Author: Nyrie Kalashian

March 2, 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


PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER DIVINE LITURGY AT ST. SARKIS CHURCH IN PASADENA

        On March 4, 2018, the fourth Sunday of Great Lent, Sunday of the
Steward, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will preside over
Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena. 
        In the afternoon, the Prelate will attend and deliver his message at
the 100th anniversary celebration of the ARS Hollywood "Mayr" Chapter and
50th anniversary of the ARS Saturday School, which will be held at St.
Garabed Church "Karapetian" Hall.  

***

LECTURE ON "THE ARMENIAN CHURCH: PAST AND PRESENT" TO BE HELD AT THE PRELACY
        
        On Thursday, March 15, 2018 a lecture titled "The Armenian Church:
Past and Present" will be held at the Western Prelacy "Dikran and Zarouhie
Der Ghazarian" Hall. The event, held under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and organized by the Western Prelacy
Cultural-Educational Committee, will feature Very Rev. Fr. Torkom Donoyan,
Vicar General, as the lecturer.
        The event begins at 7:00 p.m. and will feature a cultural program. A
reception will follow. 

***

PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER MID-LENT SERVICE AND LUNCHEON AT HOLY CROSS
CATHEDRAL IN MONTEBELLO

        Wednesday, March 7, marks the halfway point of Great Lent. As is
tradition, the Prelate will be at Holy Cross Cathedral in Montebello to
preside over Sunrise Service and deliver his message. Mesrobian School
students will attend the service.
        At noon, the annual Michink luncheon organized by the Cathedral
Ladies' Aid will take place at "Bagramian" Hall. The Prelate will preside
over the luncheon and convey his blessings. Mesrobian School students will
present a cultural program.
         
***

ARMENIAN AMERICAN MUSEUM TO HOST COMMUNITY MEETING

        The Armenian American Museum will be hosting a community meeting on
Thursday, March 8, to offer the public the opportunity to learn more about
the project. The meeting will take place at the Adult Recreation Center (201
E. Colorado St., Glendale) starting at 7:00 p.m.
        The Prelate, as Co-Chair of the Governing Board, will attend. 

***

48TH ANNUAL ARMENIAN WOMEN'S DAY OF PRAYER 

        On Friday, March 2, 2018, 500 hundred women from the Armenian
Apostolic, Catholic, and Evangelical Churches gathered at the Armenian
Church of the Nazarene in Pasadena for the 48th annual Armenian Women's Day
of Prayer, coinciding with the Women's World Day of Prayer which was marked
on the same day by Christian women in over 170 countries. This year theme
was "All God's Creation is Very Good" from Genesis 1:1-31. Alongside
prayers, the program included hymns, Scripture and psalms readings,
spiritual songs, reflections, and remarks.
        On behalf of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, Rev.
Fr. Boghos Baltayan, Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian, and Rev. Fr. Movses
Shannakian attended. Fr. Ghevont read the Prelate's closing remarks and
delivered the benediction. In his message, the Prelate had stressed the
importance of prayer to draw near to God and be in communication with Him,
and a source of strength, peace, hope, and joy, and accordingly commended
the women for their enthusiastic participation year after year. Reflecting
on the day's theme, His Eminence reminded the participants to be good
stewards over all of God's creation, and in particular to treat God's
greatest creation, our fellow man, with utmost love, respect, and goodness. 

***

PRELATE ATTENDS PRESENTATION OF DR. RUBINA PEROOMIAN'S LATEST BOOK

        On Thursday, March 1, 2018, the presentation of Dr. Rubina
Peroomian's latest book, "My Father, A Man of Courage and Perseverance, A
Survivor of Stalin's Gulag," was held at the Karamanougian Youth Center
"Sahak and Janet Kazangian" Hall in Glendale. The event was organized by
Sardarabad Bookstore, under the auspices of Hamazkayin Regional Executive
and Asbarez newspaper. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
attended and conveyed his message. 
        The program began with welcoming remarks by Asbarez editor Mr. Apo
Boghikian. The book was presented by Dr. Shaken Kaftarian, and remarks were
delivered by Prof. Richard Hovannisian. Dr. Peroomian thanked the organizers
for their efforts and the guests for their support, and reflected on the
motivation behind the publishing of the book.
        The Prelate delivered the closing message, first congratulating the
author on her latest achievement. His Eminence regarded the book as a
beautiful expression of the author's gratitude toward her father and his
life, as well as a powerful testimony of Baghdig Minassian's spirited and
faithful service to our nation through the ARF, for which they endured
persecution yet always remained true to their convictions and hopes, leaving
behind an inspiring legacy for their children and subsequent generations.
His Eminence blessed Dr. Peroomian and her valuable life's work, in
particular her devotion to the Armenian Cause, and commended the organizers
for putting together the event. 

***

PRELATE CONDUCTS DEDICATION AND CONSECRATION CEREMONIES AT HOLY CROSS
CATHEDRAL IN MONTEBELLO

- REQUIEM FOR ARS MEMBERS, VICTIMS OF THE SUMGAIT POGROMS, AND ARTSAKH
MARTYRS

        On Sunday, February 25, 2018, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, presided over Divine Liturgy at Holy Cross Cathedral in Montebello,
delivered the sermon, and conducted the blessing and rededication of the
renovated Cathedral, the consecration of mosaic murals, and the blessing and
inauguration of the Archbishop Sumbat Lapajian Library and Museum. The
murals depict the Annunciation and our Lord Jesus calling all "who labor and
are heavy laden." Divine Liturgy was celebrated by parish pastor Rev. Fr.
Ashod Kambourian. Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, parish dean, and Rev. Fr.
Papken Manuelian participated in the service. Among the faithful in
attendance were Executive Council member Mr. Antranik Kasbarian,
representatives of the "Tro" Gomideh and sister organizations, sponsors,
Sunday School teachers and students. 
        Also on this day, requiem prayers were offered in all Prelacy
Churches for the souls of departed ARS members, for the souls of the
innocent Armenians killed by the Azeris on the 30th anniversary of the
Sumgait pogroms, and for all the martyrs who have sacrificed their lives in
defense of Artsakh.     
        Prior to the sermon, the Prelate greeted the dean, pastor,
delegates, board of trustees, and parish family, wished them a fruitful
Lenten journey thus far and hoped that they emerge renewed and strengthened
in their faith and ready to serve with greater vigor for the prosperity of
the parish community. His Eminence reflected on the day's special requiem
services, paying tribute to the members and benefactors of the Armenian
Relief Society for their lifetime of labor for the welfare of our nation and
brethren, to the innocent men, women, and children who were savagely killed
in Sumgait thirty years ago, and to the brave young martyrs who have given
their lives in defense of our lands, praying for their valor and sacrifice
to never be forgotten. 
        Next, the Prelate spoke about the blessing, dedication, and
consecration ceremonies. He blessed and commended all those who over the
years have contributed to the splendor of Holy Cross Cathedral, and in
particular the Tumanjan family who made the most recent renovation and
beautification possible in loving memory of George and Irene Tumanjan, as
well as the Arakelian, Iknadossian, and Manjikian families for sponsoring
the beautiful new murals, urging all to continue to work together, hand in
hand and heart to heart, to keep the Cathedral the lighthouse and stronghold
of the community. Speaking on the opening of the Archbishop Sumbat Lapajian
Library and Museum, His Eminence stated, "Eight years on, our beloved Sumbat
Serpazan continues to live on in our hearts, and now through this fitting
and well-deserved tribute his legacy as a faithful servant of our Lord and
good and true shepherd will endure forevermore." 
        The Prelate thereafter delivered his sermon on the day's Gospel
reading from Luke 15:1-32, focusing on the Parable of the Prodigal Son which
was the theme of the third Sunday of Great Lent. His Eminence briefly
recounted the parable and then highlighted its powerful and inspiring
message, the utmost extent of God's love, forgiveness, and mercy for His
children. He noted that today too there are many prodigal sons in this
world, those who have distanced themselves from God, from our church, and
from our religious and national values and heritage, adding that without
faith and values we are lost, just as the son in the parable was lost when
he went out on his own. "Let all heed the call to return to God today, to
our church, and to our heritage, and invite others who are lost to come
home," stressed the Prelate, and called on parents especially to lead by
example, to bring their children to church, to Sunday School, and to the
multitude of community organizations, and to cultivate their sense of
national identity from an early age so that it remains with them forever.
Addressing the youth, he urged them to heed the advice, wisdom, and guidance
of their elders, participate in our church and national life, and nurture
their minds, hearts, and spirits with our faith and culture so that they are
equipped with the faith and the will to choose what is good and reject what
is wrong. 
        The Prelate concluded his sermon by emphasizing that our heavenly
Father is a loving and compassionate God Who came not to judge but to save,
and Who is patiently waiting for the lost to come home to Him, to embrace us
with His love and mercy and shower us with His grace and blessings like the
father in the parable did for his son. 
        Requiem service followed, after which the Prelate conducted the
blessing and dedication of the Cathedral and the consecration of the murals.
At the conclusion of the ceremonies, His Eminence was led in a procession to
the Archbishop Sumbat Lapajian Library and Museum, which he subsequently
blessed and inaugurated, conducting the unveiling of the plaque and ribbon
cutting alongside clergy, sponsor Mr. Michael Tumanjan, and Board of
Trustees Chair Mrs. Goharik Gabriel. The ceremony concluded with "Cilicia." 
        A luncheon followed at "Bagramian" Hall. The Prelate delivered the
invocation, after which Board of Trustees Chair Mrs. Goharik Gabriel offered
welcoming remarks. Cathedral renovation sponsor Mr. Michael Tumanjan
delivered poignant remarks on serving and supporting the church. Very Rev.
Fr. Muron Aznikian delivered his remarks, greeting and commending the
sponsors and guests, and invited the Prelate to convey his message.
        His Eminence once again commended all the sponsors and supporters
who contribute to the advancement of the parish community, in particular Mr.
Michael Tumanjan. Quoting from Psalm 127:1, "Unless the Lord builds the
house, they labor in vain who build it," the Prelate said to Michael, "you
are a builder by trade, but it is your faith and love for the Lord that
leads your works to success." 
        The program also featured songs by the Cathedral's choir. 

*** 

ANNUAL BANQUET OF FERRAHIAN, CABAYAN, AND PILAVJIAN SCHOOLS

        On Saturday, February 24, 2018, the annual banquet of Holy Martyrs
Ferrahian High School, Marie Cabayan Elementary School, and ARS Ashkhen
Pilavjian Pre-School was held at Vertigo Event Venue in Glendale, under the
auspices of and with the presence of H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate. This year, the School Board honored Mrs. Aida Baghdayan and Mrs.
Hasmig Proudian, two retired faculty members with over 25 years of service.
        The program began with welcoming remarks by School Board member Mr.
Nigol Manoukian. Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian delivered the
invocation. Dr. Razmig Krumian spoke on behalf of the School Board,
highlighting the school's mission and achievements. School Board member Mr.
Vahe Benlian introduced the evening's two honorees and presented a plaque to
Mrs. Baghdayan and to Mrs. Hasmig Proudian in absentia. Ferrahian School
principal Mrs. Sossi Shanlian delivered her message, highlighting the
school's special projects for the year and in particular a competition for
the students to become more closely familiarized with ancient Armenian
kingdoms and our history. Congratulatory remarks were conveyed by Los
Angeles City Council member Mr. Paul Krekorian and GUSD Board of Education
member Mr. Greg Krikorian.
        The Prelate delivered his message, commending the school's
commitment to the proper education and instruction of our youth, and lauded
their initiative in organizing the afore-mentioned competition on the
centennial year of independence. His Eminence stressed the importance of
community-church-school-family collaboration for the wellbeing of our youth,
lauded the school's service to the community in the past 54 years, and
wished them continued successes in their worthy mission. 

*** 

FIFTH ANNUAL INTERSCHOOL RECITATION CONTEST 

        On Saturday, February 24, 2018 "Boolghoorjian" Hall of Merdinian
Armenian Evangelical School in Sherman Oaks was filled to capacity as
students, educators, and parents, had gathered for the fifth annual
Interschool Recitation Contest held under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and organized by the Board of Regents of
Prelacy Schools. Among those in attendance were Executive Council member Mr.
Alec Baghdasaryan, Board of Regents Chair Mrs. Lisa Gaboudian and members
Mrs. Sossi Hovsepian and Mrs. Lena Kortoshian. 
        Over sixty students from the following eight Armenian schools
participated; Merdinian, AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian, Sahag-Mesrob Armenian
Christian, Ferrahian-Cabayan, Rose and Alex Pilibos, Vahan and Anoush
Chamian, and Ari Guiragos Minassian. This year's contest was dedicated to
the centennial of the first Republic of Armenia, thus, the recitations
represented this theme.
        Mrs. Gaboudian welcomed the participants and guests, and invited
Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian to read the Prelate's message. His
Eminence commended the Board of Regents for continuing this important
initiative, and the students, teachers, and parents for their enthusiastic
participation and encouragement. Addressing the students, the Prelate had
written, "Through these recitations you are bringing to life the literary
treasures of our revered writers, and it is your responsibility to keep
these treasures alive. There will be winners announced, but in my eyes you
are all winners; your participation today is a collective triumph for the
spirit of our forefathers is honored through your expressed love for our
language and culture, sspecially in this centennial year of independence.
May you continue to uphold and promote our heritage and our national cause."
        Mrs. Kortoshian introduced the members of the jury; Grigor Ogaryan,
Takouhi Arzoumanian,    Sayat Baboumian, Kevork Bedikian, and Maral
Varjabedian. 
        Subsequently the recitations began, in grade order starting from
elementary to high school. Last year's winner, Varant Chalekian, who placed
second at the pan-Armenian poetry festival in Shushi last summer, shared his
thoughts and experiences. Following each of the presentations, the students
received two certificates of commendation, one from the Minister of
Diaspora, which Mrs. Gaboudian announced were secured by the efforts of Mr.
Alec Baghdasaryan, and the other from the Board of Regents. All participants
also received gift bags which included a bag with embossed with Armenia's
coat of arms and Armenian CD's and DVD's.
        The jury will deliberate and the winners will be invited to the
Prelacy for the awards presentation in due time.  

***