November 23, 2011
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 BE BESTOWED "KHRIMIAN HAYRIG" AWARD AT ANCA-WR ANNUAL BANQUET
On the evening of Saturday, November 26th, the annual ANCA-WR
banquet will be held at the Sheraton Universal Hotel.
Each year, the ANCA-WR honors individuals who have demonstrated
commitment and dedication to furthering the Armenian Cause.
The Prelate is among this year's honorees, and will be bestowed with
the first ever "Khrimian Hayrig" award for his decades of spiritual
leadership and efforts as an advocate of truth, justice, and human rights.
The Prelate will be in attendance to receive the award and will
convey his blessings.
PRESIDENT AND PRIMATE OF ARTSAKH VISIT THE PRELACY
On Tuesday, November 22, 2011, President of the Nagorno-Karabakh
Republic His Excellency Bako Sahakyan and Prelate of Artsakh H.E. Archbishop
Barkev Martirosyan paid an official visit to the Prelacy where they were
welcomed by Prelate H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Councils, and
Prelacy and community representatives.
NKR President's Press Officer Davit Babayan, NKR representative in
Washington Robert Avetisyan, Consul General of Armenia Grigor Hovannissian,
and Consul Mesrob Shaboyan, accompanied the honored guests, who are in Los
Angeles for the annual Armenia Fund Telethon.
Joining the Prelate were H.E. Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian, Very Rev.
Fr. Muron Aznikian, Central Executive member Mr. Vahe Yacoubian, Executive
Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian and Council members, Armenia Fund Chair
Mr. Ara Aghishian, Vice-Chair Mr. Koko Balian, ARS Central Executive Chair
Mrs. Vicky Marashlian, ARS Regional Executive Chair Ms. Nyree Derderian,
Board of Regents members Mrs. Maggie Sarkuni, and members of Prelacy
committees.
Upon their arrival the guests were escorted to the second floor
lobby for a reception, after which they were hosted to a lunch reception at
the "Sulahian" Reception room. The lunch was prepared and hosted by the
Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by the Prelate, Mr. Yacoubian, Mrs.
Boghossian, Ladies Auxiliary Chair Mrs. Salpi Srourian, Mr. Aghishian, Fr.
Muron, and Mrs. Marashlian, all of whom spoke on the true meaning of the
Thanksgiving holiday and the importance of the Armenia Fund Telethon which
this year will benefit the development of modern drinking and irrigation
water systems in Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Mr. Yacoubian also
highlighted the collaboration between the Catholicosate of Cilicia and
Artsakh, noting that the Catholicosate with its Dioceses has undertaken the
developement of the "Nor Giligia" village. Mrs. Boghossian addressed her
remarks to the heroic people of Artsakh who, in spite of innumerable
difficulties, remain in their homeland and remain committed to its progress.
The Prelate conveyed the greetings of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I
and the sentiments of His Holiness to expand the collaborative efforts of
the Catholicosate and our homelands, noting that during his trip to Lebanon,
President Sahakyan was welcomed and hosted by His Holiness. The Prelate
then presented the honored guests with mementos from the recent Pontifical
visit of His Holiness. In conclusion, the Prelate emphasized that the
Armenian people will unwaveringly support Artsakh, no matter the economic
difficulties we and the world may face.
President Sahakyan was then invited to deliver his message.
The President began by saying that he visits the Prelacy each year
and here he feels a spirit of unity with Artsakh. President Sahakyan
reflected on the advancements the country has experienced which he said is
owing to the united support of Armenians worldwide. His Excellency
highlighted the invaluable role of the Church and its mission to guide our
people towards the righteous path, and noted that our struggle is a
righteous one that arises from good. The President also commended the
contributions of the ARS to the progress of the country and expressed
appreciation for the collaboration and bond with the Catholicosate of
Cilicia, noting that His Holiness Aram I has been invited to participate in
the 20th anniversary of the liberation of Shushi which will be held next
year. In conclusion, President Sahakyan stated that our victories are only
temporary until the Artsakh situation is resolved justly, and expressed hope
for a favorable final resolution to the conflict.
IN MEMORIAM
REV. FR. ZAVEN POLADIAN
With deep sorrow H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
Clergy members, and the Religious and Executive Councils announce the
passing of Rev. Fr. Zaven Poladian which occurred on Friday, November 18,
2011.
Fr. Zaven was born in Kessab in 1930. He was ordained a priest in
1964 and served in Kessab from 1965 to 1972, then briefly in the Azerbaijan
Diocese. By the ordinance of Catholicos Khoren I of blessed memory, from
1973 to 1984 Fr. Zaven served in Iraq, and from 1984 to 1986 in St. Louis.
In 1986 Fr. Zaven settled in Los Angeles, and although retired, he was
always ready to serve when the need arose.
The Prelate and Councils extend their condolences to Fr. Zaven's
children Joseph, Hasmig, and Sossy and their families, praying for the Holy
Spirit to grant them comfort and strength.
Extreme Unction took place during funeral mass conducted by the
Prelate on Wednesday, November 23rd at St. Mary's Church in Glendale.
May his memory remain ever blessed.
ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES ANNUAL
SUNDAY SCHOOL BIBLE COMPETITION
On Saturday, November 19th, 2011, the 7th annual Oriental Orthodox
Churches Sunday School gathering and Bible competition was held at St.
Ephraim Syriac Orthodox Cathedral in Burbank, under the auspices of the
Council of Oriental Orthodox Bishops and hosted by the Syriac Church.
The day began with Divine Liturgy, celebrated jointly by H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, H.E. Archbishop Mor Clemis Eugene
Kaplan, and H.G. Bishop Serapion.
The Prelate was accompanied by Very Rev. Father Muron Aznikian,
Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian, Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian and Rev. Fr.
Gomidas Torossian.
Nearly 170 Sunday School students participated in the event, the
theme of which was "Jesus and the Children".
During the Divine Liturgy, the students participated in the singing
in their respective languages, and received Holy Communion.
At the conclusion of the service, the Prelates welcomed the students
and conveyed their message on this occasion.
The Bible competition then began with the students assigned to
groups according to age. The winning teams received trophies, and all
students received gifts for their participation.
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 BE BESTOWED "KHRIMIAN HAYRIG" AWARD AT ANCA-WR ANNUAL BANQUET
On the evening of Saturday, November 26th, the annual ANCA-WR
banquet will be held at the Sheraton Universal Hotel.
Each year, the ANCA-WR honors individuals who have demonstrated
commitment and dedication to furthering the Armenian Cause.
The Prelate is among this year's honorees, and will be bestowed with
the first ever "Khrimian Hayrig" award for his decades of spiritual
leadership and efforts as an advocate of truth, justice, and human rights.
The Prelate will be in attendance to receive the award and will
convey his blessings.
PRESIDENT AND PRIMATE OF ARTSAKH VISIT THE PRELACY
On Tuesday, November 22, 2011, President of the Nagorno-Karabakh
Republic His Excellency Bako Sahakyan and Prelate of Artsakh H.E. Archbishop
Barkev Martirosyan paid an official visit to the Prelacy where they were
welcomed by Prelate H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Councils, and
Prelacy and community representatives.
NKR President's Press Officer Davit Babayan, NKR representative in
Washington Robert Avetisyan, Consul General of Armenia Grigor Hovannissian,
and Consul Mesrob Shaboyan, accompanied the honored guests, who are in Los
Angeles for the annual Armenia Fund Telethon.
Joining the Prelate were H.E. Archbishop Yeprem Tabakian, Very Rev.
Fr. Muron Aznikian, Central Executive member Mr. Vahe Yacoubian, Executive
Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian and Council members, Armenia Fund Chair
Mr. Ara Aghishian, Vice-Chair Mr. Koko Balian, ARS Central Executive Chair
Mrs. Vicky Marashlian, ARS Regional Executive Chair Ms. Nyree Derderian,
Board of Regents members Mrs. Maggie Sarkuni, and members of Prelacy
committees.
Upon their arrival the guests were escorted to the second floor
lobby for a reception, after which they were hosted to a lunch reception at
the "Sulahian" Reception room. The lunch was prepared and hosted by the
Prelacy Ladies Auxiliary.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by the Prelate, Mr. Yacoubian, Mrs.
Boghossian, Ladies Auxiliary Chair Mrs. Salpi Srourian, Mr. Aghishian, Fr.
Muron, and Mrs. Marashlian, all of whom spoke on the true meaning of the
Thanksgiving holiday and the importance of the Armenia Fund Telethon which
this year will benefit the development of modern drinking and irrigation
water systems in Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Mr. Yacoubian also
highlighted the collaboration between the Catholicosate of Cilicia and
Artsakh, noting that the Catholicosate with its Dioceses has undertaken the
developement of the "Nor Giligia" village. Mrs. Boghossian addressed her
remarks to the heroic people of Artsakh who, in spite of innumerable
difficulties, remain in their homeland and remain committed to its progress.
The Prelate conveyed the greetings of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I
and the sentiments of His Holiness to expand the collaborative efforts of
the Catholicosate and our homelands, noting that during his trip to Lebanon,
President Sahakyan was welcomed and hosted by His Holiness. The Prelate
then presented the honored guests with mementos from the recent Pontifical
visit of His Holiness. In conclusion, the Prelate emphasized that the
Armenian people will unwaveringly support Artsakh, no matter the economic
difficulties we and the world may face.
President Sahakyan was then invited to deliver his message.
The President began by saying that he visits the Prelacy each year
and here he feels a spirit of unity with Artsakh. President Sahakyan
reflected on the advancements the country has experienced which he said is
owing to the united support of Armenians worldwide. His Excellency
highlighted the invaluable role of the Church and its mission to guide our
people towards the righteous path, and noted that our struggle is a
righteous one that arises from good. The President also commended the
contributions of the ARS to the progress of the country and expressed
appreciation for the collaboration and bond with the Catholicosate of
Cilicia, noting that His Holiness Aram I has been invited to participate in
the 20th anniversary of the liberation of Shushi which will be held next
year. In conclusion, President Sahakyan stated that our victories are only
temporary until the Artsakh situation is resolved justly, and expressed hope
for a favorable final resolution to the conflict.
IN MEMORIAM
REV. FR. ZAVEN POLADIAN
With deep sorrow H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
Clergy members, and the Religious and Executive Councils announce the
passing of Rev. Fr. Zaven Poladian which occurred on Friday, November 18,
2011.
Fr. Zaven was born in Kessab in 1930. He was ordained a priest in
1964 and served in Kessab from 1965 to 1972, then briefly in the Azerbaijan
Diocese. By the ordinance of Catholicos Khoren I of blessed memory, from
1973 to 1984 Fr. Zaven served in Iraq, and from 1984 to 1986 in St. Louis.
In 1986 Fr. Zaven settled in Los Angeles, and although retired, he was
always ready to serve when the need arose.
The Prelate and Councils extend their condolences to Fr. Zaven's
children Joseph, Hasmig, and Sossy and their families, praying for the Holy
Spirit to grant them comfort and strength.
Extreme Unction took place during funeral mass conducted by the
Prelate on Wednesday, November 23rd at St. Mary's Church in Glendale.
May his memory remain ever blessed.
ORIENTAL ORTHODOX CHURCHES ANNUAL
SUNDAY SCHOOL BIBLE COMPETITION
On Saturday, November 19th, 2011, the 7th annual Oriental Orthodox
Churches Sunday School gathering and Bible competition was held at St.
Ephraim Syriac Orthodox Cathedral in Burbank, under the auspices of the
Council of Oriental Orthodox Bishops and hosted by the Syriac Church.
The day began with Divine Liturgy, celebrated jointly by H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, H.E. Archbishop Mor Clemis Eugene
Kaplan, and H.G. Bishop Serapion.
The Prelate was accompanied by Very Rev. Father Muron Aznikian,
Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian, Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian and Rev. Fr.
Gomidas Torossian.
Nearly 170 Sunday School students participated in the event, the
theme of which was "Jesus and the Children".
During the Divine Liturgy, the students participated in the singing
in their respective languages, and received Holy Communion.
At the conclusion of the service, the Prelates welcomed the students
and conveyed their message on this occasion.
The Bible competition then began with the students assigned to
groups according to age. The winning teams received trophies, and all
students received gifts for their participation.