August 3, 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 ARCHPRIEST FR. VAHAN GOSDANIAN APPOINTED PARISH PASTOR OF ST. GARABED CHURCH OF LAS VEGAS We hereby announce to our faithful that by the decision of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and the Religious and Executive Councils, Archpriest Fr. Vahan Gosdanian has been appointed Parish Pastor of St. Garabed Church in Las Vegas as of August 1st, 2018. He will be replacing Rev. Fr. Arsen Kassabian, who has served as Parish Pastor since 2013. On Sunday, August 5, the Prelate will preside over Divine Liturgy at St. Garabed Church in Las Vegas to introduce the new Parish Pastor to the congregation. Fr. Vahan will celebrate his first Divine Liturgy and deliver his first sermon at the parish. Fr. Vahan was ordained to the priesthood in 1993. He previously served as Parish Pastor of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Pasadena (presently St. Sarkis Church) and Holy Trinity Church of Fresno. We wish Fr. Vahan success in his new mission. *** ARMENIA'S MINISTER OF DIASPORA VISITS THE PRELACY On Tuesday, July 31, 2018, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed to the Prelacy Armenia's new Diaspora Minister Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, who is on first official visit to the United States. The Minister was joined by his assistant Mr. Vagharshak Hakobyan and Counsellor at the Consulate General of Armenia in Los Angeles Mr. Razmik Stepanyan. His Eminence was joined by Vicar General Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Religious Council Chair Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, Central Executive member Mr. Gaidzag Zetlian, ARF Central Committee member Mr. Levon Kirakosian, Executive Council Chair Mr. Garo Eshgian and members, and members of the Ladies Auxiliary. The visit began with a prayer at the "St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen" Chapel, and continued at the "Sulahian" reception hall. Following introductions, the Prelate welcomed the Minister and guests on behalf of the Prelacy family and noting that he has been closely following the positive changes in Armenia wished for our compatriots to live a free, independent, safe, and good life in our motherland. His Eminence gave a brief overview of the Prelacy's mission and endeavors over the past forty-five years, expressed hope that the visit will be a new beginning for stronger collaboration and strengthening of ties between Armenia, Artsakh, and the Diaspora, and wished the Minister great success in his new mission. Remarks were delivered by Mr. Garo Eshgian, who affirmed the Prelacy's support for the government and people of Armenia, and by Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Mr. Gaidzag Zetlian, Mr. Levon Kirakosian, and Executive Council Vice-Chair Mr. Meher Der Ohanessian, all of whom commended the Minister and the efforts of the Ministry and conveyed well wishes. Mr. Hayrapetyan expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and sentiments. He highlighted the role of the Armenian Church in the preservation and advancement of our heritage in the Diaspora and its unique role throughout history in that regard. He stressed the importance of unity, collaboration, and productivity, commended the leadership of Diaspora institutions, such as the Prelacy, which aptly fulfill their role and mission to bridge the people with our nation and heritage. A discussion followed, during which the Minister thoroughly and openly answered all questions and suggestions. The visit concluded with an exchange of mementos. On the evening of Monday, July 30 a community town hall hosted by Mayor Zareh Sinanyan under the auspices of the Ministry of Diaspora and the Consulate General of Armenia in Los Angeles was held at Pacific Community Center in Glendale. In the afternoon, a luncheon hosted by Armenia Fund in honor of the Minister was held at Los Angeles Club. The Prelate attended both events. On Sunday afternoon, the ARF Central Committee hosted a reception at Holy Martyrs Church "Dikranian" Hall, which the Vicar General attended. *** SUMMER ACADEMY FOR YOUTH UNDERWAY AT THE CATHOLICOSATE IN ANTELIAS Under the auspices of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, on Monday, July 30, 2018, the Summer Academy for Youth convened at the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias, Lebanon with the participation of nearly 20 youth from the Prelacies of the Eastern U.S., Western U.S., and Canada. The aim of the Academy is to introduce participants to the Bible, Armenian Christianity and the Church, as well as address various contemporary moral and ethical issues. 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) are participating from the Western Prelacy. His Holiness presided over the opening session where he addressed the participants and delivered the first lecture of the Academy titled "The Armenian Church in World Christendom." Lecturers Very Rev. Fr. Boghos Tinkjian, Very Rev. Fr. Zareh Sarkissian, Prof. Teni Pirri- Simonian and Prof. Joe Pirri participated. In his message to the youth, His Holiness stressed that though they come from different communities they belong to one nation and one church, adding that each participant will enrich the Academy with their unique experiences and input. His Holiness stated that though the Academy is an opportunity for the youth to increase their knowledge, it is important that they implement what they learn in their service, adding, "Service within the Armenian Church is not limited to serving at the altar; it extends to active participation in the life of the Armenian nation." In his lecture, His Holiness touched on the history of the Armenian Church, ecumenical and inter-faith relations, social issues, and contribution to the Armenian Cause. These topics will be discussed in further detail by the aforementioned lecturers as well as by Dr. Mohammed Sammak, Dr. Nora Bayrakdarian, Mrs. Seta Kedeshian, and Dr. Hovannes Geokjian. His Holiness also spoke briefly about the Armenian community in Lebanon and the Church's role in community life. Participants had the opportunity to become acquainted with one another and received a tour of the Catholicosate and its various departments. At the session's conclusion, the youth engaged in a dialogue with His Holiness. ***