term as Consul General of Lebanon in Los Angeles and embarks on his new mission as Ambassador of Lebanon in Argentina. Members of our Prelacy and community organizations were in attendance. *** ST. SARKIS CHURCH NAME-DAY CELEBRATION On Saturday, January 27, 2018, the Armenian Church commemorated the Feast of St. Sarkis, his son Mardiros, and their fourteen soldiers, who in the 4th century were martyred in defense of the Christian faith. As the feasts marks the name-day of St. Sarkis Church of Pasadena, on Sunday January 28, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, celebrated Divine Liturgy, delivered the sermon, and conducted the blessing of madagh at St. Sarkis Church. Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan assisted at the altar. Executive Council members Mr. Avo Kechichian and Mrs. Therese Kemanjian, benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis and Suzan Kitsinian and family, parish family members, representatives of community organizations, and a large number of faithful were in attendance. As the choir sang the hymn "Hrashapar," His Eminence entered the church in a procession to begin Divine Liturgy. The Prelate began his sermon by giving thanks to God for the opportunity to collectively partake in the day's Divine Liturgy and name-day celebration, and inspired by the message of St. Sarkis, his son Mardiros, and their fourteen soldiers, to renew our faith and in the words of the day's Gospel reading from John 6:22-38, to labor not for perishable food but for the heavenly food. His Eminence greeted the Executive Council members, benefactors, parish family, and faithful, wishing all continued successes in their service as "workers who do not need to be ashamed" (2 Timothy 2:15). Citing a verse from Nerses Shnorhali's hymn dedicated to St. Sarkis, the Prelate highlighted the saint's virtues as a fulfiller of requests, hearer of prayers, persecutor of evil, liberator of captives, alleviator of torments, and a brave and fearless preacher of the Christian faith, for which he, his son, and their soldiers were martyred. Referencing the message of the day's Gospel reading, the Prelate urged all to labor not for perishable food but for the bread of life, our Lord Jesus Christ, as did St. Sarkis and all of our saints. "St. Sarkis remains an everlasting intercessor for the Armenian people. Today, let us beseech his intercession for God to strengthen our faith so that we seek and pursue heavenly bread alone, to be endowed with his faith so that we may overcome and conquer all troubles with faith, and to transform us into bold and fearless soldiers and defenders of our faith and nation," stressed the Prelate, and concluded by once again conveying his congratulations and hoping for the message and spirit of the day's celebration to lead all into His light. At the conclusion of Divine Liturgy, the Prelate presided over requiem service and conducted the blessing of madagh. Prayers of repose were offered for the souls of the first parish pastor, Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Antreassian, the parents of the benefactors, Board of Trustees members, Delegates, Ladies Guild members, and all departed church servants. Afterward, as the choir sang the hymn "Oorakh Ler," His Eminence descended from the altar and proceeded to the narthex where the celebration came to a close with "Cilicia" and the Pontifical anthem. A lunch reception followed at "Andonian" Hall, presided by the Prelate and with the attendance of Executive Council member Mrs. Therese Kemanjian, the parish family, benefactor family, and "Lernavayr" Gomideh Chair Mr. Arman Baghdoyan. Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan welcomed the guests, expressed gratitude to the Prelate and thanks to the benefactors, and wished for St. Sarkis to be intercessor for all. The grandchildren of the benefactors entertained the guests with a medley of songs. Board of Trustees Chair Mr. Koko Panossian thanked all the sponsors and especially the Ladies Guild for their hard work over the preceding few days. Well wishes and congratulations were delivered by Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis and Suzan Kitsinian and long-time parish servant Mr. Sarkis Dervishian. Following the cutting of a cake dedicated to the parish name-day and the Prelate's milestone anniversaries, His Eminence delivered his message highlighting the special meaning and importance of such celebrations as opportunities for renewal and recommitment to faith and service. He concluded by congratulating all those bearing the name of St. Sarkis and his son Mardiros, in particular Mr. Sarkis Kitsinian, and closed the luncheon with the benediction. *** 26TH ANNIVERSARY ARMY DAY CELEBRATION On Sunday, January 28, 2018, the 26th anniversary of the establishment of Armenia's National Army was celebrated with a special event held under the auspices of the Consulate General of the Republic of Armenia and organized by the Armenian Society of Los Angeles. The honored guests were Marat Petrossyan and Narek Malkhasyan, young heroes of the four-day Artsakh war. The evening began with a private reception and press conference, which on behalf of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian attended. Alongside congratulatory and laudatory remarks addressed to the army, Mr. Artsrun Hovannisyan, Press Secretary of Armenia's Ministry of Defense, highlighted the brave service and important role of the two heroes during the war and answered questions posed by attendees. Fr. Ghevont conveyed the Prelate's blessings and in his message reflected on the collaborative efforts of the Armenian people, church, and army in defense of our homeland and heritage, citing the example of Vartan Mamigonian and Ghevont Yerets from the Battle of Avarayr, the Battle of Sardarabad one hundred years ago, and the ongoing defense of Artsakh today. A public celebration followed, which was attended by Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian on behalf of the Prelate. The program began with national anthems and prayer, and continued with remarks and cultural performances. *** HOMENETMEN REGIONAL EXECUTIVE'S ANNUAL RECEPTION By the invitation of the Homenetmen Western Regional Executive, on Saturday, January 27, 2018, board members of local chapters, committees' members, and honorary presidents of the Navasartian Games gathered at Phoenicia Restaurant in Glendale for the organization's annual New Year and Christmas celebration. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, attended and conveyed his blessings and message, highlighted the milestone anniversaries to be celebrated this year, among them the centennial of the first Republic of Armenia and of Homenetmen, and the 90th anniversary of Hamazkayin, wishing that these occasions serve as opportunities for renewal of service. His Eminence wished for the upcoming centennial celebration of Homenetmen to lead the organization to new heights, and blessed and commended the greater Homenetmen family including past honorary presidents of the Navasartian Games and "Exemplary Homenetmen Members." *** PRELATE WELCOMES PLAYWRIGHT HRANT MARKARIAN On Saturday, January 27, 2018, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed the visit of Dr. Hrant Markarian, playwright, poet, theater specialist, literary critic, director, and actor, who was in Los Angeles by the invitation of the Hamazkayin "Hovhannes Toumanian" Chapter to present a one-man theatrical show dedicated to the 110th anniversary of the passing of Khrimian Hayrig. Dr. Markarian was accompanied by Hamazkayin representatives Mr. Saro Nazarian and Mrs. Tamar Tufenkdjian-Seraydarian. The Prelate and Dr. Markarian, long-time friends, conversed about Armenian culture in general and their respective service in that regard. Dr. Markarian provided details about his theatrical production dedicated to Khrimian Hayrig, which was held the following evening. On behalf of the Prelate, Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, attended. He was joined by Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian and Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian. In his remarks on behalf of the Prelate, Fr. Torkom stated, "We have read and learned about Khrimian Hayrig, however, today, we had the opportunity to sense and experience his spirit and message." *** MEXICAN-ARMENIAN CULTURAL WEEK By the initiative of the Consulate General of Armenia and the Consulate General of Mexico in Los Angeles, February 2-9, 2018, has been designated Mexican-Armenian Cultural Week. Throughout the week, the contributions of both communities to the city of Los Angeles will be celebrated with school assemblies, art exhibits, movie screenings, and other events. The opening ceremony was held on the morning of Friday, February 2nd, at Van Nuys City Hall. On behalf of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian attended the ceremony, which featured the presentation of a resolution introduced by LA City Councilmembers Paul Krekorian and Monica Rodriguez. Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the U.S., the Honorable Grigor Hovhannisian, was in attendance, alongside members of the Consulates, community leaders and members. *** ARTSAKH FOUR-DAY WAR HEROES VISIT THE PRELATE On Friday, January 26, 2018, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed a special visit from two heroes of the Artsakh four-day war of 2016, Narek Malkhasyan and Marat Petrossyan, bearers of Armenia's "Combat Cross" highest order of honor and Artsakh's "Medal for Courage." The honored guests are in Los Angeles to participate in the celebration of the 26th anniversary of Armenia's National Army Day on Sunday, January 28, under the auspices of the Consulate General of Armenia in Los Angeles. Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, joined in the meeting. The heroes were accompanied by Artsrun Hovannisyan, Press Secretary of Armenia's Ministry of Defense, and Razmik Stepanyan, Counsellor at the Consulate General of Armenia in Los Angeles. The Prelate warmly greeted the heroes, commending their heroism and devotion to homeland. Following a conversation on the four-day war, the visit continued at the "St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen" Chapel where the Prelate offered a prayer for the safety and security of Armenia and Artsakh and blessed the heroes. At the conclusion of the visit, His Eminence presented mementos to the heroes. ***