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April 5, 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: www.westernprelacy.org
HIS HOLINESS BLESSES OUR FAITHFUL IN ALEPPO
The Communications Department of the Catholicosate of the Great
House of Cilicia reports that on Thursday, April 2nd, H.H. Catholicos Aram I
departed for Aleppo, Syria where our centuries old Forty Martyrs Church was
blessed with a miracle.
Earlier in the week, the Diocese of Aleppo had reported that H.G.
Bishop Shahan Sarkissian, clergy members, and parishioners had witnessed a
miracle at the Church when oil began to seep from the sacred images of St.
Minas and the Forty Martyrs, and a cross-stone dedicated to St. Sarkis.
The Prelate reported the occurrence to His Holiness, who arrived in
Aleppo to bless the faithful and convey his message to them. His Holiness
spoke of the reverence of our people towards our saints, noting that the
sacred pictures of the saints found in our churches symbolize the presence
and role of the saints in our lives, and that the respect of our people is
directed not at the images but at the saints themselves. His Holiness
concluded that he had arrived in Aleppo to join the faithful in their
spiritual awakening and together pray for the intercession of the saints.
Since reporting the miracle, Forty Martyrs Church has become a
pilgrimage site where Armenian and non-Armenians like gather to receive the
blessings of the saints.
To read the message of His Holiness or for more details and photos,
please visit the website of the Catholicosate of Cilica at
www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org or the website of the Aleppo Diocese at
www.periotem.com.
PRELATE TO CELEBRATE PALM SUNDAY
AT HOLY MARTYRS CHURCH
Sunday, April 5th, is Palm Sunday.
On this occasion, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
will celebrate Divine Liturgy, deliver the sermon, and preside over the
Opening of the Portals ceremony at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino.
By the ordinance of the Prelate, H.E. Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian
will celebrate Divine Liturgy at Forty Martyrs Church in Orange County, and
Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian at St. Garabed Church in Hollywood.
PRELATE'S HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
Monday, April 6th, is the start of Holy Week. Throughout the week
the Prelate will conduct services in various Prelacy Churches. Below is the
Prelate's Holy Week schedule.
. Holy Tuesday - Remembrance of the Ten Virgins
St. Mary's Church, Glendale, 7:00 p.m.
. Maundy Thursday
Washing of the Feet - St. Garabed Church, Hollywood, 4:30 p.m.
Vigil - Holy Cross Cathedral, Montebello, 8:00 p.m.
. Good Friday - Crucifixion and Burial
Forty Martyrs Church, Orange County, 7:00 p.m.
. Easter Eve - Lighting of Candles (Jrakalooyts)
St. Sarkis Church, Pasadena, 5:00 p.m.
. Easter - St. Mary's Church, Glendale, 10:30 a.m.
By the ordinance of the Prelate, H.E. Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian
will conduct services at St. Sarkis Church on Maundy Thursday, St. Garabed
Church on Good Friday and Holy Martyrs Church on Easter Sunday.
Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian will conduct services at the North
Hollywood Parish, and Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian will be at Holy Martyrs
Church on Holy Tuesday and Maundy Thursday, St. Mary's Church on Good
Friday, Forty Martyrs Church on Easter Eve, and Holy Cross Cathedral on
Easter Sunday.
25th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF ARS WESTERN REGION
On the evening of Sunday, March 5th, the 25th anniversary of the
establishment of the ARS Western Region Executive will be celebrated at
Embassy Suites in Glendale.
The Prelate will attend and convey his blessings. Rev. Fr. Ardak
Demirjian and Rev. Fr. Gomidas Torossian will accompany the Prelate.
85th ANNIVERSARY OF THE PASSING OF
PRESIDENT WOODROW WILSON
The Defense Council of Western Armenia has organized a commemoration
of the 85th anniversary of the passing of President Woodrow Wilson, to take
place on the evening of Sunday, March 5th, at Glendale Central Library.
Archpriest Fr. Mesrob Tashjian will represent the Prelate.
ANNUAL LILIA DANCE CONCERT
On the evening of Sunday, March 5th, the 18th annual concert of
Lilia Dance Studio will take place at Alex Theatre in Glendale, under the
direction of Mrs. Lilia Margaryan.
The Prelate will attend and convey his blessings and commendation.
Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian will accompany the Prelate.
FRIENDS OF ARMENIA ANNUAL BANQUET
On the evening of Saturday, April 4th, the 17th annual Friends of
Armenia banquet will take place at "Palladio" Hall in Glendale. The
proceeds of the banquet will be allocated to special projects in Artsakh.
The Prelate will attend and convey his blessings. He will be
accompanied by Rev. Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian.
ARMENIAN BONE MARROW DONOR REGISTRY RECEPTION
The Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry had organized a reception in
celebration of the completion of the Stem Cell Harvesting Center in Armenia,
a project which began two years ago.
The reception took place on the evening of Thursday, April 2nd, at
Phoenicia Restaurant in Glendale.
Rev. Fr. Vazken Atmajian represented the Prelate.
PRELATE WELCOMES NEW PRESIDENT OF ARMENIA FUND
ARA AGHISHIAN
On the morning of Thursday, April 2nd, 2009, H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed to the Prelacy Mr. Ara Aghishian,
Esq., who was elected President of Armenia Fund Western Region at last
week's corporate board meeting. Executive Council member Mr. Meher Der
Ohanessian was also present at the meeting.
The Prelate and Mr. Der Ohanessian congratulated Mr. Aghishian on
his election and commended his years-long service within Armenia Fund. Mr.
Aghishian thanked them for the warm welcome and well wishes. He conveyed
information regarding the upcoming activities of Armenia Fund, as well as
those already underway, and the need for the support and collaboration of
the community for the successful realization of those endeavors, expressing
his readiness to continue and further the collaboration between the Prelacy
and Armenia Fund in this regards.
As the meeting came to a close, the Prelate and Mr. Der Ohanessian
wished Mr. Aghishian success in his new position.
PRELATE PARTICIPATES IN MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF ORIENTAL ORTHODOX BISHOPS
On Tuesday, March 31st, the members of the Council of Oriental
Orthodox Bishops of the Western United States gathered at St. Ephraim Syriac
Orthodox Cathedral in Burbank for their regular meeting. The Prelate
participated in the meeting, along with H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian
(Western Diocese), H.E. Archbishop Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan (Syriac Church),
and H.G. Bishop Serapion, (Coptic Church).
Very Rev. Fathers Muron Aznikian and Barthev Gulumian also
participated, as did clergy members from the other three dioceses.
The meeting convened following a prayer services in which the
members participated in their respective languages.
Items on the agenda included a discussion on the past, present, and
future activities of the Sunday Schools and Youth Groups, the planning of
the annual joint Divine Liturgy which this year will be hosted by the Coptic
Diocese, and a discussion on furthering collaboration between other Orthodox
and Christian Churches, for which preliminary steps are underway.
PRELATE'S VISIT TO THE ST. GREGORY PARISH
IN SAN FRANCISCO
In celebration of the Feast of St. Gregory the Illuminator's Descent
into the Pit and the name day of St. Gregory Church, on March 28th, 2009,
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian paid a visit to the San Francisco
parish community.
The Prelate, accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian, arrived
in San Francisco on Saturday the 28th where they were welcomed by parish
pastor Rev. Fr. Avedis Torossian and Board of Trustees Chairman Mr. Varant
Kasparian. Executive Council Chair Dr. Garo Agopian and member Mr. Nerses
Melkonian were also in San Francisco to join in the festivities.
Upon his arrival the Prelate, accompanied by the clergy and Board
Chairman, visited two families who were coping with grief and illness and
offered his prayers and consolation.
In the evening, the Prelate and council members met with the Board
and Delegates of the Church for a discussion on issues concerning the parish
community.
Later on the Prelate addressed members of the AYF Rosdom Chapter.
The Prelate spoke to them of the importance of youth participation in our
collective endeavors, urging them to engage in community life. Upon the
invitation of the Prelate, Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian conveyed his well
wishes to the youth and, reiterating the Prelate's remarks, encouraged them
to take an active role in our church and community life.
A reception organized by the Ladies Auxiliary followed at
"Vasbouragan" Hall during which remarks were delivered by the Pastor,
Executive Council Chair, and Board of Trustees Chair. The Prelate, in his
message, stressed the importance of collaboration within the community for
the overcoming of difficulties and the advancement of the parish and the
community in general.
On Sunday, March 29th, the name day of the Church, the Prelate
celebrated Divine Liturgy, delivered the sermon, ordained 13 acolytes and
elevated 8 acolytes to the rank of stole bearer.
Prior to delivering his sermon the Prelate welcomed the parishioners
and community representatives, noting that last year this time, upon the
invitation of H.H. Catholicos Aram I, he celebrated Divine Liturgy at St.
Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias where he witnessed first hand
the reverence of the faithful towards the relic of St. Gregory's right hand.
The Prelate centered his sermon on the virtuous life and example of St.
Gregory and the torture he endured for his Christian faith, urging the
faithful to pray for his intercession for the splendor of our church and
nation. The Prelate stressed that this occasion is a day of prayer, a day
of renewal, an opportunity to cleanse our souls and continue our service
with integrity.
During requiem service, prayers were offered for the first Prelate
of the North American Prelacy H.E. Archbishop Hrant Khatchadourian, former
pastors Rev. Fathers Khatchig Krouzian, Movses Shirikian, and Sahag Balian,
and departed servants and sponsors.
At the conclusion of services the Prelate was led in a procession to
the main entrance of the church where he blessed the madagh.
In the afternoon, the Prelate presided over the banquet at "Saroyan"
Hall of the Khachaturian Armenian Center.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by the Board of Trustees Chairman.
Concluding remarks were delivered by the Prelate. The Prelate highly
commended the work carried out by the various community organizations and
congratulated the parish on their name day celebration, encouraging them to
continue their mission with renewed strength and devotion.
The banquet came to a close with the benediction after which the
Prelate conversed with the guests, who expressed their joy for the wonderful
weekend.
(Please visit the news section of our website for the full press
release and photos)
PRELATE MEETS WITH ANC-WR REPRESENTATIVES
On Friday, March 27th, 2009, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, welcomed representatives from the Armenian National Committee
Western Region Mrs. Aida Dimejian and Mr. Levon Baronian.
The representatives had come to convey information about the recent
and upcoming endeavors of the ANC, including cooperative efforts with
California state officials such as the special session the California State
Legislature convenes each April in commemoration of the Genocide.
The meeting continued in a cordial atmosphere with the Prelate and
guests discussing the ANC's efforts at the federal level to advance our
cause, for which emphasis was put on further collaboration between the
Prelacy and the ANC.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
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: www.westernprelacy.org
HIS HOLINESS BLESSES OUR FAITHFUL IN ALEPPO
The Communications Department of the Catholicosate of the Great
House of Cilicia reports that on Thursday, April 2nd, H.H. Catholicos Aram I
departed for Aleppo, Syria where our centuries old Forty Martyrs Church was
blessed with a miracle.
Earlier in the week, the Diocese of Aleppo had reported that H.G.
Bishop Shahan Sarkissian, clergy members, and parishioners had witnessed a
miracle at the Church when oil began to seep from the sacred images of St.
Minas and the Forty Martyrs, and a cross-stone dedicated to St. Sarkis.
The Prelate reported the occurrence to His Holiness, who arrived in
Aleppo to bless the faithful and convey his message to them. His Holiness
spoke of the reverence of our people towards our saints, noting that the
sacred pictures of the saints found in our churches symbolize the presence
and role of the saints in our lives, and that the respect of our people is
directed not at the images but at the saints themselves. His Holiness
concluded that he had arrived in Aleppo to join the faithful in their
spiritual awakening and together pray for the intercession of the saints.
Since reporting the miracle, Forty Martyrs Church has become a
pilgrimage site where Armenian and non-Armenians like gather to receive the
blessings of the saints.
To read the message of His Holiness or for more details and photos,
please visit the website of the Catholicosate of Cilica at
www.armenianorthodoxchurch.org or the website of the Aleppo Diocese at
www.periotem.com.
PRELATE TO CELEBRATE PALM SUNDAY
AT HOLY MARTYRS CHURCH
Sunday, April 5th, is Palm Sunday.
On this occasion, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
will celebrate Divine Liturgy, deliver the sermon, and preside over the
Opening of the Portals ceremony at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino.
By the ordinance of the Prelate, H.E. Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian
will celebrate Divine Liturgy at Forty Martyrs Church in Orange County, and
Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian at St. Garabed Church in Hollywood.
PRELATE'S HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
Monday, April 6th, is the start of Holy Week. Throughout the week
the Prelate will conduct services in various Prelacy Churches. Below is the
Prelate's Holy Week schedule.
. Holy Tuesday - Remembrance of the Ten Virgins
St. Mary's Church, Glendale, 7:00 p.m.
. Maundy Thursday
Washing of the Feet - St. Garabed Church, Hollywood, 4:30 p.m.
Vigil - Holy Cross Cathedral, Montebello, 8:00 p.m.
. Good Friday - Crucifixion and Burial
Forty Martyrs Church, Orange County, 7:00 p.m.
. Easter Eve - Lighting of Candles (Jrakalooyts)
St. Sarkis Church, Pasadena, 5:00 p.m.
. Easter - St. Mary's Church, Glendale, 10:30 a.m.
By the ordinance of the Prelate, H.E. Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian
will conduct services at St. Sarkis Church on Maundy Thursday, St. Garabed
Church on Good Friday and Holy Martyrs Church on Easter Sunday.
Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian will conduct services at the North
Hollywood Parish, and Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian will be at Holy Martyrs
Church on Holy Tuesday and Maundy Thursday, St. Mary's Church on Good
Friday, Forty Martyrs Church on Easter Eve, and Holy Cross Cathedral on
Easter Sunday.
25th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF ARS WESTERN REGION
On the evening of Sunday, March 5th, the 25th anniversary of the
establishment of the ARS Western Region Executive will be celebrated at
Embassy Suites in Glendale.
The Prelate will attend and convey his blessings. Rev. Fr. Ardak
Demirjian and Rev. Fr. Gomidas Torossian will accompany the Prelate.
85th ANNIVERSARY OF THE PASSING OF
PRESIDENT WOODROW WILSON
The Defense Council of Western Armenia has organized a commemoration
of the 85th anniversary of the passing of President Woodrow Wilson, to take
place on the evening of Sunday, March 5th, at Glendale Central Library.
Archpriest Fr. Mesrob Tashjian will represent the Prelate.
ANNUAL LILIA DANCE CONCERT
On the evening of Sunday, March 5th, the 18th annual concert of
Lilia Dance Studio will take place at Alex Theatre in Glendale, under the
direction of Mrs. Lilia Margaryan.
The Prelate will attend and convey his blessings and commendation.
Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian will accompany the Prelate.
FRIENDS OF ARMENIA ANNUAL BANQUET
On the evening of Saturday, April 4th, the 17th annual Friends of
Armenia banquet will take place at "Palladio" Hall in Glendale. The
proceeds of the banquet will be allocated to special projects in Artsakh.
The Prelate will attend and convey his blessings. He will be
accompanied by Rev. Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian.
ARMENIAN BONE MARROW DONOR REGISTRY RECEPTION
The Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry had organized a reception in
celebration of the completion of the Stem Cell Harvesting Center in Armenia,
a project which began two years ago.
The reception took place on the evening of Thursday, April 2nd, at
Phoenicia Restaurant in Glendale.
Rev. Fr. Vazken Atmajian represented the Prelate.
PRELATE WELCOMES NEW PRESIDENT OF ARMENIA FUND
ARA AGHISHIAN
On the morning of Thursday, April 2nd, 2009, H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed to the Prelacy Mr. Ara Aghishian,
Esq., who was elected President of Armenia Fund Western Region at last
week's corporate board meeting. Executive Council member Mr. Meher Der
Ohanessian was also present at the meeting.
The Prelate and Mr. Der Ohanessian congratulated Mr. Aghishian on
his election and commended his years-long service within Armenia Fund. Mr.
Aghishian thanked them for the warm welcome and well wishes. He conveyed
information regarding the upcoming activities of Armenia Fund, as well as
those already underway, and the need for the support and collaboration of
the community for the successful realization of those endeavors, expressing
his readiness to continue and further the collaboration between the Prelacy
and Armenia Fund in this regards.
As the meeting came to a close, the Prelate and Mr. Der Ohanessian
wished Mr. Aghishian success in his new position.
PRELATE PARTICIPATES IN MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF ORIENTAL ORTHODOX BISHOPS
On Tuesday, March 31st, the members of the Council of Oriental
Orthodox Bishops of the Western United States gathered at St. Ephraim Syriac
Orthodox Cathedral in Burbank for their regular meeting. The Prelate
participated in the meeting, along with H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian
(Western Diocese), H.E. Archbishop Mor Clemis Eugene Kaplan (Syriac Church),
and H.G. Bishop Serapion, (Coptic Church).
Very Rev. Fathers Muron Aznikian and Barthev Gulumian also
participated, as did clergy members from the other three dioceses.
The meeting convened following a prayer services in which the
members participated in their respective languages.
Items on the agenda included a discussion on the past, present, and
future activities of the Sunday Schools and Youth Groups, the planning of
the annual joint Divine Liturgy which this year will be hosted by the Coptic
Diocese, and a discussion on furthering collaboration between other Orthodox
and Christian Churches, for which preliminary steps are underway.
PRELATE'S VISIT TO THE ST. GREGORY PARISH
IN SAN FRANCISCO
In celebration of the Feast of St. Gregory the Illuminator's Descent
into the Pit and the name day of St. Gregory Church, on March 28th, 2009,
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian paid a visit to the San Francisco
parish community.
The Prelate, accompanied by Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian, arrived
in San Francisco on Saturday the 28th where they were welcomed by parish
pastor Rev. Fr. Avedis Torossian and Board of Trustees Chairman Mr. Varant
Kasparian. Executive Council Chair Dr. Garo Agopian and member Mr. Nerses
Melkonian were also in San Francisco to join in the festivities.
Upon his arrival the Prelate, accompanied by the clergy and Board
Chairman, visited two families who were coping with grief and illness and
offered his prayers and consolation.
In the evening, the Prelate and council members met with the Board
and Delegates of the Church for a discussion on issues concerning the parish
community.
Later on the Prelate addressed members of the AYF Rosdom Chapter.
The Prelate spoke to them of the importance of youth participation in our
collective endeavors, urging them to engage in community life. Upon the
invitation of the Prelate, Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian conveyed his well
wishes to the youth and, reiterating the Prelate's remarks, encouraged them
to take an active role in our church and community life.
A reception organized by the Ladies Auxiliary followed at
"Vasbouragan" Hall during which remarks were delivered by the Pastor,
Executive Council Chair, and Board of Trustees Chair. The Prelate, in his
message, stressed the importance of collaboration within the community for
the overcoming of difficulties and the advancement of the parish and the
community in general.
On Sunday, March 29th, the name day of the Church, the Prelate
celebrated Divine Liturgy, delivered the sermon, ordained 13 acolytes and
elevated 8 acolytes to the rank of stole bearer.
Prior to delivering his sermon the Prelate welcomed the parishioners
and community representatives, noting that last year this time, upon the
invitation of H.H. Catholicos Aram I, he celebrated Divine Liturgy at St.
Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias where he witnessed first hand
the reverence of the faithful towards the relic of St. Gregory's right hand.
The Prelate centered his sermon on the virtuous life and example of St.
Gregory and the torture he endured for his Christian faith, urging the
faithful to pray for his intercession for the splendor of our church and
nation. The Prelate stressed that this occasion is a day of prayer, a day
of renewal, an opportunity to cleanse our souls and continue our service
with integrity.
During requiem service, prayers were offered for the first Prelate
of the North American Prelacy H.E. Archbishop Hrant Khatchadourian, former
pastors Rev. Fathers Khatchig Krouzian, Movses Shirikian, and Sahag Balian,
and departed servants and sponsors.
At the conclusion of services the Prelate was led in a procession to
the main entrance of the church where he blessed the madagh.
In the afternoon, the Prelate presided over the banquet at "Saroyan"
Hall of the Khachaturian Armenian Center.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by the Board of Trustees Chairman.
Concluding remarks were delivered by the Prelate. The Prelate highly
commended the work carried out by the various community organizations and
congratulated the parish on their name day celebration, encouraging them to
continue their mission with renewed strength and devotion.
The banquet came to a close with the benediction after which the
Prelate conversed with the guests, who expressed their joy for the wonderful
weekend.
(Please visit the news section of our website for the full press
release and photos)
PRELATE MEETS WITH ANC-WR REPRESENTATIVES
On Friday, March 27th, 2009, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, welcomed representatives from the Armenian National Committee
Western Region Mrs. Aida Dimejian and Mr. Levon Baronian.
The representatives had come to convey information about the recent
and upcoming endeavors of the ANC, including cooperative efforts with
California state officials such as the special session the California State
Legislature convenes each April in commemoration of the Genocide.
The meeting continued in a cordial atmosphere with the Prelate and
guests discussing the ANC's efforts at the federal level to advance our
cause, for which emphasis was put on further collaboration between the
Prelacy and the ANC.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress