June 8, 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 ST. GARABED CHURCH OF LAS VEGAS TO CELEBRATE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF CONSECRATION This year marks the 5th anniversary of the consecration of St. Garabed Church of Las Vegas. This milestone anniversary will be ceremoniously celebrated on Saturday, June 9, and Sunday, June 10, 2018. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will preside over the festivities. Executive Council Chair Mr. Garo Eshgian will participate. The celebration will begin with the 5th anniversary banquet on Saturday evening. On Sunday morning, the Prelate will celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver his message at St. Garabed Church. The visit will also be an opportunity for the Prelate and Executive Council Chair to meet with Parish Pastor Rev. Fr. Arsen Kassabian and Parish Council members to discuss the church's progress over the past five years and future plans. *** PRELATE ATTENDS ARARAT HOME'S MONTHLY LUNCHEON On the first Tuesday of each month, the Ladies Auxiliary of Ararat Home organizes a luncheon at "Deukmejian Grand Ballroom" bringing together community members for an afternoon social in support of the establishment's mission. Traditionally, the Armenian Relief Society Western Regional Executive and chapters participate in the sponsorship of the June luncheon, which this year was held on June 5, 2018. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, attended and conveyed his blessings to the members, sponsors, and friends of Ararat Home and the Armenian Relief Society. He was joined by Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian. The program began with greetings by Ladies Auxiliary Chair Ms. Alice Kavaldjian, who announced that on the occasion of the forthcoming Father's Day holiday, Mr. Krekor Tchakian was being honored as "Father of the Year." Remarks were delivered by Dr. Garo Tchakian on behalf of the Tchakian family, and ARS Western Region Chair Mrs. Silva Poladian, both of whom thanked and commended Ararat Home for the valuable service provides. Ararat Home Board Chair Mr. Mike Surmeian conveyed his message, in which he joyfully announced the establishment's purchase of a new 12-acre property. The Prelate delivered the invocation, in which he beseeched the Lord's blessings upon the devoted members of Ararat Home and the ARS for their loving care and service to our elders and compatriots. In his greetings, His Eminence commended Ararat Home as a home full of love and compassion founded on faith and dedication, and congratulated the purchase of their new property. He commended the ARS family and congratulated Mr. Tchakian and all the fathers, wishing them healthy and joyful years. *** PRELATE PRESIDES OVER DIVINE LITURGY AT HOLY CROSS CATHEDRAL AND CONGRATULATES MESROBIAN SCHOOL GRADUATES At the end of each academic year, Armenian Mesrobian School seniors attend Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Cathedral in Montebello to receive Holy Communion and the blessings of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, ahead of their graduation. This year's service was held on Sunday, June 3, 2018. Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian. Mesrobian School elementary students participated in the singing of the Liturgy, led by Holy Cross Cathedral Dean Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, the choir master, and their teacher. Mesrobian School Principal Mr. David Ghoogasian, who served on the altar, teachers, and parents were among the faithful in attendance. The Prelate greeted the Holy Cross Cathedral and Mesrobian School family on what has become a beloved tradition within the community, and conveyed his congratulations and well wishes to the graduates as they prepare to embark on the next chapter of their lives. As the day marked the Feast of Holy Etchmiadzin, and the day prior the Feast of St. Gregory the Illuminator's deliverance from the pit, His Eminence spoke on the establishment of the Cathedral of Holy Etchmiadzin by the luminous vision of St. Gregory the Illuminator in which the Lord descended from heaven and with the strike of a golden hammer designated the site where the Mother Cathedral of the Armenian nation was to be built. Tying in the message of the day's Gospel reading from John 10:22-30, the Prelate stated that St. Gregory the Illuminator exhibited absolute faith and trust in God, he heard and listened to the voice of our Lord, submitted to His will and authority, and by the grace of God transformed our nation into the first Christian nation. "St. Gregory the Illuminator became the shepherd which led our nation to the one true shepherd, our Lord Jesus Christ. Subsequent generations also heard and followed the voice of our Lord, and kept our faith and national identity unshaken throughout the centuries," he said. The Prelate stressed that Jesus alone is our true and good shepherd, and that we, as His sheep, must tune out all other distracting and conflicting voices and listen to His voice alone. "In the example of St. Gregory the Illuminator and all of our saints and forefathers, let us hear and heed His voice with utmost conviction, for His is the voice of love, hope, compassion, justice, salvation, and triumph," he said. Next, His Eminence delivered his message to the graduating students. Referencing the parable which tells of the man who built his house on the strong foundation of a rock which nothing could make fall, he urged them to build their lives on the sturdy and unshakeable foundation of our faith and national identity which have been embedded in them through the education and instruction they have received from Mesrobian School, from Holy Cross Cathedral, and from their parents. "You have the necessary tools for success; build upon the foundation that has been set for you and push yourselves to be the best that you can be. Never cease praying and dreaming, don't be afraid of failure, keep pushing and trying with faith and hope. Most importantly, choose the right path, not the easy path, and in all that you do, bring honor to God and pride to your church, families, and community," concluded the Prelate. *** RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION FOR HOMENETMEN SCOUTS On Saturday, June 2, 2018, 35 scouts participating in a special curriculum gathered at "Andonian" Hall of Homenetmen Western Region's center for a day of instruction which featured a religious course as well. By the ordinance of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, Archpriest Fr. Vazken Atmajian presented a lecture encompassing the history of the Armenian Church and Holy Sees, denominations, the importance of religious instruction, and the dangers of sects. *** L.A. MAYOR'S OFFICE INTERFAITH DINNER On Monday, June 4, 2018, the annual interfaith iftar organized by the office of L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti and the Human Relations Commission was held at L.A. City Hall forecourt. The event brings together government and faith community leaders and members for a celebration of diverse traditions and shared values. On behalf of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, Deacon Manuk Chulyan attended. ***