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: info@westernprelacy.org
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.
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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.
***