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 REQUIEM ON THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MARTYRDOM OF THE LISBON 5 marks the 35th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Lisbon 5, Simon Yahneian, Vatche Daghlian, Sarkis Abrahamian, Ara Kerjelian, and Setrak Adjemian, who sacrificed their lives to further the Armenian Cause. By the ordinance of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, on Sunday, July 29, requiem prayers will be offered in all Prelacy Churches for the souls of the Lisbon 5. The Prelate's tribute message will be read prior to the service. His Eminence will be at Holy Trinity Church in Fresno. We invite our faithful to join us in paying tribute to the five heroic young men and their ultimate sacrifice for the Armenian Cause. *** PRELACY YOUTH TO PARTICIPATE IN A SUMMER ACADEMY AT THE CATHOLICOSATE Under the leadership of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, a two-week summer academy will be held at St. Mary Monastery in Bikfaya, Lebanon with the participation of youth from the Prelacies of the Eastern U.S., Western U.S., and Canada. Four youth from the Western Prelacy will participate. They are: Stole-bearers Gary Markarian (Holy Martyrs Church, Encino), Vartan Baltayan (St. Sarkis Church, Pasadena), Hrag Harboyan (Holy Cross Cathedral, Montebello), and Menas Arisian (Holy Trinity Church, Fresno). In preparation for their participation in the program, the youth visited the Prelacy where they met with H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, both of whom offered direction and suggestions to the participants and wished them a productive trip. The intensive course, which runs from July 30 to August 11, 2018, will introduce participants to the Bible, Armenian Christianity, and the Armenian Church, as well as inter-faith and ecumenical dialogue. The youth will have the opportunity to meet with His Holiness and clergy and visit religious and national sites. *** PRELATE OF AZERBAIJAN, IRAN VISITS THE PRELACY On Wednesday, July 25, 2018, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed to the Prelacy H.G. Bishop Krikor Chiftjian, Prelate of Azerbaijan, Iran, who is in Los Angeles on a brief visit for the presentation of his new book. The visit afforded the opportunity for the Prelate's to discuss the endeavors of their respective Prelacies, in particular the recent pilgrimage to St. Thaddeus Monastery in which six thousand pilgrims participated. *** PRESENTATION OF BISHOP KRIKOR CHIFTJIAN'S BOOK HELD IN GLENDALE On Wednesday, July 25, 2018, the presentation of the first volume of "Journey through the Footsteps of the Armenian Monuments of Iranian Azerbaijan" authored by H.G. Bishop Krikor Chiftjian, Prelate of Azerbaijan, Iran, was held at "Isahak and Janet Kazangian" Hall of the "Krikor and Mariam Youth Center" in Glendale. The event was organized by Sardarabad Bookstore under the auspices of five Iranian-Armenian community organizations. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, attended and delivered his message. Among the guests in attendance were H.E. Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian, H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General, and representatives of community organizations. The program began with welcoming remarks by Mr. Ervin Yaghoubian, MC, who touched on the significance of the event for all and for Iranian-Armenians especially. Historian Dr. Garo Moumdjian presented the book, a 530-page volume detailing 95 of the nearly 238 churches which existed in the region. Dr. Moumdjian focused on the book's significance as an eyewitness account of ancient historical sites as well as its archival value in preserving the memory of a few dozen endangered structures. He spoke also on significant periods in the history of Iranian Azerbaijan, the decline in the number of clergy conducting such scholarly work, and future volumes of the book. Bishop Chiftjian thanked the organizers and sponsoring organizations for their hard work and support, as well as the Prelate and clergy for their presence. Through a series of slideshows, the author presented the arduous process of compiling the book, noting the lack of roads in some areas, regions which have long been devoid of Armenians and are now occupied by Turks or Kurds, and more. He spoke also on the liveliness of the Armenian community in Iranian Azerbaijan and its important position as bordering Armenia. The Prelate highly commended Bishop Chiftjian for his diligent efforts in preparing the volume and for his devoted service within the Prelacy of Iranian Azerbaijan. He stressed the importance of the book and wished Bishop Chiftjian continued successes. The dedication of the book with wine followed. The author was joined by the Prelate, Archbishop Tabakian, clergy, his mother, ordination Godfather Mr. and Mrs. Herair and Kohar Jermakian, Dr. Garo Moumdjian, and members of community organizations. The program concluded with the benediction, after which the author signed copies of his book while guests enjoyed a reception hosted by the sponsoring organizations, who also presented mementos to Bishop Chiftjian. *** PRELATE WELCOMES POET JACQUES HAGOPIAN On Friday, , H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed the visit of poet Jacques Hagopian. Given that the day coincided with the 35th anniversary of the Lisbon 5 martyrdom, the visit began with a conversation on Mr. Hagopian's poem dedicated to the Lisbon 5 which was published in local papers on the same day. Also discussed were the poet's vast collection of works and publications, of which the Prelacy has published more than a dozen. The Prelate gifted prayer books and a memento to Mr. Hagopian and prayed for God to bless him with more healthy years. Mr. Hagopian, praising the Lord, noted that he will celebrate his 101st birthday in just a few days. *** PRELATE ATTENDS FAREWELL RECEPTION FOR CONSUL ARMELLA SHAKARYAN On Thursday, July 26, 2018, a farewell reception was held at the Consulate General of Armenia for Consul Armella Shakaryan who has completed her term in Los Angeles and will be returning to Armenia. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, attended and conveyed his best wishes to Consul Shakaryan in her future endeavors. Community leaders and organizational representatives were in attendance. Consul Shakaryan expressed her gratitude for the community's support and collaboration during her tenure in Los Angeles. Well wishes were conveyed by former Deputy Consul General Mt. Valery Mkrtoumian, Counsellor Mr. Razmik Stepanyan, Glendale City Council member Mr. Vartan Gharpetian, and others. Proclamations were presented on behalf of State Senator Kevin de Leon and L.A. City Council member Monica Rodriguez. The Prelate commended Consul Shakaryan's dedicated service, once again wished her great successes in future missions, and presented a cross as a token of appreciation. *** PRELATE VISITS ST. SARKIS CHURCH'S VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL On Wednesday, July 25, 2018, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, paid a visit to St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena where he met with the teachers and young participants of the 6th annual Vacation Bible School organized by the Parish Pastor and Board of Trustees. Fifty children participated in this year's Vacation Bible School, where they learned Bible stories, hymns, Psalms, prayers, and engaged in fun and educational activities. The students presented a beautiful program of songs and hymns. Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan welcomed His Eminence and gave an overview of this year's program, after which he invited the Prelate to deliver his message. Referencing one of the songs which the youth had sung, the Prelate stated that when the Holy Spirit works within us we increase in grace and live a fulfilled life in God, and we feel the Lord's presence when we open our hearts and souls to Him. The Prelate urged them to be good and obedient children and to never forget what they are taught in school. A friendly dialogue followed, during which the students correctly answered questions about our church and vessels. In conclusion, the Prelate commended the Parish Pastor, Board of Trustees, Ladies Guild, and teachers, and addressing the parents stressed that our youth will remain on the right path throughout their lives when they are properly educated and instructed in God's Word at an early age. The students gifted a drawing to the Prelate with wishes for many more fruitful years, while His Eminence presented crosses and prayers. ***