Western Prelacy News – 5/25/18

 
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


PRAYERS FOR THE REPUBLIC AND BLESSING OF THE ARMENIAN FLAG IN PRELACY
CHURCHES


        On Sunday, May 27, 2018, the 100th anniversary of the first Republic
of Armenia will be celebrated in Prelacy Churches with Thanksgiving Prayers
for the Republic and the blessing of the Armenian flag. At the conclusion of
Divine Liturgy, requiem prayers will be offered for the heroes of
Sardarabad, Gharakilise, Pash Abaran, and all those who lost their lives
defending our lands.
        H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will celebrate
Divine Liturgy, conduct the special services, and deliver his message at
Holy Martyrs Church in Encino. H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General,
will celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Garabed Church
in Hollywood.
        We invite our faithful to participate in this special celebration to
honor the legacy of our forefathers and join us in prayer for the security
and prosperity of Armenia and the Armenian nation.

***

PRAYERS FOR THE ARMENIAN BONE MARROW DONOR REGISTRY IN PRELACY CHURCHES

        By the request of the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry and the
directive of the Prelate, on Sunday, May 27, 2018, prayers will be offered
in all Prelacy Churches for patients of the ABMDR. 
        Members of the organization will attend Divine Liturgy at Holy
Martyrs Church in Encino and will be available to provide information and
register donors.
        May God grant good health to all and lead the members of the ABMDR
to continued success in their life-saving mission. 

***

FEAST OF PENTECOST CELEBRATION

        On Sunday, May 20, 2018, the feast of Pentecost, commemorating the
descent of the Holy Spirit, was celebrated in Prelacy Churches. On this
occasion, H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, celebrated his first
Episcopal Divine Liturgy at Forty Martyrs Church in Orange County and
delivered the sermon. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
presided over the service. Parish Pastor Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian and
deacons assisted at the altar.
        The Prelate greeted the parish family and conveyed his blessings,
praying for the Lord to enrich and renew all with the Holy Spirit on this
feast of Pentecost, a day of spiritual rebirth and renewal. Noting that the
parish was preparing for the consecration of the church thirty years ago
around the feast of Pentecost, he wished that members of the church and
community continue their service with renewed faith and spirits for the
glory of God and advancement of the parish and our nation. He once again
congratulated the Vicar General on his Episcopal ordination, commended the
parish pastor, Board of Trustees, delegates, Ladies Guild, altar servers,
choirs, and all the volunteers, and invited the Vicar General to deliver his
sermon.
        The Vicar General first greeted the Prelate and conveyed his
blessings to the parish. He began his sermon on the feast of Pentecost by
stating that though the apostles were staunch in their faith, there was
still some trepidation, something missing, and that which was missing was
the emboldening and revitalizing presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
Thus, ten days after the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit
descended upon them in the form of fiery tongues, cleansed them and granted
them inexplicable strength, peace, and such elation that those around them
thought they were inebriated. The Holy Spirit was manifested in various
forms, but no matter in what form, it always brought great inspiration to
those who received it, he said, for it grants grace, abilities, and wisdom,
fills our lives with heavenly fruits and enriches our hearts. Today, the
Holy Spirit once more will descend and rest upon all those who have opened
their hearts to the Lord and are ready to accept it, he said. The Vicar
General stressed the ways in which the Holy Spirit works wonders in our
lives today. "The Holy Spirit renews us first as individuals, cleanses us of
sin and makes us new individuals. Subsequently, those who are renewed bring
renewal to their families and surroundings, who then bring renewal to our
parishes and community which become strengthened. Renewed parishes and
communities renew the life of our nation, and this renewal, leads to renewal
in pan-Christian life," stated the Vicar General, and concluded by praying
for the Holy Spirit to renew our minds, spirits, and hearts, to renew our
children so that they stay on the right path, our nation, our people, and
the entire worlds, bringing the same joy that it did to the apostles.

        Later in the service, Fr. Karekin greeted and conveyed his well
wishes to the Prelate and Vicar General on behalf of the parish community.
        Following the service, a reception was held at "Ghazarian" Hall of
the Harut Barsamian Armenian Center during which faithful had the
opportunity to congratulate the newly-ordained Bishop and receive the
blessings of the Prelate and Vicar General.
        Welcoming and congratulatory remarks were delivered by the Parish
Pastor and Board of Trustees Chair Mr. Herair Jermakian. The Vicar General
gave thanks for the welcome and invited the community to work together with
love. 
        The Prelate delivered the closing message. He noted that the Forty
Martyrs Church has had an important part in his life and recalled the great
enthusiasm with which the church was constructed and consecrated three
decades ago. His Eminence prayed for the Holy Spirit to renew the hearts and
souls of the community's members with faith, hope, and love so that they may
continue to work together with mutual love, respect, and a greater sense of
responsibility for the splendor of the parish community. The Prelate
concluded by once again congratulating the Vicar General's ordination.  
        The Board of Trustees and Ladies Guild surprised the parish pastor
with a birthday cake, and guests conveyed their well wishes to Fr. Karekin
on this occasion.  
        The reception closed with the benediction and "Cilicia." 

***

HOLY CROSS CATHEDRAL OF MONTEBELLO HOSTS ANNUAL "ARMENIAN FOOD FAIR AND
FESTIVAL"

        On Saturday, May 19, 2018, Holy Cross Cathedral of Montebello hosted
the annual "Armenian Food Fair and Festival," featuring traditional Armenian
food, music, cultural performances, games for children, and booths selling
Armenian merchandise. 
        H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, attended the
festival, visited the booths to convey his blessings and commendation and
delivered his message. He was joined by Holy Cross Cathedral Dean, Very Rev.
Fr. Muron Aznikian, Parish Pastor, Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian, members of the
Board of Trustees and organizing committee.
        Hundreds of Armenians and non-Armenian were in attendance. 

***

CASPS HONORS OUTSTANDING ARMENIAN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

        On Monday, May 21, 2018, the 12th annual CASPS reception honoring
outstanding 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students from LAUSD local districts
Northeast and Northwest was held at Verdugo Hills High School Auditorium. On
behalf of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, Archpriest Fr.
Nareg Pehlivanian attended, delivered the invocation, and conveyed the
Prelate's congratulations and blessings. In attendance were Executive
Council member Mr. Ara Shabanian, principals, educators, Los Angeles Unified
School District and CASPS members, students and parents. 
        CASPS Executive Director Arsineh Hovannisian delivered the welcoming
address. Former CASPS student Angela Manukyan served as the MC. 
        Fr. Nareg delivered the invocation and on behalf of the Prelate
congratulated the students and wished them great success in their future
endeavors. Noting that one hundred years almost to the day our forefathers
were fighting for the independence of our nation, he urged the students to
always be proud of their Armenian identity and adhere to their roots.
        The Superintendent's message for the Northeast district was
delivered by Linda Del Cueto, and the Northwest's by Joseph Nacorda.
        Glendale Clerk Ardashes Kassakhian delivered the keynote address.
        On behalf of the LAUSD Board, members Kelly Gonez, Scott
Schmerelson, and Nick Melvoin conveyed their congratulatory message, after
which four students expressed their thoughts on this occasion, thanking the
Prelate and their teachers for their support and guidance.
        The top four students received monetary awards provided by the
Armenian Educational Foundation, and all students received certificates. 
        The program also featured musical and dance performances by
students. 

***

PRELACY CHOIR PARTICIPATES IN 11TH ANNUAL "ORTHODOX DAY OF PRAISE"

        On Saturday, May 19, 2018, St. Peter and St. Paul Coptic Orthodox
Church in Santa Monica hosted the 11th annual Orthodox Day of Praise,
bringing together the Coptic, Armenian, Indian Malankara, Ethiopian, Greek,
Ukrainian, and Serbian Orthodox Churches for a day of fellowship, praise,
and celebration of shared faith.
        The day began with Divine Liturgy, followed by brunch during which
members of the different churches had an opportunity to meet one other. The
program followed, during which each choir presented a few hymns and songs in
their respective languages. 
        By the directive of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
the Western Prelacy "Lousavorich" Choir, under the direction of Rev. Fr.
Ghevont Kirazian, once again participated in this annual event.
        Choir member Karekin Kirazian conveyed the greetings of the Prelate
and gave some background information on the hymns and songs which the choir
would be presenting, noting that the first song is dedicated to the 100th
anniversary of the first Republic of Armenia. The choir thereafter presented
their program, which included "Oh Armenian land," "Since Cradle," "Lord have
mercy," and "Blessed is the Lord." 

***

PARTICIPATION IN L.A. COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT SENIOR CHAPLAINS' MEETING

        By the initiative of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, on
Tuesday, May 22, 2018, senior chaplains were invited to a special meeting
which was held at Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Downtown Los Angeles
to discuss a wide range of issues relating to jail ministry. 
        Prelacy Chaplain Rafi Garabedian participated in the meeting. On
behalf of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, he thanked the
Sheriff's Department for facilitating the Prelacy's jail ministry program
which serves the spiritual needs of Armenian inmates. 

***