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HH Meets with Armenian Day Students, BUSD; AGBU Reception

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  • HH Meets with Armenian Day Students, BUSD; AGBU Reception

    Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
    3325 North Glenoaks Blvd.
    Burbank, Ca 91504
    Tel: 818-558-7474
    Fax: 818-558-6333
    Web: http://www.armenianchurchwd.com/



    His Holiness Karekin ii

    catholicos of all armenians

    In the western DIOCESE





    his HOLINESS meets with

    armenian day school students

    Tuesday, June 7, 2005



    On June 7, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of
    All Armenians, met with the students of Armenian Day Schools in the
    Glendale Civic Center. Over 1,000 students representing the Armenian
    schools of the Los Angeles area were present, led by their principals
    and teachers.

    His Holiness entered the auditorium accompanied by high ranking
    clergy, His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the
    Western Diocese; His Eminence Archbishop Nerses Bozabalyan of the
    Mother See; His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, His Grace
    Bishop Bagrat Galsdanian, Primate of the Canadian Diocese, His
    Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, as well as several clergy
    of the Diocese.

    Also present were several dignitaries including Consul General of
    the Republic of Armenia, Gagik Kirakosian; Rafi Manoukian, Mayor,
    City of Glendale; Ara James Najarian, Esq., Member, Glendale City
    Council; Randy Adams, Glendale Chief of Police; Jim Starbird, City
    Manager, Glendale; George Chapjian, Director, Parks & Recreation,
    Glendale; and Dr. Armine G. Hacopian, Member, Board of Trustees,
    Glendale Community College.

    The following schools had brought their participation to the
    program: Armenian Sisters Academy, AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School,
    Mesrobian Armenian School, Charlotte & Elise Merdinian Armenian
    Evangelical School, Ari Guiragos Minassian Armenian School,
    Mkhitarian School, Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School, Sts.
    Sahag-Mesrob Armenian School, Alfred and Marguerite Hovsepian School,
    TCA Arshag Dickranian School, Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School,
    and Ferrahian Armenian School.

    Mr. Parsegh Kartalian, Chairman of the committee in charge of the
    organization of the event, served as Master of Ceremonies. He invited
    to the podium Mr. Rafi Manoukian who welcomed His Holiness Karekin II
    to the City of Glendale.

    Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian delivered the opening remarks,
    extending his warm regards to the Catholicos. He also welcomed him on
    his second Pontifical visit to the Western Diocese. Dr. Yacoobian,
    Principal of Rose and Alex Pilibos School, delivered his message on
    behalf of the principals of the schools in attendance.

    Following the addresses a cultural program took place with the
    participation of each school. The program included remarks on behalf
    of the students, recitation, music, singing and Armenian dance.

    His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian was invited to the podium
    to address the students. `Today is a miraculous day, as the students
    are gathered to express their respects and warm regards towards His
    Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians. We have no doubt
    that through his presence you are visited by Holy Etchmiadzin, our
    Motherland Armenia, as well as our people in Armenia. We have no
    doubt that the Pontifical visit of His Holiness strengthens your love
    towards Armenia and keeps alive the memory of our martyrs. We have no
    doubt that with the visit of the Catholicos you are challenged to
    continue your lives with greater pride as a symbol of the
    Resurrection of Christ, and the testimony that the Armenian people
    will live forever.'

    His Eminence then invited to the podium Archbishop Nerses Bozabalyan
    who read the Pontifical Encyclical issued by His Holiness bestowing
    the Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Medal of Honor upon renowned Armenian poet
    Jacques S. Hagopian. Following, His Holiness pinned the Medal of
    Honor on Mr. Hagopian.

    In his adders to the youth in attendance His Holiness Karekin II
    expressed his immense joy in being in the presence of the students.
    He urged the students to keep alive the Armenian language and the
    love for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. He continued, `Today I
    extend to you the love of your brothers and sisters in Armenia who
    anxiously await your return to the Motherland.'

    Following his address, His Holiness presented gifts to each of the
    principals in attendance.





    his HOLINESS meets with

    armenian students of

    burbank unified school district

    Tuesday, June 7, 2005



    At 4:00 p.m. on June 7, 2005 His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of
    All Armenians, met with the Armenian students of the Burbank Unified
    School District, in the Burbank High School auditorium. The event
    marked the fourth gathering between the youth and His Holiness since
    his arrival to the Western Diocese on June 1st.

    Accompanying His Holiness were high ranking clergy of his entourage,
    His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western
    Diocese; His Eminence Archbishop Nerses Bozabalyan of the Mother See;
    His Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, His Grace Bishop Bagrat
    Galsdanian, Primate of the Canadian Diocese, as well as several
    Diocesan clergy.

    The event began with the singing of the national anthems followed by
    the `Toccata' on the piano, two Armenian dances (Three Girls and
    Dream), and `Yerevan Erepouni' on the flute. All performances were by
    student representatives of the Burbank Unified School District
    schools.

    Paul Krekorian, President of the Burbank Unified School District
    Board of Education, expressed his sincere appreciation to the
    Catholicos for his visit to Burbank High School. Mr. Krekorian
    acknowledged the members of the District present during the event,
    Ted Bunch, Vice President of the BUSD Board of Education; Dave Kemp,
    member of the Board; Gregory Bowman, Superintendent; and Alexis
    Sheehy, Assistant Superintendent.

    His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian delivered his address to
    the students with the words, `We are delighted to have His Holiness
    Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, among us. Since his arrival
    the Catholicos has met with the youth on several occasions, showing
    the great love and respect of Vehapar towards the youth. He knows
    that with the youth is a new beginning. In Armenia he has initiated
    several projects for the youth in the Araratian Diocese. Today thanks
    to his efforts over 8,000 students have the opportunity to attend art
    centers in Armenia. The youth have truly become the instruments of
    his vision. We celebrate his presence which brings to us the love of
    Armenia and Holy Etchmiadzin.'

    Upon the request of the Catholicos, Compositor Robert Amirkhanian, a
    member of the official entourage of His Holiness, performed two of his
    pieces, `Hayi Achker' and `Yeraz Im Yergir.'

    His Holiness was invited to the podium to address the youth. `I have
    come from the Motherland to create and enthusiasm among you so that in
    your joy you cultivate your life and your love for your Motherland,'
    said the Pontiff. `During the past few days, we have witnessed that
    you have already built a small Armenia. Armenia is present here in
    your songs, recitations, dance and prayers. Our soul is enlightened
    and uplifted in witnessing your enthusiasm. May God bless and keep
    you.'

    His Holiness presented an Armenian painting to Mr. Paul Krekorian,
    in appreciation of their hospitality.





    reception in honor of his HOLINESS

    by armenian general benevolent union

    Tuesday, June 7, 2005



    At 8:00 p.m. on June 7, 2005 His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of
    All Armenians, attended a reception in his honor, hosted by the AGBU
    Southern California District Committee (SCDC), held in the AGBU
    Center in Pasadena.

    His Holiness was accompanied by his entourage which included His
    Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese;
    His Eminence Archbishop Nerses Bozabalyan of the Mother See; His
    Eminence Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, His Grace Bishop Bagrat
    Galsdanian, Primate of the Canadian Diocese, as well as several
    Diocesan clergy and guests.

    Opening remarks were made by Mr. Ara Babayan, long time member of
    the AGBU. Serving as Master of Ceremonies was Dr. Vahram Biricik,
    member of the AGBU SCDC. He invited to the podium Mr. Vahe
    Imasdounian, Chair of the SCDC who officially welcomed the Catholicos
    of All Armenians on behalf of the AGBU and expressed his warm
    appreciation for his active cooperation with the AGBU.

    Mr. Sinan Sinanian, member of the SCDC also extended his
    appreciation to the Pontiff, and conveyed his gratitude for the
    immense support which the AGBU has continually received from His
    Holiness.

    Following the address of Yenovk Balekian who outlined the different
    projects which have been realized thanks to the cooperation of the
    AGBU and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, a video was presented
    which described the joint activities and projects of His Holiness and
    the AGBU when he was the Primate of the Araratian Diocese in Armenia.

    His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian extended his appreciation
    to the AGBU for hosting the reception. `Here in the AGBU Center His
    Holiness feels at home,' said His Eminence in reference to the strong
    bond between the AGBU and the Catholicos.

    In his address His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians,
    stressed the importance of cooperation between the Mother See of Holy
    Etchmiadzin and the AGBU. `The Armenian General Benevolent Union is
    an extension of the Armenian Apostolic Church,' said the Catholicos,
    `in the sense that alongside the Church the AGBU also caters to the
    needs of the Armenian community.' The Catholicos extended to the
    attendees his blessings from the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

    In appreciation of the warm reception which he received by the AGBU,
    and in the spirit of continued cooperation, His Holiness presented an
    Armenian painting to Mr. Vahe Imasdounian.

    A plaque of appreciation was presented to Mr. Jirair Boyajian by the
    AGBU for his unrelenting devotion to the organization. The reception
    was sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Albert Boyajian, Mr. and Mrs. Vahe
    Imasdounian, and Mr. and Mrs. Tony Truisi.



    OFFICE OF THE WESTERN DIOCESE
    June 8, 2005
    Burbank, California
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