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July 30, 2010
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
ARCHBISHOP SUMBAT LAPAJIAN LAID TO REST
On Saturday, July 17th, 2010, one of the longest serving members of
the Catholicosate Brotherhood and the first Prelate of the Western Prelacy
H.E. Archbishop Sumbat Lapajian entered eternal rest at Ararat Home in
Mission Hills.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, presided over the
wake service which was held on the evening of Sunday, July 25th, at Holy
Cross Cathedral in Montebello. Participating in the service were Prelate of
the Eastern Prelacy H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, H.E. Archbishop Yeprem
Tabakian, Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, Primate of the Western Diocese H.E.
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, H.E. Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, H.E.
Archbishop Mikayel Achabahian, Very Rev. Fr. Baret Yeretsian, Very Rev. Fr.
Kegham Zakarian, and clergy members.
Following the service, the late Archbishop's English biography was
read by Holy Cross Cathedral Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Hagop Dikranian.
Archbishop Tabakian paid tribute to Archbishop Lapajian, recalling
his life and service to the Armenian Church.
Archbishop Lapajian was laid to rest at Holy Cross Cathedral on the
morning of Monday, July 26th. The Prelate conducted the funeral mass, with
the participation of H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Catholicosate Vicar
of Kuwait and the Gulf H.E. Archbishop Gorun Babian, H.E. Archbishop Yeprem
Tabakian, H.E. Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, Eparch of the Catholic Church
H.E. Bishop Manuel Batakian, Mekhitarist Fathers, head of the Syriac
Orthodox Church H.E. Archbishop Eugene Kaplan, Minister of the Armenian
Evangelical Union of N. America Rev. Joe Matossian, clergy, and deacons.
Among the over four hundred faithful in attendance were Catholicosate
Central Executive member Mr. Khajag Dikijian, Executive and Religious
Councils' members, delegates, Boards of Trustees and Ladies Auxiliary
members, and representatives of the ARF, ARS, and Homenetmen.
The funeral mass began with the reading of the late Archbishop's
Armenian biography by parish pastor Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian.
Prior to the Kiss of Peace, and with the reading of Psalms, the
casket was led to the altar for the Extreme Unction service, during which
the Prelate anointed the forehead and right hand of Archbishop Lapajian.
The casket was then rotated four times to face the four corners of the
world, symbolizing the last greetings of the late Archbishop to the church,
clergy, and faithful.
Archbishop Babian then read the condolence letter of H.H. Catholicos
Aram I, in which he exalted the virtues of Archbishop Lapajian, remembering
him as a kind, compassionate, and humble clergyman.
The Prelate delivered the eulogy, exalting Archbishop Lapajian as a
remarkable man and clergyman who devoted his life, heart, and soul to
working for our Lord.
He remembered him as a humble and faithful servant of God, a simple
and kind man who related to every one and empathized with every one, thus
earning the love, respect, and admiration of the community. He spoke of him
as a dedicated son of the Armenian church and nation, whose life and service
bore witness to his deep love and devotion to our Lord and our church. He
was a devoted pastor and spiritual leader, who was always there, in good
times and in bad, and who was more like a family member to many in his
congregation. He was an effective leader, who as the first Prelate of the
Western Prelacy was instrumental in the establishment of a number of
parishes and schools. He was a talented teacher who influenced the lives of
countless students from Lebanon to the United States, and an exceptional
preacher of the Word of God who dedicated his life to spreading the word of
Christ, teaching it, and instilling it in his parishioners. "We are
privileged to have had a clergyman like Archbishop Lapajian serve within the
Western Prelacy for over four decades, and we are ever thankful for his many
accomplishments and contributions to the advancement of our Prelacy and to
the spiritual nourishment he provided to our community. He led a life of
great service and leaves behind a legacy which will not be forgotten.
Through our many fond memories, his influence will continue", said the
Prelate.
As the choir sang during the Kiss of Peace, clergy members one by
one ascended the altar and approached the casket to pay their final respects
by kissing the late Archbishop's forehead and right hand. Clergy members
then joined together to lower the casket from the altar to allow the
faithful the opportunity to pay their respects as well.
Accompanied by prayer and the singing of hymns, the casket was led
to the courtyard of the church. Given that Archbishop Lapajian spent a
large part of his life serving the Holy Cross parish community, per his
wishes and by the authorization of H.H. Catholicos Aram I, he was interred
in the courtyard of Holy Cross Cathedral.
The service concluded with the singing of the Cilician anthem, after
which the faithful to a memorial luncheon at "Bagramian" Hall, hosted by the
Holy Cross Board of Trustees.
Following the opening prayer, Dr. Hagop Dikranian invited Archbishop
Choloyan to offer his remarks. He reflected on the humility, goodness, and
simplicity of Archbishop Lapajian, as well as his unwavering faith and
devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Prior to a slide show chronicling the life and works of Archbishop
Lapajian, L.A. City Council member Paul Krekorian, Archbishop Vatche
Hovsepian, Mr. John Kossakian (representing the ARF Central Committee),
Central Executive member Mr. Khajag Dikijian, Mr. Levon Kirakosian
(representing the Executive Council), and Mrs. Knar Baghdassarian
(representing Holy Cross Cathedral Ladies Auxiliary) were invited to convey
their sympathies. Letters of condolence from State Senator Carol Liu and
President of Haigazian University Rev. Paul Haidostian were also read.
In memory of the late Archbishop, the "Holy Cross Archbishop Sumbat
Lapajian Memorial Fund" has been established.
May his memory remain ever blessed.
PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER REQUIEM SERVICE
IN MEMORY OF THE LISBON FIVE
Tuesday, July 27th, marked the 27th anniversary of the Lisbon Five.
The ARF has organized a requiem service in memory of the Lisbon Five, which
will be held at St. Mary's Church in Glendale on Sunday, August 1st.
On this occasion, the Prelate will preside over Divine Liturgy at
St. Mary's Church, deliver the sermon, and preside over the requiem service.
By the ordinance of the Prelate, prayers in memory of the Lisbon
Five will be offered in all Prelacy Churches.
At the conclusion of Divine Liturgy, a commemoration will take place
at the "Krikor and Mariam Karamanoukian" Youth Center adjacent to St. Mary's
Church.
DIVINE LITURGY AT THE PRELACY CHAPEL
On Saturday, August 7th, Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at the
Prelacy "St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen" Chapel, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian will celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver
the sermon.
From: A. Papazian
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
ARCHBISHOP SUMBAT LAPAJIAN LAID TO REST
On Saturday, July 17th, 2010, one of the longest serving members of
the Catholicosate Brotherhood and the first Prelate of the Western Prelacy
H.E. Archbishop Sumbat Lapajian entered eternal rest at Ararat Home in
Mission Hills.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, presided over the
wake service which was held on the evening of Sunday, July 25th, at Holy
Cross Cathedral in Montebello. Participating in the service were Prelate of
the Eastern Prelacy H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, H.E. Archbishop Yeprem
Tabakian, Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, Primate of the Western Diocese H.E.
Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, H.E. Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, H.E.
Archbishop Mikayel Achabahian, Very Rev. Fr. Baret Yeretsian, Very Rev. Fr.
Kegham Zakarian, and clergy members.
Following the service, the late Archbishop's English biography was
read by Holy Cross Cathedral Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Hagop Dikranian.
Archbishop Tabakian paid tribute to Archbishop Lapajian, recalling
his life and service to the Armenian Church.
Archbishop Lapajian was laid to rest at Holy Cross Cathedral on the
morning of Monday, July 26th. The Prelate conducted the funeral mass, with
the participation of H.E. Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, Catholicosate Vicar
of Kuwait and the Gulf H.E. Archbishop Gorun Babian, H.E. Archbishop Yeprem
Tabakian, H.E. Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, Eparch of the Catholic Church
H.E. Bishop Manuel Batakian, Mekhitarist Fathers, head of the Syriac
Orthodox Church H.E. Archbishop Eugene Kaplan, Minister of the Armenian
Evangelical Union of N. America Rev. Joe Matossian, clergy, and deacons.
Among the over four hundred faithful in attendance were Catholicosate
Central Executive member Mr. Khajag Dikijian, Executive and Religious
Councils' members, delegates, Boards of Trustees and Ladies Auxiliary
members, and representatives of the ARF, ARS, and Homenetmen.
The funeral mass began with the reading of the late Archbishop's
Armenian biography by parish pastor Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian.
Prior to the Kiss of Peace, and with the reading of Psalms, the
casket was led to the altar for the Extreme Unction service, during which
the Prelate anointed the forehead and right hand of Archbishop Lapajian.
The casket was then rotated four times to face the four corners of the
world, symbolizing the last greetings of the late Archbishop to the church,
clergy, and faithful.
Archbishop Babian then read the condolence letter of H.H. Catholicos
Aram I, in which he exalted the virtues of Archbishop Lapajian, remembering
him as a kind, compassionate, and humble clergyman.
The Prelate delivered the eulogy, exalting Archbishop Lapajian as a
remarkable man and clergyman who devoted his life, heart, and soul to
working for our Lord.
He remembered him as a humble and faithful servant of God, a simple
and kind man who related to every one and empathized with every one, thus
earning the love, respect, and admiration of the community. He spoke of him
as a dedicated son of the Armenian church and nation, whose life and service
bore witness to his deep love and devotion to our Lord and our church. He
was a devoted pastor and spiritual leader, who was always there, in good
times and in bad, and who was more like a family member to many in his
congregation. He was an effective leader, who as the first Prelate of the
Western Prelacy was instrumental in the establishment of a number of
parishes and schools. He was a talented teacher who influenced the lives of
countless students from Lebanon to the United States, and an exceptional
preacher of the Word of God who dedicated his life to spreading the word of
Christ, teaching it, and instilling it in his parishioners. "We are
privileged to have had a clergyman like Archbishop Lapajian serve within the
Western Prelacy for over four decades, and we are ever thankful for his many
accomplishments and contributions to the advancement of our Prelacy and to
the spiritual nourishment he provided to our community. He led a life of
great service and leaves behind a legacy which will not be forgotten.
Through our many fond memories, his influence will continue", said the
Prelate.
As the choir sang during the Kiss of Peace, clergy members one by
one ascended the altar and approached the casket to pay their final respects
by kissing the late Archbishop's forehead and right hand. Clergy members
then joined together to lower the casket from the altar to allow the
faithful the opportunity to pay their respects as well.
Accompanied by prayer and the singing of hymns, the casket was led
to the courtyard of the church. Given that Archbishop Lapajian spent a
large part of his life serving the Holy Cross parish community, per his
wishes and by the authorization of H.H. Catholicos Aram I, he was interred
in the courtyard of Holy Cross Cathedral.
The service concluded with the singing of the Cilician anthem, after
which the faithful to a memorial luncheon at "Bagramian" Hall, hosted by the
Holy Cross Board of Trustees.
Following the opening prayer, Dr. Hagop Dikranian invited Archbishop
Choloyan to offer his remarks. He reflected on the humility, goodness, and
simplicity of Archbishop Lapajian, as well as his unwavering faith and
devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Prior to a slide show chronicling the life and works of Archbishop
Lapajian, L.A. City Council member Paul Krekorian, Archbishop Vatche
Hovsepian, Mr. John Kossakian (representing the ARF Central Committee),
Central Executive member Mr. Khajag Dikijian, Mr. Levon Kirakosian
(representing the Executive Council), and Mrs. Knar Baghdassarian
(representing Holy Cross Cathedral Ladies Auxiliary) were invited to convey
their sympathies. Letters of condolence from State Senator Carol Liu and
President of Haigazian University Rev. Paul Haidostian were also read.
In memory of the late Archbishop, the "Holy Cross Archbishop Sumbat
Lapajian Memorial Fund" has been established.
May his memory remain ever blessed.
PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER REQUIEM SERVICE
IN MEMORY OF THE LISBON FIVE
Tuesday, July 27th, marked the 27th anniversary of the Lisbon Five.
The ARF has organized a requiem service in memory of the Lisbon Five, which
will be held at St. Mary's Church in Glendale on Sunday, August 1st.
On this occasion, the Prelate will preside over Divine Liturgy at
St. Mary's Church, deliver the sermon, and preside over the requiem service.
By the ordinance of the Prelate, prayers in memory of the Lisbon
Five will be offered in all Prelacy Churches.
At the conclusion of Divine Liturgy, a commemoration will take place
at the "Krikor and Mariam Karamanoukian" Youth Center adjacent to St. Mary's
Church.
DIVINE LITURGY AT THE PRELACY CHAPEL
On Saturday, August 7th, Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at the
Prelacy "St. Dertad and St. Ashkhen" Chapel, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian will celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver
the sermon.
From: A. Papazian