March 20, 2009
Press Release
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:
PRELATE TO CELEBRATE DIVINE LITURGY AT FORTY MARTYRS CHURCH ON THE NAME DAY
OF THE CHURCH
Saturday, March 21st, is the Feast of the Forty Martyrs, which is
also the name day of Forty Martyrs Church in Orange County.
On this occasion, on Sunday, March 22nd, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, will celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon
at Forty Martyrs Church. Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian and Rev. Fr. Hrant
Yeretzian will assist at the altar.
Following Divine Liturgy, the Prelate will preside over requiem
services for departed servants of the church, and the blessing of madagh.
A reception will follow at the adjacent "Gugasian" Hall.
CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLYMEMER KEVIN DE LEON
VISITS THE PRELACY
On the afternoon of Friday, March 20th, 2009, H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate welcomed to the Prelacy California State
Assemblymember Kevin De Leon. Participating in the meeting were Executive
Council member Mr. Levon Kirakosian, Esq., representatives from the Armenian
National Committee Mr. Karekin Khanjian, Dr. Onnik Keshishian, and Mrs.
Pattyl Aposhian-Kasparian, and Senior Field Representative for
Assemblymember De Leon Mrs. Baydzar Thomasian.
The purpose of the meeting was for the Prelate and guest to become
better acquainted with the endeavors of the other and to discuss various
issues of concern to the Armenian Community, given that Assemblymember De
Leon’s district encompasses Little Armenia.
During their meeting, Assemblymember De Leon took the opportunity to
personally invite the Prelate to participate in a special session of the
Assembly on April 23rd, in commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.
The Prelate expressed his appreciation to the Assemblymember for his
attention to Armenian issues and for initiating a special session each year
in commemoration of the Genocide.
Assemblymember De Leon thanked the Prelate for his kind words and
well wishes and reaffirmed the importance of continued collaboration.
Prior to his departure, the Prelate presented the Assemblymember
with a memento and wished his success in his future endeavors.
ACYA FIRST ANNUAL
SPIRITUAL REVIVAL AND AWAKENING RETREAT
The Armenian Church Youth Association, under the auspices of H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, held its first ever "Spiritual
Revival & Awakening" camping retreat at the AYF Camp.
The event brought young, faithful Armenians from the local churches
of the Western Prelacy together during the weekend of March 13, 2009. With
the guidance of Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian, and dedicated members of the
ACYA executive committee, fifty young Armenians came together from March
13th through the 15th at AYF Camp for prayer services, worship,
testimonials, and educational and enlightening lectures.
The event was highlighted with the visit of the Prelate, who was
accompanied by Rev. Fr. Vazken Atmajian, pastor of St. Mary’s Church in
Glendale. The Prelate conveyed his blessings and encouraged the youth and
young adults alike to grow spiritually and become more involved in various
church activities in the years to come.
(Please visit the news section of our website for the full press
release and photos)
FERRAHIAN HIGH SCHOOL FUNDRAISING BANQUET
On the evening of Saturday, March 21st, the fundraising banquet of
Ferrahian High School will take place at Carousel Restaurant in Glendale.
The Prelate will attend and convey his blessings. Rev. Fr. Razmig
Khatchadourian will accompany the Prelate.
ANNUAL BANQUET OF TAVRIZ ARMENIANS
On the evening of Saturday, March 21st, the 4th annual "Jan Tavriz"
banquet of Iran’s Tavriz Armenians will take place at the Civic Auditorium
in Glendale.
The Prelate will be present to offer the invocation and convey his
blessings to the organization. Pastors of St. Mary’s Church Rev. Fr. Vazken
Atmajian and Rev. Fr. Gomidas Torossian will accompany the Prelate.
ARMENIAN AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GALA
On the evening of Friday, March 20th, the 10th Anniversary Business
Gala of the Armenian American Chamber of Commerce will take place at the
Glendale Hilton.
The evening will feature an awards presentation during which
prominent community members will be honored.
Rev. Fr .Vazken Atmajian will represent the Prelate and deliver the
invocation.
EPISCOPAL ORDINATION OF BISHOP-ELECT CIRILO FLORES
The Prelate had received an invitation from Bishop Tod Brown and Fr.
Al Baca of the Catholic Diocese of Orange to attend the Episcopal ordination
of Bishop-elect Cirilo Flores which took place on the afternoon of Thursday,
March 19th at St. Columban Church in Orange County.
Very Rev. Fr .Barthev Gulumian attended on behalf of the Prelate and
conveyed the Prelate’s congratulations. He was accompanied by Rev. Fr.
Hrant Yeretzian, Pastor of Forty Martyrs Church.
PRELATE TO BE REPRESENTED AT
LAPD MEETING AND SUMMIT
The Prelate has received an invitation from the Los Angeles Police
Department to attend a Police-Clergy Council meeting, the purpose of which
is to foster a relationship between police and clergy to reduce crime and
improve our communities. The event will take place at the Mission Hills
station at noon on Thursday, March 26th.
Rev. Fr. Vazken Atmajian and Chaplain Rafi Garabedian will attend on
behalf of the Prelate.
In the evening, a Hate Education and Awareness Summit will take
place at the Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies in Tarzana. The
summit has been organized by the LAPD, the San Fernando Valley Faith
Coalition, and Councilman Dennis Zine.
Rev. Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian and a representative from the Holy
Martyrs Board of Trustees will attend on behalf of the Prelate.