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August 2, 2013
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
REV. FR. BOGHOS BALTAYAN APPOINTED PASTOR OF
ST. SARKIS CHURCH OF PASADENA
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, the Religious and
Executive Councils announce the appointment of Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan as
Pastor of St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena.
Fr. Boghos and his family arrived in Los Angeles from Greece on
Tuesday, July 30, 2013. He will begin his service on August 1st, 2013, and
will celebrate his first Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church on Sunday,
August 4. The Prelate will preside over the service.
Fr. Boghos, baptismal name Vatche, was born in 1968 in Beirut,
Lebanon, where he received his primary education. From 1982 to 1995 he
served as a Sunday School teacher and director at various churches in
Lebanon. For 10 years he also served at the "Zvartnots" Center for mentally
impaired children.
From 1994 to 1997 Fr. Boghos attended the Seminary of the
Catholicosate of Cilicia where he graduated from the priesthood program. He
married Nazik Yessoian and they were blessed with two boys, Hagop and
Vartan, who are active members of the Armenian Church.
On February 4, 1997, he was ordained a priest by Archbishop Vartan
Demirjian at St. Hagop Church in Lebanon and renamed Boghos. For the
following six months he served at Forty Martyrs Church in Bourj Hammoud.
In August of 1997, with the blessing of H.H. Catholicos Aram I and
the invitation of then Prelate Archbishop Sahag Ayvazian of blessed memory,
he was assigned to the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace region of northern
Greece, where he served Armenian communities of six cities in the region for
over fifteen years, until his arrival in Los Angeles.
In Greece, Fr. Boghos and Yeretsgin committed themselves to
providing Armenian education to children in various cities of northern
Greece. They taught Armenian language, history, and religion, led Bible
studies, and also the youth groups.
We welcome Fr. Boghos and his family to our Prelacy and wish him
success in his new mission at St. Sarkis Church.
VERY REV. FR. MURON AZNIKIAN APPOINTED DEAN OF
HOLY CROSS CATHEDRAL IN MONTEBELLO
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossiann, Prelate, and the Religious
and Executive Councils announce the appointment of Very Rev. Fr. Muron
Aznikian as Dean of Holy Cross Cathedral in Montebello, where he will serve
alongside Parish Pastor Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian.
Fr. Muron will begin his new mission on August 1st, 2013. His
schedule permitting, Fr. Muron will concurrently continue his service at the
North Hollywood Parish, where he has been the pastor for the last four
years.
We wish Fr. Muron success in his new mission.
PRELACY HOSTS FAREWELL RECEPTION FOR
CONSUL GENERAL GRIGOR HOVHANNISSIAN
On the evening of Wednesday, July 31, 2013, the Western Prelacy
family and community gathered at the "Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian"
Hall to bid farewell to Consul General Grigor Hovhannissian who will soon
embark on his new mission as the first Ambassador of Armenia to Mexico.
The reception was held under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and was organized by the Prelacy Ladies
Auxiliary. Among the guests in attendance were clergy, Central Executive
member Mr. Khajag Dikijian, ARF Central Committee Chair Dr. Viken Hovsepian
and member Dr. Viken Yacoubian, representatives from the Board of Regents,
Homenetmen and ARS Central and Regional Executives Hamazkayin Regional
Executive, ANC, Armenia Fund, United Armenia Fund, Armenian Bar Association,
Armenian American Medical Society, Armenian Society of Los Angeles, Friends
of New Julfa, benefactors who have assisted Armenia, Prelacy Committees, and
Consular staff.
The evening began with welcoming remarks delivered by Ladies
Auxiliary member Mrs. Alisa Konanyan, who thanked the guests for joining the
Prelacy in honoring the Consul General, then invited the Prelate for the
invocation.
During dinner, Mr. Khajag Dikijian invited the guests to raise a
glass in honor of the Consul General and his wife Victoria, wishing them
good health and success. Executive Council member and Master of Ceremonies
Dr. Dikran Babikian in his greeting acknowledged the sister and community
organizations represented and thanked them all for their attendance to
express commendation for the Consul General's service over the past four
years.
Following dinner, the Master of Ceremonies addressed the guests once
again, noting that the evening has a threefold purpose; to thank the Consul
General, congratulate him on his promotion to Ambassador, and wish him and
his family farewell. Dr. Babikian reflected on the Consul's achievements
during his term, among them the realization of the House of Armenia, and
progress made in economic, commerce, cultural, and other realms. He noted
that the Consul General and his wife will face new challenges in Mexico,
such as raising their young daughters in a non-Armenian environment. He
then invited Executive Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian to deliver her
remarks.
Mrs. Boghossian commended the Consul General on his service and
accomplishments, noting that he earned the love and respect of the community
with his strong leadership and dedication, and wished him success in his new
mission.
In his address, ARF Central Committee Chair Dr. Viken Hovsepian
first thanked the Prelate and Ladies Auxiliary for hosting and organizing
the reception. He noted that the Consul General served a diverse community,
which in itself is a challenge for any public servant, but he took on that
challenge and successfully carried out the mission entrusted to him. Dr.
Hovsepian stated that a diplomat's top priority is securing the best
interest of the government he represents; however, at time the interests of
the nation as a whole are more important than the interests of the
government, and in this too the Consul General was successful. He spoke
highly of the close relationship and bond established between the Consul
General and our community, stating that he leaves as a dear friend, and the
impression he left will last even after his departure. Finally, Dr.
Hovsepian exalted the Consul General's deep love for our nation and people,
which was evident in his service, and wished that our nation's leaders carry
out their mission with this same approach.
The Master of Ceremonies then invited the Prelate for his message.
The Prelate thanked the guests for joining in bidding farewell to
the Consul General and his wife. He echoed the sentiments and commendations
expressed throughout the evening towards the Consul General, stating that
there are surely others who would have liked to express their feelings as
well, however Dr. Hovsepian's remarks on behalf of the sister organizations
certainly encompassed the thoughts of all. Throughout his tenure as
Prelate, Mr. Hovhannissian was the sixth Consul General, with whom he
established a strong professional and personal relationship as a diplomat
and a dear friend. He thanked the Ladies Auxiliary for their efforts and
Mr. Haig Bagerjian, a close friend of his as well as the Consul General, for
hosting the evening. On behalf of the Prelacy family and friends, the
Prelate wished the Consul General and his wife the best of luck and great
successes in their future endeavors, especially given that they are leaving
behind a place like Los Angeles with its dense population of Armenians.
The Consul General conveyed his thanks for the moving remarks and
well wishes expressed by all, and his gratitude to the Prelate and
supporters. Considered the capital of the Diaspora, he stated that his
service within this community had special meaning, and here he served not
only as a government representative, but as a member of the community, and
he was proud of the great support and collaboration he received. He stated
that his diplomatic mission has afforded him the opportunity to become
better acquainted with the Diaspora, and if he arrived here as a Consul, he
returns to Armenia as an Ambassador, the Ambassador of the Diaspora.
The Consul General took the opportunity to stress two important
points. He noted that we live in a fast-paced and ever-changing world,
giving the example that at the time that he began his service, Turkey was
presenting itself as a peace-loving nation with no issues with its
neighbors. Today though, its role in Syria tells a different story.
Therefore, stated the Consul General, we must keep pace with new
developments and changes in the world, especially in regions surrounding
Armenia, given that we stand before important milestones and challenges such
as the Genocide centennial and the continued safeguarding of Artsakh.
Armenia and Diaspora must adopt contemporary measures and maintain open
dialogue to collectively overcome new challenges. Second, he stated that
taking into consideration current world events and developments, some may
say the vision for a united and independent Armenia is fading. However,
this course is unacceptable for the Armenian people. The Armenian people
will recoup its losses. It is crucial that the bond with Armenia remain
strong and that we staunchly defend our nation and our ties with our
homeland, otherwise we risk losing everything. The Consul General concluded
by confidently stating that periods of gloom and dismay will give way to a
bright dawn.
In commendation for his meritorious service and leadership, the
Prelate presented the Consul General with a plaque of appreciation on behalf
of the Prelacy Councils, and a book on rescued treasures from Cilicia to the
couple. The Ladies Auxiliary presented his wife Victoria with a bouquet.
The reception also included musical selections performed by singer
Anahit Nersesyan, accompanied on the piano by Professor Levon Aprahamian.
The evening concluded with the benediction and the Armenian national
anthem.
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
REV. FR. BOGHOS BALTAYAN APPOINTED PASTOR OF
ST. SARKIS CHURCH OF PASADENA
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, the Religious and
Executive Councils announce the appointment of Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan as
Pastor of St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena.
Fr. Boghos and his family arrived in Los Angeles from Greece on
Tuesday, July 30, 2013. He will begin his service on August 1st, 2013, and
will celebrate his first Divine Liturgy at St. Sarkis Church on Sunday,
August 4. The Prelate will preside over the service.
Fr. Boghos, baptismal name Vatche, was born in 1968 in Beirut,
Lebanon, where he received his primary education. From 1982 to 1995 he
served as a Sunday School teacher and director at various churches in
Lebanon. For 10 years he also served at the "Zvartnots" Center for mentally
impaired children.
From 1994 to 1997 Fr. Boghos attended the Seminary of the
Catholicosate of Cilicia where he graduated from the priesthood program. He
married Nazik Yessoian and they were blessed with two boys, Hagop and
Vartan, who are active members of the Armenian Church.
On February 4, 1997, he was ordained a priest by Archbishop Vartan
Demirjian at St. Hagop Church in Lebanon and renamed Boghos. For the
following six months he served at Forty Martyrs Church in Bourj Hammoud.
In August of 1997, with the blessing of H.H. Catholicos Aram I and
the invitation of then Prelate Archbishop Sahag Ayvazian of blessed memory,
he was assigned to the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace region of northern
Greece, where he served Armenian communities of six cities in the region for
over fifteen years, until his arrival in Los Angeles.
In Greece, Fr. Boghos and Yeretsgin committed themselves to
providing Armenian education to children in various cities of northern
Greece. They taught Armenian language, history, and religion, led Bible
studies, and also the youth groups.
We welcome Fr. Boghos and his family to our Prelacy and wish him
success in his new mission at St. Sarkis Church.
VERY REV. FR. MURON AZNIKIAN APPOINTED DEAN OF
HOLY CROSS CATHEDRAL IN MONTEBELLO
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossiann, Prelate, and the Religious
and Executive Councils announce the appointment of Very Rev. Fr. Muron
Aznikian as Dean of Holy Cross Cathedral in Montebello, where he will serve
alongside Parish Pastor Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian.
Fr. Muron will begin his new mission on August 1st, 2013. His
schedule permitting, Fr. Muron will concurrently continue his service at the
North Hollywood Parish, where he has been the pastor for the last four
years.
We wish Fr. Muron success in his new mission.
PRELACY HOSTS FAREWELL RECEPTION FOR
CONSUL GENERAL GRIGOR HOVHANNISSIAN
On the evening of Wednesday, July 31, 2013, the Western Prelacy
family and community gathered at the "Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian"
Hall to bid farewell to Consul General Grigor Hovhannissian who will soon
embark on his new mission as the first Ambassador of Armenia to Mexico.
The reception was held under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop
Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and was organized by the Prelacy Ladies
Auxiliary. Among the guests in attendance were clergy, Central Executive
member Mr. Khajag Dikijian, ARF Central Committee Chair Dr. Viken Hovsepian
and member Dr. Viken Yacoubian, representatives from the Board of Regents,
Homenetmen and ARS Central and Regional Executives Hamazkayin Regional
Executive, ANC, Armenia Fund, United Armenia Fund, Armenian Bar Association,
Armenian American Medical Society, Armenian Society of Los Angeles, Friends
of New Julfa, benefactors who have assisted Armenia, Prelacy Committees, and
Consular staff.
The evening began with welcoming remarks delivered by Ladies
Auxiliary member Mrs. Alisa Konanyan, who thanked the guests for joining the
Prelacy in honoring the Consul General, then invited the Prelate for the
invocation.
During dinner, Mr. Khajag Dikijian invited the guests to raise a
glass in honor of the Consul General and his wife Victoria, wishing them
good health and success. Executive Council member and Master of Ceremonies
Dr. Dikran Babikian in his greeting acknowledged the sister and community
organizations represented and thanked them all for their attendance to
express commendation for the Consul General's service over the past four
years.
Following dinner, the Master of Ceremonies addressed the guests once
again, noting that the evening has a threefold purpose; to thank the Consul
General, congratulate him on his promotion to Ambassador, and wish him and
his family farewell. Dr. Babikian reflected on the Consul's achievements
during his term, among them the realization of the House of Armenia, and
progress made in economic, commerce, cultural, and other realms. He noted
that the Consul General and his wife will face new challenges in Mexico,
such as raising their young daughters in a non-Armenian environment. He
then invited Executive Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian to deliver her
remarks.
Mrs. Boghossian commended the Consul General on his service and
accomplishments, noting that he earned the love and respect of the community
with his strong leadership and dedication, and wished him success in his new
mission.
In his address, ARF Central Committee Chair Dr. Viken Hovsepian
first thanked the Prelate and Ladies Auxiliary for hosting and organizing
the reception. He noted that the Consul General served a diverse community,
which in itself is a challenge for any public servant, but he took on that
challenge and successfully carried out the mission entrusted to him. Dr.
Hovsepian stated that a diplomat's top priority is securing the best
interest of the government he represents; however, at time the interests of
the nation as a whole are more important than the interests of the
government, and in this too the Consul General was successful. He spoke
highly of the close relationship and bond established between the Consul
General and our community, stating that he leaves as a dear friend, and the
impression he left will last even after his departure. Finally, Dr.
Hovsepian exalted the Consul General's deep love for our nation and people,
which was evident in his service, and wished that our nation's leaders carry
out their mission with this same approach.
The Master of Ceremonies then invited the Prelate for his message.
The Prelate thanked the guests for joining in bidding farewell to
the Consul General and his wife. He echoed the sentiments and commendations
expressed throughout the evening towards the Consul General, stating that
there are surely others who would have liked to express their feelings as
well, however Dr. Hovsepian's remarks on behalf of the sister organizations
certainly encompassed the thoughts of all. Throughout his tenure as
Prelate, Mr. Hovhannissian was the sixth Consul General, with whom he
established a strong professional and personal relationship as a diplomat
and a dear friend. He thanked the Ladies Auxiliary for their efforts and
Mr. Haig Bagerjian, a close friend of his as well as the Consul General, for
hosting the evening. On behalf of the Prelacy family and friends, the
Prelate wished the Consul General and his wife the best of luck and great
successes in their future endeavors, especially given that they are leaving
behind a place like Los Angeles with its dense population of Armenians.
The Consul General conveyed his thanks for the moving remarks and
well wishes expressed by all, and his gratitude to the Prelate and
supporters. Considered the capital of the Diaspora, he stated that his
service within this community had special meaning, and here he served not
only as a government representative, but as a member of the community, and
he was proud of the great support and collaboration he received. He stated
that his diplomatic mission has afforded him the opportunity to become
better acquainted with the Diaspora, and if he arrived here as a Consul, he
returns to Armenia as an Ambassador, the Ambassador of the Diaspora.
The Consul General took the opportunity to stress two important
points. He noted that we live in a fast-paced and ever-changing world,
giving the example that at the time that he began his service, Turkey was
presenting itself as a peace-loving nation with no issues with its
neighbors. Today though, its role in Syria tells a different story.
Therefore, stated the Consul General, we must keep pace with new
developments and changes in the world, especially in regions surrounding
Armenia, given that we stand before important milestones and challenges such
as the Genocide centennial and the continued safeguarding of Artsakh.
Armenia and Diaspora must adopt contemporary measures and maintain open
dialogue to collectively overcome new challenges. Second, he stated that
taking into consideration current world events and developments, some may
say the vision for a united and independent Armenia is fading. However,
this course is unacceptable for the Armenian people. The Armenian people
will recoup its losses. It is crucial that the bond with Armenia remain
strong and that we staunchly defend our nation and our ties with our
homeland, otherwise we risk losing everything. The Consul General concluded
by confidently stating that periods of gloom and dismay will give way to a
bright dawn.
In commendation for his meritorious service and leadership, the
Prelate presented the Consul General with a plaque of appreciation on behalf
of the Prelacy Councils, and a book on rescued treasures from Cilicia to the
couple. The Ladies Auxiliary presented his wife Victoria with a bouquet.
The reception also included musical selections performed by singer
Anahit Nersesyan, accompanied on the piano by Professor Levon Aprahamian.
The evening concluded with the benediction and the Armenian national
anthem.