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
EPISCOPAL DIVINE LITURGY AT FORTY MARTYRS CHURCH IN ORANGE COUNTY ON
PENTECOST
On the occasion of the feast of Pentecost, on Sunday, ,
Episcopal Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at Forty Martyrs Church in
Orange County. H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, will celebrate
Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, will preside over Divine Liturgy.
Following the service, a reception will be held at "Ghazarian" Hall
of the Harut Barsamian Armenian Center during which faithful will have the
opportunity to congratulate the newly-ordained Bishop and receive the
blessings of the Prelate and Vicar General.
***
NEW RELIGIOUS AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS ELECT THEIR OFFICERS
On Tuesday, May 15, 2018, the new Religious and Executive Councils
elected by the 46th Representative Assembly held their first meeting at the
Prelacy presided by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. During
their respective meetings, the new Councils elected their tivans as follows:
RELIGIOUS COUNCIL
Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian - Chair
Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian - Secretary
Very Rev. Fr. Dajad Ashekian - Advisor
Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian - Advisor
Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan - Advisor
Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian - Advisor
Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian - Advisor
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Garo Eshgian - Chair
Meher Der Ohanessian - Vice-Chair
Elo Boyajian - Secretary
Avo Kechichian - Treasurer
Alec Baghdasaryan - Advisor
George Chorbajian - Advisor
Dr. Navasart Kazazian - Advisor
Garbis Bezdjian - Advisor
Berj Apkarian - Advisor
Ara Shabanian - Advisor
Rafi Kuyumjian - Advisor
We wish success to the new Councils.
***
ST. SARKIS CHURCH OF PASADENA HOSTS ANNUAL RECEPTION HONORING ARMENIAN
GRADUATES
On Wednesday, May 16, 2018, the 29th annual reception hosted by the
Pastor and Board of Trustees of St. Sarkis Church in honor of Armenian
graduates of the Pasadena Unified School District was held at the Pasadena
Armenian Center under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate. Joining in the celebration were Executive Council member Elo
Boyajian, local elected officials, members of the Pasadena Unified School
District, St. Sarkis Church, community organizations, parents, sponsors, and
friends.
The program began with welcoming remarks by Tavlian Pre-School
Director and MC Mrs. Garine Joukadarian, who thanked the guests for joining
in the celebration and congratulated the graduates. The American and
Armenian national anthems were presented by St. Sarkis Church choirmaster
Deacon Yervant Keshishian, accompanied by his wife Maria on the piano.
The Prelate delivered the invocation, joined by St. Sarkis Church
Parish Pastor Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan, Archpriest Fr. Vahan Gosdanian, and
Rev. Fr. Khoren Babochian, and then conveyed his message. He first greeted
and commended the St. Sarkis Church family and organizing committee for
hosting the event each year as well as the administrators of the Pasadena
Unified School District, educators, parents, sponsors, and all those who
have guided our youth to this milestone in their lives. As the students
prepare to embark on a new chapter in their lives, the Prelate encouraged
them to believe in themselves, to give their best in all that they do, keep
reaching for their dreams with faith, hope, determination, and a positive
attitude, and to use the knowledge they have gained and their God-given
talents for their success and that of our nation. Through the ups and downs
of life, he urged them to remain strong and hopeful, to trust in the Lord
and look to Him for strength and guidance.
Finally, the Prelate stressed that our youth are not the future of
our nation but the present, and quoting from 1 Timothy 4:12, advised the
graduates to not let anyone look down on them because they are young, but
that they become an example to others with their speech and conduct. "Over
these past few weeks we witnessed the powerful voice and active involvement
of the youth in Armenia who played a significant role in the dawn of a new
and bright era for our nation," he said, and noting also that soon the
Armenian nation will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Republic
of Armenia, stated, "May these historic developments and milestones inspire
you to become active participants in the future of our nation and may you
inspire others with your works, for you, our youth, have a great deal to
offer."
On behalf of the St. Sarkis Church Board of Trustees, Chairman Mr.
Koko Panossian congratulated and commended the graduates and stated that the
doors of the church are always open to them for support. He congratulated
their parents as well and thanked the scholarship sponsors for their
generosity.
On behalf of the city of Pasadena, Councilmember Margaret McAustin
conveyed her greetings and highligted the importance of the Armenian
community in Pasadena life. Councilmember Tyron Hampton urged the students
to remain grounded in their faith and community throughout their lives.
During dinner, guests enjoyed Armenian folk dances and poetry.
The keynote address was delivered by ANCA National Chair Mr. Raffi
Hamparian, who focused his message on three points; love, failure, and
dedication. He urged the students to love and take the high road in the face
of hate and discord, to not be afraid of failure, and to fight for something
if they believe in it deeply.
Scholarships were awarded to students provided by Mr. and Mrs.
Sarkis and Nune Sepetjian, Cynthia and Sylvia Tomboulian, All-Armenian
Student Association, and the Armenian Compatriotic Union of Ourfa.
Pasadena Unified School District Board President Mr. Lawrence Torres
thanked the organizers and guests for their outpouring of love toward the
youth and keeping the sense of community alive, stating that it will make
all the difference in their lives.
Finally, St. Sarkis Church youth group members presented six
certificates to each of the graduates, from St. Sarkis Church, Pasadena
Mayor Terry Tornek, Congresswoman Judy Chu, State Senator Anthony
Portantino, L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, and Assemblymember Chris
Holden.
The program concluded with the benediction by Rev. Fr. Boghos
Baltayan and closing remarks by the MC.
***
ARARAT-ESKIJIAN MUSEUM HOSTS PRESENTATION OF DR. GARBIS HARBOYAN'S LATEST
BOOK
On Thursday, May 17, 2018, the Ararat-Eskijian Museum hosted the
presentation of Dr. Garbis Harboyan's latest book, "Odyssey of Armenian
Doctors, Dentists, and Pharmacists during the Armenian Genocide" at Ararat
Home's Sheen Chapel in Mission Hills. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, attended and conveyed his blessings and message. He was joined by
Archpriest Fr. Gomidas Torossian.
The program began with welcoming remarks by Museum Director Mrs.
Maggie Mangassarian-Goschin. The "Ani" quartet presented a number of
Armenian classical pieces. Mr. Sarkis Mahserejian spoke on the author's
painstaking research and emotional journey in preparing the comprehensive
volume as well as his talent for combining the two worlds of science and
culture, and thanked him for bringing this subject matter to light. On
behalf of the Armenian-American Medical Society, Dr. Vartan Tachdjian lauded
Dr. Harboyan's lifetime of medical and scholarly achievements, wishing him
continued successes. Ms. Seta Antekelian from the USC "Shoah" Foundation
presented Dr. Harboyan's biography.
The author himself presented the book. With accompanying
photographs, Dr. Harboyan noted that the books tells the story of Armenian
doctors, dentists, and pharmacists who were martyred during the Genocide as
well as those who survived, leading Armenian doctors who served in the
Ottoman Empire decades before the Genocide, and the names of Turkish doctors
who murdered their Armenian colleagues. A question and answer session
followed.
The Prelate delivered the closing message. He commended Dr. Harboyan
for his lifetime of professional and personal service to our nation and for
bringing to light the inhumane acts of Turkish doctors against their
Armenian colleagues who were dedicated to helping people and saving lives.
He thanked the organizers for their efforts as well. The Prelate noted that
in ten days we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Republic of
Armenia, which was founded a mere three years following the start of the
Genocide, stating, "as we are familiarized with this important book during
these historic days, the spirit and message of our holy martyrs and founders
of the first Republic become one and reverberate as a call for justice and
reparations, a call which resonates in this publication."
A reception followed.
***
PRELATE ATTENDS ARS JAVAKHK FUND ANNUAL GALA
On Friday, May 11, 2018, the ARS Javakhk Fund Committee held its
annual gala at Legacy Ballroom in Glendale. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, attended and delivered his message. Proceeds will
benefit the rebuilding of the Akhaltskha Youth Center in Javakhk.
During the event, the ARS Western US Regional Executive honored Mrs.
Haigoush Keghinian-Kohler with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Mrs. Kohler is
a community benefactor, founder and current Chair of the ARS Long Beach
"Zovinar" Chapter, former Chair of the Javakhk Fund Committee, and recently
donated $100,000 for the renovation of the Akhaltskha Youth Center.
***