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August 16, 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
EPISCOPAL DIVINE LITURGY AND BLESSING OF GRAPES AT
ST. MARY'S CHURCH ON THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION
On Sunday, August 18, 2013, the Armenian Church will celebrate the
Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, one of five great feasts
of our Church.
The Feast of the Assumption will be ceremoniously celebrated in all
Prelacy Churches with Divine Liturgy and the traditional blessing of the
grapes.
This feast is also the name day of St. Mary's Church of Glendale.
Thus, on this occasion, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will
celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Mary's Church.
Following Divine Liturgy, the Prelate will conduct the blessing of madagh
and grapes.
On Saturday, August 17, eve of the Feast service will take place at
St. Mary's Church and the church will remain open late into the night so
faithful can light candles and offer their prayers.
PRELACY SCHOOLS COMMENCE THE
2013-2014 ACADEMIC YEAR
On Monday, August 19, Prelacy Schools will resume the 2013-2014
academic year. Each year, the new school year commences with prayers
offered by local parish pastors, who also convey the Prelate's back to
school message.
For Chamlian first grade students, the new school year began on
Wednesday, August 14. On this occasion, the Prelate visited the school to
convey his blessings to the Chamlian family for a successful academic year.
Rev. Fr. Vazken Atmajian accompanied His Eminence.
After seeing their children off, parents gathered in the school
cafeteria for a reception to kick off the new year. Remarks and well wishes
were delivered by the Prelate and Principal Mr. Vazken Madenlian.
On Monday, August 19, the Prelate will preside over the opening
ceremony at Ferrahian High School, Holy Martyrs Marie Cabayan Elementary
School, and ARS Ashkhen Pilavjian Pre-School.
Visits to other Prelacy Schools will follow in the coming days.
DIVINE LITURGY AND BLESSING OF GRAPES AT ARARAT HOME ON THE FEAST OF THE
ASSUMPTION OF THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD
In keeping with long-standing tradition, on Thursday, August 15,
2013, the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God was celebrated
at Ararat Home with Divine Liturgy and the Blessing of Grapes.
The day began with the blessing of the grapes at the nursing
facility, led by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and with
the participation of clergy members.
Divine Liturgy followed at the Sheen Chapel, celebrated by Forty
Martyrs Church Pastor Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian, who also delivered the
sermon. In his sermon, Fr. Karekin stressed how important it is for the
Holy Mother of God to be an enduring presence in the hearts of our families
and to remain the ideal role model for Armenian mothers to emulate.
Following the blessing of grapes, the Prelate conveyed his blessings
to the administration, staff, and residents of Ararat Home. Exalting the
virtue of the Virgin Mary as an exemplary mother, His Eminence stated that
as children, we bow in reverence for the love and sacrifice of all mothers,
and prayed for the intercession of the Holy Mother of God to be with us all.
At the conclusion of the service the Prelate and clergy were hosted
to a luncheon by the administration.
BLESSING OF GRAPES AT GLENDALE ADVENTIST HOSPITAL ON THE FEAST OF THE
ASSUMPTION OF THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD
On Wednesday, August 14, 2013, a prayer service and the blessing of
grapes was conducted at Glendale Adventist Hospital on the occasion of the
Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, conducted the
services, assisted by Pastors and deacons of St. Mary's Church in Glendale.
This is the 21st year that this service is being held.
Dr. Arby Nahapetian, Vice-President of Medical Affairs and Quality
delivered the welcoming remarks, followed by the invocation by Chaplain
Elias Molina.
In his address to the administration and staff of Glendale
Adventist, the Prelate thanked them for their enduring collaboration with
the Armenian community, specifically St. Mary's Church, and for continuing
this beautiful tradition of the blessing of grapes. His Eminence also
expounded on the meaning behind the blessing of grapes, stating that by
blessing and offering the "queen of the fruits", the grapes from which the
sacramental wine is made, we call the greatness of God's providence and
love, and offer thanks and gratitude for His abundant harvest of blessings.
In conclusion, the Prelate commended and conveyed his appreciation to the
Glendale Adventist family for the loving care and compassion they provide,
and prayed for God to hasten the healing of the infirm and grant them all
long, healthy, and joyful years to come.
Concluding remarks were delivered by Dr. Bruce Nelson, Director of
Community Relations.
Following the service, the Prelate and Pastors visited patient rooms
and blessed the patients, offering prayers for healing and good health.
ST. SARKIS CHURCH OF PASADENA HOSTS FAREWELL AND WELCOMING RECEPTION IN
HONOR OF FR. KHOREN AND FR. BOGHOS
On Tuesday, August 13, 2013, a special reception was organized by
St. Sarkis Church Board of Trustees and Ladies Guild to bid farewell to
Parish Pastor Rev. Fr. Khoren Babochian and officially welcome new Parish
Pastor Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan. The event was presided over by H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, at the Pasadena Armenian Center.
In attendance were Executive Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian and
members, parish delegates, Board of Trustees, Ladies Guild, deacons, choir
members, altar servers, St. Sarkis Church benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis
and Suzan Kitsinian, sponsors, ARF Lernavayr Gomideh representative Mr.
Shahe Jierian, and members of sister organizations.
The evening began with the blessing of tables by the Prelate.
Board of Trustees Chair Mr. Hagop Avedikian welcomed the guests.
Board of Trustees Secretary and the evening's Master of Ceremonies Mr. Koko
Panossian then one by one invited Mrs. Rima Boghossian, Mr. Sarkis
Kitsinian, and Mr. Shahe Jierian to deliver their remarks and well wishes.
Throughout the evening well wishes were conveyed by members of sister
organizations.
In his address, the Prelate first commended Rev. Fr. Khoren
Babochian for his dedicated service within the Prelacy and presented him
with Yergir 2 Yergir: A Journey to Historic Armenia, a photo-book by Hrair
"Hawk" Khatcherian on the ruins of historic Armenia. Rev. Fr. Khoren
reflected with thankfulness on his service to St. Sarkis Church over the
last nine years.
The Prelate then officially welcomed Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan, his
wife Nazik, and their children Hagop and Vartan. He presented an overview
of their service as a family to the Armenian Apostolic Church, and urged
them to continue their service to our Lord, our Church, and our nation with
utmost faith and devotion. On this occasion, the Prelate presented Fr.
Boghos with a hand-cross, wishing him a successful ministry within the
Prelacy.
Fr. Boghos expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve within
the Western Prelacy, and conveyed his readiness to humbly and devotedly
serve the St. Sarkis Church and parish community.
The reception came to a close with the Prelate's benediction and the
Cilician anthem, after which guests had the opportunity to become better
acquainted with Fr. Boghos and his family.
OVER TWO THOUSAND PEOPLE CELEBRATED THE GRAPE BLESSING AND FESTIVAL
CENTENNIAL IN FRESNO
On Sunday, August 11, 2013, the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic
Church and the Fresno Armenian Community celebrated the Centennial
Anniversary of the Grape Blessing Ceremony and Festival in Fresno County,
preserving centuries of tradition that has been carried out by the Armenian
people since ancient times. On this 100th anniversary festival, H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, celebrated Divine Liturgy,
followed by the Blessing of the Grapes. The event was held at the beautiful
grounds of the California Armenian Home. Over 2,000 people from the Central
Valley and the Los Angeles area as well attended.
The Prelate delivered a spiritually uplifting sermon to the Fresno
Armenian Community saying, "The importance of tradition cannot be
overstated. Traditions such as this distinguish us as a people; they bridge
us to our rich and ancient heritage they impart a sense of belonging. Along
with our language, our age-old customs are our identifying marks. It is not
an easy feat for this community to continue this tradition for the past one
hundred years. The fact that we are celebrating the centennial of the grape
blessing and festival speaks volumes about this community's love and
reverence for our religious and national heritage and your commitment to
carrying on the unique traditions that contribute to who we are."
His Eminence emphasized that "The reason we are here today
celebrating this centennial is because the first settlers, recognizing the
great value of such customs, passed on the tradition to their children, who
in turn passed it down to their children, and so on." The Prelate took this
opportunity to thank the American people for providing a safe haven to those
earliest Armenians who fled persecution and Genocide in our ancestral
homeland and found refuge in this great land we are proud to call home. "We
pray for God to bless the United States of America, this nation of liberty,
equality, and opportunity; to bless this land, the laborers, and the harvest
we offer today in thanksgiving", stated the Prelate.
The day progressed with festivities where families and friends
enjoyed traditional Armenian music provided by Richard Hagopian and his
band, played their favorite pastime games. This annual event has become an
opportunity for friends and relatives to visit each other and enjoy a great
fellowship in a beautiful setting.
The Holy Trinity Church Men's Society arranged the BBQ, and the
Ladies' Guild members prepared a variety of freshly cooked Armenian foods
and pastries. The Church, also offered visitors an abundance of newly
harvested fruits and vegetables at its Farmer's Market that were packaged
and supplied by devoted church members.
"Our goal is to keep the Armenian Apostolic Church tradition alive",
said Richard Bedoian, Chairman of Holy Trinity Church Men's Society. "We
thank everyone, including our growers who helped us put this event
together."
In the Armenian culture, the grape is considered to be the "Queen of
all fruits." In ancient Armenia, mid-August was the beginning of the harvest
and a time of rebirth and regeneration, where a solemn ceremony took place
in the vineyards. The priest would ask God to bless the vines on which the
grapes ripened and beseech God to save the vineyards from evil in the form
of natural disasters, such as hail, frost, drought, high winds, and harmful
insects. Now in the United States, through the ceremony the Armenian priest
extends this blessing beyond the grapes to all the fruits and vegetables
that the farmers in the San Joaquin Valley produce and supply to the world.
"We are thrilled to witness that our faith and culture are bringing
together the 4th and 5th generation Armenian-Americans to celebrate this
centuries old tradition", said Varoujan Der Simonian, Chairman of the Board
of Trustees of Holy Trinity Church. Der Simonian added that the agricultural
base of Fresno County has contributed greatly in keeping this tradition
alive.
"Once again the Fresno community came forward and attended our
annual picnic", commented Levon Baladjanian, Holy Trinity Board of Trustees
member and treasurer of the Men's Society. "It keeps our church staying
strong while serving our parishioners and the community."
RECEPTION IN SUPPORT OF SHERIFF PETER KOUTOUJIAN
On Sunday, August 11, a reception in honor Sheriff Peter
Koutoujian's Congressional bid was hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Mark and Paulette
Geragos and Mr. Brian Katabeck at the Geragos residence, with special guest
Sheriff Lee Baca and his wife Carol.
Forty Martyrs Church pastor Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian was in
attendance and conveyed the Prelate's blessings and well wishes to Sheriff
Koutoujian.
Sheriff Koutoujian is a candidate for the District 5 Congressional
seat in Massachusetts. The district includes Watertown, New England's
historic capital for Armenians. The Democratic Primary will be held on
October 15, 2013.
We wish Sheriff Koutoujian success in his bid.
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
EPISCOPAL DIVINE LITURGY AND BLESSING OF GRAPES AT
ST. MARY'S CHURCH ON THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION
On Sunday, August 18, 2013, the Armenian Church will celebrate the
Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God, one of five great feasts
of our Church.
The Feast of the Assumption will be ceremoniously celebrated in all
Prelacy Churches with Divine Liturgy and the traditional blessing of the
grapes.
This feast is also the name day of St. Mary's Church of Glendale.
Thus, on this occasion, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will
celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Mary's Church.
Following Divine Liturgy, the Prelate will conduct the blessing of madagh
and grapes.
On Saturday, August 17, eve of the Feast service will take place at
St. Mary's Church and the church will remain open late into the night so
faithful can light candles and offer their prayers.
PRELACY SCHOOLS COMMENCE THE
2013-2014 ACADEMIC YEAR
On Monday, August 19, Prelacy Schools will resume the 2013-2014
academic year. Each year, the new school year commences with prayers
offered by local parish pastors, who also convey the Prelate's back to
school message.
For Chamlian first grade students, the new school year began on
Wednesday, August 14. On this occasion, the Prelate visited the school to
convey his blessings to the Chamlian family for a successful academic year.
Rev. Fr. Vazken Atmajian accompanied His Eminence.
After seeing their children off, parents gathered in the school
cafeteria for a reception to kick off the new year. Remarks and well wishes
were delivered by the Prelate and Principal Mr. Vazken Madenlian.
On Monday, August 19, the Prelate will preside over the opening
ceremony at Ferrahian High School, Holy Martyrs Marie Cabayan Elementary
School, and ARS Ashkhen Pilavjian Pre-School.
Visits to other Prelacy Schools will follow in the coming days.
DIVINE LITURGY AND BLESSING OF GRAPES AT ARARAT HOME ON THE FEAST OF THE
ASSUMPTION OF THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD
In keeping with long-standing tradition, on Thursday, August 15,
2013, the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God was celebrated
at Ararat Home with Divine Liturgy and the Blessing of Grapes.
The day began with the blessing of the grapes at the nursing
facility, led by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and with
the participation of clergy members.
Divine Liturgy followed at the Sheen Chapel, celebrated by Forty
Martyrs Church Pastor Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian, who also delivered the
sermon. In his sermon, Fr. Karekin stressed how important it is for the
Holy Mother of God to be an enduring presence in the hearts of our families
and to remain the ideal role model for Armenian mothers to emulate.
Following the blessing of grapes, the Prelate conveyed his blessings
to the administration, staff, and residents of Ararat Home. Exalting the
virtue of the Virgin Mary as an exemplary mother, His Eminence stated that
as children, we bow in reverence for the love and sacrifice of all mothers,
and prayed for the intercession of the Holy Mother of God to be with us all.
At the conclusion of the service the Prelate and clergy were hosted
to a luncheon by the administration.
BLESSING OF GRAPES AT GLENDALE ADVENTIST HOSPITAL ON THE FEAST OF THE
ASSUMPTION OF THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD
On Wednesday, August 14, 2013, a prayer service and the blessing of
grapes was conducted at Glendale Adventist Hospital on the occasion of the
Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God.
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, conducted the
services, assisted by Pastors and deacons of St. Mary's Church in Glendale.
This is the 21st year that this service is being held.
Dr. Arby Nahapetian, Vice-President of Medical Affairs and Quality
delivered the welcoming remarks, followed by the invocation by Chaplain
Elias Molina.
In his address to the administration and staff of Glendale
Adventist, the Prelate thanked them for their enduring collaboration with
the Armenian community, specifically St. Mary's Church, and for continuing
this beautiful tradition of the blessing of grapes. His Eminence also
expounded on the meaning behind the blessing of grapes, stating that by
blessing and offering the "queen of the fruits", the grapes from which the
sacramental wine is made, we call the greatness of God's providence and
love, and offer thanks and gratitude for His abundant harvest of blessings.
In conclusion, the Prelate commended and conveyed his appreciation to the
Glendale Adventist family for the loving care and compassion they provide,
and prayed for God to hasten the healing of the infirm and grant them all
long, healthy, and joyful years to come.
Concluding remarks were delivered by Dr. Bruce Nelson, Director of
Community Relations.
Following the service, the Prelate and Pastors visited patient rooms
and blessed the patients, offering prayers for healing and good health.
ST. SARKIS CHURCH OF PASADENA HOSTS FAREWELL AND WELCOMING RECEPTION IN
HONOR OF FR. KHOREN AND FR. BOGHOS
On Tuesday, August 13, 2013, a special reception was organized by
St. Sarkis Church Board of Trustees and Ladies Guild to bid farewell to
Parish Pastor Rev. Fr. Khoren Babochian and officially welcome new Parish
Pastor Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan. The event was presided over by H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, at the Pasadena Armenian Center.
In attendance were Executive Council Chair Mrs. Rima Boghossian and
members, parish delegates, Board of Trustees, Ladies Guild, deacons, choir
members, altar servers, St. Sarkis Church benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis
and Suzan Kitsinian, sponsors, ARF Lernavayr Gomideh representative Mr.
Shahe Jierian, and members of sister organizations.
The evening began with the blessing of tables by the Prelate.
Board of Trustees Chair Mr. Hagop Avedikian welcomed the guests.
Board of Trustees Secretary and the evening's Master of Ceremonies Mr. Koko
Panossian then one by one invited Mrs. Rima Boghossian, Mr. Sarkis
Kitsinian, and Mr. Shahe Jierian to deliver their remarks and well wishes.
Throughout the evening well wishes were conveyed by members of sister
organizations.
In his address, the Prelate first commended Rev. Fr. Khoren
Babochian for his dedicated service within the Prelacy and presented him
with Yergir 2 Yergir: A Journey to Historic Armenia, a photo-book by Hrair
"Hawk" Khatcherian on the ruins of historic Armenia. Rev. Fr. Khoren
reflected with thankfulness on his service to St. Sarkis Church over the
last nine years.
The Prelate then officially welcomed Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltayan, his
wife Nazik, and their children Hagop and Vartan. He presented an overview
of their service as a family to the Armenian Apostolic Church, and urged
them to continue their service to our Lord, our Church, and our nation with
utmost faith and devotion. On this occasion, the Prelate presented Fr.
Boghos with a hand-cross, wishing him a successful ministry within the
Prelacy.
Fr. Boghos expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve within
the Western Prelacy, and conveyed his readiness to humbly and devotedly
serve the St. Sarkis Church and parish community.
The reception came to a close with the Prelate's benediction and the
Cilician anthem, after which guests had the opportunity to become better
acquainted with Fr. Boghos and his family.
OVER TWO THOUSAND PEOPLE CELEBRATED THE GRAPE BLESSING AND FESTIVAL
CENTENNIAL IN FRESNO
On Sunday, August 11, 2013, the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic
Church and the Fresno Armenian Community celebrated the Centennial
Anniversary of the Grape Blessing Ceremony and Festival in Fresno County,
preserving centuries of tradition that has been carried out by the Armenian
people since ancient times. On this 100th anniversary festival, H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, celebrated Divine Liturgy,
followed by the Blessing of the Grapes. The event was held at the beautiful
grounds of the California Armenian Home. Over 2,000 people from the Central
Valley and the Los Angeles area as well attended.
The Prelate delivered a spiritually uplifting sermon to the Fresno
Armenian Community saying, "The importance of tradition cannot be
overstated. Traditions such as this distinguish us as a people; they bridge
us to our rich and ancient heritage they impart a sense of belonging. Along
with our language, our age-old customs are our identifying marks. It is not
an easy feat for this community to continue this tradition for the past one
hundred years. The fact that we are celebrating the centennial of the grape
blessing and festival speaks volumes about this community's love and
reverence for our religious and national heritage and your commitment to
carrying on the unique traditions that contribute to who we are."
His Eminence emphasized that "The reason we are here today
celebrating this centennial is because the first settlers, recognizing the
great value of such customs, passed on the tradition to their children, who
in turn passed it down to their children, and so on." The Prelate took this
opportunity to thank the American people for providing a safe haven to those
earliest Armenians who fled persecution and Genocide in our ancestral
homeland and found refuge in this great land we are proud to call home. "We
pray for God to bless the United States of America, this nation of liberty,
equality, and opportunity; to bless this land, the laborers, and the harvest
we offer today in thanksgiving", stated the Prelate.
The day progressed with festivities where families and friends
enjoyed traditional Armenian music provided by Richard Hagopian and his
band, played their favorite pastime games. This annual event has become an
opportunity for friends and relatives to visit each other and enjoy a great
fellowship in a beautiful setting.
The Holy Trinity Church Men's Society arranged the BBQ, and the
Ladies' Guild members prepared a variety of freshly cooked Armenian foods
and pastries. The Church, also offered visitors an abundance of newly
harvested fruits and vegetables at its Farmer's Market that were packaged
and supplied by devoted church members.
"Our goal is to keep the Armenian Apostolic Church tradition alive",
said Richard Bedoian, Chairman of Holy Trinity Church Men's Society. "We
thank everyone, including our growers who helped us put this event
together."
In the Armenian culture, the grape is considered to be the "Queen of
all fruits." In ancient Armenia, mid-August was the beginning of the harvest
and a time of rebirth and regeneration, where a solemn ceremony took place
in the vineyards. The priest would ask God to bless the vines on which the
grapes ripened and beseech God to save the vineyards from evil in the form
of natural disasters, such as hail, frost, drought, high winds, and harmful
insects. Now in the United States, through the ceremony the Armenian priest
extends this blessing beyond the grapes to all the fruits and vegetables
that the farmers in the San Joaquin Valley produce and supply to the world.
"We are thrilled to witness that our faith and culture are bringing
together the 4th and 5th generation Armenian-Americans to celebrate this
centuries old tradition", said Varoujan Der Simonian, Chairman of the Board
of Trustees of Holy Trinity Church. Der Simonian added that the agricultural
base of Fresno County has contributed greatly in keeping this tradition
alive.
"Once again the Fresno community came forward and attended our
annual picnic", commented Levon Baladjanian, Holy Trinity Board of Trustees
member and treasurer of the Men's Society. "It keeps our church staying
strong while serving our parishioners and the community."
RECEPTION IN SUPPORT OF SHERIFF PETER KOUTOUJIAN
On Sunday, August 11, a reception in honor Sheriff Peter
Koutoujian's Congressional bid was hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Mark and Paulette
Geragos and Mr. Brian Katabeck at the Geragos residence, with special guest
Sheriff Lee Baca and his wife Carol.
Forty Martyrs Church pastor Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian was in
attendance and conveyed the Prelate's blessings and well wishes to Sheriff
Koutoujian.
Sheriff Koutoujian is a candidate for the District 5 Congressional
seat in Massachusetts. The district includes Watertown, New England's
historic capital for Armenians. The Democratic Primary will be held on
October 15, 2013.
We wish Sheriff Koutoujian success in his bid.