Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Western Prelacy News - 09/11/2009

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Western Prelacy News - 09/11/2009

    September 11, 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


    COMMEMORATING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PASSING OF H.H. KAREKIN I

    On Sunday, September 20th, 2009, the 10th anniversary of the passing
    of H.H. Karekin I, Catholicos of All Armenians, will be observed.
    By the ordinance of H.H. Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of
    Cilicia, on that day a special requiem service will be offered for the
    blessed memory of H.H. Karekin I.
    H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian will preside over Divine
    Liturgy and the requiem service at Holy Martyrs Church in Encino.
    At 1:30 p.m., a memorial will take place at the Kessab Center under
    the auspices of the Prelate and organized by the Kessab Compatriotic Union
    (18407 Sherman Way, Reseda).


    WESTERN PRELACY HOSTS A DISCUSSION ON THE
    ARMENIA-TURKEY PROTOCOLS

    On the evening of Thursday, September 10th, 2009, H.E. Archbishop
    Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and the Executive Council, invited
    representatives of the Western Prelacy to the "Dikran and Zarouhie Der
    Ghazarian" Hall for a discussion on the recently unveiled Armenia-Turkey
    protocols. Among those in attendance were clergy, delegates, Boards of
    Trustees and Ladies Auxiliary members, Board of Regents members, schools'
    principals and directors, and the Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary.
    The meeting opened with the Prelate welcoming the guests, among them
    member of the Catholicosate Central Committee Mr. Khajag Dikijian and ARF
    Central Committee Chair Mr. Avedik Izmirlian.
    The Prelate first touched upon general issues regarding the
    endeavors of the Prelacy including the meeting that took place at the end of
    August in Montreal between the three North American Prelates to prepare for
    the General Assembly which will be held in November at the Catholicosate in
    Antelias, and the start of the new academic year at Prelacy Schools.
    Speaking on the protocols between Armenia and Turkey that came to
    light on August 31st, the Prelate stated that although the protocols in
    theory outline some positive changes like the bilateral normalization of
    relations, ultimately the rights of the Armenian people will be compromised.
    The Prelate then invited Executive Council Chair Dr. Garo Agopian to
    moderate the discussion.
    Dr. Agopian welcomed the guests then invited Mr. Dikijian to speak
    on the details of the protocols.
    Mr. Dikijian focused on the points of the protocol that will
    compromise the rights of the Armenian people and touched upon statements
    such as the opening of the borders will have a positive impact on Armenia's
    economy while the move can on the contrary have a negative impact. In
    conclusion, Mr. Dikijian asserted that overall, the protocols will be, at
    the least, disadvantageous for Armenia, thus, it is crucial that all those
    present unite their voices and speak out against it.
    During the question and answer session, the Prelate, Mr. Dikijian,
    and Mr. Izmirlian gave further clarifications on the details of the
    protocols and the steps that must be taken in the next five weeks to ensure
    that the issue does not reach to the point of serious consideration by the
    Armenian government. In this regards, a community gathering supported by
    all local political parties and organizations will take place on Sunday,
    September 27th, the details of which will be released soon.
    In his address, Mr. Izmirlian spoke of the steps the ARF Central
    Committee has taken since the announcement of the protocols, including
    meetings and discussion not only with members of the Armenian community but
    U.S. government officials as well. Mr. Izmirlian stated that the Armenian
    nation is at a dangerous crossroads where our national rights are being
    compromised and which can render useless all the work that has been carried
    out thus far for our cause. Thus, he also stressed the importance of
    uniting and joining efforts to speak out against the protocols and the
    consequences it will have on the Armenian nation.
    The meeting concluded with the benediction by the Prelate.


    PRELATE WELCOMES PROF. HANS-JUERGEN FEULNER

    On Wednesday, September 9th, 2009, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
    Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed to the Prelacy Professor Hans-Juergen
    Feulner of the Institute for Liturgical Studies at the University of Vienna.

    Prof. Feulner, who is on a brief visit to the U.S., is a long-time
    friend and collaborator of the Catholicosate of Cilicia and of the Western
    Prelacy. During their meeting, the Prelate and Prof. Feulner briefed one
    another on their recent activities and undertakings.
    Very Rev. Fathers Muron Aznikian and Barthev Gulumian also
    participated in the meeting.


    PRELATE VISITS CHAMLIAN AND MINASSIAN SCHOOLS

    After a week's delay due to the fire in the Angeles National Forest,
    on Wednesday, September 9th, 2009, Vahan and Anoush Chamlian School opened
    its doors to start the 2009-2010 school year.
    H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, presided over the
    opening ceremony, which was particularly special this year given that the
    school will be celebrating its 35th anniversary. Joining the Prelate at the
    opening were Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian and pastors of St. Mary's Church.
    Also in attendance were Glendale Mayor Frank Quintero, Glendale City Council
    member Mr. Ara Najarian, Chamlian school board Chair Mrs. Armineh
    Khachadourian, members of the La Crescenta and Glendale Fire Departments,
    supporters, and parents.
    Following the opening prayer, remarks were offered by Vice-Principal
    Mrs. Rita Kaprielian, Mayor Quintero, Principal Mr. Vazken Madenlian, and
    the school board chair. The Master of Ceremonies was Mr. Saro Nazarian.
    In his remarks, the Prelate congratulated the school on the occasion
    of their 35th anniversary and conveyed his blessings and wishes for a
    successful school year to the administration, students, and parents. During
    the ceremony, the school administration honored the memory of the two
    firefighters who lost their lives fighting the wildfires through a donation
    to their families. The release of thirty-five doves symbolizing the 35th
    anniversary of the school concluded the ceremony.
    A day before, the Prelate visited Ari Guiragos Minassian School in
    Orange Country and presided over the opening ceremony. Upon his arrival the
    Prelate was greeted by pastor of Forty Martyrs Church Rev. Fr. Hrant
    Yeretzian, Executive Council Chair Dr. Garo Agopian, Forty Martyrs Church
    Board of Trustees Chair Mr. Kevork Der Alexanian and Vice-Chair Mr. Sarkis
    Der Tavitian, school board Chair Mr. Chris Gourjian, acting principal Mrs.
    Kohar Zaher, teachers, and parents.
    The Prelate visited the newly renovated classrooms and the new
    computer lab, then to the courtyard where students and parents had assembled
    for the official program. The students recited the Lord's Prayer, after
    which Mrs. Zaher offered welcoming remarks. Following the artistic program,
    the Prelate conveyed his blessings. Remarks were also offered by Dr.
    Agopian.
    On the morning of Friday, September 11th, the Prelate visited Levon
    and Hasmig Tavlian Pre-School in Pasadena and conveyed his blessings to the
    students and administration. The Prelate was accompanied by pastor of St.
    Sarkis Church Rev. Fr. Khoren Babochian.
    On Thursday, September 10th, Very Rev. Fr. Barthev Gulumian presided
    over the back to school ceremony at Mesrobian School in Montebello and
    conveyed the Prelate's message.


    PRELATE WELCOMES MEMBERS OF
    HOMENETMEN WORLD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

    On Tuesday, September 8th, 2009, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
    Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed to the Prelacy members of Homenetmen World
    Executive Committee Mr. Koko Balian (Vice-Chairman), Mr. Garbis Kabasakalian
    (Secretary), and Mr. Carlo Seferian (Advisor).
    The guests briefed the Prelate on the recent activities of
    Homenetmen, specifically the gathering of scouting directors from around the
    world which took place at the Homenetmen campsite a week before.
    The Prelate highly commended the work that is carried out by
    Homenetmen and wished success to all those who serve for the progress of our
    community through Homenetmen. An exchange of mementos concluded the
    meeting.


    "ARMENIA" SHIP CREW VISIT PRELACY CHURCHES
    AND HEADQUARTERS

    On the afternoon of Saturday, September 5th, 2009, the crew of the
    "Armenia" ship visited the Prelacy where they were welcomed by H.E.
    Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate. Very Rev. Fathers Muron Aznikian
    and Barthev Gulumian participated in the meeting.
    Earlier in the day, the delegation led by Zori Balayan had visited a
    number of Prelacy Churches.
    Following the meeting, the guests addressed the youth gathering in
    the hall.


    PRELATE AND ARF CENTRAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS DISCUSS RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN
    ARMENIA

    On the afternoon of Friday, September 4th, 2009, H.E. Archbishop
    Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, welcomed members of the ARF Central
    Committee Mr. John Kossakian and Mr. Harout Manoukian to the Prelacy, where
    a discussion took place on the recent developments in Armenia.
    The guests gave a general overview of the recent goings-on in
    Armenia with regards to dialogue between Armenia and Turkey, followed by an
    exchange of thoughts on this matter. The Prelate and guests stressed that
    no agreement between the two countries should compromise the rights of the
    Armenian people and reaffirmed their coordinated efforts towards this cause.
Working...
X